Goldwax Recordings

Performer: The Ovations (Soul)
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Liner Note Authors: Martin Goggin; Martina Goggin; Ady Croasdell. Photographers: Martina Goggin; Nathan Lewis. Most of the material the Ovations did for Goldwax between 1964 and 1969 is on this 26-track compilation, Goldwax Recordings, including the two modest R&B hits they landed during that time ("It's Wonderful to Be in Love" and "Me and My Imagination") and a few previously unissued outtakes and alternate versions. If you've ever wondered what Sam Cooke might have sounded like if he'd been part of a vocal group rather than a solo artist, these Ovations sides answer that question better than any other soul ever recorded. Lead singer Louis Williams in particular mimics Cooke's style of phrasing and intonation quite accurately. This isn't as much of a compliment as it might appear, however, because Williams and the Ovations are so heavily derivative of Cooke that it's a little unsettling. Too, neither the group nor their songs are as good as the classic material that Cooke managed, and are certainly nowhere near as original. Some of the late-'60s tracks understandably have a slicker, more orchestrated style of production than Cooke used, but on other counts, the similarity is pretty extreme. The comparisons are unavoidable, but those points made, it can still be said that this is pretty decent Cooke-styled soul, well-sung and well-produced. ~ Richie Unterberger

Mojo (Publisher) (p.118) - 4 stars out of 5 - "This superlative 26-track archival package focuses on the group's five-year tenure with Goldwax and features their two US R&B hits...alongside dusty gems..."

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