James Last Rock Me Gently: A Tribute to the Great Canadian Songwriters (Easy Listening, Vinyl LP)

Polydor 2424 181 Label: Polydor Format: Vinyl LP, Stereo Country: Canada Genre: Easy Listening / Orchestral Pop Year: 1973

Stock Photos Only

Tracklist Side One: Sweet City Woman Indian Reservation Pantomimes Gone One Fine Morning One Fine Morning (Reprise)

Side Two: Carry On Rock Me Gently If You Could Read My Mind For Better, For Worse The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Description Rock Me Gently was recorded in 1973 as a Canadianmarket tribute album by German bandleader James Last, whose orchestral pop arrangements had gained international popularity throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. The album was produced following Lasts successful concert appearances in Toronto and his growing fan base across Canada. It features instrumental interpretations of songs written by Canadian artists including Andy Kim, Gordon Lightfoot, and members of The Stampeders and Lighthouse.

The arrangements were developed by Last and recorded with his studio orchestra, blending strings, brass, rhythm section, and featured soloists. Guitarist Benny Bendor appears on multiple tracks, contributing melodic leads and rhythm textures. The album includes two compositions by Canadian songwriter J. MacRae and a reprise of One Fine Morning, originally written by E. Cudworth of Lighthouse. The inclusion of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, written by Canadian Robbie Robertson, reflects Lasts broader recognition of Canadian contributions to North American songwriting.

The album was engineered by Peter Klemt with assistance from Gunter Kasper and released exclusively in Canada by Polydor Ltd. The packaging includes a biographical overview of Lasts career and his connection to Canadian audiences, along with a visual collage of Canadian landmarks and scenes. The record stands as a regionspecific entry in Lasts extensive catalog, highlighting his orchestral interpretations of Canadian pop and folk repertoire.

Complete Condition

Jacket 9 near mint

Vinyl 10 both sides

Labels 10

Listing # R81