This 1998 release on the Dipper label, of Salerno, Italy, contains the complete released output of the group on the Savoy label, plus unreleased sides and the 2 tracks cut by the spinoff group, the Buddies, on the Glory label. The Savoy tracks are arranged chronologically in order of recording, not release.
The Four Buddies came from Baltimore, and began recording for New Jersey entrepreneur Herman Lubinsky's Savoy label in 1950. The group consisted of Leon "Larry" Harrison (first tenor), John "Gregory" Carroll (second tenor), Vernon 'Bert" Palmer (baritone) and William "Tommy" Carter (bass). In 1953, Palmer and Carter left an were replaced by Alvin Bowen and Maurice Hicks. The group broke up around May of 1953. Harrison then formed a new group - "The Buddies" - with Roger Wainwright (second tenor), Luther Dixon (baritone), and Danny Ferguson (bass), which recorded two tracks for the Glory label in 1955.
Extensive liner notes by Vocal Group Harmony expert Marv Goldberg and a "complete" discography of the 4 Buddies on Savoy accompany this CD. To learn more about the group, see Marv Goldberg's in-depth article about the Four Buddies, now in a version updated in 2000.
If you enjoy smooth R&B vocal group ballads, this is an essential acquisution.
Track listing (dates shown are recording dates):
1. Just To See You Smile Again - (Savoy #769) 12 Oct 1950
2. I Will Wait - (Savoy #769) 12 Oct 1950
3. Why At A Time Like This - (Savoy #789) 12 Oct 1950
4. Don't Leave Me Now - (Savoy #779) 12 Oct 1950
5. Sweet Slumber - (Savoy #779) 31 Jan 1951
6. My Summer's Gone - (Savoy #789) 31 Jan 1951
7. Moonlight In Your Eyes - (Unreleased) 31 Jan 1951
8. It Could Have Been Me - (Savoy Jazz LP#2241) 31 Jan 1951
9. Close to You - (Unreleased) 23 May 1951
10. Window Eyes - (Savoy #823) 23 May 1951
11. I'm Yours - (Unreleased) 23 May 1951
12. I Love You, Yes I Do - (Unreleased) 23 May 1951
13. Sweet Tooth For My Baby - (Savoy #866) 23 Aug 1951
14. Heart And Soul - (Savoy #817) 23 Aug 1951
15. Sin (It's No Sin) - (Savoy #817) 23 Aug 1951
16. Simply Say Goodbye - (Savoy #823) 23 Aug 1951
17. Story Blues - (Savoy #845) 4 Oct 1952
18. Nothin' Shakin' Baby - (Unreleased) 4 Oct 1952
19. You're Part Of Me - (Savoy #845) 4 Oct 1952
20. What's the Matter With Me - (Savoy #866) 4 Oct 1952
21. You Left Me - (Savoy Jazz LP #2241) 3 Mar 1953
22. Ooh, Ow - (Savoy #888) 3 Mar 1953
23. Got Everything I Need But You - (Unreleased) 3 Mar 1953
24. My Mother's Eyes - (Savoy #888) 3 Mar 1953
25. I'd Climb The Highest Mountain (with Dolly Cooper) - (Savoy #891) 3 Mar 1953
26. I Waited (The Buddies) - (Glory #230) 1955
27. I Stole Your Heart (The Buddies) - (Glory #230) 1955
