Customer Reviews

Baubles Bangles & Beads

5 star:		(8)
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3 star:		(1)
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The Kirby Stone Four were one of the most popular vocal groups of the late 1950's and early 1960's. Their television appearances and live performances combined music and comedy in a way never seen before and their recordings combined instruments and voices in a way never heard before - what one reviewer called "indescribable...because it's a "feel"...an emotion...rather than a specific set of notes".

Congratulations to Collectables Records for re-releasing the group's debut Columbia album "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" (1958) on CD, in glorious stereo. The Kirby Stone Four (Kirby Stone, Eddie Hall, Larry Foster and Michael Gardner), working with conductor / arranger Jimmy Carroll, a group of top New York musicians and a versatile female chorus, took eleven standards, plus 'Lady Love Me', written by Stone and transformed them, both lyrically and musically, into a dozen works of vocal art. The results sound as fresh and original today as when they were recorded over forty years ago. If you want to hear great arrangements of great songs performed in a swinging, up-beat style - then this album is for you. The only feeling of regret that you may be left with is knowing that this is the only example of the group's work currently available. Hopefully, Columbia (Sony), or Collectables Records will release more of their material in the future.

POSTSCRIPT: It seems that the music of The Kirby Stone Four has now gone full circle. Kirby's daughter, Gradie, a jazz vocalist in her own right has included a brilliant rendition of 'Baubles, Bangles and Beads' on her debut album, "After All These Years" (NIKI Records). If you are a lover of cool jazz, check out this album - you will not be disappointed.

The Kirby Stone Four,four messengers sent before Pop music and Rock music was even born to give notice to everyone of the approach of Pop music and Rock music to others.These 4 guys and gals never knew it at the time but they were one of the first Pop/Rock bands of the 1950's.They took the song,"Baubles,Bangles and Beads" to number 30 on the hits chart in 1958.However due to radio station politics at the time,this song was probably shunned from the airwaves on many radio stations because of its "different" sound and should have climbed higher on the charts.I honestly believe if this song was re-released by the KS4 today it would climb to number 1 on the Pop charts...the song is that good and sounds even better today than it did back in 1958.The lyrics,"Ring jing a ling,ring jing a ling will be in your head all day after you listen to this song in stereo.The women who sang on this album received no credit but they too are members of The Kirby Stone Four,along with the Four members of KS4 and sound super!The rest of the songs on this CD are also in stereo and sound fantastic."Zing!Went the strings on my heart" and "Whispering" also stand out as great tunes.Little is known about the The Kirby Stone Four and the gals who sang with them.Most Pop and Rock music fans have never heard of The Kirby Stone Four.Don't know if they are in the Rock Hall of Fame and Playboy Music Hall of Fame but if they are not, shame on those who never voted them in.They richly deserve to be in the Music Hall of Fame.Buy their CD's and you will hear what the first Rock and Pop music band sounded like :-)

If you remember the 1950's and The Ed Sullivan Show...you probably remember seeing this group on Ed's Show very often. The recording is clean and clear, technically great! The Jimmy Carroll arrangements are ahead of their time. When you hear "Baubles, Bangles And Beads" it puts you on a mono roller-coaster back to 1957. In fact, practically every cut on this cd is a "Pop Music" classic. If you've never heard The Kirby Stone Four, here's your chance and they were at their best on this debut album first released in 1957 on Columbia...Thanks to the folks at COLLECTABLES for the great re-issue.

I have listened to a little bit of every song on this disc and I must say, it is truly incredible. Every song has a cheery vibe, even the not as good songs. I truly recommend you buy this wonderful CD. I could only tell he has this amazing voice and I'm glad he mad this disc. Now, be appreciative and show how glad you are, too. 5 stars cause of music.

I grew up listening to this Album with my parents. After many years I still remember all the words and putting this CD in my changer brought back a flood of memories. Quality is better than the album, and the sound is great....I recommend it :)

Recieved the CD last week and i enjoy every track. Love this album, brings back many memories!

Although "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" is their best known recording and a great record, my favorite on this CD was their version of "Lullaby of Broadway." Love the use of the baritone sax blending in with the voices of the group - it is a fresh sound too.

if you grew watching the Ed Sullivan show, Garry Moore, Perry Como or other variety shows, this is the kind of music that you heard. This foursome does a nice job of blending there harmonies with big band music and backup singers. Its pre-Beatles music at its finest.

Was this used in the last episode of The Sopranos 11?