This is a recording of a song written by the patriarch of the very musical Cummings family. James Cummings Sr. is known to the Paper Bag Universe by his nom de plume - Jim Pin. A first-generation Irish American, he served in the Army in WWII and could sign his name with either hand. During the 40s and 50s, Jim led the Jimmy Cummings Orchestra. He adopted his nom de plume when he wrote a column for the Irish Echo Newsletter. The column was about bowling, hence Jim Pin.

Based upon my analysis of the above recording, I think Mike Cummings created it as backing track so he could sing and play, without the necessity of having a band. In any case, we hear bass, piano, drums and backing vocals. The entire 3 minutes is narrated by yours truly.

Now, I have known Mike for almost 50 years. In the late 70s. We have been roommates in a band house and he is a 4 decade member of the Paper Bag, where he leads the mighty Guitar Section. I tease him ... a lot.

In 1977, I met Mike at Neptunes, in East Meadow. He was the liquor salesman. I hired him to play Monday nights at Canterbury Ales in Huntington. Mike convinced me to include his brother Patrick - so I hired the duo. There was an upright player piano right next to the stage (another story unto itself) and during the night Rob Baracco sat in. John Byers, one of the owners of Canterburys, was himself a piano player. As the set ended, I sidled over to him and suggested that when he paid Mike and Patrick, he also pay the piano player and ask that he be part of the band! John Byers, being the excellent club owner that he was, he totally agreed. Mike and I continued these shananigins, adding and subtracting guys from the band. Hence - Jim Pin 5+2-1 The six piece band became a staple at Canterburys on Monday nights for years.

The Jim Pin 5+2-1 Band at Canterbury Ales in Huntington -
drawing by the late, great John Hudson Sessions Armstrong Junior
Rob Barraco - Lee Finkelstein - Steve Finkelstein - Patrick Cummings - Rich Ebler - Mike Cummings