With the first in our series of releases of never-before-heard Kingston Trio material, we brought you the last concert that Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds and John Stewart performed together; now, we bring you the last STUDIO re... more »cordings they made together! Taped between January 5 and March 9, 1967, these sessions are so rare that even their biographer, Ben Blake (who contributes notes to this release), had no knowledge of their existence until they surfaced very recently. In other words, this really IS the great lost Kingston Trio album, nine songs which we've augmented with unreleased tracks from previous sessions. As with our previous release, Grammy-nominated producer Ron Furmanek has polished these rare gems for official release. Includes a nice mix of tunes by the leading songwriters (Paul Simon, Fred Neil, Tim Hardin) of the day and some John Stewart originals, plus a bonus track, "Fun with the Trio in the Studio," which features an alternate impromptu jam session on Don't Make Promises. A Collectors' Choice Music exclusive!« less
With the first in our series of releases of never-before-heard Kingston Trio material, we brought you the last concert that Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds and John Stewart performed together; now, we bring you the last STUDIO recordings they made together! Taped between January 5 and March 9, 1967, these sessions are so rare that even their biographer, Ben Blake (who contributes notes to this release), had no knowledge of their existence until they surfaced very recently. In other words, this really IS the great lost Kingston Trio album, nine songs which we've augmented with unreleased tracks from previous sessions. As with our previous release, Grammy-nominated producer Ron Furmanek has polished these rare gems for official release. Includes a nice mix of tunes by the leading songwriters (Paul Simon, Fred Neil, Tim Hardin) of the day and some John Stewart originals, plus a bonus track, "Fun with the Trio in the Studio," which features an alternate impromptu jam session on Don't Make Promises. A Collectors' Choice Music exclusive!
CD Reviews
Disappointing
GRJ | Puyallup, WA USA | 10/30/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"To begin with, I have been a Kingston Trio fan for probably 45 years - a bit too young to catch the first releases of albums from "the Guard Years" but right at the beginning of "the Stewart Years". There is no question that the Kingston Trio was a great act and could be wonderful artists. They were great entertainers in concert - a little naughty at times but never vulgar, just a lot of fun. And anyone who has ever heard their rendition of "The First Time" (New Frontier album) knows they could produce 1st class music - no one could sing a love song better than Bob Shane. When my daughter got married, we danced the father-daughter dance to "Turn Around" (Time To Think album) - a cherished memory.
However, that said, "The Lost 1967 Album" does not deliver. First of all, the album is more of a compilation of solo pieces than it is "Trio" music. Secondly, few of the takes seem inspired; they seem lethargic. That isn't to say everything is bad. Bob Shane's rendition of "Don't Make Promises" is okay and John Stewart's "Darcy Farrow" is the same, although it doesn't hold a candle to the late John Denver's version of "Darcy..."
All in all, I was very disappointed. I was looking for some good takes. For example, some years ago when "The NEW Kingston Trio" album was released "The Lost Masters", I felt there was some junk on it but also some really good songs which made getting the CD worthwhile. I did not feel that way about this "1967" album. Like their recent release of "The Final Concert", I felt both were cynical and apathetic.
Although I am still a fan and have been blessed by many hours of listening enjoyment, I was very disappointed in these releases."
Nick, Bob, and John's last studio work of the 1960's
Robert F. Criss | texas, usa | 10/25/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This one is mainly for the true fan or to complete a collection. Some interesting takes on popular tunes of the mid-60's. I particularly like "Don't Make Promises". Track 13 sums it all up for the Trio in 1967...times are changing and the heart may not be in it anymore but try and have a good time and don't take yourselves too seriously."
Mixed bag
Jay Wilson | Chicago | 01/05/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"As others, I've been a Trio fan since the early 60s, and thought this would be a great collections. HOwever, this gets off to a terrible start. I think the recording of Love Me Not Tomorrow sounds like it was made in a garage, with them keeping the first take. If there is anything on this album that should have been thrown away, this is it. (It was considerably better by We Five.) However, I think after this the album does take off with some really good cuts. Dolphin is one of the best on there, and I enjoy Nashville Cats also. If I can just get back the first cut this will be fine. As this is listed as Vol 1 of rarities, I hope that they chose carefully on the next release."
To be honest
soupy | NJ, USA | 03/18/2008
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I did not enjoy this item. It was too different from the beginning, songs or people. It seemed the manner was for the performers not the audience."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1