Search - Four Vagabonds :: Four Vagabonds 3: 1943

They rival the Mills Brothers.

Berlioz | San Antonio, Texas USA | 04/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Four Vagabonds were 1940s radio stars who strongly influenced emerging doo-wop and r-and-b stylings. In my opinion, no other vocal group surpasses their ability to stay on pitch and talent for perfect ensemble work. The Vagabond's recorded work spans only the decade beginning in 1941. Unfortunately, much of their material -- in the studio primarily for Apollo Records and in transcriptions for Standard -- consists of trite pop tunes. This third and final release of their complete recordings covers the remaining 1943 Standard transcriptions. The Vagabonds take an accompanying role in 16 tracks here. On those sides, the lead singer is "Janette" -- the notes don't provide a last name. Although the CD notes refer to Janette not being "up to the task", to my ears, she has a mellow, Maxine Sullivanlike delivery and beauty of tone that blends perfectly with the Vagabond's chordal support. The material is better on this CD than the others including some of the finer WWII-era warhorses, and more of the arrangements are uptempo. Whatever you think of the songs, you can't beat this CD for sheer beauty of vocal delivery.

Incidentally, if you want all of the Vagabond's recordings, you'll have to find the Apollo tracks on Relic CD 7135 -- which is now out of print -- in addition to the Document CDs. It's pretty cheesy, though."