Search - Doo Wop at 51 1 & 2 on DVD

The Class Returns

J Keistler | Lake Jackson, Texas USA | 10/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Doo Wop 51: Bravo WQED, PBS and T.J. Lubinsky!

Kenniford Laing | Rochester, New York, United States | 09/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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"

A Time Capsule of Memories

loulou49 | Bothell, WA United States | 04/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Doo Wop 51

Clifford A. Hedgepeth | Franklin, Virginia USA | 08/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."