Customer Reviews

Flashback! 1963

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Nick, Bob, John (and before him Dave) were masters of live performance. The studio albums were top sellers, but the concerts were wowsers. I saw the Nick-Bob-John configuration three times during the six years they were together, and they were as entertaining as all get out during every concert. Peter, Paul and Mary made pretty music (I saw them in '68), but the Trio exuded charisma, energy and charm. (When a concert-goer came in late to one of them, Nick Reynolds yelled out "Okay, let's see your tardy slip!")

Everyone but Bob is gone now, but recordings of their thousands of concerts keep materializing. All have their merits, but "Live at Hungry I" (1958), "Live at Newport" (1959), "Live at the Santa Monica Civic" (1961 -- strong concert, somewhat distorted sound) would be the best with Mr. Guard, group founder.

From the John Stewart era, the best live albums are "College Concert" (UCLA 1961), "Flashback" - (University of Kentucky 1963), "Back in Town" (1964) "Snapshot" (1965) and "Twice Upon a Time" (1966 -- a concert album recorded at the Sahara Tahoe, and superior to "Once Upon a Time", their last charting album from 1969).

One point overlooked by people listening to these long-ago performances, the Trio was also a VISUAL act, so these performances, good as they are, don't give you the whole package. For that, you really had to be there.

This two-disc set presents a live performance in the fall of 1963 at the University of Kentucky. The Kingston Trio was at the top of the charts then, and this is one of the very best live performances available of the Trio in its prime. The restoration of the recording is phenomenal, and the audio quality is first rate. The selection of songs has many of the "standard" Trio repertoire, but the selection also includes songs that, heretofor, were available only on studio recordings. "Flashback" will be enjoyed by anyone with a passing fondness for the 1960s Folk Music Revival as well as by avid Kingston Trio fans.

Tom in Zurich

In October, 1963 I was a freshmen in college and the Kingston Trio was in town. But I had my first major exam the next day and chose studying for it rather than seeing the best folk singing group in the world in concert. That was one of the worst mistakes of my life and one I regret to this day. The test was ridiculously easy, and I had missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So it was with great anticipation that I awaited this 1963 album. It did not disappoint. The Trio is at its best here. You may have heard many of the songs on other albums, but the sound on "Flashback!" is so relaxed, so fresh and so filled with the enthusiasm of young men in their prime. Songs like 'Reverend Mr. Black,' 'Mariah,' 'One More Town,' 'Reuben James' and 'Two Ten, Six Eighteen' are arguably better than on other albums. And I have to add that I've heard many versions of 'Scotch and Soda,' but I prefer Shane's vocals and guitar here to all the others. I also enjoyed reading Josh Reynolds' introduction. He wrote it after his father, Nick, had passed away in 2008. His tribute is touching as well as enlightening. You learn what it was like in the Reynolds home when the Trio was practicing. Listening to "Flashback! 1963" is nearly as good as being there in the audience--the quality is that good, and I recommend it highly.

I've been a fan of the KT since day one ..I believed that Dave Guard would never be effectively replaced but John proved me wrong! What an act and they just kept on producing fine music for a long time..Finding hidden gems like this concert was a treat. Hearing those harmonies again with Nick coming in over the top is just a piece of magic. I reckon he has the greatest harmony voice...EVER !!
If there are any more such concerts available to be re mastered then go for it. I will have these guys thumping away in my car always...Thanks Kingstons

the kingston trio is a very special part of my teens and twenties and getting to hear a live preformance is very special to me. this cd was great fun for me and i really enjoyed it. marsha

I saw these guys for the first time in Nov. of 62, so thie was actually a true "Flashback" to my experience which I have never forgotten. Sound is like you are there.

The Kingston Trio is one of those recordings that you just LOVE to sing along with, whether you are a singer or not. Great harmonizing and the whole tune is on the recording, not just a few phrases. I can hear the melody, not just the drumming, something that later musicians lost. I have this album and several others. All are great.

The disc arrived in good shape and in good time. The music has been much appreciated.