The Kingston Trio and Friends Reunion

My, these are some lusty fellows, singing about Greenback Dollars, poor ol' Tom Dooley, and all the Hard Travelin' they've had to do, because… well, because they're manly men, and manly men must wander. But they're earnest, too, and sensitive, because it takes A Worried Man to drink Scotch and Soda in the Early Morning Rain, buffeted by Chilly Winds while ridin' the M.T.A., all because you're Leavin' on a Jet Plane that's Blowin' in the Wind. Yes, it's Hard, Ain't it Hard… and Where Have All the Flowers Gone, anyway? OK, let's just admit it: Anyone who has seen and appreciated Christopher Guest's film A Mighty Wind will be hard put to watch this performance with a straight face. For who were A Mighty Wind's Folksmen modeled after if not the Kingston Trio? Sure, there are some darn fine tunes in this show, which reunites originals Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds, and Dave Guard, along with more recent members such as John Stewart (enjoying a glance at rock stardom around that time, largely thanks to Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, who also appears here). Yet it's all so archetypal, stereotypical, and, ultimately, square, that a little will go a very long way. The fact that the DVD features no extras, no songwriting credits, or even a date (it figures to be about '81) doesn't help. Still, considering the lingering popularity of the band, this is recommended for larger music collections. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)