Well I did a search and it seems that “Doo” and “Wop” are too short to look for. A search on a cappella didn’t give me what I wanted either.
Therefore I look to the impressive range of musical tastes that characterize this board and ask about a cappella doo wop.
I already have a collection of 1960’s type Doo Wop ala the Platters and such. But most that I’ve found are recorded with instrumental backing. I’m looking for more of the spur of the moment type arrangements focusing more on the vocals and leaving (if possible) the instruments out of it.
I also have a collection of Rockapella type music, but that really isn’t Doo Wop.
Some of what I have found include Billy Joel’s The Longest Timeand Huey Lewis’s Naturally and It’s Alright. I also found an updated recording by The Rays of Silohuets on the Shade that just has a little bit of percussion.
So take these as models of what I’m searching for and help me broaden my horizons.
Spike Lee did a concert film called ‘Do it A Capella’ and in it features several a capella groups including Ladysmith Black Mambazo. There’s a CD of the film that I listen to often.
The lineup of Denver’s 17th Avenue All Stars has changed a bit over the last decade, but they have put out several very, very good albums. It’s always a blast to see them perform at local events.
The Recordings link from their main page has MP3 previews available.
I don’t think it’s exactly what you’re looking for, but you might like to check out a Cuban a capella group called Vocal Sampling, who, despite their name, do not use any technical widgetry to achieve their amazing sound. this link has some preview clips.
Two excellent sources for all things a capella are Primarily A Capella and A Capella.com (formerly Mainely A Cappela - they’re based in Maine). Both have doo-wop sections, along with other a cappela categories: contemporary, jazz, barbershop, choral, world, gospel.
You want doo-wop? We’re talking more than 120 doo-wop CDs in stock, including many compilations. Whether you’re after the originals (The Belmonts, The Dell Vikings) or the newer a capella groups that carry on the tradition, check these out. All of the selections on the first site have extensive reviews and track listings, some have mp3 samples. There are also a number of doo-wop compilation CDs and exposure to such fun groups as Los Zafiros (The Sapphires) a 1960s Cuban doo-wop group.
They also carry song charts for groups who want to sing the stuff themselves.
For the record, I have no financial ties to either company, but have been a satisfied customer of both.
Check out also the national harmony sweepstakes competition, with six regional competitions feeding into the national gig. Tons of fun for a capella fans
Funny, isn’t it? That a capella sound so sought after by doo wop fans is actually rare in the original doo wop recordings. Revival groups singing these same songs tend to do it a capella. For modern groups, I heartily recommend The Alley Cats. The Mighty Echoes are also quite good.
For older stuff I recommend you get a load of The Mills Brothers, to whom many people trace the original sound that inspired doo wop. Mind you, they themselves came out of a barbershop quartet tradition. Check out History of Rock for more details on the ‘Vocal Group Sound.’ Note that for most of the Mills Brothers recording they play only a guitar, and accompany themselves by imitating the sound of horns. And if you like The Platters, you might as well quit chippying around and start mainlining The Ink Spots, because that’s where the Platters’ sound comes from.
What else? Gosh. Lee Andrews & the Hearts
The original Drifters, pre 1959 Clyde McPhatter/Johnny Moore/Bobby Hendricks drifters – OMFGWTFBBQ
The Moonglows (featuring Harvey Fuqua, grandson of Charles Fuqua of the Ink Spots)
Sonny Til and the Orioles
The Clovers – They did much better stuff than Love Potion No. 9, believe me.
You might also want to check out The Big Beat Show and other doo wop web broadcasts. It used to be that I would fish through the dollar racks at the