Back in the 50s, most doo wop groups were either Italian or black. One unique and groundbreaking band, in more ways than one, was when Johnny Mastrangelo teamed with a team of blacks and a Puerto Rican to form one of the most popular vocal groups. This 2 disc, 51 song collection includes the 1 and B sides of the band in various incarnations such as The Crests, John Masters, Johnny Maestro, and Johnny Maestro and The Original Crests.. Along with the classic and eternal pop hit “Sixteen Candles”, the perform impressive versions of “Party Doll”, “Earth Angel” and the Latin “My Juanita”.
As with many vocal groups, they also took a try at m odernizing the standards, with a blue hued “Say It Isn’t So” and a velvety “The Way You Look Tonight”. The harmonies are rich and palpable, while Maestro is classic in his bel canto delivery. The last happy period of American vocals, by far.