Capitol ZT-1258

Not the least of the Trio's accomplishments is debunking the myth that succeeding in show business means identifying oneself with a definite age group, geographical entity, or musical sect. The Kingston combo makes as good listening in Jamaica, New York, as in Jamaica West Indies. They're living, singing proof to parents that teenagers aren't tone deaf, and to the younger set, that it's possible to teach old dogs new tricks -- and trios. They dish out plenty of melody, harmony, and rhythm of a sort that everyone likes to hear, at the same time displaying all the finesse and sophistication needed to go "far out" in any direction they choose. One thing, however, they never sound -- and that's bored. Their enthusiasm is as boundless as their repertoire, and their accent in any given song -- whether it's a sea chanty, a spiritual, or the politely bawdy saga of The Unfortunately Miss Bailey -- is persuasively authentic.

One quality, so subtle it's easily overlooked, is that this group delivers a song with the direct and personal warmth of an individual stylist. All the more remarkable when it's considered that each of the threesome has his own way with a song. Testimony to this are Nick Reynolds's blue solo in The Wanderer, Bob Shane's ebullient rendition of A Rolling Stone, and the sure and sensitive delivery of Dave Guard in the haunting San Miguel, a most romantic and dramatic ballad. These lads seem to always be at their best, whether singing a song of mood and romance, or banging out a lusty tune, full steam ahead, with guitars, banjos, and bongos going like crazy.

Dave, Nick, and Bob merely whetted the public appetite with their earlier Capitol albums, which contained such hit tunes as Tom Dooley and M.T.A. It's a pretty safe bet that one or more of the dozen diverse and diverting tunes they've recorded here will likewise blast into orbit. So . . . "Here We Go Again."