Review

The Mills Brothers: The Best Of The Mills Brothers 1931 - 1958 (Jazz Legends)

Although this really isn’t my type of music, you can’t ignore the fact that this group – originally comprising four brothers from Piqua, Ohio – notched up an amazing 71 American chart hits, five of which were chart toppers, over a period spanning five decades. Total record sales topped 50 million! Recording in a range of styles, from barbershop to pop, jazz through to rock ‘n’ roll, their influence on the doo-wop sound during the fifties was also noticeable.

Until now, a comprehensive anthology of their work hasn’t been available but, as the saying goes, tis better late than never. “Swing It!” traces the Mills Brothers’ earliest singles via three cds each focusing on a specific decade.

Sixty-six of the 83 tracks were American hits, so perhaps this long overdue respect being paid now will attract younger fans to their music. After all, when all is said and done, the Mills Brothers were one of the most influential and successful vocal groups of all time, and this release offers a fascinating and entertaining musical journey, highlighting the ease with which they adapted to the constantly changing American culture, while retaining their own recognisable sound.
Words SHARON DAVIS