Hey, who’s that guy?
Session musicians usually stay behind the scenes, their names known only to other musicians and those record buyers who avidly pore over the tiny print of sleeve credits. While these players may be virtuosos on their instruments, they either don’t have the voice or don’t crave the attention of a lead performer. Glen Campbell is probably the most famous exception — after featuring on hundreds of songs as a studio guitarist, he became a superstar country-pop artist.
Roy Montrell featured on countless songs, too — but he never became a superstar. His voice? Maybe a little raw, but fine. Didn’t crave the limelight? Seemed pretty outgoing. Just too busy? Probably.
Montrell lived and worked in New Orleans and recorded with every artist who lived or travelled there. He played guitar on hits by Little Richard and also played in Fats Domino’s band for years. He remained constantly in demand, both in the studio and on tour, and perhaps it was this never-ending work that caused him to squeeze in only two singles during his musical career, and neither was a hit. That’s a shame, because one of those — “(Every Time I Hear) That Mellow Saxophone,” released in 1956 — rocks like a New Orleans house party during Mardi Gras.
If you got beads, swing ’em.
1 2 3 o' clock 4 o' clock Rock 
I love this song! I heard Brian Seltzer’s version first, but this one is so much more raunchy!!
I didn’t even know about the Brian Setzer version until I wrote this post! I thought I knew this song from a Disney Channel series back in the 80’s when they made music videos using cartoons in an attempt to mimic MTV. But now that I look, there’s no evidence they ever used this song, so I don’t know where I stumbled across it! I do love the raunchiness in this version.
I love the Setzer stuff. He did some neat versions of some great old songs and really helped to bring that music to a new generation. I love when I discover the “originals” because of a good cover song.
You’re absolutely right about Setzer. He has impeccable taste. The Stray Cats debut was one of the first albums I bought as a kid so I’ve always had a soft spot for him.
I did find a Simpsons video….
That’s fun! I hadn’t seen it before.
Built for Speed was one of my first purchases, too!
This track really moves!
Moves is a good word for it! It’s all forward motion. It both rocks AND rolls!
Hearing a bit of Louie Prima in this number.
Mellow? This is hot stuff!
Real nice, Houston
This song would have been perfect for Louis Prima! And yes, I’ve always had difficulty reconciling the title with the actual feel of the song — far from mellow, this thing cooks!