This 1988 package presents 13 performances, running over 53 minutes, from the November 29, 1969, Rock & Roll Revival show at the Felt Forum of New York's Madison Square Garden. Regrettably the disc is now out of print, so you must seek it from dealers in used music or in auctions. The title is a bit of a misnomer, since some early 1960s music is included in the package, but most fans of "fifties" rock 'n' roll will not be offended by the inclusion of the Shep and the Limelites and Gary U.S. Bonds performances.
The show at the "Garden" was a Richard Nader production, hosted by deejay Scott Muni of WNEW-FM. Instrumentation was provided in the main by Bobby Comstock's band. As is the case with many "live" recordings, the technique used does not present all performances to equal advantage. The Capris' recording suffers because the lead singer's voice is under-recorded and thus almost drowned out by the group.
The Spaniels seem to be off key, and their performance of Goodnight Sweetheart lacks the "signature" bass line (the notes are played on a guitar instead of being vocalized), so it is a less than stellar effort. Instrumentation was recorded "on top" of the group, almost drowning out the vocals in spots.
The Mello Kings suffer a similar fate, the lead singer just seems to have "lost it" vocally, and the backing singers show no enthusiasm whatever. In spots they are mercifully drowned out by the guitarist.
You have to wait for the Penguins' cut to hear a worthwhile performance. Cleve Duncan's lead is reminiscent of his original performance 15 years earlier, and he carries the group admirably, even though the backing vocals seem to lack the "polish" of the studio recording.
Next up are the re-formed Shep and the Limelites doing the Heartbeats' A Thousand Miles Away and their own "answer" record, Daddy's Home. James Sheppard has no trouble with either tune, and the backing vocals are respectable. Sadly, less than two months later, James was found robbed and killed on the Long Island Expressway.
The audience seems to have held its enthusiasm for the appearance of the six-man Five Satins, brought together just for this show. Their three numbers are done respectably, but, again, the instrumentation gets "out front" in places.
Next up, Gary U.S. Bonds' rendition of New Orleans at this venue is very interesting. Instead of the "Norfolk Sound," as originally produced by Frank Guida, this performance sounds like it came out of the Stax/Volt studios in Memphis - more funk and Memphis-style arranging. His rendition of Quarter To Three is more faithful to the original release.
Finally, there are two cuts by Bill Haley and his Comets - sounding just about like 1955-56. Haley must have been "timeless."
Definitely worth a listen for its documentary value, if you can find it.
Track listing:
1. There's A Moon Out Tonight - Capris
2. Goodnight Sweetheart - Spaniels
3. Tonite, Tonite - Mello Kings
4. Earth Angel - Penguins
5. A Thousand Miles Away - Shep & the Limelites
6. Daddy's Home - Shep & the Limelites
7. To The Aisle - Five Satins
8. In The Still Of The Night - Five Satins
9. I'll Be Seeing You - Five Satins
10. New Orleans - Gary U.S. Bonds
11. Quarter To Three - Gary U.S. Bonds
12. Rip It Up - Bill Haley & His Comets
13. Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets
