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 DooWopDJ's 
R&B and DooWop CD Reviews
 
THE

JAGUAR RECORDS

STORY

Jaguar#5001
Barcode: None

Review first published: 16.10.2002

Another CD featuring the discography of a 1950’s Record Label. This time we delve into the archives of Jaguar Records, Inc.. Formed by George Bennett, in New Yor City, in 1954. This CD features the Rhythm & Blues and Vocal Group outputs of the label. The majority of Jaguars recording activities seems to have been 1954 – 1956 in the genres we like.. With a lay off of over a year, they ended in 1959.

The twenty-eight (28) tracks on this CD gives you some excellent Vocal Group harmony, honkin’ instrumentals and some great solo Rhythm & Blues from some outstanding underrated divas. Wait until you hear Joan Shaw and Dorothea Fleming.

Some of the group names may sound very familiar to you. However, these have no relationship to any other of the same name on other labels. Only Joe Weaver of Detroit will be familiar to you from other releases.

Here now are the recordings of Jaguar Records.

All tracks released on Jaguar. Secondary labels if any will be noted:

1. Trust In Me – Four Brothers & A Cousin ’54 $500 (Start of with a ballad done by many since)

2. Whistle Stop Blues – flipside (Good uptempo)

3. Can It be – Four Brothers & A Cousin ’54 unrel (Ballad!)

4. Whispering Wind – flipside (Guess this was a B&B record. Better ballad side)

5. I Won’t Tell A Soul – Volumes ’54 $700 (Another ballad)

6. Gotta Feed The Horses Lotta Hay (s/b Gotta Feed the Ol’ Horse Lotta Hay) – flipside (Swingin’)

7. So Disappointed With Love – Lacille Watkins & Volumes ’54 $150 (Real name Lucille! Pretty ballad!)

8. You Left Me Lonely (And Crying For You) – flipside (And another real nice ballad by Lacille) play

9. Sentimental Journey – Bey Sisters ‘55/’57 Flip (Great rendition by this female group! Really like it!)

10. Sugar Cookie – flipside (Better MAMBO Real quick)

11. Rendezvous – Carousels ’59 $125/Spry $200 (Very good! Ballad) play

12. Drive In Movie – flipside (Rock & Roll Novelty)

13. Alone - Ivories (original release) ’55 $300 (Sock Smoker here!)

14. Baby, Send A Letter – flipside (Latin beat)

15. Alone – Ivories (2nd release different take) $250 (Still a great ballad)

16. Baby, Send A Letter (2nd release different take) (Rockin’ now)

17. Yum Yum – Lee Thomas (Don Juans) ’56 (Lee & the Dons got ya Rockin’ some more)

18. Baby, Don’t You Care – CD says Joe Weaver &, but it is Lee Thomas, flipside (Blues Ballad)

19. Do You Wanna Work Now – Joe Weaver & Bluenotes ’54 (Bluenotes are Joe’s band a raucous instrumental. Gotta love the guitar & sax augmenting Joe on the ivories)

20. Lazy Susan – flipside (Easy Swing!!!!!)

21. Gotta, Gotta Get’cha – Little Walkin’ Willie & The Bluesmen ’55 (Willis Hickerson is Willie! A Honkin’ tenor saxman. Listen to who might be the Bey Sisters urging Willie on)

22. Blow, Little Willie, Blow – Little Walkin’ Willie & Bluesmen ’55 (An even better honker! Seems the same ladies still urging Willie to BLOW!!!!) play

23. I Want A Man For Christmas – Joan Shaw ’54 (Rhumba!)

24. Fly Away Heartaches – flipside (Jitterbug from Joan)

25. I Shouldn’t Be Alone So Long – Joan Shaw ’55 (Real nice bluesy ballad)

26. The Ten Commandments Of Love – flipside (Not the Diamonds. Not the Moonglows. A real nice one by Joan! Ballad)

27. I’m Glad You’re Leaving Me – Dorothea Fleming ’54 (Good Jitterbug number)

28. The Devil Is Mad – flipside (Jumpin’ with a Gospel feel)

There they are. The twenty-eight (28) offerings from the Jaguar Label. Seems George Bennett’s concentration on R&B and Vocal Groups was from 1954 into early ’56. The label put out many Jazz, Rock-A-Billy and Pop sides as well. Those for another reviewer.

This is a brand new release for 2002. It will be a welcome addition to your music collection. Look for it wherever you obtain your Oldies. Need assistance locating this gem, feel free to drop me an E. I am always happy to help.

In Harmony:

Bruce (DooWop DJ)

ellupo@comcast.net