Googie Rene Combo – Flapjacks (Class Records LP-200) Rare Jazz & R&B Album

 

 

 

Class records 1963– LP-200

 

 

 Notes:

The Googie Rene Combo delivered a vibrant mix of instrumental rhythm & blues 
and West Coast jazz on the album Flapjacks, released on Class Records as LP-200.
 Known for energetic saxophone-driven arrangements and dancefloor-friendly 
grooves, the record captures the spirit of the thriving 

Los Angeles R&B scene of the 1950s.
Led by saxophonist and arranger Googie Rene, the album combines jump blues 
rhythms, smooth jazz phrasing, and early rock ’n’ roll influences. Tracks on Flapjacks 
showcase tight ensemble playing, punchy horn sections, and relaxed late-night club 
atmospheres typical of the golden era of independent West Coast labels.
Class Records played an important role in promoting rhythm & blues artists during 
the post-war period, and Flapjacks remains a collectible LP appreciated by vintage 
jazz and R&B enthusiasts. The album reflects the transition between big band swing
 traditions and the emerging modern R&B sound that would influence later soul and rock recordings.
Collectors value original pressings of Flapjacks for their warm analog sound, s
tylish cover art, and historical importance within the evolution of instrumental R&B music.
The Combo also released three LPs: Beautiful Weekend (1957); 
Romesville (1959), inspired by Italian movies of the period;
 and Flapjacks (1963)

credits:

Precise session credits for the LP have never been fully documented publicly,
 but the Googie René Combo recordings from this period regularly featured 
leading Los Angeles session musicians, including:
Googie René – piano, organ, leader
Johnny Guitar Watson – guitar
René Hall – guitar, arrangements
Howard Roberts – guitar
Jimmy Nolen – guitar
Plas Johnson – tenor saxophone
Clifford Scott – saxophone
Red Callender – bass
Earl Palmer – drums
These musicians are documented as core contributors to Googie René 
Combo sessions during the Class/Rendezvous years, including the Flapjacks era.
Producer: very likely Googie René himself, working under the supervision of 
his father Leon René for Class Records.
recordings were made in Los Angeles, California
sessions likely occurred between 1962 and early 1963

tracklist:

A1        Flapjacks, Part I
Written By : C. Scott , J. Vikki 
A2        Country Walk
Written By : A. Wright , J. Thomas  , C. Scott , J. Vikki 
A3        Bossa Baby
Written By : J. Vikki 
A4        Walk Right In
Written By : E. Darling , W.Svanoe
A5        Soul Zone
Written By : J. Vikki 
A6        Tambo Shake
Written By : J. Vikki , J. Thomas 
B1        Flapjacks, Part II
Written By : C. Scott , J. Vikki 
B2        You've Really Got A Hold On Me
Written By : Wm  Robinson
B3        Surf Ride
Written By : J.Vikki 
B4        Good Luck Charm
Written By : A.Schroeder , W. Gold
B5        Jazzberry Jam
Written By : J. Vikki , C. Scott

 

 

DL