Cash Box Reviews -

APRIL 11, 1953
https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/50s/1953/CB-1953-04-11.pdf
*AWARD O' THE WEEK*
THE ORIOLES (Jubilee 6115)
“DEM DAYS” (2:40) [Marvin]
“BAD LITTLE GIRL” (2:30) [Fred Fisher]
The Orioles have come through with one of their best recordings in a
long time. Titled, “Dem Days”, the boys have a fetching quick beat to
work with and they make the most of it. They chant with zest as they
recall the good old days and the tempo increases to wild proportions
with a spiritual feeling. The group blends smartly for a fascinating
performance and an exciting finished product. The reverse plate is a
change of pace. A slow ditty, “Bad Little Girl”, that brings out the
tender side of The Orioles. The voices melt into a rich blend
as they colorfully paint a pretty picture. The Buddy Lucas ork backs the
group in top flight fashion on both decks.
both sides - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ILF8L7Jh3M
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DOLLY COOPER (Savoy 891)
"I WANNA KNOW” (2:41)
"I’D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN” (2:39)
Dolly Cooper belts a fast moving novelty, “I Wanna Know”, with a
sparkling reading that really sells this tune. When she’s in a temper
you can feel the anger. When she melts a bit and shades her inflections,
her passions come
through. She sings the lusty lyrics demanding to know where her
boyfriend goes and what he does. A side filled with fire and the
bitterness of a woman scorned. This end has pace, deft handling, and a
story that your customers will want to hear. The under lid, “I’d Climb
The Highest Mountain”, is an emotional treatment of the tender oldie.
Miss Cooper is aided by the potent chorus chanting of The
Four Buddies and the resulting disk is a good one.
both sides - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJWsgWOwZuA
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SLEEPER OF THE WEEK
MERCY DEE (Specialty 458)
“ONE ROOM COUNTRY SHACK” (2:40) [Venice Music]
“MY WOMAN KNOWS THE SCORE” (2:06)
Mercy Dee dishes up a slow blues titled, “One Room Country Shack”,
simply, but with warmth and a haunting feeling. Dee tells the story of
living in his one room shack and his tone conveys his sadness and
loneliness because of his monk-like existence. Backing the vocalist is
some scintillating keyboard work. Total effect of the platter is to
arouse the sympathy of the listener. The appeal that Dee manages to get
across will make this a successful etching. The under lid is another
slow beat blues handled in similar fashion and comes out a strong deck,
but one that falls short of the commercial possibilities of its coupler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWtvJ6lkifI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvZByiK4XA4
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SLEEPER OF THE WEEK
“PLEASE BELIEVE ME” (2:39) [ Andrea Music ]
"OH BABY” (2:41) [ Andrea Music ]
The lovely voice of Doris Browne makes excellent use of a top piece of
material and the combination should prove to be a strong selling
etching. Titled, “Please
Believe Me”, a slow tempo blues, the tune is given a from the heart
reading by the talented thrush. Her emotional delivery of the romantic
number and the stir- ring organ backdrop makes this a contender and a
great bet for the boxes. The flip deck is a rhythmic ; quick tempo tune
zestfully per- formed by Miss Browne. She is definitely a gal who will
be heard f from. Musical assist is in the mood
and the etching is a lively platter.
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JIMMY & WALTER (Sun 180)
“BEFORE LONG” (2:37) [Delta Music]
This duo dishes up an exciting slow blues in top-flight manner. Vocalist
half of the team is in good voice as he emotes with tenderness and
warmth. Guitaring is haunting and adds much color to the dish. A very
effective etching and one that
could break out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsZixkYeHU
“EASY” (2:55) [Delta Music]
Flip is an instrumental slow blues with a pretty melody. An ok disk that
makes pleasurable listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJoV2Vv84Xw
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THE FIVE KEYS (Aladdin 3175)
“MAMA, YOUR DAUGHTER TOLD A LIE ON ME” (2:39) [Aladdin Music]
Another answer to one of the top tunes in the r & b field. The boys
chant engagingly with the lead employing a gimmick or two in his vocal.
Rendition is a bit wild and the boys blend well for an exciting disk.
both sides - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHx3TSrUdE4
“THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW” (2:41) [Shapiro Bernstein]
The under portion is a decided change of pace. A slow romantic ballad
handled with a soft feeling. The boys handle this type of material best.
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WYNONIE HARRIS (King 4620)
“MAMA YOUR DAUGHTER’S DONE LIED ON ME” (2:17) [Lois]
Another answer to “Mama”. The lyrics are different than the above
reviewed version. The gruff voiced Wynonie treats the tune to a potent
reading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvSKtcQ3xB4
“WASN’T THAT GOOD” (2:25) [Lois]
A quick tempo novelty that allows the mind to wander suggestively.
There’s a chuckle as Harris tells of how he likes to play games with
her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11b6Hs-sd4k
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LITTLE ESTHER (Federal 12126)
“HOUND DOG” (2:23) [Valjo]
Little Esther’s version of the nation’s number two tune is a solid and
exciting treatment that could cut itself a piece of pie in areas not
already covered. Guitar gets a big play on this etching and does itself
proud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GGjHb2zcfc
“SWEET LIPS” (2:28) [Jay & Cee]
Flip is a change of pace item for the gal. Little Esther chants a tender
and romantic ballad with warmth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b-jakGnKy8
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PAULA WATSON (MGM 11466)
“I LOVE TO RIDE” (2:41)
Paula Watson gives it everything and comes up with a fast beat rhythm
item that has potential. Miss Watson injects life and fire into the
etching for a fine side. A good one for the boxes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcxoJ9T9ND8
“PUT A LITTLE BUG IN MY EAR” (2:37)
The under portion is a subdued ditty that seems more fitted for the pop
field. A quick beat love item with cute lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvWLoWej4iI
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LEM JOHNSON (MGM 11467)
“I GOT A LETTER” (2:37)
Lem Johnson sings a slow blues with a romantic story. Chanter works with
an easy approach and is backed solidly, with sax standout.
“IT TAKES MONEY, HONEY” (2:39)
Johnson indulges in a bit of philosophy as he sings “it takes money,
honey, to make the world go round.” The chanter is assisted by a fine
chorus chant and a solid bit of material.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQkaARL5jqs
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DEBBIE MORRIS (Tuxedo 884))
“RAINBOW ’ROUND DIXIE” (2:30) [Forde Music]
Debbie Morris sings a middle tempo tune with pretty melody. Vocal and
backing kept on a soft kick. A rambling piano and mellow sax makes for
ok listening.
“YOU’LL NEVER KNOW”(2:50) [Bregman Vocco Conn]
The lovely oldie is given a pop treatment by the thrush. Handled
smoothly and softly.
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ILLINOIS JACQUET (Mercury 89036)
“WHATS THE RIFF” (2:52) [Gilbert Music]
Illinois Jacquet treats his fans to a quick beat wildie that should
satisfy the most exacting. Jacquet’s saxing is exciting and top drawer.
Orking stays in the back- ground with some interesting sounds from the
organ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwod9Dm4Svw
“BLUES IN THE NIGHT” (2:53) [Remick]
The slow beat standard, an early jazz classic, is the material and
Illinois makes lovely sounds. The sax star is a treat to the ear and the
disk is solid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpD7GHOmQDU
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BUDDY JOHNSON (Mercury 70116)
“HITTIN’ ON ME” (3:00) [Sophisticate]
Buddy Johnson and his ork etch a pulsating slow tempo ditty with socko
effect. The orking is standout with a more than adequate vocal by Ella
Johnson. Thrush sings infectious lyrics in which she emphatically chants
she don’t want a man who is hittin’ on her and “the last man who hit her
is dead since ’43”. Cute and should get reams of plays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrpcZ8ruGoA
“ECSTASY” (2:55) [Sophisticate]
Nolan Lewis does the vocal on the lower deck. The singer has that
“Eckstine” sound and his treatment of the slow dramatic item is tender
and poignant.  A good bet for the pop market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-yC-GN2gJQ
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