The Essentials

Contemporary Canadian doo-woppers the Essentials have turned out two tight and tuneful CD1s so far. This third, live recording is really a tribute to classic rock and pop, what with relentlessly infectious songs such as "Stay," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Some Kind Of Wonderful." Keeping a constant tempo are drums on many tracks. "December, 1963" (a big hit for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) works both sides of the audio spectrum, high and low; the four cut loose on "Kiss Him Goodbye," the lead vocal intensifying into a throaty growl, the bass punctuating the concentrated harmonies working feverishly above. "Change In My Life" and "Lion Sleeps Tonight" are "essentially" a cappella.

Discography

Remember December

Here’s a group that shows that the uniquely American style of doo wop can be sung from over the border as this Canadian group’s latest Christmas CD is a gem. More like doo-wop tinged there is both great singing (what a bass!) and arrangements that are a standout from the usual Christmas fair. It has been quite awhile since their previous release and time has seasoned them well as they have been performing steadily for years. There is the occasional very light accompaniment but vocals are very much front and center on this holiday treat.

Bare

Contemporary Canadian doo-woppers the Essentials have turned out two tight and tuneful CD¹s so far. This third, live recording is really a tribute to classic rock and pop, what with relentlessly infectious songs such as "Stay," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Some Kind Of Wonderful." Keeping a constant tempo are drums on many tracks. "December, 1963" (a big hit for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) works both sides of the audio spectrum, high and low; the four cut loose on "Kiss Him Goodbye," the lead vocal intensifying into a throaty growl, the bass punctuating the concentrated harmonies working feverishly above. "Change In My Life" and "Lion Sleeps Tonight" are "essentially" a cappella.

2531 CD $14.98

...and then some

This the Essentials second album and we have considerable change to enjoy. The harmonies are as tight as ever but the doo-wop tunes take the back seat in favor of light rock. In the footsteps of the Nylons they have chosen to add a percussion track to most of the tunes. "My Girl," "Lean On Me," "If I Fell" and "Only You" are the offerings for purists. Please don't let me give the impression that the doo wop is totally gone from the repertoire, for several songs still have that element but the selection is faithful to the historical changes of the 60's popular music.

Oh What A Night

From that hotbed of a cappella music to the north, Canada, comes a young, high energy quintet who are devoting their harmonious labors on this album to the art of the doo-wop, particularly the early 60's style. "Sixteen Candles," "Runaround Sue," "So Much In Love," "Come Go With Me," and "The Way You Do The Things You Do" are a partial list of the tunes, 14 in all. You can thoroughly enjoy a moment of nostalgia or enjoy those oldies anew as the harmonies are tight and rich, the bass is solid and the tunes are all from an era of great schmaltz and great vocalization, a virtual golden age of acappella. (For spelling information see the Belmont's review)

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