Customer Reviews

Doo Wop 51 [VHS]

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like the other reviewers, I loved Doo Wop 50 and snapped this concert up when it became available. I loved this concert also, but didn't feel that the sets and production quality were up to the first concert set. Still great, just not as great. I thought some of the camera manipulation was hokey and unnecessary. With performances like these, they can stand on their own without any technical finesse.

However, this is no reflection on the performers or their work. Like the prior concert, there is an overwhelming feeling of warmth and loving respect between this audience and the entertainers. I've never been to an 'oldies' concert, but if the atmosphere on these DVD's is typical, I can see why so many of these long-forgotten performers have made a new career of touring.

I have noticed that almost without exception, the performers endeavor to duplicate their recordings, rather than treading new ground. I appreciate this, as I've listened to those recordings for decades and those are the versions I want to hear!

For me, the high point of this DVD was the performance of 'Little Darlin' with both the Diamonds and Maurice Williams. Truly, though, all of the performers give it their best and that's very good indeed. Mel Carter's "Hold Me..." is as dynamic as on his original recording, and the reunion of the Tokens is a treasure.

This is feel-good music of the highest order; I've shown this DVD to many who aren't necessarily fans of 'doo-wop' on the radio and they've left very impressed. The depth of feeling, the obvious love the performance and audience have for this music, permeates every minute of these performances.

I'm so glad someone made the effort to bring these performers together, as each year takes more of them from us. Through the magic of recording, people will be able to learn, to enjoy, and to appreciate this specialized genre of music long after all of us are gone.

After watching Doo Wop 50 just about every day since early May (my five-year old son, Kenny, is into this music!), I kept checking the Rhino site for the release of Doo Wop 51. Finally, on August 14, 2001, it was released and I pounced on it at Amazon, which offered it for a 15% saving over Rhino's price. Within four days of ordering, I received it.

All I can say is if you enjoyed Doo Wop 50, you'll love Doo Wop 51! Doo Wop 51 has a bit more glitz--more moving white and colored lighting--in its production than Doo Wop 50. A niggling irritation I found at first but which I quickly adjusted to was the higher reverb level on vocals on Doo Wop 51. Now that we've watched Doo Wop 51 several times, My family heartily enjoys it as much as Doo Wop 50.

Some exceptional moments from Doo Wop 51 are performances by Bill Pinkney and Charlie Thomas with the old and new versions of The Drifters respectively, Don & Juan, The Edsels, The Clovers, The Diamonds, and Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs.

What is evident from all performers is their skilled and dignified delivery of the songs presented on Doo Wop 51 and Doo Wop 50. Whether serious or fun, this music and its artists are long overdue in receiving the recognition they've earned and deserve. If you're into rock 'n roll, blues, or rhythm & blues, you will not be disappointed with Doo Wop 51!

Regards,

Ken Laing

The Doo Wop at 50 and 51 are like wonderful trips back in time. You can actually remember the feelings you had when you first heard a certain song and where you were. Time and age drift away and you find aching joints suddenly moving to a slow dance, cheek to cheek. Although time has taken its toll on some groups, their sound is as sweet as ever. These belong in every collection to remind us how truly, timeless music can touch our souls like no other.

I have read all of the reviews on Doo-Wop 51 as well as 50. I cannot believe no one has a mention for the Penquins on 50 and The Five Keys on 51. lead vocal by Cleve Duncan for the Penquins is unbelievable. he sang that song back in 1954, 48 years ago, and at 70 years young sent a chill down my spine, as a collector for many many years of black vocal groups, I never thought I'd get the chance to see him sing this song live, I have a mint british 78' of this track, and find his voice after all these years just fantastic. I want to thank the guys that got these vocal singers together again, it must have been very moving for the singers. one thing I find very strange, where in the audience are all the black people of the USA that bought this music. I know for a fact that in the late 40's if you were white you'd have trouble getting a copy of "count every star" by the Ravens for example, this is just an example, they wrote it in '49 and released it in 1950, so why are the paying public all white. one or two black people were there but I cannot believe that more black USA people would not have attended.On to The Five Keys, simply brilliant, I want the complete '51 show, I know Close your eyes was not the only song they sang, well done you have made an old bugger very happy, I am not in the USA I want you guys to know that the American Dream is alive, but no thanks to your GOVT. they wanted to wash all those black singers away. I am with you for Sept 11th. the sadest day I have ever witnest. time keeps on moving, and I know the singers on '50 and '51 are getting older just like us all, quick now...get these guys together soon and give the USA and the rest of the world a show of a life time. give us a little bit of history of the group before they sing who is origanal and maybe an old clip of the group, you'll have a show to die for if you did this. my end is a pray for those who have passed already. I'll be singing with you soon, thank you for taking the time to read this.

I agree with all the positives that everyone before me has written. "White Christmas", "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", "Little Darlin", `and much, much more. And Mel Carter doing "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" WOW! The musical accompaniments are marvelous and these folks must have spent much time rehearsing.It shows. Everything is just wonderful on this DVD. A work of art. I have enjoyed many hours of watching and listening to this DVD. You won't regret purchasing it!. Joker Les in Ohio

Well, I thought it would be impossable to do it again, but PBS has put out another fine concert. Rhino has adapted it to DVD and it is really great.

I watched it on PBS with all the sales pitch between segments but it is really great to watch the whole thing with no commercials and get more songs to boot. I have always been a fan of Hank Ballard and he is great. the same goes for Bill Pickney and the Original Drifters along with Charlie Thomas. Shirley Alston Reeves sings "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". The segment with all the original Diamonds and Maurice Williams was great as well.

Host Jerry Butler does a fabulous job as host.

For anyone who likes music of the 50's and early 60's. I reccomend this DVD.

If you dig doo wop this is a must have item along with Doo Wop 50 & Rock, rhythm & Doo wop. All performances are like listening to the old 45's except with nice, modern, crisp sound like on today's cd's. If Amazom doesn't have it go to shoppbs.com on line
and you may find some of the bonus tracks collections there as well.These collections are recorded history, something that happens ones in a life time with all the original artists. These collections get ten stars in my book. they're pure flawless.

I consider doo wop one of the most purely enjoyable types of music around. Hard to believe anyone wouldn't like it. This collection is great for fans and newbies. One classic hit after another, with many of the original performers. This DVD would be a steal at twice the price.

My only negative comment: like most PBS concerts, the director felt he had to earn his pay. Way to many cuts from performers to orchestra to audience for my taste. I'd prefer an experience more like what I'd have in the front row center seat....and I would have gone to watch the performers!!

I watched and recorded both of these wonderful events off PBS when they first aired. The performances are all priceless. That said. I don't understand why the audio on the off air performances was so good while the DVD's are terrible. I have been in the technical end of the TV business for 40 plus years and have have participated in many post production sessions. It seems that the producer or the audio person/editor opted to mix ambience from the auditorium into the DVD product that was not in the PBS aired versons but he/she over did it. The result is a sound that puts the listener in the very back row of the audience or, in the lobby. It's a shame because the performances were well miced. I would have expected much better from the folks at RHINO.

Tony

A follow up to Doo Wop 50 this album is a must have for any Oldies fan. Isn't it amazing as artists age their voices remain constant for the most part? A great album to watch again and again.