Song of the Nairobi Trio is possibly
Robert Maxwell's best album, although it is not one of his.
The Fortune Tellers are actually a small combo like
the Three Suns, but with guitar instead of organ. Maxwell founded the group, which had a hit with the title track in 1961. "Song" was used as the theme for
Ernie Kovacs' television show, and Maxwell also recorded his own harp version. This album features eight Maxwell originals out of 14 tracks, and Maxwell arranged all, it seems. ("From the Land of the Sky Blue Water" has the same water drip sound Maxwell used to such brilliant effect on "September in the Rain," from his A Song for All Seasons LP.) The twists are the best, but every track is worthwhile. Tunes Maxwell recorded on harp, such as "Carioca," are very different here. A singular and very pleasing album,
Song is essential at least for the
Robert Maxwell and twist fan.