30 years ago Liverpool “sophisti-pop” singer THOMAS LANG broke out with his debut album ‘Scallywag Jaz’ (yes that’s the correct spelling) and from the long player, the single ‘Happy Man’ became a 1988 chart hit. High profile tours and five more long players kept Lang’s name out there and he still tours and records while also helping run Liverpool’s famed Parr Street Recording Studio.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of ‘Scallywag Jaz’, SFE Records have just released a 2CD version of the album that includes a whopping 26 bonus tracks. Listen in and you’ll hear a classic 80s timepiece – a sultry, youthful take on lounge jazz that chimes perfectly with the then contemporary sounds of people like Sade. The music on ‘Scallywag Jazz’ is moody and melancholic, evoking – as Thomas hoped – smoke-filled 50s dance halls and night clubs.
The set’s title track is a quirky instrumental while the most intriguing cut is an unusual version of Billy Paul’s ‘Me And Mrs. Jones’. Clearly Lang had a thing about the mythical lady – other cuts include ‘Shoelaces (Mrs. Jones part 2)’ and ‘Mrs Jones Meets Godzilla’ while another cover is a take on the standard ‘Have You Met Miss Jones’?
This collection’s bonus tracks include rare B sides, demos and live recordings as well as two all new songs – ‘Scared’ and ‘I Believe’.
Find out more @ www.thomaslang.uk
