Search - The Ink Spots :: Rare Air: 1937-1944

A dream indeed!

William J. Proctor | Chesterfield, NH USA | 12/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Have to concur with Mr. Baptista's suggestion of an Ink
Spot collector's dream. It was my dream for a few years
after the Anthology that I did for MCA. It took many years
to finally interest somebody in producing it. Had material
for many years,and wanted to get it in circulation for the
devoted Ink Spot fans still alive, plus new fans coming
into the fore since it is so unique.Have some refutes to Todd's review- the Spotlight Band
shows consist of the last 10 tracks, not 16. The Lamplighter
Serenade track is from a disc- tape was not around in 1942.
There is a photo of the disc in the liner pages, and the date
is 5/3/42 which concurs to a radio show that is listed on the
original ink spots web site that we had no listings for.Hope the supply channel can get this opus back in stock soon."

An Ink Spots Collector's Dream

Todd Baptista | Westport, MA USA | 12/15/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 25 tracks presented are unquestionably an exciting find- radio transcriptions and movie soundtrack recordings, primarily by the famed quartet. While the sound quality on several cuts is less than stellar, the rarity and quality of the performances more than make up for it. The last 16 songs, taken from the Armed Forces Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands broadcasts, are notably entertaining, with Bernie Mackey replacing Charlie Fuqua on guitar. A number of dubs from the Pardon My Sarong film round out the disc. The most intriguing recording is a version of "The Lamplighter's Serenade", which was apparently taped at a private residence from a radio broadcast in 1943. The liner notes tell the listeners exactly what they're getting and in great detail. While "Rare Air" isn't a substitute for an Ink Spots "hits" package, group harmony collectors will certainly be entertained and pleased."