Would you like a sampling of the "negro" vocal group sound of the 1940s and early 1950s without seeking CDs of individual groups? This CD, released by the WestSide label of England in 1998, is probably the best such package available.
22 selections by 9 groups, recorded between 1939 and 1952 appear on this CD, and are pretty close to the "cream" of the style and period. The groups represented are the Four Clefs, the Cats & The Fiddle, the Lewis Bronzeville Five, The Four Vagabonds, the Aristo-Kats, the Deep River Boys, Bill Johnson & His Musical Notes, the Delta Rhythm Boys, and Steve Gibson & The Red Caps.
The accompanying booklet gives a brief biography of each group and full discographical information concerning the numbers contained in this compilation.
In two words: Git it!
Dates shown are recording session dates.
Track Listing:
1. The Jive Is Jumpin' - The Four Clefs (RCA Bluebird #B-8297) - 5 Jun 1939
2. I Like Pie, I Like Cake - The Four Clefs (RCA Bluebird #B-8884) - 5 Jun 1939
3. V-Day Stomp - The Four Clefs (RCA Bluebird #34-0726) - 26 Feb 1945
4. When I'm Low I Get High - The Four Clefs (Unreleased) - 26 Feb 1945
5. Gang Busters - The Cats & The Fiddle (RCA Bluebird #B-8248) - 27 Jun 1939
6. I Miss You So - The Cats & The Fiddle (RCA Bluebird #B-8429) - 7 Dec 1939
7. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water - The Cats & The Fiddle (RCA Bluebird #B-8402) - 27 Jun 1939
8. Nuts To You - The Cats & The Fiddle (RCA Bluebird #B-8216) - 27 Jun 1939
9. That's On, Jack, That's On - The Cats & The Fiddle (RCA Bluebird #B-8488) - 7 Dec 1939
10. Low Down Gal Blues - Lewis Bronzeville Five (RCA Bluebird #B-8460) - 11 Apr 1940
11. Natchez Mississippi Blues - Lewis Bronzeville Five (RCA Bluebird #B-8445) - 9 May 1940
12. Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer - Four Vagabonds (RCA Bluebird #30-0815) - 26 May 1943
13. Rosie the Riveter - Four Vagabonds (RCA Bluebird #30-0810) - 15 Jan 1943
14. Jack, You're Dead - Aristo-Kats (RCA Victor #20-2243) - 17 Feb 1947
15. Watch Yourself Baby - Aristo-Kats (RCA Victor #20-1954) - 19 Jun 1946
16. That Chick's Too Young To Fry - Deep River Boys (RCA Victor #20-1863) - 4 Apr 1946
17. Elevator Boogie - Bill Johnson & His Musical Notes (RCA Victor #20-3108) - 6 Aug 1947
18. Shorty's Got To Go - Bill Johnson & His Musical Notes (RCA Victor #20-2225) - 6 Mar 1947
19. One O'Clock Jump - Delta Rhythm Boys (RCA Victor #20-2463) - 27 Apr 1947
20. Take The "A" Train - Delta Rhythm Boys (RCA Victor #20-2461) - 27 Apr 1947
21. I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive - Delta Rhythm Boys (RCA Victor #20/47-5094) - 21 Nov 1952
22. Boogie Woogie On A Saturday Night- Steve Gibson & The Red Caps (RCA Victor #20/47-4294) - 18 Jun 1951
