Search - Various Artists :: R&B on Lakewood Boulevard

Ace Records releases the fourth volume of music from the diverse catalogue of Downey Records. While the much-lauded first compilation was an instrumental collection, "Intoxica!"; the second was a rock'n'roll collection , "It Came From The Suburbs"; the third brought us gems from Southern California's post-Beatles teens, "It Came From The Garage"; this is the long-awaited R&B and blues collection from the quirky Downey label. This new compilation brings the fabulous voice of Little Johnny Taylor, just prior to his great Galaxy hit run, including early workouts of some of those hits; some seldom-heard T-Bone Walker Jr.; and some fine harp playing from Ace Holder, plus many unreleased tracks. Our friend from a previous collection, Jessie Hill, makes a welcome re-appearance too. There's even a splash of doo wop. The Downey vaults excavation continues to bring straight-from-the-masters quality, and in doing it, we are still discovering that the released sides (and the two or three hits on the label) were only a small part of the Downey story!