The prototype for what has developed into a twenty-five year career that continues to grow in popularity, this initial 1971 recording hints at the dominion the King's Singers have over an astonishing variety of material. Four tracks are a cappella, the rest accompanied by the Gordon Langford Trio (Langford also arranged five of the songs). Traditionals, such as "Shenandoah, "Cherry Ripe" and "Scarborough Fair" are side-by-side with Gershwin's "Summertime" and Bacharach's "Wives and Lovers." Stylistically, the King's Singers combine formal classical knowledge with the immaculate blend of a barbershop chorus and the personality of English music hall performers appearing on the "Old Grey Whistle Test." No wonder they've stood the test of time! |
