Lost Dreams (The New Orleans Vocal Groups)

Lost Dreams (The New Orleans Vocal Groups)

Lost Dreams (The New Orleans Vocal Groups) is a wonderful compilation celebrating the rich vocal harmony tradition of 1950s New Orleans R&B. Bringing together a collection of rare and sought-after recordings, the album shines a light on the city's lesser-known vocal groups whose heartfelt performances, smooth harmonies, and infectious rhythms helped shape the evolution of soul, doo-wop, and rhythm & blues.

From romantic ballads and street-corner harmonies to upbeat R&B dance numbers, this collection captures the distinctive sound of New Orleans before the soul explosion of the 1960s. Many of these recordings were originally released on small regional labels, making this compilation an essential listen for collectors and anyone interested in the roots of American popular music.

The album opens with The Kidds' lively Drunk Drunk Drunk, before Bernie Williams delivers the emotional Why Fool Yourself. Highlights on Side A include Dave Collins And The Scrubs' blues-infused Bluesy Me, the title track Lost Dreams by The Dukes, and the uplifting Sunny Side Of The Street by The Bees. The Barons and The Dukes round off the side with two more fine examples of classic New Orleans vocal harmony.

Side B continues with the swinging Later, Baby from Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens, followed by energetic performances from The Barons, The Dukes, and The Pelicans. Tracks such as Boom Boom, Teardrop Eyes, Shake The Dice, and Last Ride perfectly demonstrate the blend of gospel, blues, and early rock 'n' roll influences that made New Orleans one of America's great musical cities.

Packed with forgotten gems and beautifully restored recordings, Lost Dreams (The New Orleans Vocal Groups) is an essential compilation for fans of doo-wop, vintage R&B, New Orleans music, vocal harmony groups, and early soul.

Tracklist

Side A

1. The Kidds – Drunk Drunk Drunk
2. Bernie Williams – Why Fool Yourself
3. Dave Collins And The Scrubs – Bluesy Me
4. The Dukes – Lost Dreams
5. The Bees – Sunny Side Of The Street
6. The Barons – Eternally Yours
7. The Dukes – Cotton Picking Hands

Side B

1. Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens – Later, Baby
2. The Barons – Boom Boom
3. The Dukes – Teardrop Eyes
4. The Pelicans – Ain't Gonna Do It
5. The Barons – Shake The Dice
6. The Bees – Darling, Please
7. The Dukes – Last Ride