Four Gals Sing the hits

Here is a CD featuring four of the lesser publicized but nonetheless excellent singers of the 1950's singing their best recordings. Most of these records are not available on other compilations and anyone who likes the 1950's and/or good female singers will enjoy this CD.

These four singers were never gals but all accomplished, polished performers. They made some wonderful records, among them notable hits, but there were so many wonderful lady singers in the '50s taking the top of the musical mountain alongside Doris Day, Patti Page, Rosemary Clooney, Joni James, Peggy Lee and Teresa Brewer was tough. But there's a lot of great records by other ladies out there--you'll truly enjoy this recording.

Four Gals Sing Hits has some wonderful songs by Toni Arden, Peggy King, Jill Corey and Mindy Carson. These songbirds may not be particularly well remembered today; but the fact that this CD still sells proves they had remarkable talent. The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that artwork, too.

"I Can Dream, Can't I?" by Toni Arden along with Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra puts Toni squarely in the spotlight. Toni's voice is as clear as a bell and her incredible sense of timing makes her rendition of "I Can Dream, Can't I?" very strong. Of course, Hugo Winterhalter's arrangement makes good use of the strings; even the backup chorus sounds good--not that Toni needed it but they do sound good anyway. In addition, Toni delivers a most passionate "Kiss Of Fire" with music by Percy Faith & His Orchestra. Toni shines bright as she delivers this with all her might; and Percy Faith delivers the music faultlessly. "Kiss Of Fire" is clearly a major highlight of this album. "Too Young" again pairs Toni Arden with Percy Faith & His Orchestra; and this is very pretty. Toni never skips a beat, either! I'm very impressed. "Three Coins In The Fountain" won an Oscar for best song in March, 1955; and Toni Arden bats this straight out of the ballpark!

"Angel Pie (Postillon)" features Peggy King with the musical accompaniment of the great Jimmy Carroll & His Orchestra; this number lacks nothing--it's all THAT good. Peggy King's excellent diction enhances her performance all the more, too--great! "Make Yourself Comfortable" again showcases Peggy King singing with Jimmy Carroll & His Orchestra; and this number is completely sublime--I love it!

"Kiss And Run" has Peggy King in her natural element; the music of Jimmy Carroll & His Orchestra is absolutely perfect; it complements Peggy's vocals without ever stealing the spotlight from Peggy King. Listen also for "I Love My Baby (My Baby Loves Me)" performed by Jill Corey with Jimmy Carroll & His Orchestra; this very spirited number has great piano work and the backup male vocalists help to make this number soar! I really like "I Love My Baby (My Baby Loves Me);" and "Let It Be Me" sparkles brighter than silver and gold when Jill Corey does it up right alongside Jimmy Carroll & His Orchestra.

Mindy Carson delivers "Wake The Town And Tell The People" with panache; she never lets go of a superfluous note and that's grand. Norman Leyden & His Orchestra provide some pretty special music to go with Mindy's singing and it all holds its own very well. In addition, Mindy does justice to "This Above All;" she sings this flawlessly with Jimmy Carroll & His Orchestra. Mindy Carson teams up with the immortal Ray Conniff and his chorus for "Since I Met You Baby;" this number charms me with its beauty. "Tell Me You're Mine (Per un Bacio D'amor)" gets a most sensitive treatment from Mindy Carson; and the CD ends strong with Mindy Carson performing "Memories Are Made of This" alongside the Columbians. Wow!

Four Gals Sing Hits nicely highlights the vocal prowess of those remarkably gifted songbirds Toni Arden, Peggy King, Jill Corey and Mindy Carson. I highly recommend this CD for their fans and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will not be disappointed.