With an unmistakable sound and repertoire that ranges from classical to pop, Renaissance to the Beatles, and from folksongs to pop songs through to the avant-garde, the fantastic vocal sextet the King’s Singers have enjoyed a unique global career. Formed in 1968, this exceptional group of English vocalists will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in the coming year. ‘The Sound of The King’s Singers’ combines three of the group’s most famous albums.
This four-CD set contains 112 performances by the Trio from 1938-1941, radio transcriptions made especially to be played on the air. The early trio is instantly recognizable and, although there is a greater reliance on group vocals and guest singers (including Bonnie Lake, Juanelda Carter, Pauline and Her Perils, and the Dreamers) rather than on Cole's solo vocals, the music is not all that different from what the King Cole Trio would be playing a few years later when they became much better known.
Mission accomplished, with The Soul Of The King making a bracing return to some of King's greatest cuts. There's a heartfelt turn from Michael Lee on The Thrill Is Gone. Mary Griffin and Taj Mahal combine their vocal and guitar talents on Paying The Cost To Be The Boss. Kenny Neal lends poignant vocals and licks to Sweet Little Angel. 'Recording with the different artists and the band was an enlightening experience,' reflects Harvey. 'Everyone came in prepared, but when Mary Griffin came to record, she came in all bubbly - and nailed her vocals in two takes.'