Even better than I had a right to expect!!!
Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 12/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When you stop and think about it, the great Jackie Wilson was really just kind of "warming up" during his splendid stint as the young lead singer of Billy Ward and the Dominoes. When the legendary Clyde McPhatter left the Dominoes to pursue a solo career in 1952, Billy Ward was savvy enough to hire Jackie Wilson to replace him. And although the style of the music would change a bit the results were still the same. Billy Ward and His Dominoes continued to churn out some of the finest R&B sides of the 1950's.
Varese Sarabande has done themselves proud in this brand new 2004 collection. You will find 17 sensational tracks from the King/Federal vaults. Those who like down and dirty blues will enjoy tunes like "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down" and "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town". Gospel fans are sure to appreciate the 1954 release "Above Jacobs Ladder". But in his heart of hearts Jackie Wilson was a crooner who most enjoyed belting out a love song. Happily, there are several outstanding examples of that on this disc. I would call to your attention first and foremost Jackie's incredible vocal performance on "Three Coins In The Fountain". You might recall the Four Aces version that was a huge hit on the pop charts. Jackie Wilson will make you forget all about that one. You thought you liked Tony Bennett's "Rags To Riches"? Tell me what you think after you hear Jackie belt out the same tune. And there are several more outstanding vocal performances here including "Tenderly", "St Louis Blues" and "Learnin' The Blues" from 1955. And as an added bonus the folks at Varese Sarabande have added a couple of extremely rare tracks to this collection from Jackie Wilson's days at tiny Dee Gee records.
"The Rainy Day Blues" and "Danny Boy" were tunes that were released before Jackie joined Billy Ward. A real treat!
As the title of my review indicates, this collection was even better than I expected. There is also a well done 8 page booklet included and the remastering job is top notch! Jackie Wilson would achieve stardom as a solo artist at Brunswick Records after he left Billy Ward. But this collection is compelling evidence that some of his very finest sides may well have been recorded with Billy Ward and the Dominoes. Grab this disc, give it a listen and see what you think!!!"
Mr ward
michael fisher | los angeles,ca usa | 03/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"the man who was rock and roll. clyde,bill, jackie and gene. little things mean a lot"
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1