Sunday, October 13, 2024

Alligator Wine

 


The Dynamic Kapers

Alligator Wine
(Leiber & Stoller, Quintet Music, BMI)

JED International Records
[Jim E. Denny]

1964

 The Kapers on Bragg are probably the same band as the Bragg label was owned by Neil Wilburn who co-produced these JED sides.
 
Very little info about that band on internet. But I found this at nashvillescene.com 

Although many local bands at the time were based in, or at least played gigs around, West Nashville, groups popped up all over town. And, according to [Pat] Patrick, the sound changed depending on the area. For instance, south of town, in Franklin and Columbia, bands like the Fairlaines played straight rhythm and blues. Near Charlotte Avenue, Howard Hudgins formed a band with a bluesier, more harmonica-driven sound. Meanwhile, in East Nashville, combos like the Kapers blended the rawness of rock ’n’ roll with the horn-driven verve of R&B. The Fairlaines might play a James Brown song, Patrick explains, but the Kapers “would play a white version of an obscure James Brown song. So you wouldn’t know if it was their original, or if they pulled it off an R&B album and just whitened it up a little.”

Sturdivant, who eventually joined the Kapers after his stint in the Escorts, isn’t so sure that a combo’s sound was strictly defined by its home turf. Since all the bands were basically playing the same material, he explains, each one had to find its own sound. Nevertheless, there’s always been an undeniable split between East and West Nashville—and it isn’t just the Cumberland River.


John Edward Sturdivant. Age 66, of Madison, died Saturday, March 7, 2009 at his home. He was preceded in death by parents, Lathan and Elizabeth Sturdivant. Survived by wife, Sue Wright Sturdivant; sons, John, Jr., and David (Dianne); daughter, Stephanie; brothers, L.A. and Tom; grandchildren, Angeleah Rose, Daniel, Kristen, John Edward, III, Elijah Moon; devoted son-in-law to Johnnie Wright and Kitty Wells. Mr. Sturdivant was a retired music industry executive. He began his music career in high school playing baritone saxophone in Top 40 rock bands- The Monarchs, Charlie McCoy and the Escorts, The Kapers, and The Nocturnes. Served as Vice President/ Southeastern Manager of Record World magazine. Also held positions with; Gibson Guitar; Music City News; ASCAP; RUBOCA Records; Tree International. Involvements and board memberships included the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Nashville Chapter of NARAS and Past National Vice Chairman of NARAS,  [John Sturdivant obituary]


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