"The Complete Okeh Sessions 1952-55" by BIG MAYBELLE (1994 USA Epic/Legacy/Okeh CD Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Don't Run My Business…" 

One of the original big-framed shouters and reared on Sunday services where singing for the Lord meant reaching the people in the back seats as well as in the Heavens - Tennessee's Mabel Louise Smith (Big Maybelle) could probably floor a male suitor by just opening her mouth from a mile away. Yet beneath that huge brassy voice and sassy stage persona (backed by saxophones and a blistering rhythm section) beat the heart of a big softie and a habitual substance abuser. Perhaps it was a combination of all these things that imbibed her driving R'n'B with such pathos, fun and pain - all at the same time. Here are the 'just want your love' details...

USA released August 1994 on CD - "The Complete Okeh Sessions 1952-55" by BIG MAYBELLE on Epic/Legacy/Okeh EK 53417 (Barcode 886972504322) CD breaks down as follows (73:48 minutes):

1. Just Want Your Love (1953 USA 7" single Okeh 6955, B-side to "Way Back Home")

2. So Good To My Baby (first appeared 1983 USA 2LP set "The Okeh Sessions" on Epic EG 38456)

3. Gabbin' Blues (Don't Run My Business) (1953 USA 7" single Okeh 6931, A - reissued on Okeh 7069 - see 22 for B-side)

4. My Country Man (1953 USA 7"single on Okeh 7009, A)

5. Rain Down Rain (1953 USA 7" single Okeh 6931, B-side of "Gabbin' Blues (Don't Run My Business)")

6. Way Back Home (1953 USA 7" single Okeh 6955, A)

7. Please Stay Away From My Sam (first appeared 1983 USA 2LP set "The Okeh Sessions" on Epic EG 38456)

8. Jinny Mule (1953 USA 7"single on Okeh 6998, B-side to "Send For Me")

9. Send For Me (1953 USA 7"single on Okeh 6998, A)

10. Maybelle's Blues (1953 USA 7"single on Okeh 7009, B-side of "My Country Man")

11. I've Got A Feelin' (1954 USA 7"single on Okeh 7026, A)

12. You'll Never Know (1954 USA 7"single on Okeh 7026, B-side of "I've Got A Feelin'")

13. No More Trouble Out Of Me (first appeared 1983 USA 2LP set "The Okeh Sessions" on Epic EG 38456)

14. My Big Mistake (1954 USA 7"single on Okeh 7042, A)

15. Ain't No Use (1955 USA 7"single on Okeh 7053, A)

16. I'm Getting `Long Alright (1954 USA 7"single on Okeh 7042, B-side of "My Big Mistake")

17. You'll Be Sorry (first appeared 1983 USA 2LP set "The Okeh Sessions" on Epic EG 38456)

18. Hair Dressin' Women (first appeared 1983 USA 2LP set "The Okeh Sessions" on Epic EG 38456)

19. One Monkey Don't Stop No Show (1955 USA 7"single on Okeh 7060, B-side of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On")

20. Don't Leave Poor Me (1955 USA 7"single on Okeh 7053, B-side of "Ain't No Use")

21. Ain't To Be Played With (first appeared 1983 USA 2LP set "The Okeh Sessions" on Epic EG 38456)

22. New Kind Of Mambo (1956 USA 7" single on Okeh 7069, B-side of "Gabbin' Blues" reissue)

23. Ocean Of Tears (first appeared on the July 1993 Various Artists 3CD Box Set "The Okeh Rhythm And Blues Story 1949-1957" on Epic/Legacy/Okeh E3K 48912)

24. Whole Lot Of Shakin' Goin' On (1955 USA 7"single on Okeh 7060, A)

25. The Other Night (1956 USA 7"single on Okeh 7066, B-side of "Such A Cutie")

26. Such A Cutie (1956 USA 7"single on Okeh 7066, A)

The 12-page booklet has excellent liner notes from PETER GRENDYSA (who did both of The Chess Blues and Rhythm and Roll 4CD Box Sets) with the text peppered by Columbia/Okeh trade adverts ("Gabbin' Blues b/w Rain Down Man") and a photo of her live on a Detroit stage in 1956 mid rapture (a great snap). But the big news is stunning VIC ANESINI/WARREN BEBERG remasters and transfers - clean, clear and full of amazing Fifties echo and presence. This CD is gorgeous audio-wise (the same goes for the whole series really) and that's hammered home as you go from track-to-track.

Love - the lack of it, the throws of it, the sex of it - is not far from the surface of every song. "When it comes to lovin'...he really knows how..." Maybelle enthuses on "Country Man" - while a few minutes later she weeps and wails on "Maybelle's Blues" that "My baby up and left me around about midnight...have mercy...I'm in so much misery..." The bopping R'n'B dancer "So Good To My Baby" first turned up on the 1983 American double-album "The Okeh Sessions" - but better are the flurry of mid-tempo and slow bluesy workouts that came off that double-platter - "Please Stay Away From My Sam", "No More Trouble Out Of Me" and "You'll Be Sorry". There's cautionary advice in "Hair Dressin' Women" who apparently "love to run their mouth all day..." and she does a storming lead rasp on the moaning "Ain't To Be Played With" (quite possibly the best vocal on here).

There's incredibly rare studio chatter at the beginning of "Whole Lot Of Shakin' Goin On" (essentially a False Start with Take 2 being the master) while her formula of a slow A-side backed with a bopping flip is probably best sampled on the fab duo of "Ain't No Use" and "Don't Leave Poor Me" (Okeh 7053). The audio quality is amazing on these cuts - live and in your living room. As it is on the lively "just can't miss..." dancer "New Kind Of Mambo" with Sam "The Man" Taylor blowing up a fabulous Saxophone solo. A special mention should also go the great quality of "Ocean Of Tears" - the lone entry from "The Okeh Story" 3CD Box Set from 1993 (then previously unreleased) which features Mickey Baker putting in tasty licks on Guitar.

A lack of real world love, the needle fix and subsequent diabetes from a lifetime of substance abuse finally did for her in 1972 when she passed away aged only 48. At least this cool little American CD does her Legacy proud - a bit of a cutie frankly...

"All Night Boogie: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups Vol.Two" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (1996 US Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music 2CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…It's The All Night Boogie…That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout…"

Both this and its preceding 2CD partner from 1995 "Don’t It Sound Good - The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups (Vol. One)" are now deleted and have over the years become expensive rarities in themselves. 

But for vocal group collectors and lovers of the magical Atlantic label, they contain tracks you simply can't get anywhere else. Here are the details...

US released 1996 - "All Night Boogie: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups Vol. Two" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music R2 7209 (No Barcode) is a 2CD set spanning 1951 to 1963 (with Eight Unreleased) that breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (69:48 minutes):

1. All Night Boogie – THE CLOVERS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded July 1951]

2. I’ll Always Love You – THE CARDINALS (November 1951, Atlantic 952)

3. For Awhile – THE CARDINALS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded January 1953]

4. Yes It’s You – THE CLOVERS (May 1953, Atlantic 989)

5. You Are My Only Love – THE CARDINALS (May 1953, Atlantic 995)

6. Gone – CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (Previously Unreleased First Version)

7. Here Goes A Fool – THE CLOVERS June 1953, Atlantic 1000)

8. Two Loves Have I – THE DIAMONDS (August 1953, Atlantic 1003, B-side)

9. I’ll Live Again – THE DIAMONDS (August 1953, Atlantic 1003, A-side)

10. Let The Boogie Woogie Roll - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS [Previously Unreleased, 2nd Version]

11. Cherry – THE DIAMONDS (December 1953, Atlantic 1017)

12. Cross Over The Bridge – THE CHORDS ((June 1954, Cat 104, B-side of “Sh-Boom” which is on Vol.1)

13. Rock, Moan & Cry – THE PLAYBOYS (August 1954, Cat 108, B-side of “Tell Me” which is on Vol.1 - see also PPS below)

14. Good Golly Miss Molly – THE PLAYBOYS [Previously Unreleased, Alternate Take – see also PPS below re The Cues]

15. Bless You – THE CHORDS (September 1954, Cat 109)

16. Freddie - CARMEN TAYLOR & BOLEROS (September 1954, Atlantic 1041, A-side. Its B-side "Ooh I" is on Vol.1. See also PPS below)

17. If Teardrops Were Kisses – THE ROBINS (February 1955, Spark 110)

18. Walk That Walk – THE SHEIKS (March 1955, Cat 116)

19. Pretty Wild – THE SH-BOOMS (The Chords Under Another Name) (October 1955, Cat 117)

20. Heartbeat - THE SH-BOOMS (The Chords Under Another Name) [Previously Unreleased, Recorded February 1955]

21. Here Goes My Heart To You – THE CARDINALS (December 1955, Atlantic 1079)

22. Don’t Leave Me Fannie – THE ROYAL JOKERS (January 1956, Atco 6062)

23. Come On Home – THE PEARLS (April 1956, Atco 6066)

24.Ain’t She Sweet – THE SENSATIONS (March 1956, Atco 6067) 

25. Your Promise To Be Mine – THE DRIFTERS (February 1956, Atlantic 1089)

Disc 2 (63:37 minutes):

1. Offshore – THE CARDINALS (March 1956, Atlantic 1090)

2. My Heart Cries For You – THE SENSATIONS (August 1956, Atco 6075)

3. I Knew I’d Fall In Love – THE PENGUINS (March 1957, Atlantic 1132)

4. My Only Desire – THE FLYERS (March 1957, Atco 6088)

5. You Made Me Love You – THE SENSATIONS (April 1957, Atco 6090)

6. Fine, Fine Baby – THE ROMEOS (1st released as a 7” single in the Fall of 1957 on Fox Records 846, then re-released in December 1957 on Atco 6107, B-side)

7. Moments To Remember You By – THE ROMEOS (as per 6, A-side)

8. Yakety Yak – THE COASTERS [Previously Unreleased Stereo Remix of the 7” single version]

9. Remember The Night – THE DEL-LARKS (June 1958, East West 116)

10. Drip Drop – THE DRIFTERS (Alternate Take 1st released on the 1964 LP “Our Biggest Hits”)

11. Um Bow Bow – THE BOBBETTES (July 1958, Atlantic 1194)

12. Crying – THE VERSATILES (October 1958, Atlantic 2004, B-side to “Crying” – see 13)

13. Passing By – THE VERSATILES (as per 12, A-side)

14. Charlie Brown – THE COASTERS [Previously Unreleased Stereo Remix of the 7” single version]

15. Don’t Say Goodnight – THE BOBBETTES (May 1959, Atlantic 2027) 

16. I Shot Mr. Lee – THE BOBBETTES (April 1960, Atlantic 2069)

[This is the 1st Version – a second version was released in June 1960 on Triple-X 104]

17. In The Chapel In The Moonlight – BILLY STORM (September 1960, Atlantic 2076, Produced by Phil Spector, as are 18 and 19)

18. Dear One – BILLY STORM (March 1961, Atlantic 2098)

19. A Kiss From Your Lips – BILLY STORM (July 1961, Atlantic 2112)

20.Twist & Shout – THE TOP NOTES (September 1961, Atlantic 2115) 

21. I Do Love You – TEX & THE CHEX (September 1961, Atlantic 2116)

22. She Never Talked To Me That Way – THE DRIFTERS (featuring Ben E. King) [Previously Unreleased, Recorded October 1961]

23. Storm Weather – THE FOUR CASTS (April 1964, Atlantic 2211)

24. Since I Feel For You – THE SKYLINERS (June 1963, Atco 6270)

25. Let’s Be Lovers – THE STARGLOWS (June 1963, Atco 6272)

The 12-page booklet has detailed and informative liner-notes by PETER GRENDYSA on each of the acts with a few pages of musician credits (where known). Grendysa did the superlative liner notes for the 1994 "Chess Rhythm & Roll" 4CD Box Set and the Louis Jordan "Let The Good Times Roll" 8CD Box Set on Bear Family (see separate reviews). 

BOB HYDE compiled it (has a short introduction in the booklet of Volume 1) with Tape research and digital remastering by WALTER DeVENNE (along with Bill Inglot, he has handled large swaths of the Atlantic catalogue for Rhino). Like the first Volume, the sound quality varies - superlative one moment ("All Night Boogie" by The Clovers - lyrics above), hissy and crackly the next ("Bless You" by The Chords). But overall, most tracks are very, very good given the vintage and limited sources. The only other place I've heard them sound 'better' is on the award-winning Bear Family "Blowing The Fuse" Series of CD compilations from 1945 to 1960 (I've reviewed all 16 - for tracks relevant to this set - see 1951 through to 1958). 

The first 2CD set had only 4 previously unreleased songs out of 50, but likewise, the 8 on this second lot of 50 are shockingly good too. "Gone" by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters is a more ‘weepy’ 1st Version (a later take is the master for the single on Atlantic 1055) and there’s even studio chatter and a false start for “Let The Boogie Woogie Roll” – both will be genuine blasts for lovers of this extraordinary vocalist. The Playboys “Good Golly Miss Molly” was recorded December 1954 (not a Little Richard cover) and is as infectious as Atlantic Rhythm & Blues gets. 

And the rare Doo Wop groups are a revelation too - The Cardinals, The Pearls and the obscure slightly Latin rhythms of The Romeos. Phil Spector fans will appreciate the Billy Storm trio of tracks, while Coasters fans will eat up “Yakety Yak” newly remixed into STEREO! Downsides – I would have liked the proper single version of “Good Golly Miss Molly” and the inclusion of its B-side “Honey Bun” by The Playboys because I collect anything The Cues sang back-up on (Atlantic’s resident vocal group)…but you can’t have everything.

To sum up - yes it's expensive for sure, but if you're a vocal group fan or a junkie for the truly extraordinary Atlantic label - then "All Night Boogie" is a must own - recommended big time...

PS: see also a separate review for Volume 1 - "Don’t It Sound Good: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups (Volume 1)"

PPS: fans of Atlantic's uncredited backing vocal group THE CUES should note that they are featured on Disc 1 on Tracks 13, 14 and 16. They are also on 3 Tracks on Vol.1

"Don't It Sound Good: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (1995 US Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music 2CD Set of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...One Mint Julep Was The Cause Of It All..."

Both this and its 2CD partner "All Night Boogie - The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups Vol. Two" are now deleted and have over the years become expensive rarities in themselves. 

But for vocal group collectors and lovers of the magical Atlantic label, they contain tracks you simply can't get anywhere else. Here are the details...

US released 1995 - "Don't It Sound Good: The Great Atlantic Vocal Groups" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhino/Collectors' Choice Music R2 7160 (No Barcode) is a 50-Track 2CD Set of Remasters spanning 1951 to 1963 and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (72:32 minutes):

1. Don't It Sound Good - BILLY MASHBURN (October 1963, Atlantic 2208)

2. Skylark - THE CLOVERS (March 1951, Atlantic 934, B-side)

3. Don't You Know I Love You - THE CLOVERS (March 1951, Atlantic 934, A-side)

4. Shouldn't I Know - THE CARDINALS (May 1951, Atlantic 938)

5. Needless - THE CLOVERS (August 1951, Atlantic 944, B-side)

6. Fool, Fool, Fool - THE CLOVERS (August 1951, Atlantic 944, A-side)

7. Wheel Of Fortune - THE CARDINALS (January 1952, Atlantic 958)

8. One Mint Julep - THE CLOVERS (March 1952, Atlantic 963)

9. I Played The Fool - THE CLOVERS (October 1952, Atlantic 977)

10. A Beggar For Your Kisses - THE DIAMONDS (December 1952, Atlantic 981, A-side)

11. Call Baby Call - THE DIAMONDS (December 1952, Atlantic 981, B-side)

12. Lovey Darling - THE CARDINALS (May 1953, Atlantic 995)

13. Money Honey - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (September 1953, Atlantic 1006)

14. Lucille - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (January 1954, Atlantic 1019)

15. Romance In The Dark - THE DIAMONDS (December 1953, Atlantic 1017)

16. Such A Night - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (January 1954, Atlantic 1019)

17. Don't Dog Me [Alternate Take, Previously Unreleased] - CLYDE McPHATTER & THE DRIFTERS 

(The original 7" single version was issued December 1959 on Atlantic 2049)

18. Little Mama - THE CLOVERS (February 1954, Atlantic 1022)

19. Under A Blanket Of Blue - THE CARDINALS (April 1954, Atlantic 1025)

20. Money Love - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (May 1954, Atlantic 1029)

21. Sh-Boom - THE CHORDS (June 1954, Cat 104)

22. Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash - THE CLOVERS 

[An Alternate Take that first appeared on 1971's "Their Greatest Recordings" - the original single version was released June 1954 on Atlantic 1035)

23. Tell Me - THE PLAYBOYS (August 1954, Cat 108, see PPS below)

24. Love, Oh Love - THE CHORDS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded February 1955] 

25. Bip Bam - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (October 1954, Atlantic 1043)

Disc 2 (65:17 minutes):

1. Blue Velvet - THE CLOVERS (December 1954, Atlantic 1052)

2. My Buddie Stole My Chippie - THE PLAYBOYS [Previously Unreleased, Recorded December 1954, see PPS below]

3. The Door Is Still Open - THE CARDINALS (March 1955, Atlantic 1054)

4. Ooh I - CARMEN TAYLOR & BOLEROS (September 1954, Atlantic 1041, B-side of "Freddie" which is on Vol.2. See PPS below)

5. What'cha Gonna Do - CLYDE McPHATTER And THE DRIFTERS (February 1955, Atlantic 1055)

6. Got The Water Boiling - THE REGALS (April 1955, Atlantic 1062)

7. Come Back My Love - THE CARDINALS (June 1955, Atlantic 1067)

8. Shadows Of Love - THE PEARLS (October 1955, Atco 6057)

9. You Tickle My Heart - THE ROYAL JOKERS (September 1955, Atco 6052)

10. Adorable - THE DRIFTERS (October 1955, Atlantic 1078)

[Features Clyde McPhatter on Vocals]

11. Smokey Joe's Café - THE ROBINS (October 1955, Atco 6059)

12. Yes Sir, That's My Baby - THE SENSATIONS (December 1955, Atco 6056)

13. Hey Doll Baby - THE CLOVERS (January 1956, Atlantic 1083, B-side)

14. Devil Or Angel - THE CLOVERS (January 1956, Atlantic 1083, A-side)

15. Bells Of Love - THE PEARLS (April 1956, Atco 6066)

16. Ruby Baby - THE DRIFTERS (March 1956, Atlantic 1089)

17. Please Mr. Disc Jockey - THE SENSATIONS (March 1956, Atco 6067)

18. Happy And Gay - THE CASTELLES (May 1956, Atco 6069)

19. She's Mine, All Mine - THE ROYAL JOKERS (September 1956, Atco 6077)

20. On Bended Knee - THE FLYERS (March 1957, Atco 6088)

21. Pledge Of Love - THE PENGUINS (March 1957, Atlantic 1132)

22. The Girl I Love - THE GLOWTONES (September 1957, Atlantic 1156, DJ Copies only - Re-released on East West 101 in December 1957)

23. Zing! Went The Strings - THE COASTERS (April 1958, Atco 6116)

[Newly Remixed & First Time in STEREO]

24. The Dream - THE BOBBETTES (July 1958, Atlantic 1194)

25. Castle Of Love - THE RAIDERS (September 1958, Atco 6125)

The 12-page booklet has detailed and informative liner-notes by PETER GRENDYSA on each of the acts with a few pages of musician credits (where known). Grendysa did the superlative liner notes for the 1994 "Chess Rhythm & Roll" 4CD Box Set and the Louis Jordan "Let The Good Times Roll" 8CD Box Set on Bear Family (see separate reviews). 

BOB HYDE compiled it (has a short introduction in the booklet) with Tape research and digital remastering by WALTER DeVENNE (along with Bill Inglot, he has handled large swaths of the Atlantic catalogue for Rhino). The sound quality varies wildly - superlative one moment ("Shouldn't I Know" by The Cardinals - lyrics above), hissy and crackly the next ("Needless" by The Clovers). But overall, most tracks are very, very good given the vintage and limited sources. The only other place I've heard them sound 'better' is on the award-winning Bear Family "Blowing The Fuse" Series of CD compilations from 1945 to 1960 (I've reviewed all 16 - for tracks relevant to this set - see 1951 through to 1958). 

Four previously unreleased songs out of 50 is hardly a major haul, but long-time Atlantic fans will know that with talk of a fire destroying many precious original tapes back in the murky mists of time, any new material on this label is little short of a miracle. It turns out that they were Acetates found in the Atlantic vaults in Manhattan - then digitally transferred as best as possible - and appear here for the first time. "Don't Dog Me" by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters is an Alternate Take and will be a genuine blast for lovers of this extraordinary vocalist. Even better frankly is "Love, Oh Love" by The Chords - a truly brill bit of Atlantic Rhythm & Blues. 

There's great R'n'B dancers on here too - "Got The Water Boiling" by The Regals, "Come Back My Love" by The Cardinals and "You Tickle Me Baby" by The Royal Jokers. And the rare Doo Wop groups are a revelation too - The Pearls (with the stunning McPhatter type vocals of Howard Guyton on lead), The Sensations and a rare Atlantic outing for The Penguins. Mostly it's just a thrill to hear these songs and artists in the one place, because you simply don't see them surface on any other compilation. 

To sum up - yes it's expensive for sure, but if you're a vocal group fan or a junkie for the truly extraordinary Atlantic label - then "Don't It Sound Good" is a must own - recommended big time...

PS: see also a separate review for Volume 2 - "All Night Boogie"

PPS: fans of Atlantic's uncredited backing vocal group THE CUES should note that they are featured on Disc 1, Track 23 and Disc 2, Tracks 2 and 4. They are also on Vol.2