Kingston Crossroads: Re: The New Frontiers

I've known of the New Frontiers for a good twenty years or so., I used to email back and forth with one of their members. Was that Kio? If so, he used to post here on Crossroads now and then. But yes, they do have it nailed! Vocally and instrumentally they do a better job than pretty much any other group I've ever heard doing the Trio's music. And I have to give them credit, for being native Japanese speakers, their grasp of the English language during their singing is phenomenal! Thanks for bringing this up. I downloaded this from Youtube a long time ago but forgot all about it!

Previous Message

Ever since hearing about Bob Shane's death, I've been listening to a lot of Kingston Trio music. I've been a huge KT fan since the late fifties/early sixties, and I believe I have all of their albums--a couple of them signed. I have seen them many times in concert--in all of their various configurations.

Anyway, some of you may know this but there is/was a Japanese Kingston Trio tribute group called "The New Frontiers", and if you haven't heard them, you are missing a real treat.

They are available to hear on YouTube and you should definitely check them out.

I have always felt that Bob Shane's voice was the heart and soul of the Kingston Trio, and because his voice was so beautiful and so unique, their sound could could never be truly imitated.

Well, when you listen to this Japanese group, you will be in awe. They sing about 10 songs on their 42 minute track, and they are "dead on". If you listen to the songs that feature what would be Bob Shane's whiskey baritone voice, it sounds as if they have their very own Bob Shane. This is particularly true on "Early Morning Rain" (at approx 26 min) and "El Matador" (at approx 9 min). I have never hear any group imitate the Kingston Trio's unique sound as well as this group does. It is just beautiful, and quite a tribute to the original KT.

The URL to their YouTube site is:

Listen and enjoy!