Miami, Florida's Suntones, formed in 1957 singing innovative arrangements of "Old Black Magic" and Hi-Lo's songs, finally won SPEBSQSA Quartet Gold in 1961. They went on to record extensively and seek professional bookings outside of barbershop circles, causing them to perfect their act, and helping to create a world of possibilities for top-drawer barbershop groups in the entertainment industry. "Suntones" is a "best-of" collection of 23 songs, certainly tough choices given the large number of excellent recordings by the group. From the first cut, "Bye, Bye Blues," the final tune in their Gold-winning set that became a trademark for them, we see how special this group is. "After You've Gone," which begins straight, introduces a major 7th chord, jazzy 2nd chorus and wild and crazy tag. "If You Can't Tell the World She's A Good Little Girl," "Old Songs Medley" showed that even though they tended toward daring innovations, they never lost their love of the simple, "square" barbershop songs. "Danny Boy," "That Old Black Magic," "West Side Story Medley," "Jezebel," "Where Is Love," "Show Me Where The Good Times Are," "Tennessee Waltz," "Shrimp Boats" and "For All We Know" need to be listened to again and again to appreciate the chances the Suntones took, and how solid the barbershop fundamentals were that formed their base. "Suntones" is an amazing recording on many levels, and certainly mandatory listening for aspiring quartets to expand their horizons. |
