Santo and Johnny

This self-titled 1959 LP (CALP 1001) is the first of several releases by Santo and Johnny Farina on the long defunct Canadian American Records label. Canadian American (based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and New York City) released only 18 LP’s during its run, making it perhaps one of the most obscure record labels in North America, even while it was pressing records. It’s success was due largely to the giant 1950s hit of “Sleepwalk” which is included here. It is one of the most recognizable instrumental tunes ever recorded and has been covered by countless artists, most recently by Modest Mouse.

Santo began playing steel guitar during World War II, after his father heard one in Europe and wrote home to his wife stating he would like Santo to learn how to play one. When his brother Johnny was old enough, he began playing electric guitar, and the two formed a duo, playing local events. The later formed a trio, with their unlce on drums, at which time they composed “Sleepwalk”, which was later recorded as a single for Canadian-American, and the rest as they say is history. Sleepwalk was the number 1 instrumental hit of the 1950s.

The song Istanbul comes from one of their later albums that they recorded with Hugo Montenegro and his orchestra.

Track Listing:

1) Caravan
2) Summertime
3) All Night Diner
4) Blue Moon
5) School Day
6) Sleepwalk
7) Tenderly
Slave Girl
9) Dream
10) Canadian Sunset
11) Harbor Lights
12) Raunchy