Goldwax Recordings, The - Ovations & Louis Williams

Advantages: A brilliant lost gem of a talent. Respect to the man!
Disadvantages: This is almost his entire recorded work!

...Spencer Wiggins, in common with many of his contemporaries such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Same Cooke and many others, first found his voice in the gospel music of his church, as a young boy. The liner notes for this compilation gives his story in much more detail, but by various routes, such as singing in gospel groups, then as a solo singer, he found himself as a professional singer doing revues with other artists and touring the US on the same bill as other, rather better known artists. After a couple of singles he found himself signed to the small Memphis-based Goldwax label. The same label that also provide home to the legendary James Carr and the Ovations, amongst others. Now, some people are Motown buffs and some swear by Stax (the other Memphis based) label. But Goldwax wasn't even in that league, being so shoe... Read review

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Advantages: Extremely Enjoyable Selection of Classic Hits
Disadvantages: Can't think of any

...' 'til You Hear From Me 5.: It Was A Very Good Year 6.: Straighten Up And Fly Right 7.: Well Did You Evah 8.: Mr Bojangles 9.: One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) 10.: Things 11.: Ain't That A Kick In The Head 12.: They Can't Take That Away From Me 13.: Have You Met Miss Jones 14.: Me And My Shadow 15.: Beyond The Sea (CD/MC) *I Will Talk Hollywood Will Listen was written by Robert Williams and Guy Chambers. (3:17) *Mack the Knife was written by Marc Blitzstein, Kurt Weill and Betholdt Brecht. Over versions were sung by famous singers such as; Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. (3:18) *Somethin' Stupid was written by Carson Parks and the most famous version was by Frank Sinatra and his daughter Nancy Sinatra in 1967. Robbie duets with Nicole Kidman for this performance. (2:50) *Do... Read review

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Advantages: Original . earthy , leaves you wanting more .
Disadvantages: May not be to everyones taste .

...Bessie Smith-born 15th April1894-died 26th September1937. Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee . She started her career in minstrelsy & vaudeville , she went on to record The St Louis blues & was accompanied by Louis Armstrong on the cornet & Fred Longshaw on the harmonium. The track was written and recorded by the great W.C. Hardy. Bessie Smith ,Vol 2 - St Louis blues is a C.D of original recordings from 1924-1925-featuring Fletcher Henderson . When you listen to this C.D. you can imagine yourself sitting in the front row of the audience watching & listening to some of the greatest musiciansof all time-including :- Fletcher Henderson/piano Don Redman/clarinet Robert Robbins/violin Irving Johns/piano Charlie Green/trombone Joe Smith/cornet Fred Longshaw / piano Louis Armstrong /cornet and piano. Buster... Read review

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