DESCRIPTION:
STUDIO SESSION FOR CLIFF, ED & BARBARA THOMAS
AT THE MEMPHIS RECORDING SERVICE FOR SUN RECORDS 1958

SUN RECORDING STUDIO
706 UNION AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
SUN SESSION: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, OR 21, 1958
SESSION HOURS: UNKNOWN
PRODUCER AND RECORDING ENGINEER - SAM C. PHILLIPS
AND/OR JACK CLEMENT

"SORRY I LIED" - B.M.I. - 2:13
Composer: - Ed Thomas Jr.
Publisher: - Knox Music Incorporated
Matrix number: - P 329 - Master
Recorded: - September 12 or 21, 1958
Released: - September 1958
First appearance: - Phillips International (S) 45rpm standard single PI 3531-A mono
SORRY I LIES / LEAVE IT TO ME
Reissued: - 1997 Bear Family Records (CD) 500/200rpm BCD 15805-4-9 mono
THE SUN SINGLES COLLECTION - VOLUME 5

"Sorry I Lied" shows yet again that the Thomas family could record, with remarkably little outside help, some totally engaging pop music in 1958. Ed's debt to a host of rhythm and blues masters, notably Ray Charles, is evident in every note of this record. It is no surprise that Sam Phillips continued to record the Thomasses. Quite apart from their potential for local promotion, they were genuinely talented people whose musical style had a directness and emotionally that must have brought a smile to Sam Phillips' face each and every tim e. (HD)

"LEAVE IT TO ME" - B.M.I. - 1:57
Composer: - Ed Thomas Jr.
Publisher: - Hi-Lo Music Incorporated
Matrix number: - P 330 - Master
Recorded: - September 12 or 21, 1958
Released: - September 1958
First appearance: - Phillips International (S) 45rpm standard single PI 3531-B mono
LEAVE IT TO ME / SORRY I LIED
Reissued: - 1997 Bear Family Records (CD) 500/200rpm BCD 15805-4-10 mono
THE SUN SINGLES COLLECTION - VOLUME 5

On "Leave It To Me" you hear everything you need to know about Cliff, Ed and Barbara Thomas - the good, the bad and the ugly. The verdict on this talented family seems to be a strong thumbs up for Ed's piano playing, as well as his songwriting talents. Similarly, the three voices blend strongly and persuasively; the first six bars of ensemble harmonizing are a powerful way into this record. The biggest problem for most Sun fans is the assertively teenage sounding Cliff. Nobody could blame him for being a teenager, and he certainly grew out of the condition with minimal prodding. Its just that what might otherwise have been astonishingly good outings are diminished or transformed into commercial teen music. Tony Rossini with bite. (HD) (MH)

Name (Or. No. Of Instruments)
Ed Thomas Jr. - Vocals and Piano
Cliff Thomas - Vocals and Guitar
Barbara Thomas - Vocals
Billy Riley - Bass
Jack Clement - Guitar
Jimmy Van Eaton - Drums

© - 706 UNION AVENUE SESSIONS - ©