Introduction
Al Caiola and His Orchestra are known for their two successful instrumental tunes “The Magnificent Seven” and “Bonanza,” both released during the early 60s music era. In that same year, it was established in by Al Caiola, who was a guitarist, studio musician, stage performer, a conductor and arranger on the United Artists Records. All of Al Caiola and his Orchestra’s records were released by the record company from 1961 to 1969.
Al Caiola and his Orchestra’s early years
Formed in 1961, Al Caiola and His Orchestra had considerable musical success with the instrumental tunes “The Magnificent Seven” and Bonanza” in that same year. The ensemble was formed and led by Al Caiola (born Alexander Emil Caiola on September 7, 1920, Jersey City, New Jersey), a guitarist who has played a variety of genres: jazz, country and western, rock and roll, and pop and classic rock music. He was also proficient in playing mandolin and banjo. A former studio musician and a stage performer, Caiola also worked for the United Artists Records as a conductor and arranger and later became a solo recording artist for ten years on the same label during in the 50s and 60s oldies music era.
Al Caoila and His Orchestra’s hit recordings
On United Artists Records, Caoila began recording with his orchestra. Two of their singles, “Bonanza” and the “Magnificent Seven,” were their only charting hits, but big ones nonetheless. “Bonanza” peaked at 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. Later that same year his electric guitar version of the “Magnificent Seven” (the theme of the famous western film of the same name) reached #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #24 on the R&B singles chart.
He also issued an album with the same title (The Magnificent Seven), an assortment of jazz-infused pop tunes. Al Caiola and His Orchestra continuously issued singles until 1969 including “La Donna Nel Mondo” (1963), “Theme from the Trials of O’Brien” (1965), “Batman Theme” (1966) and “Infinity Blue” (1969).
Caiola continued to record his solo material between the early 1970’s to the 1980’s, releasing albums on United Artists and Avalanche imprints where he produced the album Theme From the ‘Magnificent 7 Ride’ ’73.
At 95 years old, Caiola still continues to tour regularly, with another pop artist Steve Lawrence (famous also for his act with his late wife Eydie Gorme as Steve and Eydie).
Al Caiola’s discography (may be partial)
United Artists Records
(Mar 1961)
Al Caiola And His Orchestra
- A: Bonanza
- B: Bounty Hunter
United Artists Silver Spotlight Series
(1962)
Al Caiola And His Orchestra
- A: The Magnificent Seven
- B: Bonanza
United Artists Records
(Sep 1963)
Al Caiola And His Orchestra
- A: La Donna Nel Mondo
- B: Redigo
(Sep 1965)
Al Caiola And His Orchestra
- A: Theme From The Trials Of O’Brien
- B: Walkin’ Down The Line
(Feb 1966)
Al Caiola And His Orchestra
- A: Batman Theme
- B: Karelia (Ajomies)
(Apr 1969)
Al Caiola And His Orchestra
- A: Infinity Blue
- B: Soul American