Search - The New Christy Minstrels :: Presenting/In Person

A Must Have Collection Of Folk Songs For All Ages

bob_beck | Norman, OK United States | 07/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want folk music with biting social/political commentary/messages, read no further -- this CD isn't for you. However, if your musical taste includes folk songs telling stories that cover the range of humorous, dramatic, faith affirming, poignant, and whimsical -- played by extremely talented singers/musicians -- then this CD is a must for you."The New Christy Minstrels" was the first large folk group, a mega-popular 60s folk ensemble formed by Randy Sparks. A musical genius, Sparks -- who also wrote/sang "Today" [considered one of the world's greatest love songs in the same category as Paul McCartney's "Yesterday"] and gave the late John Denver his professional name and musical start [though not as a member of the Christys as has been widely misreported] -- put together a musical ensemble that was a combination of "The Kingston Trio" and "The Norman Luboff Choir". The group brought together 10 musicians -- each a major musical talent who could have been a popular headliner as a solo act -- and became a success far exceeding his wildest dreams.Prior to the British rock invasion, the Christy ensemble was one of the most popular musical acts in America. Over a three-year period starting in 1962, the group released 11 albums that spent time on the Billboard charts, including "Merry Christmas" which remains a seasonal classic. In addition to being regular performers on THREE television series -- "The Andy Williams Show", "Hootenanny" [bi-weekly hosts], and "Ford Presents The New Christy Minstrels" -- and musical guests on many others, for years the group kept a killer schedule of sold-out concert performances. A little-known but telling fact is that in Playboy's 1965 Music Poll, two groups received enough write-in votes to place among the Top 25 vocal groups. One was "The Beatles" at No. 21 -- the other was "The New Christy Minstrels" ranked 16th, reportedly still the highest finish ever for a write-in vote.During the 60s through early 70s, the group was a springboard for the careers of artists such as Barry McGuire [best remembered as the co-writer and gravel-voiced soloist of the group's first major hit, "Green, Green", and later for "Eve Of Destruction"], Larry Ramos [later a member of "The Association"], Gene Clark [later a member of "The Byrds"], Mike Settle, Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes, Karen Black [Academy-Award-nominated actress], Bill Zorn [later a member of "The Kingston Trio" and "The Limeliters"], Christine Andreas [Broadway/opera star], and Terry Anne Meeuwsen [later Miss America 1973].The group's outstanding talents took the music world and public by storm in the early 60s. Its first album, "Presenting The New Christy Minstrels", won a Grammy for "Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal" and stayed on the Billboard charts for more than two years. Among this entertaining collection of 14 songs are tunes ranging from the upbeat ["This Land Is Your Land"], to humorous ["That Big Rock Candy Mountain", "Whistle"], to poignant ["Deep Blue Sea", "Don't Cry Suzanne", "In The Pines"]. Its second album, "The New Christy Minstrels In Person", was recorded three months later during the group's extended engagement at a popular Los Angeles club, "The Troubadour". Featuring more step outs by individual members than the first album's tracks, it accurately captures the showmanship and energy that made a Christys' performance an enjoyable event for fans of all ages. A good case can be made that "The Dying Convict" [featuring a powerful step out by Barry McGuire] should be considered the group's defining song -- it's every bit as good, perhaps better, than the group's best-remembered hits: "Green, Green", "Today", and "Chim Chim Cher-ee". The inclusion of this song alone justifies making this CD a part of any serious folk-music collection.The 27 tracks on the "Presenting"/"In Person" CD include all the songs from both albums plus several bonus tracks recorded during the same sessions as the albums' songs but never released until now. As an added bonus for those interested in musical history, the CD includes outstanding liner notes written by Tom Pickles detailing the group's formation and early membership.All-in-all, this CD is one you will play over and over again."

Simply the Best

Colin Burgess | Sydney, AUSTRALIA | 07/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first discovered the New Christy Minstrels back in the 1960s, when I heard Barry McGuire, leading up this incredibly talented group of young men and women, belting out their biggest hit, "Green, Green." The first album I ever bought of theirs was the one which has remained my favourite album to this day - In Person. Everything anyone could ever want in just a single album is in here - the wistful through to the foot-tapping extraordinary, the patriotic through to the downright hilarious, and all played by the most amazingly talented ensemble of musicians and singers ever assembled. The album begins with the sheer harmonious delight of "Denver," and finishes up with a collection of fun tracks that truly illustrates the prodigious talents of these men and women. Everyone has heard tracks by this group before, but never with such clarity - I am hearing songs I have loved for decades transformed by the skilful work of sound engineers. Just as it did the first time, Barry McGuire's powerful reading of "The Dying Convict" sent shivers up my spine when I heard it for the first time on a CD without all the familiar crackles and pops on my beloved mono vinyl album. It is an undoubted show-stopper performed by a legendary artist. As a single album this CD would be highly recommended, but the news just gets better - this album is not just "In Person" - it also contains their first album, and in here are recorded many of the greatest American folk songs ever composed, now lavishly sung by the some of the most talented young singers of that time. If you think you've heard the best version of "This Land is Your Land," wait until you hear it sung by the New Christy Minstrels. You can thrill to the songs of the great America of the 1960s all over again in what I consider to be the most exciting compilation album ever put together. I know I love these albums, and I hope my praise is as infectious as the music of this awesome, wonderfully talented group."

Definitly a "Must Have" CD

Maureen | Minneapolis, Mn USA | 08/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whatever you look for in music, you will find it on this recording. Folk fan or not, the excellent arrangements and blend of the Artist's voices cannot fail to draw appreciation from any listener. I have never worn out a CD before. This might be the one!"