Various - Vocal Quartets Vol 4 K/L/M 1927-1943 Complete Recorded Works

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Five more obscure quartets from the pre-war years, as usual this re-issue sustains interest throughout. The four sides by the Kentucky Jubilee Four from St Louis showcase a resonate bass singer and a standout hoarsely soulful lead, particularly on "I'm Gonna Lay Down My Heavy Load". The Kings Of Harmony Quartette shouldn't be confused with the far more famous Kings Of Harmony Of Alabama. The four sides here, originally released on King Solomon Records, have the same swinging rhythms of the Golden Gate Quartet and are therefore pretty enjoyable. A much cruder recording (from 1928) are the two sides by the Lincoln Four Quartette while the four tracks by the Megginson Female Quartette are interesting if a little bit shrill. Finally, this compilation bring collectors the nine tracks recorded by the Mound City Jubilee Quartette which with their switched leads and their embracing of the newer gospel material (Thomas A Dorsey's "Standing By The Bedside Of A Neighbor") show them to be a group moving from the old jubilee style to the newer quartet approach which was to dominate the '50s. As we've observed before, history lessons are always fascinating with Document Records.