On December 14 1963, disaster struck when the Baldwin Hills Dam collapsed.
In the span of a few minutes, Buddy lost his home and entire collection of home recordings. The only surviving tape was one that he made for his father the month before. Thru the years, this tape could not be found and was presumed lost. In 2002, the tape was rediscovered. The first 12 tracks on this CD are all that survives of Buddy's early music. Although some of these recordings were made using primitive recording equipment, we have endeavored to restore and remaster them to the best audio quality possible without compromising their inherent sound quality. We hope that you enjoy these rare recordings as much as we do. Lonesome Trail Productions
Mr. Sandman (1954) this selection played two important parts in my chosen profession. First "Mr. Sandman" won the All American music competition sponsored in 1954 by Lawrence Welk. Second, it made being hired by Mr. Welk possible for the next 19 years. Mr. Sandman was recorded tape to disk; my 1954 Fender Stratocaster was over-dubbed 6 times.
Waters of Minnetonka (1955). One of my first recordings that utilized two tape recorders, along with 2 speed effects. 6 over-dubs were done using 1954 Stratocaster.
Jammin at J & S (1955). This selection, an original, features my custom triple neck steel guitar and my 54 Stratocaster 4 over-dubs.
Red Rock Rag (1956). This selection, an original feature the same instruments as #3, 5 over-dubs.
Pavanne (1956). This selection utilized 2 speed effects and 7 over-dubs.
Johnson Rag (1962). This selection was among the first recordings using a Berlant Concertone 2 channel tape recorder. It featured 2 speed effects and a 1959 Stratocaster. 8 over-dubs.
The Dove (1962). Along with 2 speed effects, there where 9 over-dubs, that featured a 1959 Stratocaster.
Love Walked In (1963). There were 7 over-dubs. 1959 Stratocaster featured
Blues in the Night (1963). This selection is one of my favorites, since it features the vocal talents of my father Les Merrill. Thru the years, we recorded many songs together dating back to 1947. He passed away in April 2002, there are 8 over-dubs.
Blues in the Night (1963). This selection is one of my favorites, since it features the vocal talents of my father Les Merrill. Thru the years, we recorded many songs together dating back to 1947. He passed away in April 2002, there are 8 over-dubs.
Happy Ranchero (1963). 8 over-dubs, 2 speed effects featuring a 1959 Stratocaster and bass guitar.
This Can't Be Love (1963). 7 over-dubs bass guitar and Stratocaster.
I Hear A Rhapsody (1963). 7 over-dubs. This song was recorded the same day as #11.
Oh! Li'L Liza (1964). After the Baldwin Hills disaster in December 1963. My house was re-built with a recording studio. It was out-fitted in September 1964 with 2 Ampex 300 3-channel tape recorders. This song was among the first to be produced utilizing these tape machines. There were 9 over-dubs. Instruments featured are a 1959 Stratocaster and a 6 string bass guitar.
Put Your Arms Around Me. (1964). This selection really has a nice stereo split. 10 over-dubs, 2 speed effects, a 1964 Stratocaster, and a Fender 6 string bass guitar made it work.
Clarinet Polka. (1964). 10 over-dubs, 2 speed effects on a trio of guitars.
Intermission Riff. (1964). this selection features John Klein on the drums, along with 8 over-dubs.
White Rose of Athens. (1964). This selection utilized a 1964 Stratocaster and a Fender 6 string bass guitar, 2 speed effects and 10 overdubs.
