Sometime in the 1950s a man by the name of Liberado Bartholomew Mastrarrigo found himself at the microphone of a New York City recording studio. The session was his first, it would be his only, and he left that day having recorded two covers. As a token, he had them pressed to a single 78. In the years that followed, Bart would proudly tell his story of that one time he sang “next door to Frank Sinatra”. This man was Victoria’s grandfather.
A few months ago we found the record at her parent’s house. Unbeknownst to Vic, I’ve attempted to rip and restore the songs. They were in rough shape but the graininess has softened a bit (thanks for the help, M. Sage). As a birthday gift today, I’m giving her these along with the Victrola Suite, a short mix with excerpts of said material. And while something this personal is slightly out of character for the site, we’ve decided to share the suite here. At the very least, it can finally lend a larger audience to the fine voice of Mr. Mastrarrigo.
Bartholomew Mastrarrigo – Blue Velvet (Side A)
Ricky Eat Acid – Outside Your House (original/Dream)
Thunderstorm in Mexico (field recording)
Gary Shearston – Faded Streets, Windy Weather
Recycle Culture – NN.1
Bartholomew Mastrarrigo – Please Mr. Sun (Side B)
Future Islands – Little Dreamer