Last year, Ace were delighted to include the Blue Flames ‘Orange Street’ on our “A Snapshot In Time” CD compilation (CDTOP 1623). This track was originally released on the R&B label back in October 1963 as the B-side to JA Blues. In December 1963, another Blue Flames 7” was released by R&B featuring ‘Stop Right Here’ and ‘Rik’s Tune.’
The reason why these four tracks were instrumentals was due to bandleader Georgie Fame inking a deal with Columbia before they were recorded. His manager deemed it not wise to let his distinctive voice loose outside the confines of live venues like the Flamingo. Thus, he sung on the first Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames 7” ‘Do The Dog’ that appeared in January 1964.
The two R&B Blue Flames 7” singles are collectables and sought out by lovers of early R&B, the proto-Mod sound as well as those who take their pleasure in the ska beat of ‘Orange Street’. Despite being released nearly half a century ago, no one had actually rewaxed them. It seemed like a no brainer for Ace to finally combine them on one record on this Blue Flames EP.
Of course, when it came to packaging, we licensed the cover photo of Georgie directly from the legendary Val Wilmer who snapped him all those years ago. Dean Rudland also tips his hat in the liner notes to the story beyond the recordings. To say that these four tracks sound amazing is an understatement - these Blue Flames are cooking on gas.
