Written by Jack Hammer (of 'Great Balls Of Fire' fame) and released on Trend (# T 30.012), a subsidiary label for Kapp Records in New-York, it was sung by Big Danny Oliver, one of the many great unknowns whose contribution to Rock'n'Roll is fascinating. Big Danny's vocal can safely be described as wild !! As for the backing, it is very tight and consists of piano, guitar, electric bass and drums. No saxes. Of course, the swooping piano part is as essential a feature of the song as Big Danny's voice. There's always been much speculation over who played that piano but, according to Rob Finnis's notes to the 'Rockin' From Coast To Coast-Vol. 1' CD (Ace CHD 496, 1996), it's now almost certain that it was David Clowney - who would later switch to organ and score big instrumental hits as 'Dave 'Baby' Cortez with 'The Happy Organ' (Clock 1009, 1959) and the unforgettable 'Rinky Dink' (Chess 1829, 1962).

The flip side, 'I Wanna Go Steady', was recorded at the same March 7, 1958, session. Another Jack Hammer composition, it's a superb bluesy item with vocal group backing, much in the Hank Ballard & Midnighters vein. Again, the piano is excellent (the intro is lifted straight from Fats Domino's 'Blue Monday') and there's a strong electric bass sound but this time the guitar is prominent - fluid and atmospheric. Mickey Baker ??

Apparently, this record was first put out on the parent Kapp label (# 941) and then switched to the Trend subsidiary. Big Danny Oliver had another session at Trend and a second outing (# T 30.016) - one side being 'In The Bottom Of My Heart' - but I haven't heard it despite its being compiled on a (UK) Charly LP in 1984, 'Rock Sock The Boogie' (CR 30237), along with 'Sapphire' and two other titles, '49th State Blues' and 'Handle With Care'. I missed out completely on that album at the time, so if anyone out there has a spare copy, let me know !

Not surprisingly, my conclusion is that 'Sapphire' belongs in every Rock'n'Roll record collection. Apart from the aforementioned Ace CD and Charly LP, this colossal track also kicked off MCA's 'Rare Rock'n'Roll-Volume 1' (CDL 8507), a 1980 UK compilation ; this means that one should be able to hear the song one way or another. Easier yet, you can also click the original '45 pictured at top right to hear 20 seconds of it in mp3 !

© Paul VIDAL * Privas, France * December 2002