Vintage Male Vocal Harmony Recordings

Vintage never goes out of fashion. These recordings are a period of history – in many cases, they are from the artists who made these songs so ubiquitous to the vocal music world. We’ve all heard many modern groups sing tunes like “Under the Boardwalk” – but in these vintage recordings, you can hear some of the first groups ever to sing these songs. They don’t make recordings like this anymore. If you enjoy the origins of the modern a cappella world, you’ll love these albums.

Ames Brothers: They, They, They Are The Ones

Growing up in a family of Russian Jews from the Ukraine named Urick who settled in Massachusetts, the athletic Ames Brothers first landed a gig in NYC in the mid-40s with up and coming bandleader Art Mooney. Over their 15-year career the prolific Brothers notched up 50 U.S. Chart entries, 21 of them on the Coral label before signing with RCA Victor. Two generous CDs here, with 25 songs on each; most of the big hits on CD #1. Comfortable in many genres, they scored hits with top-40 pop like "Sentimental Me" and "Rag Mop," the country songs "Wagon Wheels" and "The Last Roundup," the religious-styled "Lovely Lady Dressed In Blue," the spiritual "Shadrack," the Hawaiian songs, Moon Of Manakoora" and "Hawaiian War Chant," the popular ballad "To Think You've Chosen Me, and novelty numbers such as "The Thing." There are of course standards such as "Stardust" and polkas like "Hoop Dee Doo." All are band accompanied, particularly nice are those recorded with Les Brown and his Band of Renown, "Undecided," "Sentimental Journey" and the wonderful "No Moon At All." There's too much good, entertaining stuff here to review, but the Brothers' trademark rich, smooth harmonies are consistently delightful throughout.

Listen to " Thirsty For Your Kisses" in RealAudio

4148 CD $15.98

Ames Brothers: Destination Moon

The four tall (all six-footers), healthy-looking young singing brothers were a standout quartet even back in their grammar school days, but hit their stride, and the charts in the late 40s and through the 50s. This CD combines 2 lps in one bargain-priced CD, effectively giving us twice as much great music for our money. The first, a 1956 lp with Hugo Winterhalter and His Orchestra, features 12 (accompanied) hits, like "It Must Be True," "Ol' Man River," "That's The Way Love Goes," "Gotta Be This Or That," "Anniversary Song," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and "Not You, Not I." The 1958 space-race inspired "Destination Moon," with Sid Ramin and His Orchestra, features another 12 (accompanied) winners, the title tune, "Moonglow," "East of The Sun," "No Moon At All," "Music From Out of Space," "Stella By Starlight," "It's Only A Paper Moon," "Beyond The Blue Horizon" and others. Powerful harmonies, great solos, memorable hooks in every tune on this CD is a truckload of big-fun 50s pop!

Listen to "Destination Moon" in RealAudio

4556 CD $15.98

Ames Brothers: Hello Italy / Knees Up, Mother Brown

Vic, Gene and Joe Ames were born and grew up in Boston, and the rich harmonies that made them international celebrities were in evidence as early as grammar school, when they began singing together. They won prizes in virtually every amateur contest they entered; then they were booked at the Fox and Hound in Boston for a week, were held over 3 monthsÑand were on their way to a long career as pop singing stars with a slew of gold records. A compilation of two lps from the early 1960s, "Hello Italy!" is their debut lp for Epic Records, and a cinch for the multilingual Brothers, who could read or converse in 6 languages. Some favorites on "Hello" (all accompanied and in Italian) are "Fontana di Trevi" (Three Coins in the Fountain), "Corrin Corrina" (Corrine, Corrina), "Volare" (Nel Blu DiPinto Di Blu), "Luna Milinconica" (Blue Moon), "Ritorna A Me" (Return to Me), "Nastri Rossi" (Scarlet Ribbons) and "Arrividerci Roma." "Knees Up!" is not a typo, but the title of one of the songs on this collection of wonderful fun and nonsense from the talented Brothers. Some favorites here are "I'm Walking the Floor Over You," "I'll Lend You Everything I've Got Except My Wife," "If I Had My Life To Live Over I'd Live Over A Grocery Store," "Take Your Finger Out of Your Mouth I Want A Kiss From You," "When It's Night Time In Italy It's Wednesday Over Here," and the touching ballad, "Where Can I Find A Bookie." 24 popular vintage hits from the celebrated Ames Brothers, whose smooth, rich harmonies fill this generous CD. By the way, Mother Brown had just turned 100, and "Knees Up" refers to dancing, but you knew that!

4579 CD $14.98

Ames Brothers: Very Best Of...

Four brothers named Urick - foreign-sounding names were frequently changed back then - began singing as kids and in their Boston neighborhood. It was at Franklin Field, a semi-pro baseball park, where they played their first gigs. Much dues-paying later, they were signed to Coral Records in 1948, and their first number one was "Sentimental Me." The Ames Bros. produced a clutch of hits throughout the 1950's: "You, You, You," "The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane," and many others. These are four young men you could bring home to mother - their romantic lyrics, sweetly orchestrated arrangements, and cheerful delivery epitomize the wholesome American optimism of this decade.

Listen to "You, You, You" in RealAudio

4535 CD $14.98

Basin Street Boys: Satchelmouth Baby

This 1940's quartet is best known for their huge post World War II hit, "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman." They broke up in 1951, but they were a fine example of the developing R & B style, similar to the Mills Bros., while suggesting the crooning of Bing. This accompanied recording contains their best cuts, and is a fine backdrop for their tight, finger-snapping swing. "Jumpin' At The Jubilee" has a half spoken, half sung middle break, a vocal jazz rap, as it were. If sumptuous ballads are your thing, listen to "Nothing Ever Happens To Me," "Summertime Gal" and "I'll Get Along Somehow," which caress the ear with a deft touch. "Ain't Got No Loot" is as hip now as it was then, the epitome of cool, it's melodic hook offset by a jive confessional. Songlist

Listen to Satchelmouth Baby in Real Audio

2048 CD $15.98


Comedian Harmonists: Comedian Harmonists

Daisy (You're Driving Me Crazy)
The Last Roundup
Happy Days Are Here Again
Creole Love Call
Veroninka, The Spring Is Here
Night And Day
My Little Green Cactus
Tea For Two
Can You Whistle, Johanna?
Where Is My Baby?
Beautiful Lisa
In A Shady Grove
The Village
Somewhere In The World

If you have ever been attracted to the instrumental vocalizations of anyone, The Kings Singers, The Swingle Singers, The Mills Brothers, or the Real Group to name a few, they are treading in the footsteps of the Comedian Harmonists who starred in twelve films and sold millions of records before they were suppressed by Hitler and banned from performing. Founded in 1927, they peaked in 1930-1932 before their three Jewish members became the focus of Nazi hatred. Delightful, joyous interpretations of classical and popular standards of the day are the fare of the quintet. A light piano accompaniment is provided by the sixth member who was also the arranger. This recording contains nearly 70 minutes of music from old 78 rpm records. Fabulous!!

7474 CD $14.98

Comedian Harmonists: Auf Wiederseh'n

The story of the Comedy Harmonists is as intriguing and compelling as their music. Drawing upon the close harmony ensembles of the 1920's - the vaudeville era - for inspiration, they crafted an eclectic mix of the classical and the cabaret in pre-war Germany. The six members, including pianist and arranger Emil Gerhardt, founder Harry Frohmann and bass singer Robert Biberti, were the pop stars of their era, and even toured America and Europe, before they were forced to disband by the Nazi government. These twenty-five tracks comprise the best-known songs in the Harmonists repetoire, including the memorable "Creole Love Call," (re-created later by England's King's Singers on their tribute album), "Tea For Two" and Rossini's "Barber Of Seville Overture." Songlist

6245 CD $13.98

Delta Rhythm Boys: I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem

Little Lize (I Love You)
Keep On To Galilee
Wait Till I Put On My Crown
The Railroad Song
Ezekiel Saw De Wheel
Bugle Woogie
Do You Care
Conversation At Midnight
It Was Wonderful Then
La Cucaracha
Dry Bones
Certainly Lord
Mighty Day
Scandalize My Name
Watermelon On the Vine
Gimme Some Skin
It's So Peaceful in the Country
Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
Georgia On My Mind
I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem

The rise of groups like the Golden Gate Quartet took gospel music out of the conservative confines of the Black church, and opened the door for other groups who wanted to sing spirituals in a different way. One of the groups to achieve success in the more liberated climate was the Hampton Institute Quartet, who changed their name to the Delta Rhythm Boys, and were equally at home delivering a pop song as a gospel item. They teamed up with Ella Fitzgerald during the 1940s recording ban in America, when her career might have been put on hold. However much the gospel group might have been threatened with eternal damnation to even think about "La Cucaracha," their fearlessness, both musically and politically, is what made them one of the greats. 20 winners, and we can't decide which we like the best, pop tunes like "Little Lize," the sweet "It Was Wonderful Then," a swinging "La Cucaracha," the silly minstrel-show tune "Watermelon On The Vine," the hip "Gimme Some Skin" and "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave To Me," or gospel hits like "Wait Till I Put On My Crown," a rocking "Ezekiel Saw De Wheel," "Certainly Lord," "Mighty Day," and "Scandalize My Name" (which is actually more of a commentary on religious bigotry). There's a particularly fine, laid-back early version of "Georgia On My Mind," and the swinging title tune, the final cut, is a joy. All songs at least piano accompanied, recorded in NY in 1941.

Listen to Little Lize (I Love You) in Real Audio.

4542 CD $14.98

Delta Rhythm Boys: Masters of Hip Harmony

Jubilee singing is the name given to a uniquely African-American style of vocal which has its roots in the gospel singing of slavery modified by freedom and popular music. It was first presented to northern white audiences in 1866 by the Jubilee Singers who went out to raise money for Fisk University of Nashville. That jubilee style had periods of significant popularity but none more than the 1930s and 1940s which saw many groups rise to national attention. The Delta Rhythm Boys recorded for Decca as a quintet with piano accompaniment and as backup singers for notables such as Charlie Barnet, Mildred Bailey, and Ella Fitzgerald. Most of their movies are obscure save You'll Never Get Rich, the first Bing Crosby and Rita Hayworth film on which they sang "Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye." The Delta Rhythm Boys were not only one of the top black acts of their time, but also played a big role in breaking down color barriers in the entertainment field even while lending a helping hand to the Armed Forces Radio Service from which much of this material hails. WeÕd put their harmonies right up there with the Ink Spots, Mills Brothers and Charioteers. Includes five tracks cut with Mildred Bailey on the RockinÕ Chair Rhythm show.

Listen to Trav'lin' Light in Real Audio.

4557 CD $14.98

Delta Rhythm Boys: Delta Rhythm Boys

"Boys" is the reissue of a 1957 LP of the same name, from the end of the five-man Jazz quintet's long and illustrious career, beginning in 1934 at an Oklahoma university. The "Boys," in these all-accompanied, upbeat collection of 13 cuts, bring us a tasty mix of jazz/swing covers (the Gershwins' "'S Wonderful" and "It Ain't Necessarily So," Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," Rogers and Hart's "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and Cole Porter's "It's All Right With Me." With wonderful humor and poise, the guys will begin a standard, then feel free to riff it into a joyous, upbeat, funny romp. "Poor Boy" and "Saturday Night Fish Fry" follow the basic rockabilly theme of "How'd I Get Into this Ridiculous Mess?" "There'll Be Some Changes Made," "The Riddle Song" and "Side By Side" are bright, upbeat foot-tappers, while "Young Man with a Horn" and "Something I Dreamed Last Night" are creamy-smooth slow-dance tunes. A varied repertoire with one thing in common—it's all wonderful stuff from the legendary, pioneering DRB.

Listen to Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered in Real Audio.

4652 CD $12.98

Delta Rhythm Boys: Radio, Give Me Some Jive

Twenty nine track compilation contains radio & movie soundtrack performances from 1941-45 from the legendary & innovative Delta Rhythm Boys, who were one of the first vocal groups to wear matching color uniforms (most prior groups wore only black tuxedos) & one of the first groups to choreograph their moves on stage. This features the songs "A-Sittin' & A-Rockin'," "East Of The Sun," "Star Dust," "Darktown Strutters' Ball," "How High The Moon" & others.

7479 CD $17.98

The Drifters: Up On The Roof / Under The Boardwalk

Up On The Roof
There Goes My Baby
Sweets For My Sweet
This Magic Moment
Mexican Divorce
Stranger On The Shore
What To Do
Save The Last Dance For Me
Lonliness Or Happiness
Another Night With The Boys
(If You Cry) True Love, True Love
Room Full Of Tears
When My Little Girl Is Smiling Ruby Baby
Under The Boardwalk
One Way Love
On Broadway
Didn't It
I Feel Good All Over
Vaya Con Dios
Rat Race
In The Land Of Make Believe
If You Don't Come Back
Let The Music Play
I'll Take You Home

Two original early '60s LPs are combined here and the result is a virtual Drifters Greatest Hits. "Up on the Roof," Carole King's gorgeously romantic ode to working class escape and freedom, is here in both the hit single and slightly longer LP versions (the single is in mono, the LP version is stereo with a longer intro). Elsewhere, you'll find a real embarrassment of riches, with song after brilliant hit song from the fertile imaginations of the great Brill Building writers of the pre-Beatle era, including Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill ("On Broadway"), Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman ("Sweets for My Sweet," "This Magic Moment," "Save the Last Dance for Me"), plus lesser known but equally evocative songs from Burt Bacharach and Otis Blackwell. Timeless stuff.

Listen to "Up On The Roof" in Real Audio.

8294 CD $12.98

The Drifters: Save The Last Dance For Me / The Good Life

Two classic Atlantic albums from ’61 and ’65, featuring some of the Drifters’ biggest hits—including 'Save the Last Dance for Me; Some Kind of Wonderful; I Count the Tears; Sweets for My Sweet; Please Stay; Saturday Night at the Movies; Mexican Divorce; Tonight; Temptation', and more. 24 tracks, over an hour of music!

8296 CD $12.98

Five Red Caps: It's So Good! 1943 - 1951

Forty three lilting, rockin' and proto-doowoppin' harmony cuts from Steve Gibson and The Redcaps one of the most popular jump and jive vocal groups of the 1940's. The Five Red Caps began in 1940 Los Angeles, moving to New York in search of fame and fortune. After meeting record label owner Joe Davis (Beacon) in 1943, the multi-talented group, who also played their own instruments, recorded 26 singles for Davis from 1943-46. From rhythm-oriented jive boogie, velvety Ink Spots-style ballads, and the earnest gospel sound, a lá groups of the 1930's such as the Golden Gate Quartet, the Five Red Caps did it all. The Redcaps enjoyed many hit records and appeared in movies, on radio and the emerging TV medium. Like many other groups of the period their roots can be traced back to the unprecedented influence of The Mills Brothers.

4661 CD $14.98

Forever Plaid: Forever Plaid

Based upon the stage production of the same name, this CD is equal parts silly schtick and a musically adept and professional parody of the close harmony groups of the 1950's - Freshmen, Hi-Lo's and the like. Romantic themes dominate-"Three Coins In A Fountain, "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing," 'Cry,"-with a "Caribbean Medley" and "Scotland The Brave" (a homily to Plaid) for yukks. The style is unapologetically sentimental and deliberately cliched, but will be good fun for those who are familiar with the colloquialisms typical of the period. A good portion of the dialogue is included to introduce the songs and explain the plot. Songlist

4715 CD $15.98

Four Aces: Love Is A Many Splendid Thing

Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing
It's No Sin
Tell Me Why
A Garden In The Rain
Perfidia
I'm Yours
Heart And Soul
I'll Never Smile Again
My Devotion
Should I
La Rosita
Just Squeeze Me, But Don't Tease Me
Laughing On The OUtside, Crying On The Inside
Organ Grinder's Swing
The Gang That Sang "Heart Of My Heart"
Stranger In Paradise
Amor
Three Coins In The Fountain
Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine
Dream
It's A Women's World
Mr. Sandman
Heart
Shine On Harvest Moon
Melody Of Love
There Is A Tavern In The Town
A Woman In Love
So Long

With its roots in Philadelphia, close-harmony all male quartet The Four Aces first began performing together in 1949 and scored their first big hit with "It's No Sin" in 1952. They followed up with top 10 hits "Tell Me Why," "Perfida," "The Gang That Sang Heart of My Heart," "Should I?," "Melody of Love," which hit #3 on the charts, "Mister Sandman" (#5), "Stranger in Paradise" (#3) and "Three Coins In The Fountain" (#1). 28 all-accompanied songs by this enormously popular group, 25 chart hits and 10 top tens, recorded from 1951 to 1955, records which have sold over 100 million copies. A generous, spirited collection by Vocal Hall of Famers, the Aces!

Listen to It's A Women's World in RealAudio.

4457 CD $12.98

Four Aces: Heart And Soul

A pair of Philadelphia boys, Al Alberts and Dave Mahoney, finding themselves in the North Atlantic in the Navy in WWII, killed time by singing together. Joining two more local boys, Rosario and Louis, they formed the Four Aces, following in the footsteps of the Ames Brothers. Their first hit was "(It's No) Sin," which was shopped to no avail to New York record companies, and finally released by Al, who started his own record company, Victoria Records, to do it. The song peaked on Billboard's charts at #4 in 1951, and the Aces were quickly signed by Decca. The group-written "Tell Me Why," "A Garden in the Rain," "Perfidia," "I'm Yours" and "Heart and Soul" were next to climb high on the charts. Appearing frequently on TV, Aces singles "La Rosita," "Just Squeeze Me," "Laughing on the Outside" and "The Gang that Sang (Heart of My Heart)" were among 8 of the group's hits in 1952. "Stranger in Paradise" went to #2 on the charts, which the Aces finally topped with the theme from the movie "Three Coins in a Fountain." Popular hits "Dream" and "So Long," followed, and "Mr. Sandman" and "Melody of Love" scored in Billboard's top five before the floodgates of Rock 'n Roll opened in 1955, and even that year the Aces had another chart-topper with "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." "Heart" features 24 of the group's (all accompanied) upbeat, romantic tunes in a nicely done package with group history and photos. For smooth quintessential 50s pop harmonies, Four Aces win every time!

Listen to Heart and Soul in RealAudio.

4649 CD $11.98

Four Aces: Greatest Hits

Close harmony groups, such as the Four Freshmen and Four Aces, were quite viable commercially, before the advent of rock and roll made so many of them redundant. Such was the case with the Four Aces, who had over thirty top forty hits before 1958. Many of the songs on this "Greatest Hits" CD were from these hit singles, and include such classic compositions as "Should I" "Perfidia" and "Melody Of Love, " which had been popularized decades earlier. Showy orchestrations compliment the confident lead of Al Alberts and the harmonies of his emphatic cohorts, who had evolved into a tight and effective unit. Songlist

Listen to Should I in RealAudio.

4457 CD $12.97

Four Blazes: Mary Jo

The Blazes were journeymen musicians, who had played in and around the Chicago club scene since 1940, though they didn't score a national hit until 1952, with "Mary Jo." Written by bassist/singer Tommy Braden, who didn't actually join the Blazes until 1950, it epitomized their blues-influenced jazz sound: walking bass, clean guitar tone, honking sax over blues progressions. However, it was a sound rooted in an earlier era, and was swept away by the tides of rock 'n roll, in spite of the superior musicianship of professionals such as the Blazes. Still, these 24 songs show why the idioms of blues and jazz are universal, and any of them could be performed today. Highlight: an original arrangement of "Mood Indigo," a summer breeze wafting by on a sultry July evening. Songlist

6261 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Voices in Modern / Funny How Time Slips Away

After You
Over the Rainbow
My Heart Stood Still
The Nearness of You
Holiday
Stormy Weather
Street of Dreams
We'll Be Together Again
Circus
Mood Indigo
It Happened Once Before
It's a Blue World
Funny How Time Slips Away
Graduation Day
Do You Really Love Me
Tears in Our Eyes
Hold Me
We've Got a World That Swings
Don't Make Me Sorry
My Baby's Gone
Charade
Looking Over My Shoulder
Wake the Town and Tell the People

"Voices/Funny" by The Four Freshmen is another of those 2-LPs-on-one-CD re-releases that we love so much. That's particularly true in this case, as the Freshmen were such an influential jazz/pop group, with a smooth sound that kept the Freshmen high on the charts from the early 1950s, when "Voices in Modern" was recorded, into the mid-60s, when "Funny " was recorded. All 23 cuts are accompanied, but these songs are the very definition of "classic:" "Over the Rainbow," "My Heart Stood Still," "The Nearness of You," "Stormy Weather," "Mood Indigo," "It's A Blue World," "Funny How Time Slips Away," "Graduation Day," "Charade," "Wake the Town and Tell the People"…great stuff by composers like Harold Arlen, Richard Rodgers, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington and Henry Mancini. And the Freshmen's bright, upbeat sound is such that their covers of these songs are the ones that people remember and associate with the songs. This is a great collection of hits by a group whose work influenced jazz/pop music and generations of musicians!

Listen to "Street of Dreams" in RealAudio.

4636 CD $15.98

Four Freshmen: In Person / Voices In Brass

We are big fans of the Four Freshmen, whose clean, jazz/pop sound made them popular stars in the 1950s and 60s. "In Person/Voices and Brass" is another 2 remastered lps on one CD deal, "In Person" having been recorded live in 1958, and "Voices" in a recording studio in 1960. All accompanied, but the focus is on the Four's marvelous harmonies. 26 songs, "Somebody Loves Me," "Day By Day," their trademark "It's a Blue World," "Them There Eyes," "Route 66," "It Had to Be You," "Pennies from Heaven" and "Autumn Leaves" are particularly fine. A great collection by the legendary 4 Freshmen that contrasts their entertaining and very funny live performances with their flawless studio recording technique.

Listen to "Indian Summer" in RealAudio.

4599 CD $15.98

Four Freshmen: More 4 Freshmen / In Person Vol 2

This is another of those wonderful 2 lps on one CD compilations. We particularly like that they print the original covers (these two from 1963 and 1964), back and front, on the liner notes. All that wouldn't mean much if the music wasn't wonderful, and of course Four Freshmen sing first class, influential vocal jazz. There are 11 songs on "More," songs like "Hello, Dolly," "Midnight Sun," "The Girl from Ipanema," "Days of Wine and Roses," "More," "Misty," "What Kind of Fool Am I?," and "Second Time Around." "In Person" has "Route 66," "Poinciana," "Moon River," "Once In Love With Amy," "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," "Blues In The Night," and "And So It's Over." 23 slices of the bright, jazzy FF sound, smooth stunning harmonies, incredible arrangements-this CD is a treat!

Listen to "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" in Real Audio.

4502 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Five Saxes / Five Guitars

Let's take a moment right now to bless the record company executive who first came up with the idea to put two classic LPs on one CD. That said, here's one with a particularly wonderful pair of Four Freshmen recordings, And Five Saxes, & And Five Guitars. We know we needn't go into the 4F being discovered in 1950 by Stan Kenton in an Ohio lounge, or how they became one of the most influential and popular vocal jazz groups of all time. The very cool thing about this collection is the songs that appear on no other 4F CD that we carry: "East of the Sun," "I May Be Wrong," "There's No One But You," "Sometimes I'm Happy," "This Love of Mine," "I Get Along Without You Very Well," "The More I See You," "This October," "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," "It All Depends On You," "I Never Knew" and "Nancy." This is slow-dance music: 24 songs, all gently accompanied, sweetly romantic, bright, light, tight-harmonied, "rainy day" jazz! Songlist

4468 CD $15.98

Four Freshmen: Capitol Collectors' Series

The Four Freshmen were signed to Capitol afer auditioning for the label in 1950, an audition set up for them courtesy of bandleader Stan Kenton, who had heard them when they were appearing at the Esquire Lounge in Denton, Ohio. The band's history is described in detail in the booklet included with the CD, which contains twenty-one Freshmen tunes (all accompanied) from their Capitol Records years, commencing in 1952. Contains the best-known hits "Graduation Day," "Day by Day," "Poinciana," "Route 66," "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring," "It's A Blue World," and so many more. The Four Freshmen, who played all of their own instruments, were the sound of the 1950's. Songlist

4774 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Day By Day

Recorded in 1962 as part of a Public Service series sponsored by the U.S. Navy for radio broadcast, this recording includes many the Four Freshmen standards-"Day By Day," "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring," "Route 66"-as well as some lesser known songs. Their trademark voicings made the group a popular favorite; they recorded over twenty albums for Capitol alone! Their likeable onstage persona can be heard on "Once In Love With Amy," a novelty number that sounds like singer Ross Barbour is on helium. "Somebody Loves Me" and "Taps Miller" are swung at a speed that is vivace going on dangerous-"Taps" features a challenging scat performance, while "Somebody Loves Me" has a rubato turn of phrase that is a clever device. Songlist

4770 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Freshmas

The last CD featuring original member Bob Flanigan and the arrangements of Dick Reynolds, this mostly-accompanied CD (listen to the spectacular "trombone choir" on "Silent Night"!) was recorded in 1992. The Freshmen have become a sort of post-graduate institution for singers everywhere; their approach to chord voicings - dropping the root of a five-part chord, and the ingenious placement of the remaining notes - galvanized audiences and critics alike. Phil Mattson contributes an arrangement of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," showing his respect, while "And The Bells Rang" chimes brightly with the excitement of this very special "Freshmas"! Songlist

Listen to The First Noel in RealAudio.

4772 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Golden Anniversary Collection

Twenty-five (previously unreleased on CD), songs from the Four Freshmen to commemorate their fiftieth, compiled by the group themselves! The group worked with the great arrangers and songwriters of their era, and exemplified the vocal jazz sound that has been so frequently emulated since: rich, lush and opulent, with harmonies so close they are painted-on! Their first single, "Then I'll Be Happy," opens the CD, followed by the first song they recorded by the great Bobby Troup: "Now You Know." "Baltimore Oriole," written by Hoagy Carmichael, features the sinewy lead vocal of Don Barbour, and is real Americana. Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" merges with Afro-Cuban percussion (most of the record is accompanied to one degree or another) and shows the group stretching their sound by adding elements from other styles. "I Will Wait For You" is introduced by a brash trumpet solo and swings to an active bass line; released in 1969, the 'sixties influence is evident. Some of the songs have different mixes than those previously heard on Four Freshmen records; the group's intent is to offer something new, and shall we say, fresh? Songlist

4776 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Complete 1950 - 1954 Studio-Issued Recordings

This release includes the complete collection of the Four Freshmen's 1950-1954 studio recordings, marking the quartet's rise from obscurity to become one of the most celebrated bands of the era. The quartet is showcased in a variety of settings form the original recordings to sessions with Stan Kenton's orchestra and features arrangements and conducting of Nelson Riddle. The CD has some of the quartet's greatest hits, such as, "It's a Blue World" and Ellington's "Mood Indigo." Also included are three bonus tracks of their original demo recordings.

4569 CD $15.98

Four Freshmen: Voices In Love/Love Lost

A two CD value-priced collection that includes 24 songs (most of which are accompanied), and how gorgeous they are. These standards ("I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," "It Could Happen to You," "I'm a Fool to Want You" amongst them) are the sketchpads on which the Freshmen practice their vocal art, their harmonic palette filled with rich hues that create a unique tonal interplay. Their approach produced a legacy that is still influencing the vocal groups of today. Songlist

Listen to I'm Always Chasing Rainbows in RealAudio.

4785 CD $15.98

Four Freshmen: The Liberty Years

We return to the 60's with the legendary Four Freshmen, where they spent most of the decade and had a half-dozen LPs released on the Liberty label, none of which have come out on CD. So, thoughtfully, Collector's Choice Music picked the 24 best tracks from those albums, including 7 from the hard-to-find LP "Four Freshmen in Tokyo," and put them on "The Liberty Years" at a great price. Includes "It's Not Unusual," "A Man and a Woman," "Everyday People," "I Will Wait for You," "Walk On By," "Fools Rush In," "Byrd Avenue," "Michelle," "California My Way," "Shadow of Your Smile," "When the Feeling Hits You," "The Wonderful World of Color," "Love Is a Happy Thing," "Daydream," "Cherish/Windy" medley, "Come Fly with Me/Up, Up and Away" medley, "It's a Blue World/By the Time I Get to Phoenix" medley, "Misty Roses," "My Special Angel," "Old Friends," "Winchester Cathedral," "Canadian Sunset," "Girl Talk" and "A Beautiful Friendship." Most of these don't appear on any other 4F CD. If you were there in the 60's (even if you remember nothing), this collection is for you.

4498 CD $14.98

Four Freshmen: Still Fresh

Under the direction of original Freshman Bob Flanigan, this recent release (on Pat Boone's independent label, no less) maintains the quality of the original group, with an absolute allegiance to the unmistakable chord voicings of their style! Accompanied, with the group members playing their own instruments in Frosh tradition, songs such as "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" and "Straighten Up And Fly Right" will have you reveling with joy. "Meaning Of The Blues" (written by Bobby Troup) and "Moonlight In Vermont" are redolent with a liquid sensuality that hasn't lost its magic after all these years.

4786 CD $13.98

Four Freshmen: The Swingers / Stars In Our Eyes

It's a twofer! Two classic albums are included on this CD of one of the great male quartets of the twentieth century! Their ability to maintain perfect intervals in vertical harmony is legendary. Fortunately the legend lives anew as almost every one of their tremendous discography has now been remastered for CD. Actually, it's amazing that "Stars In Our Eyes" and "The Swingers" haven't been released until now. The songs released originally on the album "Stars In Our Eyes" are the first twelve tunes. Each of them is a testimonial of regard for the other artists of their day who helped to create the cultural climate which saw the Four Freshmen rise to stardom. They sing songs made famous by The Four Coins, The Ames Brothers, The Four Lads, The Modernaires, The DeCastros, The Mills Brothers, The Hi-Los, The Brothers Four, The Andrews Sisters, and the King Sisters. There is even one of the rare a cappella tunes, "Tom Dooley," which was responsible for catapulting the Kingston Trio to instant acclaim. On the second half of this fabulous reissue, the music ranges from smoothly swinging Frosh-styled ballads to several tunes which used to be strictly big-band instrumentals like Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll," Count Basie's famous "Taps Miller," and "Dynaflow" which was a Stan Kenton/Art Pepper original. Those as well as the jazz 'national anthem,' "Lullaby of Birdland," are done as wordless vocals, utilizing syllables instead of lyrics. Among all the songs on this production is a complete purview of one of the great vocal jazz quartets of all times. Songlist

Listen to Tom Dooley in RealAudio.

4313 CD $15.98

Four Freshmen: Voices In Latin/The Freshmen Year

Two re-released CD's from one of the greatest vocal jazz groups of all time. What's even more amazing is that the "Frosh," as they were affectionately known, played their own instruments! Their characteristic voicings are unmistakeable, written in part by mellophone and trumpet player Ken Albers (the rest, by Dick Reynolds and Pete Rugelo). The Latin spin is, dare we say, fresh; "Chelsea Bridge" (written by Billy Strayhorn), "What's New" and "Mine" (Gershwin) are uniquely interpreted, the elegant and colorful rhythms a vivid infusion. "The Freshmen Year" begins with the title track, where the four voices introduce the verse with step-wise motion, announcing their arrival; it's a frequently-used Freshmen trick. "Fools Rush In" is an advanced lesson in phrasing - listen how they slide into the line and then stop it staccato. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" is precision vertical harmony, the voices in lock-step, a contract to the Bob Flanigan solo lead on "Show Me The Way To Get Out Of This World" (he also handles bass and trombone duties). "My Funny Valentine" is almost spoken, rather than sung, poignantly articulated by Don Barbour, without harmonic relief of any sort from his fraternity; a wrenching performance. Songlist

Listen to Dream in RealAudio.

6264 CD $15.98

Four Lads: Moments To Remember

The Mocking Bird (Original 1952 Version)
Somebody Loves Me
Down by the Riverside
Istanbul (not Constantinople)
Gilly, GIlly, Ossenfeffer, Katzenellen Bogen by the Sea
Skokiaan
Rain Rain Rain
Moments to Remember
No, Not Much!
Standing on the Corner
My Little Angel
A House With Love in it
The Bus Stop Song (A Paper of Pins)
Who Needs You
I Just Don't Know
Put A Light in the Window
There's Only One of You
Enchanted Island
The Mocking Bird
The Girl on Page 44
Happy Anniversary

Their sound was quintessential Fifties: bright, melodic, sentimental and uncomplicated. Often working with greats like Mitch Miller and Frank Loesser, the Four Lads have contributed some great songs to fifties pop music. This collection includes the very best of this group. Selections include novelty songs such as "Gilly, Gilly Ossenfeffer" and their first gold record hit "Istanbul." Also included are many of the songs written by Bernie Toorish under his pen name of Dazz Jordan, like "The Mocking Bird" and "My Little Angel," written for his wife. Since their arrival in America in 1950, this Canadian quartet has left us with many moments to remember.

Listen to The Mocking Bird in RealAudio.

2037 CD $14.98

Four Lads: The Singles Collection

Collectables Records assumes that we know the story of the legendary Lads from Toronto using a chance opportunity to appear at NYC's Le Ruban Bleu as a springboard to worldwide fame and fortune; their fresh, upbeat sound defining jazz/pop music in the 50s and early 60s. There's not a single biographical note in the liner notes, just a list of the 28 songs and when they were recorded. Let the music do the talking—fair enough! "Turn Back," "Rocks in My Bed," "He Who Has Love," "Gotta Go to the Fais Do Do," "Harmony Brown," the silly "Cleo and Meo" and "Do You Know What Lips are For," the Polka tune "Oh, That'll Be Joyful," "I've Got Four Big Brothers," the sexy, funny "A Little Bit" and "Guess What the Neighbors'll Say," the dramatic "Fountain of Youth," "Our Lady of Fatima," "Got A Locket in My Pocket" and the latest-recorded song, 1969's "The Sheik of Chicago"…aside from occasional hits like "No, Not Much" and "Standing On The Corner," we've never heard most of this (band accompanied) material. But the butter-smooth harmonies that soar to breathtaking, ringing heights, innocent romantic lyrics and general silliness are still a joy, whether the song was a near-hit or merely an album-filler. "Collection" is a rare, surprising winner, pure, uncut 1950s romantic jazz/pop from one of the great male vocal quartets of all time!

Listen to Turn Back in RealAudio.

4613 CD $13.98

Four Lads: Stage Show / Love Affair

You all know the story of the 4 young men from Toronto, who auditioned over the phone for a 2-week gig at NY's Le Ruban Bleu, which turned into a 30-week booking, a tour, a recording contract and many, many hits. This is another of those "2 lps on one CD" that we love so much, and that is such a good value. The fresh, upbeat, jazzy, best-selling sound of the Four Lads (all big-band accompanied) is heaped on our plates like strawberries and whipped cream. 20 hits, the first 8 a live stage show, performed before fans who raved over songs like "Bye and Bye," "God Bless Us All," "My Blue Heaven," "The Wabash Cannonball" and "What Can I Lose;" the next 12 a smorgasbord of romantic winners with miles of violins: "Fly Me to the Moon," "Like Someone In Love," "While We're Young," Leonard Bernstein's "Tonight," Sammy Cahn's "Time After Time" and "I'll Never Stop Loving You," "An Affair To Remember" and "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing." Fresh, jazzy pop, heart-tugging slow-dance music—it's all here, and all wonderful, by four lads whose influential sound defined the 1950s and early 60s.

4571 CD $14.98

Four Lads: Swing Along / Everything Goes

Canadians Bernie Toorish, lead tenor; Brank Busseri, baritone; Jimmie Arnold, second tenor and Connie Codarini, bass; began singing together as, in fact, lads at St. Michael's Cathedral Choir School in Toronto. They polished their harmonies at night, and obtained a try-out engagement at the Ruban Bleu in New York. It stretched into 30 solid weeks, and the Lads were on their way to being voted America's favorite vocal group. This is 2 lps (originally released in 1959-60) on one cd, both orchestrally accompanied, all contagiously jazzy and exuberant as the lads demonstrate their versatility with ballads, old-time favorites, racing rhythm numbers and popular standards. This is night club entertainment at its finest! "Swing Along"swings through 13 songs, from "The Old Oaken Bucket"and "Comin' Through the Rye"to "Swanee River,""Mexicali Rose,""Let Me Call You Sweetheart"and "Moonlight Bay.""Everything Goes"features Cole Porter's "All of You,""It's All Right With Me" and "Anything Goes;"as well as popular hits "It Had to Be You," "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You," and "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (Over You)". To pick one signature cover, we'd have to go with "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive,"as the Lads' sound is so bright, shining and out there, it's impossible to feel bad listening to this CD.

4459 CD $14.98

Four Lads: Breezin' Along / On The Sunny Side

The Four Lads transition from singing together as Canadian choir boys, to stardom at New York's Le Ruban Bleu, to being voted America's favorite vocal group, is the stuff of music industry legend, but it's their fresh, jazzy, exuberant sound that we're interested in. Blessing again the record executive who first combined two classic lps on one CD for the price of one, we have 24 tracks here, all orchestrally accompanied, but the emphasis is on the four amazing singers. On "Breezin'," are songs like "That Old Feeling," "Someone Like You," "Long Ago (And Far Away)," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Come To Me" and "A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening." On "Sunny," there's "The Things We Did Last Summer," "Bidin' My Time," "Makin' Whoopee" "Dancing In The Dark," "Lazy River," and "Side By Side." A generous helping of the Lads' contagiously jazzy, 60s nightclub sound!

4472 CD $14.98

Four Preps: Absolutely The Best

Lazy Summer Night
26 Miles (Santa Catalina)
Dreamy Eyes
Summertime Lies
She Was Five and He Was Ten
Down by the Station (Early in the Morning)
Got a Girl
More Money for You and Me: Mr. Blue/Alley Oop/Smoke Gets in Your Eyes/
The Big Draft: I'll Never Smile Again/Love Is a Many Splendored Thing/
Great Songs Medley:
A Letter to the Beatles
Let's Call It a Day Girl
Draftdodger Rag

Hollywood High's class of 1955 included The Four Preps, who were shamed to memorize a Four Lads album to audition for the Senior Talent Show because 35 girls tried out and no boys. Shopping a recording of a show they did at a UCLA sorority to various agencies, the Preps landed a seven-year recording contract at Capitol Records, for whom they recorded several pop hits. "26 Miles" (Santa Catalina) was first rejected by Capitol, until they played it for Nancy Sinatra at a party, who loved it. Capitol relented, and it climbed to #2 pop and #6 R&B in 1958. "Big Man," "Dreamy Eyes," "Down By the Station" (Early In the Morning) were all (accompanied) pop favorites, but the Four's sense of humor and gift of doing impressions of other groups really shine on "Got A Girl," the live cuts "More Money for You and Me" (medley), "The Big Draft," "Great Songs Medley" and "A Letter to the Beatles," which was withdrawn after the Fab 4 threatened legal action (no sense of humor, apparently). A cover of Phil Och's "DraftDodger Rag" and the group-written "The Big Draft" try to be funny, but the idea of being drafted and sent to Vietnam was not, so these seem naïve to us now. The Preps had a fun 12 years together before going their separate successful ways in the entertainment industry. "Absolutely" has the best recordings from this heady period, a long way from Hollywood High, and there's a lot of good, funny stuff here!

Listen to Lazy Summer Night in Real Audio.

4647 CD $11.98

Four Preps: Collectors Series

The Four Preps were a wholesome, clean-cut group who had 13 chart hits between 1956 and 1964. A Capitol Records scout discovered them while they were performing at a Hollywood High talent show. Among their biggest hits included in this 20-track collection are "26 Miles (Santa Catalina)", "Big Man", and "Down By The Station (Early In The Morning)". One of the Preps, Glen Larson, later became the well-known TV producer of "McCloud", "Quincy", "Battlestar Gallactica", "Magnum P.I.", "The Fall Guy" and others.

Listen to Dreamy Eyes in Real Audio.

4648 CD $14.98

The Gaylords: Tell Me You're Mine

With a 50-year, two-generation career in show business, The Gaylords are a very popular pre-rock vocal trio. This is the most complete collection of The Gaylords work, 54 tracks, including 11 of Ronnie Gaylord's solo work. Featuring all their charting hits: Tell Me You're Mine, Ramona, Spinning A Web, The Strings of My Heart and From the Vine Came The Grape. Including extensive liner notes and an interview with the founding member Burt Bonaldi.

7645 2CDs $18.95

The Hi-Lo's

The name Gene Puerling has been inseparable from vocal jazz since he founded the Hi-Lo's in 1953. The quartet, which preferred not to be categorized, was highly influential in many musical forms throughout the '50s & '60s. Traditional musical categories can't even describe them. They sang pop, jazz, barbershop, calypso, folk, bossa-nova and musical theater.

Listen To The Hi-Lo's!

June In January
Little White Lies
I Don't Want To Cry Anymore
She's Funny That Way
Whatever Lola Wants
Island of Desire
You Brought A New Kind of Love To Me
Fools Rush In
Have You Met Ms. Jones?
Where Are You?
You Can't Hardly Get Them No More

Here's the recording that started the career of quite possibly the best vocal jazz arranger ever and certainly one of our favorites. In April 1953 24-year-old Gene Puerling and his friend Bob Strasen met Clark Burroughs and Bob Morse within a week of moving to Los Angeles and together formed the Hi-Lo's. Taking their name from the incredible vocal range they covered between them it was also true that, while Puerling and Burroughs were five feet seven and five feet five respectively, Morse and Strasen topped six feet. Recorded for Starlite Records and released in 1954 "Listen to The Hi-Lo's" received rich praise from the critics and led to a series of titles on Starlight which included collaborations with Frank Comstock. Gene Puerling's genius in arranging complex yet pleasing vocal arrangements is apparent from the very first track on this historic recording which is here released for the first time on CD. This import has the original liner notes and the earliest photographs we have seen of the group and shows how young they were when they first found success. This is a collector's title that will gather no dust on your shelf, as you will be listening to it time and time again. Fabulous!

Listen to Fools Rush In in Real Audio.

7488 CD $15.98

Suddenly It's The Hi-Lo's / Harmony In Jazz

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries
Deep Purple
My Sugar Is So Refined
Grahms Lullaby
The Desert Song
Stormy Weather
I Married An Angel
Tenderly
Down The Old Ox Road
Love Walked-In
Basin Street Blues
Fascinatin' Rhythm
Small Fry
Love Locked Out
Lady In Red
Some Minor Changes
Then I'll Be Tired Of You
Moon Faced, Starry-Eyed
Of Thee I Sing
Goody Goody
Indiana (Back Home Again In Indiana)
Dancing On The Ceiling

Though the Hi-Lo's never had any significant impact on the charts, their influence was profound indeed, and later pop harmony groups such as the Beach Boys are much in their debt. Founded by Gene Puerling, who as their arranger must be given credit for the sound they pioneered, the Hi-Lo's versions of standards such as "Fascinatin' Rhythm," "Tenderly" (arranged by the illustrious Clare Fischer) and "Stormy Weather" are definitely immortal. Contemporary listeners are fortunate indeed that these early recordings are now being re-released in CD format. All twenty-three of these accompanied songs were compiled from their years at Columbia (1956-61), and the track list includes "My Sugar Is So Refined," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Deep Purple," (the latter was also recorded by the Ravens). "Sugar" opens with a classical flute melody and then explodes into a brassy blast of ear candy; "Sweet Chariot" has the swing feel of a Western musical hoedown.

Listen to Tenderly in Real Audio.

4214 CD $14.98

The Hi-Lo's: This Time It's Love

I really don't have to go into who the Hi-Lo's were, or how their sound defined jazz and pop singing from the 1950s on, do I? Good! This CD starts with an lp, originally released on Columbia Records in 1962, "This Time It's Love," of 12 (accompanied by an Orchestra conducted by Clare Fischer) love songs, and then goes on to add 14 bonus tracks, including 3 previously unreleased tracks--a generous helping of classic Hi-Lo's. The title tune, "More Than You Know," "The Second Time Around," "Besame Mucho," "Only Forever," "There's a Small Hotel"--these songs by the Hi-Lo's are listed in the dictionary under "romantic." Why? Because we can understand every word, and, dammit, we believe every word they're singing! The previously unreleased tracks are "The Ever-Changing Plains," "Nobody's Heart" and "Camelot." One song, the lovely "Star Carol" is a cappella. Tremendous value, great music! Songlist

Listen to "A Lot of Livin To Do" and Besame Mucho in Real Audio.

4520 CD $15.98

The Hi-Lo's: Happen To Bossa Nova / Happen to Folk Songs

Here, in their full glory, are the first two releases the group recorded on Reprise. This is classic stuff as these vocal masters explore two different musical genres with their usual sophistication and expertise. They use the most difficult form of voice pattern. Unlike many vocal groups, which keeps to intervals of thirds fifths and ninths, The Hi-Lo's apply intricate harmonies, moving tones, and suspended chord intervals using about every altered degree of the solmization scale in their arrangements. There are many gems including the practically a cappella "Black Is The Color of My True Love's Hair" featuring a rare solo exquisitely sung by Clark Burroughs and most of the vocal arrangements are by the man himself, Gene Puerling. The majority of these tracks have not been previously released on CD making this a great addition to all of their fans collection. Includes original LP art work and liner notes. Songlist

Listen to "Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair" in Real Audio.

4479 CD $15.98

The Hi-Lo's: Clap Yo' Hands

Comprising two of their records from the 1950's-1954's "I Presume" and 1958's "In Stereo"-"Clap Yo' Hands" captures the close harmony sound of the Hi-Lo's, who defined the vocal jazz of their era. The playground for the talents of the brilliant arranger Gene Puerling, who went on to form the Singers Unlimited, the Hi-Lo's toured with theJudy Garland show and sang with legends such as Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney. These tracks are orchestrated (by Frank Comstock, who backed the group on many early recordings) and include wonderful standards such as "Summertime," "Long Ago and Far Away," "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Though we hadn't heard the CD at presstime, we have it on good authority that "Clap Yo' Hands" includes some of the group's finest recordings. Songlist

Listen to Clap Yo' Hands in Real Audio.

4213 CD $11.98

The Hi-Lo's: Love Nest / All Over The Place

A new release from the Hi-Lo's is always a welcome occurrence but especially so on this disc which features two of their finest recordings; the 1959 "Love Nest" and the 1960 "All Over the Place". Accompanied by their long time collaborators The Frank Comstock Orchestra and with vocal arrangements from the incomparable Gene Puerling, this is some of the finest vocal jazz you could have the pleasure of hearing. This recording features many Hi-Lo's gems that have not been available on previously released compilations with such classics as "Fairyland", "Isle of Capri", "April in Fairbanks" and "Island of the West Indies" among others. The Hi-Lo's were at the height of their fame when they recorded these albums and were recent winners of reader's poll in both Downbeat and Playboy and were performing regularly around the country. These sophisticated, bright and swinging arrangements overjoyed both critics and public alike and we feel confident you, as vocal harmony fans, will be equally bowled over. Songlist

Listen to "Fairyland"and My Romance in Real Audio.

4447 CD $15.98

The Hi-Lo's: Cherries And Other Delights

The Hi-lo's were formed in April of l953 by bass singer and arranger Gene Puerling. Their tight, close, ringing harmonies are applied to an eclectic variety of music, barbershop, folk, bossa nova etc. etc. All the songs are accompanied by a three piece combo of piano, bass, and drums except for the extremely beautiful "Down By The Sally Gardens." Aside from the title track other well known tunes are "Lazy Afternoon," "Georgia On My Mind," "Fascinatin' Rhythm" and "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby." On less well known tunes they rock, they jazz it up, they visit Hawaii. They are formidable! Songlist

Listen to Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries in Real Audio.

4204 CD $10.98

The Hi-Lo's: Under Glass / I Presume

A spate of Hi-Lo's albums have been recently released on CD, but this may be the most auspicious re-emergence yet: the Hi-lo's first two records, paired up for over an hour's worth of great listening. Though some of the cuts can be found on other recordings, the a cappella "Molly Malone" and "Through The Years" aren't available anywhere else, and the remarkable harmonizations that were Gene Puerling's unique artistry are gloriously displayed in a riot of tonal color. Also, "Georgia On My Mind," and "They Don't Believe Me," from their first 1953 recording session for Trend, are included; the latter was on the previously available "Nice Work If You Can Get It" CD, which has since been discontinued. Anyway, suffice it to say, that among the vocal harmony groups of the 1950's, the Hi-lo's were much imitated, but never duplicated, and their appeal is timeless. Mostly accompanied, with orchestrations by frequent music director Frank Comstock. Songlist

Listen to Molly Malone in Real Audio.

4792 CD $15.98

The Hi-Lo's: Now Hear This / Broadway Playbill

We admit we're unabashed Hi-Lo's devotees, and the love fest continues with this latest re-issue, comprising 1957's "Now Hear This" and 1960's "Broadway Playbill." What's exceptional about this collection - aside from the performances themselves, of course - is that 18 of the 25 tracks aren't presently available anywhere else. For example, the Hi-lo's arrangements of "My Favorite Things" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," from the "Sound Of Music" had been only a memory until now! Yes, they're accompanied (with orchestrations by Frank Comstock and Warren Barker), but the vocals are so prominent that there's no doubt who's in charge here. The many moods of Gene Puerling's often-imitated style run the gamut from sheer joy ("Sunnyside Up") to the purest expression of longing ("There's No You'). The Hi-Lo's capture the essence of emotion that is music.

Listen to Camptown Races in Real Audio.

4311 CD $15.98

The Hi-Lo's: Ring Around Rosie (w/ Rosemary Clooney)

Rosemary's "friends" on "Ring Around Rosie" are none other than the Hi-Lo's! (She is accompanied by Harry James on "Hollywood's Best.") The dozen songs on "Ring Around Rosie," though not a cappella, are some of the loveliest in the canon of American popular song. Clooney's straightforward and unmannered style is immediate and engaging, in contrast to the Hi-lo's more modern jazz phrasing; together, they offer the best of both. For example, the Hi-lo's trade verses with Rosie on "How About You," and outline chords behind her with brilliantly hued swipes; when they harmonize, as they do, fittingly, on "Together," one can feel the appreciation flowing. Her "Everything Happens To Me" conveys the song's gloomy irony by virtue of the plainness of its delivery. The Hi-Lo's are sans Rosie on "I Could Write A Book," "Coquette" and "Solitude"; the latter two are presently unavailable on any other recording. "Hollywood's Best" features big band arrangements of movie themes, and Clooney's first million-selling record, "Come On-A My House." Songlist

Listen to I Could Write A Book in Real Audio.

4798 CD $15.98

Ink Spots: We Four- The Best of The Ink Spots

We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)
If I Didn't Care
Maybe
When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano
I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire
Address Unkown
Do I Worry?
So Sorry
Prisoner of Love
I'd Climb the Highest Mountain
Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
The Gipsy
My Prayer
Puttin' and Takin'
Whispering Grass
Thoughtless
Ev'ry Night About This Time
To Each His Own
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
I'm Beginning to See the Light
Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat
Until the Real Thing Comes Along
When the Sun Goes Down
Bless You

Formed in 1934, the original three Ink Spots were soon heard regularly on the air and had a few recording sessions, but were on the verge of giving up when in 1939 they finally had a hit record with the song "If I Didn't Care." The magic ingredients, the soaring falsetto voice of Bill Kenny and the sonorous tones of "Hoppy" Jones in a laid-back, talking chorus, together with the distinctive guitar intro, introduced a languid and sentimental style and became the hallmark for many hit records. 24 of those hits (we just love the sheer quantity of music and value of these remastered, re-issued "best-of" collections by classic vocal groups) are featured on "The Best Of." "We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)," Maybe," "When The Swallows Come Back to Capistrano," "I Don't Want To Set The World," "Do I Worry," "Prisoner of Love," "The Gypsy," "Puttin' and Takin'," "Whispering Grass," "Ev'ry Night About This Time," "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat," "When The Sun Goes Down"… these are all very similar in their style, their light guitar and piano accompaniment, sweet, affected vocals, bluesy sentimentality and total coolness!

Listen to So Sorry in Real Audio

4617 CD $14.98

Ink Spots: More Memories

This CD is basically "The Best of The Ink Spots," part 2. The four Ink Spots recorded for the American Decca label from 1936 to 1951, and during that time made it to the Top 30 Hit Parade Charts with no fewer than 46 titles. Of these, 20 reached the Top 10, 6 of them making it to the number 1 slot, a phenomenal record! Here are 24 more of those hits and lesser-known but interesting titles, three of which, "I Wish I Could Say the Same," "Why Didn't You Tell Me" and "Don't Break A Promise," are re-issued here for the first time. The Spots' distinctive guitar intro, soaring falsetto of Bill Kenny, and "Hoppy" Jones' talking chorus are present on some of these songs, absent on others. "I Cover the Waterfront," "Java Jive," "Stop Pretending," "Slap That Bass," "It Isn't A Dream Anymore," "Please Take A Letter, Miss Brown," "I'll Get By," "You Were Only Fooling"… these are romantic, sentimental, the-definition-of-cool, rarely-heard tunes by one of the most influential vocal groups of the 30s, 40s and 50s, and lots of them!

Listen to Slap That Bass in Real Audio

4618 CD $14.98

Ink Spots: Street of Dreams

Twenty five track compilation brings together greatest hits from the legendary vocal group's early career in the 1930s, and it features their original lineup, incuding the songs "Knock-Kneed Sal," "I'm Beginning To See The Light" & "When The Sun Goes Down"

7482 CD $11.98

Kirby Stone Four: The "Go" Sound / The Kirby Stone Touch

The "I Had a Dream" Rock
Coffee Time
S'posin'
You're My Thrill
Spring Is Here
The Pussy Foot
You Do Something To Me
Don't Cry Joe
Buck Dance
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
Fake Out Baby
Sweet Nothings
Volare
When The Sun Comes Out
Everything's Coming Up Roses
When Your Lover Has Gone
Hambone
Ti-Pi-Tin
I Love Paris
Lullaby of Birdland
Lasus Trombone
I Love You
Red Shoes
Don't Stop

In 1959 The Kirby Stone Four developed a unique "feel free" vocal jazz sound, a blend of Jazz, Swing and The Big Beat<ETH>a happy sound that became a trend called the "Go" Sound. The group is kind of a cross between the Hi-Lo's and the Four Freshmen, and we get 2 LPs-worth (24 songs) of jazz-band accompanied, bright, fast-moving, 50s jazz-pop. Some of our favorites: "Coffee Time," "The Pussy Foot," "Don't Cry Joe," "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," "Fake Out Baby," "Volare," "Hambone," "I Love Paris," "Lullaby of Birdland," "Red Shoes" and "Don't Stop," but they're all a kick!

Listen to I Love You in RealAudio.

4476 CD $14.98

Kirby Stone Four: Baubles, Bangles and Beads

Originally an instrumental quintet, the KS4 became a vocal foursome before making a name for themselves in nightclubs and local television shows. Kirby Stone Eddie Hall, Larry Foster and Mike Gardner had a hip brand of humor and a distinctive, upbeat, swinging style. They came to prominence in 1958 with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, which led to a Columbia Records contract, and the release of "Man, I Flipped When I Heard the Kirby Stone Four." 1958 was also the year they had a Top 30 single with their extremely original cover of "Baubles, Bangles And Beads," from the 1953 Broadway musical Kismet which was nominated for a GRAMMY. The attached album, on this CD, reached the US Top 20. There are 12 (accompanied) songs here, from what Kirby called a "happy show," all upbeat, somewhat irreverent, jazzy and fun: the title tune, "Bidin' My Time," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Fugue For Tinhorns," "In The Good Old Summertime," "Rain," "Zing! Went The Strings of My Heart," "Let's Do It," "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street," "Swinging Down The Lane," "Lady Love Me" and "Whispering." We don't think it's physically possible to listen to "Baubles" and feel down at the same time!

Listen to When My Sugar Walks Down The Street in RealAudio.

4477 CD $14.98


The Lettermen: Song For Young Love / Once Upon A Time

A Song For Love
I'll Be Seeing You
Smile
It Happenend Once Before
When I Fall In Love
The Way You Look Tonight
Come Back Silly Girl
Valley High
In The Still Of The Night
Dreamer
There's Got To Be A Girl
Blueberry Hill
Time Was
Young and Foolish
Lover's Beach
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Evening Rain
Once Upon A Time
How Is Julie
My Funny Valentine
Remembering Last Summer
Sixteen Reasons WhyI Love You
Summer's Gone
Turn Around Look At Me

The Lettermen had 32, count ’em, 32 charting albums, each a model of close-harmony adult pop, and not ONE of them is on CD! Such a situation fairly begs for a Collectors’ Choice Music reissue, and we’re happy to oblige, offering their first two albums—FYI, "A Song for Young Love" was their highest-charting release, at #6 in 1962—on one 24-track CD.

Listen to "Young and Foolish" in Real Audio.

7489 CD $14.98

The Lettermen: Collectors Series

The centerfold of the liner notes for this CD is a montage of more than a dozen Lettermen album covers. The rest of the notes has some nice color pictures of the trio, and a simple list of the 23 "best of" songs, beginning with "The Way You Look Tonight," recorded in February of 1961 (which reached #13 on the pop charts), and ending chronologically with "If You Feel the Way I Do," recorded in August, 1975. In between are consistently popular (all accompanied) romantic "slow dance" songs, "When I Fall In Love" (#7 on the charts), "Come Back Silly Girl" (#17), "Silly Boy" (#81), "Theme from A Summer Place" (#16), "Sealed with a Kiss," "Medley: Goin' Out of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" (#7), "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" (#44), "Hurt So Bad" (#12) and John Lennon's "Love" (#42). There's no bio or history of the group, it's assumed we know all about their remarkable career, and lets this sincere, possibly sappy, romantic music speak for itself. Fair enough! Those of us who have slow danced to this music will always be touched by it - the sweet harmonies, the lyrical sentiments of young love, the sweeping orchestral strings, oboes and horns—it chronicles a simpler time, a time of innocence and sweet music to fall in and out of love to.

4749 CD $11.98

The Lettermen: Absolutely The Best of