Listen No. 11 - Trini Lopez & Johnny Tores

Record Number 11:  Trini Lopez & Johnny Torres

Genre:  Folk-rock, Latin

Context: Released in 1963

Notable facts:  Trini was approached to replace Buddy Holly in the Crickets, but this never panned out. The Gibson Guitar Corporation invited Trini, a talented guitarist, to design two guitars. Both models are now collector’s items. I’ve just checked eBay, and found one selling for 12 grand. Noel Gallagher has a vintage Lopez guitar in his collection.

My favourite track: Given that Trini’s famous version of If I Had a Hammer (number one in 36 countries) isn’t on this record, I’ll plump for Sinner Not A Saint, or perhaps If. Overall, this is a very playable record.

 What critics made of it: Can’t find much on this album specifically, but Trini’s gift was to make songs danceable. Discos and clubs played not just one or two of his songs, but the whole album. The New York Times obituary said ‘His interpretations bridged two prominent trends of the day. Mr Lopez drew on the beauty of the genre’s tunes while souping them up with the sharp rockabilly beats employed by hitmakers like Buddy Holly and Carl Perkins.’

Listening to this inspired me to: buy the album with If I Had a Hammer on it.