Sunday Short Story…Tuesday August 23, 2011, United Airlines en route to Boston*.

Andrea and I had just settled into our seats for the flight. I over heard a conversation between two men accross the aisle just in front of us. They were talking about the passing of legendary songwriter Jerry Leiber. Their “speaks” were definitely industry. “Excuse me” I said. ” I’m just now reading his obituary now in the paper. Did either of you know him?” They said no. “I did, I said. I did a record with him and his partner Mike Stoller many years ago”…

They turned around and looked at me. The guy in front of me kind of scooched around in his seat so he could get a look at me. “I know who you are. You’re Greg Adams. I used to be your lawyer. Well, Tower’s I mean. I helped write your recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1972.” Small world, eh? He and his family and his friend’s family were on their to vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine. Never been there. They say there’s alot of lobstah up there. Oh, Andrea…

At the time of this session with Leiber and Stoller, I was not aware exactly who these two guys were. Can you believe it? I’ll list their “hit list” later on down. Here’s a hint: “Hound Dog” Anyway, the artist they were producing was Elkie Brooks. At this time we were doing about 4-5 sessions a week when we weren’t touring. This was a big project for me. I arranged most of the songs. Both Jerry and Mike were so low key and modest, they didn’t tell me what their resume was. Maybe they assumed that I knew. I guess ignorance was bliss for me. Oh boy…

Anyway, the sessions came off without a hitch and everybody was happy with my writing for the tracks. On to the next project. We practically lived at the Record Plant in Sausilito. It was a great time for me, writing and playing with so many artists. Michelle Zarin, who was the Plant’s manager for many years, always took good care of us. Made sure we were fed and well taken care of. We were bringing alot of business to the studio. We were precious cargo. She later went on, after also managing Record Plant in LA and Val Garay’s Record One, to manage Tower of Power for 20 years plus. We remain very close to this day. We have a saying around here: Andrea manages me and Michelle manages Andrea…

And all these years later, while making Elkie Brooks’ “Live And Learn” I realized that I was working with Rock ‘n Roll royalty. And they wanted me to be their arranger. Wow. I can proudly say that I worked with Leiber and Stoller. Rest in peace, Jerry.

Here is some of their catalog:

“Up on the Roof,” “This Magic Moment” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.”
… Is That All There Is?” for Peggy Lee, “Stand By Me”, “On Broadway”, “Spanish Harlem.”No. 9” “Ruby Baby” “Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots”), the Robins Smokey Joe’s Cafe,”Riot in Cell Block No. 9 “Searchin’,” “Yakety Yak,” “Poison Ivy,” and “Charlie Brown” Just a few, huh? Oh. I forgot one. “Jailhouse Rock”.

See you next week…

Originally Posted on East Bay Soul’s Facebook page.

For more on Greg go to www.gregadamsmusic.com

10. Got a pocket full of credit cards under the name Jazz Rosco.

9. If you had an organ that big, you would smile too.

8. Has enough frequent flyer miles to vacation on Mars if he wants.

7. Knows more about Wine then Earnest and Julio Gallo.

6. Forced to see the back of the Tower of Power horn section when they dance.

5. Trying to get a toothpaste endorsement deal.

4. Has a TV screen built into his B3 so he can watch Raider football.

3. On the short list to become the Duh, da, da, dat- ta daa…Organ guy at the A’s baseball games.

2. Only band member with an option clause in his contract allowing him to wear house shoes at work if he so desires.

1. Healthy, happy and ready to Roscoe the world.

We have a newly created website.  Along with providing News, Music Updates, AC’s Top Tens, and Greg Adams Short Stories, we have a newly added feature.  We have a now have a section dedicated to the Bands/Artists that are featured on our station, with a separate artist page for each.  Our initial launch features 30 bands with more to be added as time permits.

We also now have a page where bands can submit information to us for inclusion on the site.  Please check out out here at www.horndrivenradio.com

Mid ’80s-mid 90s Europe. There was always a familiar itinerary for me in Europe through these years. Fly into London for the first shows then cross the English Channel to begin our dates on the continent. At some point we’d play in Amsterdam after doing Scandinavia and Finland. Arnhem, Holland would always follow Amsterdam.

Before I continue let me say that any chance I could get to take the train in Europe, I’d do it. I’d discovered a wonderful ride that never disappointed. It was from Arnhem to Baden-Baden, Germany. The routine was always the same: the band would play the show in Arnhem and leave after the show and drive all night in the bus to Baden-Baden for the next night’s appearance on a TV show that was very much like Dave Letterman’s show. I can’t remember the name of it, but the host even looked a little bit like Dave.

Anyway, I’d grab a hotel room in Arnhem while they drove all night. Get up at 6 AM and be on a train to Baden-Baden at 7. I’d leave my suitcase and horns on the bus and travel light with only my LV shoulder bag. (Those bags were affordable then compared to today’s prices. I still have it even though it has several hundred thousand miles on it.) This particular train route had an excellent dining car and I would always savor the lunch in the dining car.

“I Thought About You” is a song that is dear to me because as the years went by I’d always think to myself as I was on this train how much I wished Andrea was here with me to enjoy this with me. I mean how cool was this: I’d spend a little extra for a first class ticket. The route went right along the Rhine River for quite awhile passing castle ruins. I reserved a spot at a table for lunch as soon as I boarded and headed for the dining car at the time slot I was given. Sometimes I’d dine alone or eat with three other people. Either way was always great Now, the food.

Everyone knows that the food in Europe is good, and dining cars on trains are no slouch either. Oh boy. This a German train. Always a delicious Wienerschnitel or sauerbraten. Sometimes a saute’d veal scallopini with a mushroom sauce. The potatoes au’gratin and vegetables du jour, usually roasted with fresh herbs were over the top. Everything on the menu was great. And great wines, too. A half carafe did just fine. And bottled mineral water, no gas was complimentary. Dessert, anyone? Why, of course. Oh, and I’ll take my coffee and Cognac in the smoking car with my cigar.

I mean, this was over the top. This was my little break mid tour to get away from the band. A little pricey, but well worth it, wouldn’t you say? And here’s the clincher. I would arrive in Baden-Baden a couple of hours before the bus pulled in to town everytime. Andrea and I have ridden several trains in Europe over the years and we’ve yet to be on a trip with a dining car like this one to B-B. Damn! One of these days. I promise you, dahling. I Thought About You…

“I Thought About You” Composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. My favorite version: Frank Sinatra – Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! (1956)

I took a trip on a train and I thought about you.
I passed a shadowy lane and I thought about you.
Two or three cars parked under the stars a winding stream.
Moon shining down on some little town
And with each beam the same old dream.

And every stop that we made I thought about you.
And when I pulled down the shade then I really felt blue.
I peaked through the crack and looked at the track,
The one going back to you and what did I do?
I thought about you.

There were two or three cars parked under the stars…
a windin’ stream.
Moon shining down on some little town
And with each beam the same old dream.

And then I peaked through the crack and I looked at that track,
The one going back to you, and what did I do…
I thought about you.

See you next week…

For more on Greg Adams go to www.gregadamsmusic.com