Acapella Doo Wop

Sentinels : Acappella Memories - Connecticut Style

Review: Acknowledged as Connecticut's premier a cappella Doo Wop Group, the 5-man Sentinels have performed with classic groups like the Jive Five, Platters, Coasters, Capris, Del Vikings, Dubs, Chantels, Emotions, Solitaires, Harptones and many others. The group delivers the rich, robust sounds of authentic street corner Doo Wop that rings true to the era with a helping of their own universally-appealing style. 19 songs, some favorites are the lively "Hey Senorita," "I Thank the Moon," "Oh Gee, Oh Gosh," "Tonight Could Be the Night," nice covers of "Book of Love," "When You Dance" and "Remember Then," "Babalu's Wedding Day" and bonus track "White Christmas." Smooth, sweet sounds from the talented, veteran Sentinels!

Songlist: Can't We Be Sweethearts, Lorraine, Hey Senorita, I Thank the Moon, White Cliffs of Dover, It Happened Today, To Be Loved, Oh Gee Oh Gosh, Please Let Me Love You, Tonight Could Be the Night, Zu Zu, Book of Love, Never Never, When You Dance, Babalu's Wedding Day, Now That You've Gone, Remember Then, Goodnight, White Christmas

Sentinels, Delneros & The Memories : Sounds of Acappella Vol 2

Review: A collection of well recorded tracks from three contemporary doo wop groups, The Sentinels from Connecticut, The Memories from Massachusetts and The Delneros from Philidelphia. Highlights include The Sentinels' rendition of 'My Juanita,' The Memories' 'Tonight Tonight' and The Delneros' 'You Are.'

Songlist: Tonight Tonight, My Juanita, The Way You Look Tonight, Dry Your Eyes, The Bells of Rosa Rita, I'm So In Love, Wanted For Your Love, Oh Gee Oh Gosh, You Are, Someone To Love, I Thank The Moon, I Wonder Who, Cruise To The Moon, White Cliffs of Dover, Play Those Oldies Mr DJ

Sheps : Give You Heart For Christmas

Review: Formed in 1992, taking their name from the legendary lead singer of the Heartbeats, James Sheppard. Known for their authentic performance and recording of the classic 1950s Doo-Wop, this Christmas CD features songs, some with light percussion, most of which we have not heard before. "Christmas Puts Jingle Bells in My Heart," a bopping "Santa Claus, Santa Claus," the a cappella anthem "My New Year's Prayer," the nice original "Give Your Heart For Christmas," the a cappella lament "She Took The Merry Out Of My Christmas" and the love song "Christmas Is Over." It's an authentic Christmas on the corner!

Songlist: Christmas Puts Jingle Bells in My Heart, It's Christmas All Over Again, Santa Claus, Santa Claus, My New Year's Prayer, You Santa Claus..., Give Your Heart for Christmas, Interlude, She Took the Merry Out of My Christmas, It's A Lovely Christmas Night, Christmas Puts Jingle Bells In My Heart, Christmas Bells, Christmas Is Over, We'll Spend Christmas Apart, It's A New Year

Sheps : It Was Destiny

Review: Presented as "a tribute to the Authentic Roots, 1950's RnB Groups, "Destiny" is several cuts above your average Doo-Wop CD. First, the material concentrates on that of mid-50's groups, primarily those from Chicago and New York. Songs like the Pipes' "Be Fair," The Velours' "Romeo," The Crows' "Baby Doll," "Call A Doctor" and "I Love You So," The Orchids' "Newly Wed" and The Diablos' "The Wind"- these songs are the real thing, and take us back to the years when streetcorner Doo-Wop was a ticket for some very talented singers and songwriters into recording studios and onto the radio and tv. Clean, sweet, in-tune leads by 5 guys who have paid their dues, and the arrangements (by Tommie Shider), don't take the easy path of many groups. There's 23 songs, including two nice originals, the title tune and "UGHA." A couple of songs are accompanied, but trust us, "Destiny" is a treat by a group that takes care of business!

Songlist: Be Fair, Romeo, Baby Doll, It Wasn't A Lie, You're Mine, Gloria (The Girl for Me), Castle in the Sky, PS I Love You, It Was Destiny, Tell Me Why, She Was A Battle Axe, I Love You So, All I Want, Call A Doctor, Newly Wed, The Verdict, I Know, Starting from Tonight, Fool's Prayers, The Wind, UGHA, How Would You Know, The Beat of Our Hearts

Sheps : Me, My Tears and a Jukebox

Review: The Sheps are one of those rare groups which received almost instant success and public acclaim. Tommy Shinder formed the group in late 1992 after a long search for kindred spirits who loved to sing the music of the early R&B groups. Their name honors James Sheppard of both the Heartbeats and Limelites. In their first year of performing they won the UGHA's (United In Group Harmony Association) prestigious award, Rookie Of The Year-1993, and in unprecedented triumph were declared the Veteran Group Of The Year in 1994. This award winning quintet have their harmonic sensibilities firmly rooted in the 1950's as they emulate the Mellomoods ('Where Are You,' 'I'm Lost,' 'How Could You'), the Heartbeats, the Five Keys, Flamingos and more. Included is one original composition, the title track, 'Me, My Tears and a Jukebox' which might have written in 1954 except it mentions all the groups they love. Great!

Songlist: Where are You, I'm Lost, How Could You, Heaven Above Me, Tormented, People Are Talking, Down On My Knees, You're The Dream, Darlin', My Reverie, Mistakes, How Long, Priceless, Untrue, Miss You, Gee, Eternally, Dearest, Golden Teardrops, Me, My Tears and a Jukebox

Showvinistics : Heart Of Saturday Night

Review: East Coast doo-wop group, whose five members ably perform oldies from a variety of styles - the common denominator of which is that they are all great American music! R & B influenced vocal harmony groups ('Drifter's Medley') and first-generation rockers, a la Buddy Holly ('Maybe Baby'), both contributed to the doo-wop sound of the fifties and early sixties. In turn, those trends evolved into Motown ('Lonely Teardrops'), and the Brill Building pop of Neil Sedaka ('Rainy Day Bells'). The Showvinistics' arrangements of songs from each of these eras retain the integrity of the style, while adding subtle impact with their solid and confident vocals. Four tracks are accompanied.

Songlist: The Heart Of Saturday Night, Morse Code Of Love, Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely, Oh What A Night, Rainy Day Bells, Countdown to Love, Lonely Teardrops, Maybe Baby, Blue Moon, Drifter's Medley, Here I Am Broken Hearted, Tears On My Pillow, A White Sport Coat / Young Love, Star Spangled Banner

Showvinistics : My Heart

Review: Forevermore Records proudly announces the second release from the Showvinistics. This award winning a cappella quintet is back, incorporating everything musically that their fans have come to love and expect - blues, doo-wop, R&B, Carolina Beach music and oldies rock 'n roll. Since the 1999 CASA Award winning release of their first CD "Heart of Saturday Night", the group has performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, opened for the Temptations, Beach Boys, Danny & The Juniors, Chuck Berry and the Neville Brothers, sang the national anthem at Major League Baseball stadiums throughout the Northeast and more. This new 12 track CD is a mixture of songs with intricate harmonies and ear-catching melodies.

Songlist: My Heart, Tell Me Why, I Go To Pieces, Jimmy Reed Medley, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Sixty Minute Man, Runaway, Over The Summer, Once In Awhile, Tonight (Could Be The Night), Be Bop A Lula, Ms. Grace

Special Delivery : Be Anything But Me Mine

Review: Special Delivery is 8 hard-working guys from New Jersey who had their musical epiphany one night performing 'It's Too Soon To Know.' The ovation that followed was repeated when they offered 'older classics' to subsequent audiences. 'Be Anything...' is a tribute to the pioneer artists of R & B, and the group's love of the music is loud and clear. Standouts among the 17 choice cuts: The Ink Spots' 'Flowers, Mr. Florist, Please,' The Platters' 'Only You,' The Flamingos' 'My Lovely One,' and the title cut, by the Five Keys.

Songlist: It's Too Soon To Know (E. Hessler), Night's Curtains (Williams / Blackshear), Learning The Blues ( Silvers), Flowers, Mr. Florist Please (Powell), Since I Fell For You (Johnson), Golden Teardrops (Carter), Lovey Dovey ( Curtis / Ertegon), Be Anything But Be Mine (Gordon), Hands Across The Table (Parish / Delettre), Only You (Ram / Rand), I'd Be SAtisfied (Ward / Marks), My Lovely One (Johnson), Here In My Lonely Room (Weismantel), Until The Real Thing Comes Along (Cahn / Chaplin), On The Street Where You Live (Lerner / Lowe), Danny Boy (Weatherly), Your Promise To Be Mine (Oliver)

Stormy Weather : Doo It Doo Wop

Review: If you like tasty Doo-Wop, this CD is like a 15-slice pizza with everything! From the opening cut, 'Ooh Child,' through the 15th, 'Lake County, Indiana,' each slice is tight, fun and top-40 professional. Stormy Weather is Dave Sigler, Dave Mitchell, Cheryl DeRosier and Henry Farag. Gene 'Duke of Earl' Chandler is guest lead on 'Daddy's Home.' Other standouts are 'Kids Don't Play,' 'Speedo,' and 'Bread & Butter.' D-I-D-W is Delicious!

Songlist: Oohh Child, Jim Dandy, I Met Him On a Sunday, Daddy's Home, Shadows, Ghosts and Bones, Finger Poppin' Time, Da Doo Ron Ron, Buzz Buzz Buzz, Kids Don't Play, Angel Baby, Pennies From Heaven, Speedo, Bread and Butter, Whispering Bells, Lake County, Indiana

Stormy Weather : Doo Wop Yule Pop

Review: Subtitled 'a Christmas collection for kids,' 'Doo Wop Yule Pop' is just plain fun at any age. Contemporary doo-wop mixed quintet Stormy Weather are from Gary, Indiana, and their versions of 'Jingle Bells,' 'A Yule Tide Aire,' 'Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer' and so many more (15 in all), are musically solid and amazingly creative. 'Hardrock, Coco and Joe' and 'Suzy Snowflake' are definitely directed at the little curtain climbers, who will be enthralled. 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree' is anchored by a nimble vocal bass performance (bass takes the lead for two verses on 'White Christmas'). 'All I Want For Christmas' is reggaeized; 'Hey Santa Claus,' written by the Moonglows' Harvey Fuqua, (accompanied) swings hard. Last cut: 'Lady Millenium,' which will get you in the mood for New Year's Eve!

Songlist: Hardrock, Coco & Joe, Suzy Snowflake, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, Christmas Round, White Christmas, A Yule Tide Aire, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, All I Want For Christmas, Doo Wop Yule Pop, Little Drummer Boy/ Do You Hear What I Hear, Little Red Shoes, Jingle Bells, Hey Santa Claus, Lady Millennium

Stormy Weather : Street Carols

Review: Featuring a guest line-up that makes us want to crash the backstage hospitality area to say hello, the Gary, Indiana based Stormy Weather turn the mikes over to the likes of Ronnie Spector ('Creation Of Love'), The Spaniels ('Santa's Lullabye,' 'Peace Of Mind') and the Chi-Lites ('It's The Time'). 'Little Red Shoes,' adds a tasty acoustic guitar part to the lead vocal by Rock 'n Roll Hall-Of-Famer Jerry Butler, and he sings it from the gut and the heart, that's for sure. Stormy Weather gets their turn, too, with 'You're My Christmas Present,' 'Jingle Bell Rock,' and others, but clearly, they enjoy sharing the credit with their talented associates.

Songlist: A Street Carol, Jingle Bell Rock, Little Red Shoes, Last Month of the Year, Christmas Round, Santa's Lullabye, You're My Christmas Present, Creation of Love, It's the Time, Peace of Mind, Merry Christmas Baby, The Bells of St. Mary, Suite for a Late December, Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, We Three Kings, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Stormy Weather : Vox Poppin'

Review: Stormy Weather is Henry Farag, Jimmy Calinski, George Carl, Dave Sigler and Billy Shelton, and we have to say that these guys can womp-bop-a-loo-bomp the butts of a lot of Doo-Wop groups. OK, so there's your occasional accompaniment and Steve Milleresque taped radio sample for effect, but it's clear Stormy Weather has the vocal chops and soul not to need any of that. 15 choice cuts, and it's hard to choose standouts, but we'll pick a few: 'Rock 'N Roll Lullabye,' 'Sixty Minute Man,' 'Since I Don't Have You,' and Ry Cooder's 'Crazy 'Bout An Automobile.' You just know these guys are big fun live!

Songlist: Rock 'N Roll Lullaby, Rendezvous On Euclid Avenue, Full Moon On Main Street, Small Change / The One That Got Away, Sixty Minute Man, Oh How Happy, Please Stay, Zoom, Island Of Love, Five Players For a Quarter, Crazy Baby, Since I Don't Have You, Street Corner Serenade, Crazy 'Bout An Automobile, For Your Precious Love

Street Corner Serenade : Acappella

Review: The 5-man Starlight Serenade is one of Boston's finest vocal groups, and they really deliver the goods on this CD. We've always felt that the key to great male doo-wop is a solid, heavy baritone-bass anchor (the whole genre being named after nonsense words usually sung by those yummy deep voices) and Baritone Jack Mento and Bass David Jackvony are two of the best we've heard. There are 16 classic songs here, some of our favorites: 'Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,' 'Little Darlin',' 'My True Story,' 'When I Come Home,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Little Girl of Mine,' 'Walking Along,' and the title tune, but it's hard to choose, as it's all good stuff. Rich-harmonied, deep-voiced doo-wop is like hot fudge on a hand-cranked vanilla ice cream sundae - the more the better!

Songlist: Till Then, I Really Love You, Beginning To Love You, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, Mister Lonely, Little Darlin', My True Story, Street Corner Serenade, Hey Senorita, When I Come Home, Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely, Blue Moon, Streets Of The Bronx, Little Girl Of Mine, The Girl I Love, Walking Along

Swallows : Swallows Acappella Album

Review: Philadelphia's sweet-singing Doo-Wop quintet perform 23 original, authentic hits, "Oh Lonesome Me," "Hey, Senorita," "Little Darlin'," "Let Me Come Back," "What'Cha Gonna Do," "Have Mercy Baby," "Louise," "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano" "Ride Eddie Ride" and slightly racy tunes like "Sixty Minute Man" and "It Ain't The Meat." With voices like these, The Swallows could sing the phone book and get us boogying!

Songlist: Will You Be Mine, Oh Lonesome Me, Dearest, Ride Eddie Ride, Beside You, A Lover's Question, Love Bells, Hey Seniorita, Would I Be Crying, Let Me Come Back, What'Cha Gonna Do, When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano, Little Darlin', Mother, Have Mercy Baby, I'll Be Waiting, Louise, At Night, Sit and Hold My Hand, Sincerely, It Ain't The Meat, Sixty Minute Man, Your Way

Swallows : Very Best of

Review: Well researched and compiled selection of classics tracks by one of the most successful of the early 50's R&B groups. Featuring their years on the King label this recording is a treat for fans of the clear, clean, sweet sound of the early R&B vocal groups. 25 tracks

Songlist: Will You Be Mine, Dearest, Wishing for You, Since You've Been Away, Eternally, You Left Me, It Ain't the Meat, Roll, Roll Pretty Baby, Tell Me Why, Beside You, I Only Have Eyes for You, You Walked In, Our Love Is Dying, Where Do I Go from Here?, Nobody's Lovin' Me, Please, Baby, Please, Laugh (Though You Want to Cry), Trust Me, Pleading Blues, I'll Be Waiting, Bicycle Tillie, It Feels So Good, We Want to Rock, Itchy Twitchy Feeling, Who Knows, Do You?

The Tribunes : Memories of You

Review: It's 1957, and Tony Acaron and his buddies are singing a Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers song on the corner of 138th St. & Cypress Ave. in the Bronx. Taking their name from movie "The Robe," where Victor Mature" was made a Roman Tribune, the group recorded hit singles like 1962's "Code of Love" and appeared at The Apollo theater in Harlem and Birdland in NYC. Today, with some new voices, they're back, making new fans performing their music in NYC. 18 songs, some of our favorites: the title tune, "Solitaire," "Zoom," "Chapel of Dreams," "Erlene," "When I Fall In Love," "Valerie" and a great "Drifters Medley." This is the good deep-bass streetcorner stuff, the Doo-Wop that started it all!

Songlist: My Memories of You, What Did I Do?, Oh Gee Gosh, My Vow to You, Solitaire, Out in the Cold Again, Zoom, Love No One But You, Teenagers Dream, Chapel of Dreams, Erlene, When I Fall in Love, I'm So Young, My girlfriend, Valerie, Drifters medley: Please Stay / Some Kind of Wonderful / Up on the Roof, I'm So Happy, Why Do You Have to Go?

The Valentinos : Treasure Chest

Review: In 1956 Gil Valentin formed a group he called the Casanovas. But another group had recorded under that name, so he changed the name to the Valentinos, a romantic play on the famous actor, the holiday and Gil's own name. Beginning as an all-male quintet, they went to 3 men and one woman, and finally to 2 men and 2 women. There are 26 songs on "Gems," some favorites are "That's Why I Love You," "Oh My Love," the classic "Spanish Harlem," "IOU," "Gypsy Woman," "Peppermint Stick," "Rendezvous With You," "What Did Daddy Do," "Close Your Eyes" and "Set Me Free" are some of many favorites. The Valentinos have the classic Doo-Wop sound, and they use it well on "Acappella Gems." Great original recordings by one of the best groups of the era!

Songlist: Dee I, My Vow To You, That's Why I Love You, Darling, The Wind, Oh My Love, If I Should Lose You, Please Be Mine, Never Let Me Go, Spanish Harlem, I.O.U, Gypsy Woman, Peppermint Stick, Please Tell The Angels, How Much I Love You, Dear Sonia, Rendezvous With You, What Did Daddy Do, Guardian Angel, The Time, That's All I Want From You, I Mei Giorni Felici, Close Your Eyes, I've Been Good To You, Set Me Free, En Mi Viejo San Juan

Things To Come : Together We Stand

Review: "Together," the second CD of Things To Come, four smooth-singing, good-looking black men, is a soulful, Doo-Wop treat! 19 songs, some of our favorites are "Little Bitty Pretty One," The Jesters' "Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go," The Drifters' "Save The Last Dance for Me" and "Up On The Roof/Under The Boardwalk," The Moonglows' "My Diary," The Temptations' Motown hit "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and Lenny Welsh's "Since I Fell For You." This is some sweet Doo-Wop from an excellent group right now, and we expect even better Things To Come.

Songlist: T.T.C. Jingle, Little Bitty Pretty One, Somewhere, Thrill Upon A Hill, Save the Last Dance for Me, Star Spangled Banner, You Can Depend on Me, That Cat Is High, My Girlfriend, In My Diary, Cooling Water, I'm On the Outside Looking In, Under the Boardwalk / Up On The Roof, I'm the One Love Forgot, Can I?, Roll Jordan Roll, Ain't Too Proud Too Beg, Since I Fell For You

Tokens : Harmony Hits

Review: Formed in 1955 at Brooklyn's Abraham Lincoln High School, and known as the Linc-Tones, the group changed its name to the Tokens and included Neil Sedaka as an original member. In early 1961, The Tokens released a single for Warwick Records entitled "Tonight I Fell In Love," which went to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned them an opportunity to appear on American Bandstand. The popularity that the band garnered as a result of this performance brought them new recording opportunities, culminating in their famous cover of Solomon Linda's "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" for the RCA Victor. Jay Siegel's characteristic lead vocals helped the song rise to #1 on the Billboard charts, where it remained for three weeks. Here is a great budget priced collection of their original hits.

Songlist: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh), B'wanina (Pretty Girl), Don't Worry Baby, She Lets Her Hair Down, Tonight I Fell In Love, Little Hot Rod Suzie, Let's Go To The Drag Strip, Tina, Weeping River, The Wreck Of The John B.

Tribunes : Doo Wop Acappella

Review: The Tribunes give us that street corner feel with their a cappella renditions of such doo wop gems as "Story Untold", "Diamonds And Pearls" and "What Time Is It."

Songlist: Diamonds and Pearls, Story Untold, Little Darlin', If You Want To, Come Go With Me, What Time Is It?, Under The Boardwalk, Summertime, Sixteen Candles, Over The Rainbow

Variations : Wish That You Were Here

Review: These East Coast doo woppers capture the earnest innocence of the girl groups of the 'fifties. Featuring two altos, two sopranos and one lone fella on bass, the Variations specialize in less familiar songs recorded by the Crystals, Orlons, Capris, and many others (history included in the liner notes). Obviously a labor of love, "Wish You Were Here" reminds us what it was like to be a girl in the era of poodle skirts and malteds at the diner-ecstasy if he liked you, misery and pathos if he didn't. The trademark oohs and aahs, and plaintive vibrato implore ("Please Come Back to Me"), adore ("Heart Darling Angel") and admonish ("You Better Run"). The harmonies are well-executed and are nicely balanced by the bass register, resulting in a full, complete sound. A welcome addition to the doo-wop category.

Songlist: Lover's Prayer, Baby Doll, I Love My Baby, Scheming, In Between Kisses, You Better Run, Please Come Back To Me, Oh My Darling, Mine All Mine, Deceiving Blues, Just Before You Leave, Please Believe I love You, Don't Say Goodbye, Heart, Darling, Angel, Jerry, I Am So Lonely, I Love You So, Wish That You Were Here

Various Artists : A Cappella Comes To Broadway

Review: A live recording featuring six contemporary doo-wop groups, billed as 'an acappella tribute to R & B vocal group harmony,' recreating the doo-wop classics of yesteryear (save Reunion, who throw a curveball by including Thin Lizzy's 'Boys Are Back In Town'). As promoted by Ronnie I, Choice, the Delmonicos, Larkings, Reunion, Things To Come and the Valentinos (the only mixed male/female group)render their own interpretations of 'I Like It Like That' (Spaniels), 'Why Did You Have To Go' (Dells), 'Story Untold' (Nutmegs), 'Since I Don't Have You' (Skyliners) and 'Memories Of You' (Harptones) and many more. 

Songlist: Ronnie I Intro, Shoo Be Do Wah, I Like It Like That, Everybody's Laughing, Two Loves Have I, Stardust, Can't We Be Sweethearts, Why Do You Have To Go, Story Untold, Down To Earth, Over and Over Again, Boys are Back in Town, Wonderful Tonight, Silvie, At This Moment, Sh-Boom, Since I Fell For You / Since I Don't Have You, Farewell My Love, Solitaire, My Memories of You, Lullabye of the Bells

Various Artists : Acappella Showdown 4

Review: Clifton Music's Ronnie I presents this generous collection of 20 1950s Doo Wop group recordings, 19 of them previously unreleased, featuring 14 groups. The CD has an authentic feel and competitive spirit about it, a showdown between some of the best surviving group singers of the era. Some favorites: The Balladeers' "Red Sails in the Sunset," the Decibelles' "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," the Endings' "Oh Baby," Magic Moments' "A Casual Look," Street Corner Five's "My Love Will Never Die," Vintage's "Gypsy Woman," Spellbound's "A Rose," Cosmic Rays' "Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie," Bop Shop's "10 Commandments of Love," Jarmels' "Love" and Nutmegs' "Beautiful Dreamer." Great stuff, a lot of which we haven't heard, by some of the original artists, who still sound wonderful!

Songlist: Give Me You, Red Sails In The Sunset, Star-Spangled Banner, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, There's No One But You, My Love (For You), Oh Baby, A Casual Look, My Love Will Never Die, Someone To Call Me Darling, What Are You Gonna Be, In The Still of the Night, Gypsy Woman, A Rose, The Nearness of You, Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie, Ten Commandments Of Love, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Love, Beautiful Dreamer

Various Artists : Apollo Acappella Audition Album

Review: New York City's Apollo Records was a key fifties R&B label that released great groups, blues and gospel. In their archives, however, was unearthed a treasure trove of audition tapes of early a cappella groups, The Casanovas, Miriam Grate & The Dovers, the Gentlemen, The Keynotes, and the Avalons. This is a collection of 20 of the best songs rescued from the dusty boxes in Apollo's warehouse: "A Star" and "Early One Morning" by the Keynotes, "Pleading from My Heart" and "Night Rider" by the Casanovas," The Dovers' tasty "My Love" and "Sweet as a Flower," "Baby Looka Here" by the The Avalons, and "Story of a Love Gone Cold" by the Gentlemen are some of our favorites. Most of these songs are new to us, and they showcase the raw talent and creativity of the early Doo-Wop scene, where dozens of groups were a record contract or some radio play away from a hit and stardom.

Songlist: Please Be Mine, Only Heaven Knows, Youre Driving Me Crazy, A Star, Pleading From My Heart, My Love, Love Me Now Or Let Me Go, Girl In The Chapel, Sweet As A Flower, Suddenly, Baby Looka Here, You Are My Queen, Tell Me You Love Me, Night Rider, Do Something For Me, Early One Morning, The Sentence, Story of a Love Gone Cold, I Don't Know, Your Love

Various Artists : Best Of Acappella Vol 2

Review: It was still in 1965 that the second Relic Record was produced. The first was selling well in a streetcorner underground around New York City and Philadelphia. Eddie Gries and his partners decided to start producing their own acappella sessions. They began with the popular group, the Chessmen. The Holidays were a young group which auditioned right in the Times Square Record Shop. The Citadels were the first mixed group to record acappella, streetcorner style. The Youngtones were a young Latino group who almost made it big. This second record was rounded out with leased masters by the Delstars of 'Zoop Bop' fame (remember them?) and the Five Jades. None of these songs had been released before Best of Acappella Vol 2. The CD is packaged with the same images which a adorned the original album jacket and includes the original album notes.

Songlist: I Want To Dance, Your Way, Lola, New Love Tomorrow, Johnny Johnny, Let Me Come Back, A Teardrop, When I Woke Up This Morning, Chant Of The Isles, When I Fall In Love, For Sentimental Reasons, Adios, My Baby Loves Me, Maryann, It Happened Today, Shining Star, Time After Time, To Make A Long Story Short, Is Everybody Happy?, Ten Commandments Of Love

Various Artists : Best Of Acappella Vol 3

Review: Yo! It's just now 1966. The British invasion is in full force, even in New York and New Jersey, the last bastion of doo-woppers. As most of the groups were composed of members seventeen to nineteen years old and the draft was going gangbusters, groups were disappearing right and left. But acappella survived in spite of the fact that it received no airplay except on WHBI-FM. Volume 3 introduces seven new groups, The Islanders, The Durhams, Count Five, Horizons, Nicky & Naks, the Apparitions and the Enchantments in addition to the two veterans, the Citadels and the Quotations. So you'll find the nine groups singing twenty tunes on this CD reissue. The digital restoration of the original tapes is a work of art. Relic's presentation is a fascinating slice of the history of acappella music.

Songlist: I Wonder Why, A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening, I Do Believe, My True Story, Tonite I Fell In Love, Maureen, I've Seen Everything, Bells of Love, Rock 'n Roll Cha Cha, Why Did You Make Me Cry?, Sweeter Than, Maybe You'll Be There, Pennies From Heaven, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, Part of Our Love, Down On My Knees, Hey, Hey Baby, Dream World, Don't Say We're Through, There Was A Time

Various Artists : Best Of Acappella Vol 4

Review: By the time volume 4 was produced, even though it was still 1966, the sales of acappella were beginning to fall off but there was still enough interest to do just one more for people who loved the music. This recording was different in that there are the first two all girl acappella groups, ever. We mean girl groups. Ginger And The: Adorables, from West Orange, NJ, had three sixteen year old and two fourteen year old girls! The other all girl group was the Rondells. Little Joe and The Majestics could barely speak English and became the first recorded acappella in Spanish. There was another departure from the previous albums and that was a barbershop harmony song by the Notations. We're talking radical departure. This is the end of the beginning of the great Relic Records. They promoted a Vol 5 in these album notes but there is no evidence it was ever produced. Aah, the good old days!

Songlist: The White Cliffs Of Dover, Laura My Darling, Lost Love, He's Gone, Everyday Of The Week, I'll Be Home, Merry Go Round Love, Ave Maria, I Remember, For Your Precious Love, Walking In The Rain, I'm So Young, Spiral, My Prayer, A Story Of Love, I Hear The Wind, I'll Never Let You Go, Kentucky Babe, Why You Do Me Like You Do, Summer Nights

Various Artists : Best of Acappella Vol. 5

Review: More great tracks in this classic series from maestro Ronnie Italiano.

Songlist: I Don't Want To Cry, Forgotten Spring, It Was The Night, When I Fell In Love, Twilight, Please Say It Isn't So, Don't Leave Me Baby, You Never Loved Me, Lundee Dundee, Ooh Baby Baby, Danny Boy, Hang On Sloopy, Autumn Leaves, Speedoo, To The Aisle, This Magic Moment, Sound Of Heartbreak, Castle In The Sky, Good Good-Bye, Senorita

Various Artists : Best Of Doo Wop Ballads

Review: Turn down the lights and grab the one you love. This collection of doo-wop ballads assembled by Rhino features eighteen of your romantic favorites. Selections include, "Since I Don't Have You" by The Skyliners, "I Only Have Eyes For You" by The Flamingos, "Gloria" by The Cadillacs and "16 Candles" by the Crests. These classic love songs will transport you back in time.

Songlist: Where Or When, In the Still of the Night, My True Story, Gloria, Oh What A Night, Lover's Island, Sincerely, Glory of Love, Ten Commandments of Love, Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine), 16 Candles, I Only Have Eyes For You, Tear Drops, Been So Long, A Thousand Miles Away, Daddy's Home, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

Various Artists : Christmas in Harmony

Review: From the vaults of the late legendary doo wop producer Ronnis I comes this great collection of classic Christmas songs sung by some of the top vintage harmony of the era. Twenty two carols from the well known groups such as The Sheps, The Swallows, Choice, BQE, and the Jaguars to talent but lesser-knowns such as The Stotytellers, Keystoners and the Crosstones. A real Christmas treat for doo wop fans.

Songlist: Merry Christmas Time, Christmas Time, At Christmas Time, Happy Holiday, Under the Mistletoe, All I Want For Christmas, You're All I Want For Christmas, Don't Cry For Me This Christmas, Just a Lonely Christmas, Ride on Santa, Please Come Home For Christmas, I Want You For Christmas, Christmas to New Year, My Grandmother's Christmas, Merry Christmas to My Heart, Johnny, Merry Christmas, Darling, White Christmas, Christmas Time is Coming, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Mary Had A Baby

Various Artists : Doo Wop Box

Review: The Doo Wop era lasted for just for a short period of time but this excellent and arguably the best of all the Doo Wop compilations is in this 4 CD Box set . Ranging from the years 1948 to 1987 it concentrates its music in the 50s where most of the best doo wop was recorded on small indie labels . There were revivals since the early 60s when the era ended and some of that is showcased somewhat here .

If you grew up in the era these tunes will give you goose bumps all over and being a jazz enthusiast I found that some of the tenor breaks in many of these doo wop classics nothing short of amazing.

Various Artists : Doo Wop Box 111

Review: The enterprise called Rhino Records is in the compilation business, and they do it with flair and intelligence. The first two doo wop box sets were widely regarded as definitive collections. However, there was more yet to be done! The four CD's in this latest box set - plus fact and picture filled book - include the rare, the obscure and the out-of-print. Organized with the themes of 'The Hits,' 'The Should Have-Been Hits,' 'The Celebrity Picks' and 'Modern Doo Wop,' and including groups and solo artists alike, the track list features many household names (Platters, Flamingoes, Drifters, Dominoes), and then the fun begins: Enchanters, Fascinators, Solitaires and Strangers, ad infinitum. Robert Plant's celebrity pick: 'Indian Girl' by the Capris, Keith Richards chose 'Maybe' by the Chantels. Rock and roll couldn't have happened without doo wop, and we know a lotcouldn't have happened without rock and roll! Make someone happy this Christmas! Make someone happy this Christmas.

Various Artists : Doo Wop Box Vol 2

Review: The second set of Rhino Records' The Doo Wop Box includes such gems as Robert & Johnny's "We Belong Together," Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" and the Robins' original version of Leiber & Stoller's "Smokey Joe's Cafe." The box set contains 39 Top 30 R&B hits plus such pop smashes as the Platters' "My Prayer," the Clovers' "Love Potion No. 9," Dion & the Belmonts' "Where or When," the Crests' "Step by Step," the Marcels' "Heartaches" and Don & Juan's "What's Your Name." Putting more emphasis on uptempo tunes than its predecessor, the new box includes both the Cadillacs' "Zoom" and the Collegians' "Zoom Zoom Zoom" as well as Frankie Lymon's giddy, boy soprano on the galloping "ABC's of Love." The first Doo Wop Box is still the better collection, for it had first crack at the widely acknowledged classics of the genre, but The Doo Wop Box II is full of historical milestones and dizzying music.

Various Artists : Starlight Serenade 2000, A Cappella

Review:

Songlist: Dear Lord, If I Knew, Blueberry Sweet, Guided Missles, Down On My Knees, Remember Me, Bony Moromie, One More Step, Lonely Way, You Don't Love Me Anymore, Lost Love, Gloria, Dancin' In The Congo, To Be Loved (Forever), Help, Guilty, Danny Boy, Money Honey, Tender Love, Sincerely, There's No One But You, Dolly, Hearts Of Stone, Peace Of Mind, Crying Over You, If I Loved You, Come Back To Me

Various Artists : Starlight Serenade Top 20

Review: Lovers of authentic, original remastered recordings of a cappella Doo-Wop will find a rich treasure in "Top 20." Of course we have heard most of these cuts before, but these excellent groups are all new to our ears. The Arrogants' versions of "Sh-Boom," "Get A Job," Who's That Knockin', and "Church Bells May Ring" are top-drawer, as are Norman Fox & the Rob Roys' "Dance Girl Dance" and "Tell Me Why." The Revelations weigh in with "Spanish Harlem," BQE sings "What Time Is It," "Sherry" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight;" John Kuse & the Excellents, Image, Yesterday's Today, Five Kings, Bravado, Dino and the Heartspinners, Lar-Kings, Tokens-the list, and the hits, go on and on. Open this one like a sweet, rich vintage wine straight from the 1950s and enjoy!

Songlist: Dance Girl Dance, Sh-Boom, I Count the Tears, Down on My Knees, Tell Me Why, In My Heart, Get A Job, So Much, Spanish Harlem, Who's That Knockin', What Time Is It?, Peace of Mind, Sherry, Gloria, Earth Angel, Church Bells May Ring, Ship of Love, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Doom Lang, Goodnight From Us To You

Various Artists : Starlight Serenade Vol. X

Review: This is volume 10 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Lewis Lymon & The Teenchords, Fred Johnson & The Marcels, The Chalets, The Revelations, The Prospects, Angel & the Allures, Cornerstone, Neighbor's Complaint, Elements of Life, The Four Sevilles and Street Dreams. The tunes are all standards like 'Angel Baby,' 'For Your Precious Love,' 'Lean On Me' and 'What's Your Name' or might-have-been hits, like 'Way Beyond Today,' 'In A Fairy Tale' and 'Lily Maebelle.' No info on the groups, but a cool picture of Lewis Lymon (Frankie's brother?) & The Teenchords on the front.

Songlist: Dance Girl, Please Tell the Angels, Goodbye to Love, Fat Mom Mi O, Lily Maebelle, Lean on Me, Higher and Higher, Way Beyond Today, Dedicated to the One I Love, Angel Baby, Come Back My Love, My Lonely Room, For Your Precious Love, That's What You're Doing To Me, Over the Rainbow, In A Fairy Tale, What's Your Name, Bluebird of Happiness, Don't Say Goodbye

Various Artists : Starlight Serenade Vol. XI

Review: Volume 11 of a doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. 20 cuts on this CD, The Jesters, BQE, The Ovations, A Moment's Pleasure, New Emage, The Four Sevilles and Neighbor's Complaint. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Stand By Me,' 'All In The Game,' and 'Heart And Soul' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Paper Castles,' 'I Need Your Kisses' and 'It's Summer.' A groovy picture of the Jesters is on the cover.

Songlist: The Beating of My Heart, What Now My Love, Tonight Could Be the Night, Zing Went the Strings of My Heart, Stand By Me, She's My Angel, The Bells of Rosa Rita, I Need Your Kisses, Whatcha Gonna Do, Cool Cool Summer, It's Summer, All in the Game, In Between Tears, Heart and Soul, Darling, Pledging My Love, Souvenirs, Paper Castles, At Night

Various Artists : Starlight Serenade Vol. XII

Review: You know the drill - this is volume 12 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, Charles Moffitt's Velours, Deja-Vu, The Four Sevilles, The Ovations, The Revelations, A Moment's Pleasure, and New Emage. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Love Potion #9,' 'Ten Command-ments of Love,' 'Under the Boardwalk' and 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Mio Amore,' 'Sweetness' and 'Laura.' No info on the groups in the liner notes, but there's a vintage picture of the Velours is on the front, and a picture is worth...

Songlist: Ten Commandments of Love, Mio Amore, This Could Be the Night, Maaybe, Over the Rainbow, If I, Little Maiden, You're Mine, Laura, Love Potion No. 9, Don't Look Back, White Christmas, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve, Sweet One, Sweetness, O Baby Don't, Ol' Man River, Frankie & Johny, Under the Boardwalk, Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Various Artists : Starlight Serenade Vol. XIV

Review: Volume 14 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on New York-based Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, The Paragons, The Bob Knight Four, Yesterday's Today, Street Corner Serenade, Tears of Joy and Elements of Life. The tunes are all standards like 'Mr. Blue,' 'Blue Velvet,' 'Believe It Or Not' and 'I Love You So' or might-have-been hits, like 'Sugar Lump,' 'Last Night I Dreamed' and 'Betty.' A classic pic of the Bob Knight Four is on the front.

Songlist: Sweet Was the Wine, Blue Velvet, P.S. I Love You, Shadrack, For Your Precious Love, There's a Moon Out Tonight, Jitterbug Mary, Brown Eyed Girl, Goodbye to Love, Last Night I Dreamed, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Come Back My Love, Sugar Lump, Believe It or Not, I Love You So, Mr. Blue, Ready For Your Love, Love Potion No. 9, Disco Mama Disco Man

Various Artists : Ultimate Doo Wop Christmas

Review: Outstanding holiday doo wop set featuring the fabulous harmonies of favorite vocal groups including Kenny Vance & The Planotones, Larry Chance & The Earls and many others.

Songlist: Doo Wop Christmas, After New Year's Eve, Here Comes Santa Claus, You're My Christmas Present, Mr. Santa, Like A Kid At Christmas, A Christmas Long Ago, Another Lonely New Years Eve, Merry Christmas, No Christmas Cheer

Audrey Snyder : White Christmas

Review: It's the Irving Berlin favorite as performed doo-wop style by the Drifters, rediscovered in the movie Home Alone and with Santa and his reindeer on the web. Now perform it live with your group and this easily learned choral arrangement! Available separately: SATB, SSA, TTB, ShowTrax CD. Electric bass part included. Duration: ca. 2:50.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   TTB,   SSA,   SATB,   SSA,   TTB

As Performed by: Drifters

Ed Lojeski : Lost in the Fifties Tonight (Medley)

Review: Travel back in time to an age of young love, bobby socks and doo-wop! This charming medley, full of entertaining harmony and melody, will be a favorite. Includes: Book of Love (The Monotones, 1958), Earth Angel (The Crew-Cuts/The Penguins, 1955), Graduation Day (The Rover Boys/The Four Freshmen, 1956), Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Nite) (The Five Satins, 1956), Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream) (The Crew-Cuts, 1954). Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 8:40.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   SAB,   SATB

Ed Lojeski : The Best of Doo-Wop

Review: Your guys will love the campy classics in this medley: Duke of Earl; Book of Love; Get a Job; Goodnight, It's Time to Go. Available: TTBB a cappella, Instrumental Pak (with score), ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 5:30.

Sheet Music Available: SSAA,   TTBB

Ed Lojeski : The Best of Doo-Wop (Medley)

Review: For the girls, a medley of four great nostalia tunes: A Teenager in Love, Lollipop, Earth Angel, Sh-boom. Available: SSAA a cappella, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:47.

Songlist: A Teenager in Love, Lollipop, Earth Angel, Sh-boom

Jay Althouse : Blue Moon

Review: Only once in a blue moon does a song like this come along! This Rodgers and Hart hit has been recorded by legions of stars. Jay's arrangement starts soulfully, then kicks into The Marcels' 1961 doo-wop version.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA

Kirby Shaw : A Fifties Doo-Wop Snapshot (Medley)

Review: This little 3 song medley is full of the iconic Doo-wop style that was so popular in the 1950's and continues today. A nice range of tempos make this an attractive group for programming and if you don't have a combo, the ShowTrax is great.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   ,   SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB,   SAB,   SSA

Kirby Shaw : At the Hop

Review: From the decade that gave us Rock 'n' Roll, this #1 Hit from Danny and the Juniors will make you want to kick off your shoes and dance the night away! Kirby's energetic and accessible arrangement is ideal for choirs of all ages! Super choreography showcase! Available SATB, 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:45.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   3-Part,   2-Part,   3-Part,   2-Part,   SATB

As Performed by: Danny and the Juniors

Kirby Shaw : Let's Hang On

Review: The 1965 hit by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and featured in the Broadway Musical Jersey Boys makes an incredible showcase for men's choirs of all ages. Hot! Hot! Hot! Available separately: TBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Sheet Music Available: TTB,   TTB

As Performed by: Four Seasons

Kirby Shaw : Speedoo

Review: Show some attitude with this 1956 pop hit by the Cadillacs! This uptempo classic from the golden age of doo-wop makes a perfect selection for some fancy footwork! Available separately: TBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: TBB

As Performed by: Cadillacs

Kirby Shaw : Up On the Roof

Review: Here's a great arrangement of the 1962 doo-wop classic by the Drifters, as recorded by James Taylor in 1979. Excellent for developing pop style and blend!Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB

As Performed by: James Taylor