Al Bowlly: Backing Singer

Listening to a 78 credited to Al Vocale, I felt a tingle of recognition. Behind the lead vocal (Les Allen, pictured below), and sometimes singing pick-up notes, was the voice of an old man in a young man's body.

Imagine my joy when a Bowlly discography showed me that I had picked up a record where the crooner takes a back seat.

But even though he's only part of the background, that voice improves the texture of the record immeasurably, and makes it somehow a haunting experience - they sound like voices hurled into the wind.

Say a Little Prayer for Me - Al Vocale & his Orchestra, v. Les Allen feat. Al Bowlly

Waiting for That Thing Called Happiness - Al Vocale & his Orchestra, v. Les Allen feat. Al Bowlly