Search - Billy Ward :: Feat Clyde Mcphatter

Top Notch Vocal Singing

Lee Boyall | Kettering, ENGLAND | 11/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reviewer: Lee Boyall from Kettering, England

You didn't get a role in the Dominoes if you couldn't sing. Billy Ward was a vocal coach and knew talent when he heard it. He formed and run (some say too strictly) the Dominoes from start to finish - early 1950s to mid 1960s. Obviously the 2 most famous singers to come out of the Dominoes by far were Jackie Wilson and Clyde McPhatter. Clyde was actually Jackie's idol, and so a little ironic that when Clyde left for the Drifters, Jackie was the (very young) man to replace him in the Dominoes. In most cases, artists records before they hit the big time are quite frankly rubbish - not so here. It's obvious Jackie Wilson must have been able to sing at age 2. Jackie's young but incredibly mature performances were nothing short of breath-taking, heart-stopping, powerful, beautiful - even in the same single song. On this CD, Jackie sings lead on 6 tracks: 'Tenderly', 'Learnin' The Blues', 'Three Coins In The Fountain', 'Little Things Mean A Lot, 'Rags To Riches', & 'Until The Real Thing Comes Along'. Listen as Jackie, just 19! tears into 'Rags To Riches' and leaves all who have ever sung this great song to hang their heads in shame. I'll say it again, just 19 years of age. This CD release is an exact re-issue of the original LP released by King Records in 1961 - long, long after Clyde had left, with Jackie well into his own incredible solo career. Awesome re-issue and VERY highly recommended to anybody who cares to listen to a real singers. CD sound quality is excellent. Only gripe? Inlay is just basic with no information, but DO NOT let that put you off. Thankyou Billy Ward, Jackie Wilson, et al.

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