The Mills Brothers - Chronological, Vol. 1 (CD)

All Music Guide

The English JSP label, on six CD's, has reissued in chronological order all of the Mills Brothers recordings from the 1931-39 period. Although they became a best-selling middle-of-the-road pop vocal group in the 1940's, the Mills Brothers were most notable during their first decade for their uncanny ability to imitate instruments, particularly trumpet, trombone, and bass. Using only a rhythm guitar, the Mills Brothers were able to sound like an instrumental quintet. This first volume has plenty of hot numbers (including "Nobody's Sweetheart," three versions of "Tiger Rag," and a remarkable rendition of "Sweet Sue"); a couple of medleys with the Boswell Sisters, Bing Crosby, and the not-so-hot singer Frank Munn; an appearance on a radio commercial; and versions of "Shine" and "Dinah" with Bing Crosby. All of these CDs are highly recommended, particularly to listeners not familiar with the Mills Brothers' earliest (and best) period.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide