Album Share: Schony – Jim Schoenfeld
Presented for your enjoyment is this somewhat obscure vanity release from 1971 by NHL player/coach Jim Schoenfeld.
Although Mr. Schoenfeld seems to be most famous for cussing out NHL referee Don Koharski, we at the Orphanage feel that the recording offered here is an achievement deserving of a great recognition.
As golden throats go, Mr. Schoenfeld’s larynx is 24 karat. He throws himself with complete abandon at the material he covers. He displays a wide range of vocal talents, ranging from primal screams to quiet, introspective musings. He even includes an original composition, Before, that ponders the age old question of what life was like before there were so many humans populating the earth.
The album was produced by John Valby (aka Dr. Dirty), who, I’m assuming is responsible for the unusual but oddly satisfying arrangements that permeate the recording.
Have fun listening and as always, Enjoy!
Download all the mp3s and cover art in one 49 MB zip file.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Very nice find.
Just for the “musicologists” I like to add that this album is probably from 1972 or probably 1973, although Wikipedia says 1971. Schoenfeld was drafted for the season 1972/73 for Buffalo and played then the first time in the NHL and the liner notes say that he already played in the NHL and also the photos seem to show him playing for Buffalo (No. 6 on the shirt and referee with NHL badge). So at least this version wasn’t published before the end of 1972. Other sources say also 1973 or 1974.
Thank you for a very interesting blog!!
April 30th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Many of the pictures from the center gate-fold are of Jim Schoenfeld in a major on the ice fight he had with the Buffalo Sabres against the Boston Bruins in mid-December of 1972. Per the Buffalo Sabres Alumni site, which has all the tracks available for download, the album was recorded Feb 1-4, although no year is listed, but which, with the photographs, would most likely mean the album came out in either 1973 or 1974. Based on the photographs and the recording dates, there is no way the earlier Wikipedia date is accurate. Thank you for sharing the music!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
When I left for boot-camp on Feb. 11th of 1974, I already had the album in my possession, being a Buffalo, NY native and Sabre fan. I think it would have been difficult, based on the recording dates of Feb 1-4, to have finished up the technical work on the album, had it pressed, and in the local record stores prior to my leaving western New York. I would think then, based on the recording dates and photographs, that the most likely year the album came out was 1973.
February 19th, 2009 at 5:10 am
This is fantastic! The alumni site has the music, but the artwork is priceless. Thanks for narrowing down the year on this!
March 20th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
I read the album came out his rookie year of 1972. But I grew up in buffalo and it may of been more like 73,74 or 75. Chain gang was a big hit in buffalo. He was a really big celebrity in buffalo. I think it’s a shame people remember the Koharski incident instead of all the heart and talent this guy had and still has. He’s the asst. G M for the Rangers now. I think the Koharski thing hurt his career and I bet he wishes it never happened. Or unlike the rest of us he could care less and looks back at it now and laughs. Also great album thanks for the album.
PAUL
April 2nd, 2010 at 11:49 am
when I was young I lived in western N.Y.and loved the Sabres and had the Schony LP.BBQ in heaven I remember was played on the radio then.I getting hungry just waiting to go! GO SABRES!