I Must Forget You / 99 Guys (Digital 45)

Led by the brilliant Chicago-based tenor saxophonist Von Freeman, the Von Freeman Combo was one of Chicago's premier jazz and rhythm & blues combos of the 1950s. On the vintage 1955 single, Freeman's Combo joins forces with the ad hoc but excellent vocal group The Maples with "I Must Forget You" b/w "99 Guys," originally released on Chicago's Parrot Records subsidiary Blue Lake label. "I Must Forgive You" featured on side A, is a tender ballad showcasing The Maples beautiful harmonies - "99 Guys" featured on side B is an upbeat Rhythm & Blues rocker featuring a thrilling solo from Freeman with great vocal response from The Maples, who consisted of lead vocalist Kenneth Childers backed by Johnny "Chubby" Jones (the Five Chances); Albert Hunter (Clouds) and Andrew Smith (the Fasinoles).