Music City Vocal Groups: Rock'n'Roll It, Mambo, Stroll It (MP3) Various Artists (Music City)

£7.99

Genre:
Doo Wop
Label:
Ace Records
Format:
MP3
Catalogue Id:
DVCHD 1410

This product is also available in these versions:
Music City Vocal Groups: Rock'n'Roll It, Mambo, Stroll It, CD (£11.70)

“Rock’n’Roll It, Mambo, Stroll It” is Ace’s second volume of Music City material devoted to the genre that gave Ray Dobard’s Berkeley, California-based operation its cachet in the record collecting world. Our previous release, “Greasy Love Songs of Teenage Romance, Regret, Hope & Despair”, focused on the ballad material recorded by the many vocal acts that were either signed to the label, or had entered the portals of Dobard’s studio to pitch the entrepreneur their wares. For this set, we showcase the up-tempo aspects of the company’s vocal group roster. Flagship Bay Area acts such the Gaylarks and 4 Deuces are joined by the enticingly arcane Holidays, Spinners and Klixs, and a host of complete unknowns. By definition, the sound is rawer, bluesier and more energetic, with freewheeling harmonies, nonsensical lyrics and a palpable exuberance that derives right from the street.

Although Dobard entertained singing groups at the studio well into the 1960s, his reputation came from sides such as ‘W-P-L-J’ and ‘Ichi-Bon Tami Dachi’ issued in 1954 and 1955. When the first signs of a doo-wop “revival” occurred at the turn of the 60s, Dobard seized on the interest from collectors in his earlier records and instigated a behind-the-counter “dusty record” category, whereby he could sell them at a premium. His tight control on the remaining inventory of singles by the 5 Lyrics, Rovers and Midnights guaranteed their desirability, and likely informed much of the “legend” of Music City as a holy grail of West Coast doo wop.

As with “Greasy Love Songs”, we have assembled a blend of rare singles, differing takes – or alternate versions – of classic Music City doo wop numbers, and many unissued tracks, spanning 1954 through to 1960. When I took delivery of the Music City tapes in early 2008, there was no accompanying inventory, merely dozens of boxes stuffed with reels from the early 1950s through to the late 1970s. Some of the most illuminating alternate takes were discovered on the last few minutes of a tape that might otherwise only include one or two masters at its very start. Dobard seemingly strove to capture as much material as possible from the hopefuls who visited his studio, and Music City’s legacy proves to be an audio-verité document of Bay Area R&B. Digging through it was a marvellous and engaging journey of discovery that made me feel more like a detective than an archivist.

By Alec Palao 

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Side 1

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We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

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