The pre-bubblegum pop trio of Dino, Desi & Billy got into the Top 30 twice in 1965 (I'm a Fool and Not the Lovin' Kind) on very little talent and lots of connections. Dino was the son of Dean Martin and Desi the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. Billy Hinsche completed the trio, who had just entered their teens when they began recording for Frank Sinatra's Reprise label.
All three supposedly played instruments, but almost without exception the band on their recordings was made up of top Los Angeles session men like guitarist James Burton, pianist Don Randi and drummer Hal Blaine. Notice I said "almost without exception." Desi, the "drummer" of the group, apparently did the honours on Desi's Drums, which I believe is the group's only instrumental and appeared on their second album, Our Time's Coming (1966). When you hear it, you'll realize why producer Lee Hazelwood chose to use Blaine on the rest of the tracks. Burton does his best to cover the holes with some hot guitar licks, but it's all for naught. The kindest way to describe this would be chaotic but energetic. For diehard instrumental collectors and Dino, Desi & Billy fans only.
Desi's Drums
Dino, Desi & Billy never entered the Top 40 again after 1965 and their career was finished by the end of the decade.
For those of you who must have some of their bland vocal pop the Collectables label combined Our Time's Coming with the trio's first album I'm a Fool on a single CD in 2005. It's still available, as is a download version.
Here's a sample of what you'll hear if you buy this album.
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