Gil Peterson - Our Last Goodbye

I am happy to provide a transfer of this, the sole LP by the obscure vocalist Gil Peterson, in response to a request from my longtime friend and blog supporter Scoredaddy.

Don't be put off by the clumsy cover, featuring a moody Gil standing on a woman's wrist. This is a very good album, primarily of standards well rendered by Peterson, who is mostly known (if at all) for his acting career. If you need convincing, note that the primary accompanists are guitarist Herb Ellis and pianist Bobby Troup. The notes are by Page Cavanaugh, a pianist-vocalist who is a particular favorite of mine.

Our Last Goodbye dates from 1961, when Peterson was 25 and just a few years out of Mississippi State, where, if Cavanaugh is to be believed, the young singer played football. Not to dispute this assertion, but I would note that the liner notes for a large proportion of similar vocalists extol their athletic prowess, for some reason.

Gil Peterson and Debbie Watson in The Cool Ones

Shortly after making this album, Peterson moved to California, seeking work as an actor and singer while supporting himself as a physical education instructor. He never achieved stardom, although he does have quite a few television and film credits. His biggest role was as the male lead in the 1967 teen musical The Cool Ones, opposite Debbie Watson. Also in the film were Roddy MacDowell, Phil Harris, Glen Campbell, the Leaves and Mrs. Miller. It's available on DVD and YouTube Movies, if that lineup appeals to you.

Our Last Goodbye was a rare foray into the pop vocal field by the Ace label of New Orleans and Jackson, Miss., best known for Jimmy Clanton, Huey (Piano) Smith and Frankie Ford. The Both Sides Now discography site claims that the LP is the only one issued by Ace in stereo. Unfortunately, my copy is in mono, but don't let that deter you. After a little coaxing, the sound turned out to be excellent.