Various Rare 1950s Boston Doo Wops Vol.4 (CD)

(Eagle Records) 28 tracks

On this 4th compilation of rare BOSTON DOO-WOPS, collectors are treated to another batch of fine vintage issued (along with many unissued) sounds from Massachusetts vocal groups. First heard are the EXOTICS, who hailed form the Roxbury section of Boston. Next are the legendary DAPPERS, also from Roxbury. Then, we hear the MINT JULEPS and the HEARTSPINNERS, both from Springfield, Mass. Next heard are the HOT TAMALES (see front photo), followed by TOMMY FREDERICK and the HI-NOTES (aka „VIBRA-TONES" on ABC-PARAMOUNT), from Cambridge, who also had a release on CARLTON (see vols. *1 & 2).

More superb trax by the DAPPERS are followed by the ALTEERS, who also hailed from Roxbury. Next are ERNEST LeBLANC and the SPOTLIGHTERS from Worcester, and the CRESCENTS, who were from the Haverhill area. LITTLE AUGIE AUSTIN and the CHROMATICS, from Roxbury, are followed by the DAHLIA'S (on BIG RECORD), from Everett. This is followed by an early unissued „demo" from the MAJESTICS (who were later on SIOUX, 20th CENT. FOX and FOXIE), also from Everett. Next, courtesy of "BIG JOHN' BELMONTE, are some unissued acetates by the ANGELETTES and the OCTAINES, recorded in 1959 and 1958.

Next we hear the EMBERTONES and the AMBASSADORS, who were both from the Worcester area, then „BOBBY and the CORAL-TONES', from south of Boston. Next we hear EVERETT STATION (from a rehearsal session), who were also , logically, from Everett. This is followed by an unissued acappella recording by SOUND REUNION, the group that evolved into the very popular STREETCORNER SERENADE (STARLIGHT label). This early track features original member WALTER „BUDDY" WALSH. The LENDOWS were from LYNN, and the FIVE G'S, with one highly sought after release from 1963, hailed from the Quincy area.

This is followed by an acappella gem from SPECIAL DELIVERY from Malden (no connection at all to the group recording today on CLIFTON). This track features on lead, the legednary TONY LaVERDE, a well-respected local singer, whose death at an early age robbed us of a great talent. Last, but not least, heard is a superb „live" unissued track by GEORGE MOONOOGIAN and his SERENDERS, who's version of the KINGSMEN (CLUB 51 Record) „Don't say you're sorry" is classic R&B, and hilarious at the same time (listen to the spoken part in the middle!)