Salem (record label) explained

Founded:1960s
Genre:Polynesian music, Ethnic Music, Pop Music, Rock and Roll, Country, Jazz
Country:New Zealand

Salem was a New Zealand record label that lasted from the mid 1960s to the early 1970s.

Background

The label was owned by Peter Caithness.[1] Both Caithness and co-founder, Dennis Bailey were formerly employees with the Viking label.[2] The label which was headquartered in Wellington had a 75% Polynesian catalogue in 1968.[3] Some of the popular releases included Herma Keil & The Keil Isles with their Keils A-Go-Go! album,[4] [5] and the various artists album An Evening At Tommo's Place, which featured Bridgette Allen, Ray Woolf and Martin Kini.[6] [7]

Ethnic releases

Catalogue (selective)

Maori, Polynesian, Melanesian LPs
ArtistTitleRelease infoYearNotes
Vineula Girls ChoirWelcome to SamoaSalem XP5018
Pepe and the RarotongansMemories of RarotongaSalem XP5020
The Vei Lomai GroupIsa Lei & Other Songs of FijiSalem XPS5041
Ohau Maori Youth ClubMaori SongsSalem XPS5042
Kabu Kei Rewa GroupSongs of FijiSalem XP5044[8]
Kabu Kei Vuda EntertainersFabulous FijiSalem XPS.50491969
The Awatea Maori Singers Discovering New ZealandSalem XPS.50501969
Timoce Gucake And His Burning West Serenaders Timoce Gucake and his Burning West Serenaders Salem XPS 5085 1975[9]

Popular and Jazz

Popular singles
ArtistTitleRelease infoYearNotes
Laurie Allen And Bobby Bright"Belong With You" / "Trouble In Mind"Salem XS.1011965
The Henchmen "Rockin' Robin" / "Baby What's Wrong"Salem XS.1021965
"Billy Adams""Alone" / "Slow Down Sandy"Salem XS.1031965
M.P.D. Limited" Little Boy Sad" / "Wendy, Don't Go"Salem XS.1041965
"Kevin Watson""Beehive" / "Carioca"Salem XS.1051966
Robin Ruakere"English Country Garden" / "The Frozen Logger"Salem XS.1061966
[10]

Notes and References

  1. Ashack.co.nz Kevin Watson
  2. Audio Culture, 11 May 2013 Viking - Simon Grigg
  3. Te Ao Hou The Maori Magazine, March–May, 1968, Number 62 60 Records reviewed by Alan Armstrong
  4. Discogs Herma Keil And The Keil Isles – Keils-A-Go-Go!
  5. Amplifier.co.nz Pop > Herma Keil & The Keil Isles > Keils A-Go-Go!
  6. Amplifier.co.nz Viking Sevenseas > Bridgette Allen, Ray Woolf & Martin Kini with The Trinity - An Evening At Tommo's Place
  7. National Library of New Zealand An evening at Tommo's Place (sound recording) / Bridgette Allen, Ray Woolf, Martin Kini and the Trinity
  8. Te Ao Hou The Maori Magazine, March–May, 1968, Number 62 60 Records reviewed by Alan Armstrong, SALEM RECORDS—New Releases
  9. Discogs Salem
  10. 45cat Salem - Label Discography