Ron---never disagreed. I merely tried to point out that they were links on the chain. I merely felt that they were the most important link since in the Decca years the music was mostly insipid crap that the public ate up. Having them introduce the music they did---thanks to Jenkins created the interest. We agree that what they did later was surely the key and the catalyst to more purity. Though---you read Koppelman's book--Hays loved the Jenkins sessions and the orchestras.

As to the Kingston Trio. My own feeling is that I never understood how one could consider them a link on the chain---so to speak. They had hits---no doubt about that. Did it have relevance to anything? It was just as commercial as the Weavers in the Decca years and surely not as true as the later Weavers.   PPM, in their way, came closer to that.

As to Weavermania and Work O The Weavers (that, by the way, is the name) I hate to make comparisons. One --Weavermania--is purely entertainment. I have MCd for them and they are truly talented people and have a great sound. That said, they try in the banter to be the Weavers---that part does not work.   Work O The Weavers makes no pretense to be them---the follow the arrangements and give a documentary presentation to involve the audience in the era. The two groups are "apples and oranges" and should not be compared. One is a "Tribute Band" and the other is a Docudrama--so to speak--with the sound of The Weavers recreated.

OK shameless plug time---if you are in the NY NJ area on 5/1 they will be appearing at the Paramus Picture Show---you can Google the site.

Bill Hahn
No more truth in advtsg. Just tried to be honest about my affiliation.   (RON:TABLETALK??)