Basin Street Boys

Ormonde Wilson and The Basin Street Boys were a vocal / instrumental group from Philadelphia. Like such contemporary 1940's (pre doo wop) vocal groups as The Cats and Fiddle and Four Vagabonds they based their style, in part, on the hugely popular Ink Spots. Working swanky nightclubs they sung a mixture of pop tunes, jazz-flavored jive novelties, ballads and occasionally injecting some blues flavor. The burbling bass sounds and floating tenor style that was to mark early 50's doo wop had not yet emerged and their contemporaries specialized in tight, clean harmony singing, sometimes baked up by fine jazz musicians. The group began recording for Exclusive Records in 1946 and enjoyed their biggest hit that year with the ballad I Sold My Heart To The Junkman which enjoyed chart success.

Discography

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.

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