The Kingston Trio and Friends Reunion

Description

Together on stage for the first time since 1961, the original members of the Kingston Trio (Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane, and Dave Guard) perform a thrilling concert of their greatest hits. Joining the renowned folk group are Tommy Smothers, Mary Travers of Peter Paul and Mary, Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, John Stewart, and recent Trio members George Grove and Roger Gambill. Since their debut in 1958 with the gold record song Tom Dooley, the Kingston Trio has had a powerful musical influence on such artists as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and dozens of folk groups of the late 1950's and 1960's. This historic reunion concert, filled with the unique and vibrant sound that millions of Kingston Trio fans have loved for over a generation, preserves the tremendous legacy of this group that has become an American musical legend. Program: Three Jolly Coachmen, Early Morning Rain, Medley - Blowin' in the Wind/Lonesome Traveler/Hangman, Leavin' on a Jet Plane, Reuben James, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, Scotch and Soda, Down Among the Sheltering Palms, Greenback Dollar, Chilly Winds, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Essential DVD For Trio Fans!.......2006-02-22

If you admire the Kingston Trio, and especially if you like their early work from the late '50's and '60's, this DVD is a must! It records the only reunion of the first two incarnations of the Trio, with Dave Guard and with John Stewart, and also features the late Roger Gambill. By the way, the picture quality is spectacular for a video that is nearly 25 years old!

A Pleasure for All Trio Fans.......2004-07-16

I really enjoyed this reunion concert when I watched it on PBS over 20 years ago, and am delighted to find the complete concert finally available (the VHS version, as other reviews have noted, has several numbers cut).

For those not familiar with the background, this concert was recorded in 1981 at an outdoor theater in California. Present were the then-current Kingston Trio lineup of Bob Shane, Roger Gambill and George Grove, as well as former Trio members Dave Guard, Nick Reynolds and John Stewart.

Each lineup of the Trio performs several numbers. We get to here several of their signature tunes--"Tom Dooley," "Scotch and Soda," "Greenback Dollar," and "MTA" among them.

Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary makes a special appearance and joins the trio for two numbers. Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who had just produced Stewart's hit album "Bombs Away Dream Babies," plays bass on several numbers and joins Stewart for a duet of "Spinning of the World." Stewart also does a solo performance of one of his best songs, "You Can't Go Back to Kansas."

Tommy Smothers acts as MC, quite humorously, attempts to join the Trio on "Chilly Winds,"also quite humoursly, and does a short solo turn, less humourously.

At the end, all six Trio members team up for several numbers, and the entire cast joins in on the big finale of "MTA."

While the entire performance is enjoyable, the segments with the current Trio are perhaps the most important reason to have this recording. Since the Shane/Gambill/Grove Trio did virtually no recording, this is perhaps the only document we have of the contributions of Roger Gambill, who died only a few years after this concert. It is also nice to have a momento of the late Dave Guard.

Any Trio fan will want this concert, and the more complete DVD version is the one to own.

For Those Who Missed Them in Person.......2004-03-31

I saw the KT in Arlington Heights IL in the early 70's when the only original member left was Bob Shane - they were very good - but I missed my favorite lineup of the Guard Trio - now I get to see them and Stewart as well ---- On the DVD the quips about Stewart blowing the banjo part was in there as well as the line about Adrenaline city and the CHILLY WINDS with Tommy Smothers - its all there --- and I have finally come to the realization of what a great banjo player George Grove was --- it was and is a treat ...

The 25th Anniversary Concert w/all the Players now on DVD!.......2004-02-08

This was 1981 the 25th Anniversary of the Legacy of "The Kingston Trio" now on DVD for the first time.

"The Kingston Trio" personified folk music in the 1950's & 60's. Paving the way for many singers (Bob Dylan, Joan Baez & Peter, Paul & Mary to name a few) and the Folk Music Revolution!! Their niche was the folk ballad and thus they were "The Balladeers" recording folk songs from all countries around the world.

The Original Trio, Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane & Dave Guard began the groups long and successful carrer in San Francisco at the "Hungry I" night/folk club. With hits "Tom Dooley" - Grammy Winner - Scotch & Soda, M.T.A., Greenback Dollar and Zombie Jamoree to name a few. In 1961 Dave Guard left the group and was replaced by John Stewart and had hits like - Chilly Winds and many many more. In 1967 after ten years Nick Reynolds left and so did John Stewart. Bob Shane has carried the group on for over 40 years with various other singers & musicians filling the void left by the original players.

Well this 90 minute Standard Format DVD (really 74 without commercials) is a fantastic but brief flashback into the golden years of folk music with this 1981 "The Kingston Trio and Friends Reunion" show now on a Collector's DVD.

Special Guests/Friends include; Host Tommy Smothers, Mary Travers (from Peter, Paul & Mary), Lindsey Buckingham of "Fleetwood Mac" playing bass and trio members, Dave Guard (first time with group in 20 years), John Stewart, George Grove and Roger Gambill.

20 of the Trios Greatest Hits are included. A brief musical experience from their hundreds of great songs they recorded.

This is a keeper and a must for your musical DVD library. Enjoy!

Absolute Must for Kingston Trio Fans.......2003-09-10

I have watched this DVD over and over again. It brings back such sweet memories. It is a must see and hear for lovers of the Kingston Trio. I have been a fan since Tom Dooley played on Top 40 radio. I have had the pleasure of seeing them live in concert in Santa Barbara mid 1980's, and twice in the early 1990's, with one performance at Rhino Records Troubadours of Folk Festival at UCLA. In this DVD, the original trio plays together, as well as John Stewart in later sets. Mary Travers joins them for a few memorable songs. I very highly recommend this DVD.

DVD:

DVD

DVD