Ace explore the later years of Los Angeles’ doo wop scene from sources that have never previously been digitalised from master tape. Ace have found master tapes of very rare and expensive doo wop recordings in the vaults of Doré, Era, Gary Paxton, Kent Harris and George Motola in particular. Most of these great tracks have only previously been heard on badly reproduced bootleg releases.

Three tracks have never been heard before. One is a Class recording by Adolph Jacobs, of which noted LA vocal group writer Steve Propes says, “The Coasters’ Billy Guy and Carl Gardner were singing with Bobby Day on Jacobs’ session for Class Records”, which makes it a historically important track, as well as a great record. Of similar interest to doo wop fans is an unheard number from Arthur Lee Maye – the greatest of all the singing sportsmen – from his 1958 ‘Pounding’ Cash session, complete with vocal group. The Pharoahs’ beautiful ‘Here Comes The Rain’ has only a basic instrumental backing, but the superb singing makes it a very worthy release. Another Gary Paxton-produced track has only been heard under the incorrect group name of the Sesames on a bootleg EP; it is actually Bobby Sheen with a group covering the Interludes’ 1962 King release.

Super-rarities include the Showcases’ magnificent 1964 Galaxy release ‘(This Love) Was Real’, the Heartbreakers’ Markay single ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’, the Cezannes’ ‘Pardon Me’, the Tabs’ ‘Never Forget’ on Noble and Carlton Beck’s (of the Shields) ‘The Girl I Left Behind’ Troy offering.

Most are classic 50s ballads but there are some R&B-oriented numbers such as Kent Harris’ group the Valaquans’ ‘Jolly Green Giant’ Rayco 45, the Creators’ quirky ‘Drafted, Volunteered, Enlisted’, released on Dootone in 1961, and the scarce and imaginative Emberglows’ Doré single ‘Sack And Chemise Gang Fight’ – all have Coasters influences with their novelty and humour. Several of the acts would go on to record through the soul era – Dorothy Berry, Morris Chestnut (here as James Washington Lee); the Individuals’ James Leon Moore went on to be a Youngheart and, of course, Danny Stewart would lead the groundbreaking Sly & The Family Stone.

Sleeve notes are from Steve Propes and Alec Palao to further map this city’s important musical history.

Kappaleet:
1. The Letter
2. (This Love) Was Real
3. Since You've Been Gone
4. Pardon Me (Feat. Cerressa)
5. Wonderful One
6. Please Don't Cry
7. Psychology
8. Jolly Green Giant
9. Last Night
10. A Long Time Alone
11. The Girl I Left Behind
12. This Wilted Rosebud
13. There's a Fool Born Every Day
14. Eternal Love
15. Hold Me, Squeeze Me
16. When They Ask About You
17. Sack and Chemise Gang Fight
18. Drafted, Volunteered, Enlisted
19. Never Forget
20. Here Comes the Rain
21. Eight Reasons Why I Love You
22. I Need Somebody
23. Without Success
24. Moonrise