Roger Nichols & The Small Circle Of Friends (Clear Deep Blue Vinyl)

A landmark of soft rock, presented here with a striking and immersive monaural sound.
An absolute masterpiece, where refined melodies intertwine with vibrant and colorful choral arrangements.

Originally released in the US in 1968, this is a rare audition pressing manufactured and distributed in limited quantities exclusively for radio stations. At a time when radio was the primary medium for promotion and many AM stations had yet to support stereo broadcasting, only a small number of these “lost mono mix” editions were produced. This release stands as a valuable document preserving that original sonic image.

Highlights include “Don’t Take Your Time”, featuring the distinctive pizzicato strings, and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” with its vividly resonant harpsichord refrain. Also included is a beautifully arranged rendition of The Beatles’ “I’ll Be Back.” A standout track is “Love So Fine,” where the brass section drives the song forward with powerful momentum, sparked by an expressive drum pickup fill.

The album was produced by Tommy LiPuma, renowned for his work with numerous legendary artists. The arrangers include Nick DeCaro, Bob Thompson, and two additional contributors, forming a formidable creative team. Notably, Randy Newman and Van Dyke Parks are also credited—across label boundaries—as morale boosters, adding a charming touch to the project.
Text by Kenjiro Tsutsumi (223 Music Lab.)

★ Clear deep blue vinyl edition
★ Newly mastered using high-resolution 96kHz/24bit WAV sourced from the original US master tapes and original US pressings