Group Harmony & Jump: Dig Masters Vol 5 Various Artists (Johnny Otis)

£11.70

Genre:
Doo Wop
Label:
Ace Records
Format:
CD
Catalogue Id:
CDCHD 759

Johnny Otis has turned his hand to an amazing number of contrasting musical pursuits over a career spanning more than half a century. Bandleader, record producer, talent scout, label owner, night club manager, DJ, TV variety show host, author, R&B pioneer and rock and roll star - Otis has fitted all those descriptions and quite a few more. Not bad for a Greek-American who loved jazz and R&B so fervently that he adopted the black American culture as his own. His labels Dig, and its subsidiary, Eldo, have been subject to a comprehensive reissue programme, highlighting the entrepreneur's musical sensibilities. Now reaching its fifth volume, this is the second in the series featuring vocal groups. It also covers vocalists who are accompanied by uncredited backing groups. Many of these are previously unissued titles.

In his role as a bandleader, Johnny Otis used singers like Mel Walker, Redd Lyte, Little Esther and a vocal group, the Robins, who worked on many of his Savoy recordings. Later he recorded groups such as the Sultans, the Lamplighters, the Sheiks, the Tenderfoots, the Cats and the Peacocks. When he established Ultra/Dig in late 1955 he auditioned hundreds of aspiring groups and single artists and he cut sessions on the best, many of which were conducted by Otis himself. Later he employed tenor sax giant, Jack Kelso, as his A&R head and arranger.

A few of the artists had never previously made recordings, and there were several tape boxes that were missing artist credits. They may have been groups moonlighting, a theory borne out as some have the group marked as "Phantoms" on the boxes. Otis had limited funds to operate his labels and distribution was always a problem. This meant that many masters stayed in the can, and some of these will never be identified. Most of the unissued performances are of good quality and we must be grateful that Otis had the foresight to keep most of his old material. We can now enjoy unreleased sides by greats like Tony Allen, the Senders, Prentice Moreland, the Click-Clacks, Harold Lewis and many others.

By Ray Topping

Share

Track listing

Show

Side 1

  • 01 Preview Crazy Little Beat - The Phantoms

  • 02 Preview My Delores - The Phantoms

  • 03 Preview Well Done - The Phantoms

  • 04 Preview My Sister Mildred - The Phantoms

  • 05 Preview Why Did You Go Away? - Henry Strogin & the Crowns

  • 06 Preview I Found An Angel - Tony Allen

  • 07 Preview I'm Dreaming (Version 1) - Tony Allen

  • 08 Preview I'm In Love - The Teenettes

  • 09 Preview Way Down In My Heart - Abe Moore

  • 10 Preview Symbol of Heaven - Little Julian Herrera

  • 11 Preview Here In My Arms - Little Julian Herrera

  • 12 Preview Lonely Lonely Nights - Little Julian Herrera

  • 13 Preview Congratulations - Jimmy Stephens

  • 14 Preview Star of Love - Tony Allen

  • 15 Preview I'm Just A Lonely Fellow - The Senders

  • 16 Preview Uh Oh Treat Me Right - The Senders

  • 17 Preview Don't Cry - The Videls

  • 18 Preview Oh! Baby - The Videls

  • 19 Preview I'm Still Your Fool - Tony Allen

  • 20 Preview Eagle Eyed Willie - The Senders

  • 21 Preview A Teardrop Falls - The Click-Clacks

  • 22 Preview Baby I'm In The Mood For Love - The Click-Clacks

  • 23 Preview Don't Ever Leave Me - Sugar Pie & Pee Wee

  • 24 Preview Ding Dong (Saw Wood Mountain) - The Ding Dongs

  • 25 Preview The Drums In My Heart - Harold Lewis

  • 26 Preview My Mother's Eyes - Prentice Moreland

Delivery & Returns

Show

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.

Press quotes

Show

A strong album which will appeal to group fans everywhere.

Blues & Rhythm

Customer reviews

Show

Related products

Customers who bought this item also bought