The Avons [New Jersey], "Bonnie" c/w "Baby," Hull 2035 (rel. 3/1957)

 

Unlike most performers profiled here, New Jersey's Avons made a stack of records--seven singles for the cult label Hull Records. Today's disc, their second, appears to have been a Portland, Oregon hit when new, as copies of it surface, whereas their other six releases never show their beguiling li'l heads.
    The group's story fits the doo-wop origin template: bunch of guys (including three brothers) who like singing get together, harmonize, and choose a poor first name. This quintet called themselves The Robins, despite the obvious existence of a successful Black vocal group with that name; some members splintered off to form The Coasters (as in West Coasters) while the Robins franchise, based in LA, lasted into the start of the 1960s.
    They realized the error of their ways and picked another common group moniker. There are a whole lotta Avons out there, from a medicore UK pop vocal ensemble to a sassy Nashville girl group. In 1956, there were no obvious competitors. Thus, this Engelwood, NJ quintet honed their act and soon impressed Ed Prindle, a local talent scout who became their manager. Prindle arranged for Hull Records head honcho Bea Kaslin to be impressed by his young charges. She signed them to her label. Their debut 45, "I'm Sending S.O.S," was well-received and paved the way for our platter du jour.

    The group's core members were three siblings--Bob, Bill and Wendell Lea. Bob Lea takes the lead on both sides of this single, each a one-word title.
    "Bonnie" has a gentle sound, with a strong hit of calypso in its light groovin' rhythm. In contrast to other doo-wop groups, who favored a harder-hitting approach, The Avons underplay to fine effect. There's a guitar solo--always welcome in this musical style--that doesn't go for fireworks. Add an eerie reverb-shrouded fade-out and you've got a charming record that rocks gentle and sweet.

Cash Box approved record with oodles of quirky adjectives by its reviewer.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n676vq1wb9cqcdemf3hv6/2188a.mp3?rlkey=unt53ft68ahje722kvug3cphg&st=vvv8ysn2&dl=0

"Baby" (or Bai-behh, as pronounced by lead singer Bob Lea) is the requisite ballad side, with piano and vibes in the mix. Said vibes disappear mid-flight; perhaps the session musician got a phone call. It's a decent standard-issue vocal group slow number distinguished by the group's delicate approach. 
    Bob Lea's homely voice is appealing and pleasing. He sings with soul but reins in any urges to belt. The sound is similar to rival Hull group The Heartbeats (of "A Thousand Miles Away" fame) and I'm sure this side went over well at high school slow dances. And it appears Portland, Oregon teens went for this single, as copies show up a few times a year. Hint to the record deities: I'd be happy to come across any of the other six singles by this group. Thanks in advance!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kyg75polthic0rbg3975d/2188b.mp3?rlkey=51d4gk5cvh47blxdhrq0vfv6u&st=hgefy8aq&dl=0

The group broke up after the release of their final single in 1962. Most of their seven Hull singles were bootlegged--always a sign of musical quality and appeal. Hull Records issued an LP on them in 1962, after they'd broken up. Its title, Hull Records Cordially Invites You to Meet The Avons, was a nice gesture, and the album has become far spendier than their singles combined, with clean copies known to fetch $450.00. One hopes Hull paid out royalties to the group, who composed most of their own material.

Tomorrow: an encore play of one of my favorite singles from Sun Records, the one-shot disc by Wade and Dick (The College Kids) from 1957.