This recording of Chicago's Dells, featuring Johnny Funches, showcases their early years (1953-1959); the group continued to perform through the 1990's with lead singer Johnny Carter, ex of the Flamingos). Longer on enthusiasm than polish for their first release, on Chess, 'Christine,' the group would accumulate an expertise that resulted in hits such as 'Oh What A Night,' 'Why Do You Have To Go' and 'Pain In My Heart.,' issued on Vee Jay. Furthermore, upon exploring more complex harmonies and getting tighter, they became in-demand session singers, providing backup on over sixty recordings! Their sound is carefree, smooth and fundamental (suggesting a Spaniels/Moonglows influence). Nine of the cuts were previously unreleased. |
