"I produced every record like it *was* my next big hit."
Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 06/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"HOLLYWOOD MAVERICK: THE GARY S. PAXTON STORY is lovingly-produced by British outfit ACE records. It contains 32 of this seminal r&r producer's most interesting tracks. The included 20-page booklet offers record label and studio portrait repros, a detailed bio plus comments from Paxton, Bobby 'Boris' Pickett and others.
BIO--
Gary S. Paxton (he insists on that middle initial!) is a brilliant composer, arranger and producer. During his rock & roll period, Gary's sense of a record's commercial potential was often less acute than his promotional skills. For years drug and alcohol abuse were Gary's downfall. As an example, Paxton blew all the much-needed royalties from his two biggest hits, "Alley Oop" and "Monster Mash" on addictions.
Besides those two famous songs, Gary Sanford Paxton produced Tommy Roe's high-charters "Sweet Pea" and "Hooray for Hazel," also "Cherish" and "Along Comes Mary" for The Association.
Troubles have dogged Gary all his life-- he was molested at age seven and had spinal meningitis at 11. As a teen he toured the American Southwest with several unsuccessful and now-forgotten bands.
Following his partner's 1970 suicide, Gary found Christianity and a sober life. Late in 1980, Gary was shot three times by hitmen hired by a singer he was producing. He barely survived and was disabled for nearly a decade. Now an ordained minister, for the past nearly 40 years Paxton works exclusively in gospel and country music. These days, Gary's battles with hepatitis C limit the ability to work.
Included here is "Midnite Ride," an early Paul Revere & the Raiders 'B' side. (The 'A,' "Like Charleston" reached #118 on BILLBOARD's national "Bubbling Under" chart.) Much like that track, "Hollywood Maverick" is a gathering of deserving "near misses" and other obscurities spanning the years 1958-66. As with all ACE products, master tape transfers are of the highest quality. "Monster Mash" (1962) and "Jesus is Just Alright" (1966) are the only stereo recordings here.
Recommended from ACE RECORDS:
THE GOLDEN AGE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL: SPECIAL "BUBBLING UNDER" EDITION is the finest collection of hits that never were you'll ever hear! Feature artists include pre-fame Dr. John, Freddy Fender and The Band. Also cuts from Phil Spector, Aaron Neville, the Jesters, the Del-Vikings, the Earls, Bobby Bare and Ral Donner."
Track Listings (32) - Disc #1