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 DooWopDJ's 
R&B and DooWop CD Reviews
 
CLIFTON RECORDS PRESENTS 

THE VARIATIONS 

“Wish That You Were Here”

A Ronnie I. Acappella Production 

Clifton Records 

Clifton CD#3015 
Barcode: 7 24075-3015-2 6

Review first published: 01.01.2000

Man!! Are you in for a treat here!!! If you like the Girl Group sounds of the 50’s & 60’s Then this is the CD for you. Eighteen (18) FANTASTIC tracks from the Variations.

I had the extreme pleasure of hearing this group LIVE. These LADIES send chills & thrills coursing through you with every song they sing. Fantastic leads and incredibly tight Harmonies. These girls KILL every song they sing.

I know you are familiar with the make up of most of the Acappella groups performing today. Usually made up of members that grew up to songs they are singing. NOT HERE!!!! All these young ladies are in their 20’s. Just going to show you that this music we love Cannot and will not DIE!!

Not only can these young ladies sing!! But they are sure Candy to the Eye as well.

This CD was produced in 1998. Members of the Variations then are: Lisa Vitto – Alto, Debbie Wilkinson – Soprano, Ondine Appel – Alto, Cyndy Taylor – Soprano and then Tony Casrtro – Bass.

They are FANTASTIC.

Here are the eighteen (18) tracks from VARIATIONS. Gotta like them ALL!

1. Lover’s Prayer – Cyndy on lead of this Super Ballad originally by the Clickettes ’59 Dice Records.

2. Baby Doll – Lisa takes the lead on this Killer Ballad originally by the DeVaurs on D-Tone in ’58.

3. I Love My Baby – Ondine takes the helm here on this rocker that the Crystals sang ’57 on Aladdin Records.

4. Scheming - Debbie here on Wanda Burts’ song from Music City ’61. (Great Ballad)

5. In Between Kisses – Cyndy again here. Sweet Hearts ballad from ’62 on Brunswick! KILLER!!!!!!

6. You Better Run – Lisa rockin’ the Bonnie & Little Boys Blue song from ’58 on Nikko!

7. Please Come Back To Me – Ondine SLAYS this Claudia Swan song from ’55 on Chess. Always been a favorite ballad for me!

8. Oh My Darling – Debbie sounds Renee Hinton on this Capris song from ’61 on Lifetime! Real Pretty Ballad!_

9. Mine All Mine – Cyndy leads on this good uptempo recorded by Bobbie Smith & The Dream Girls ’61 on Big Top.

10. Deceiving Blues – Lisa & Tony share lead on this 1950 Oldie by Little Esther & Mel Walker & the Robins on Savoy. Bluesy Ballad of course!

11. Just Before You Leave – Ondine doin’ the lead on the Dolls Teenage Record release from ’57. Smokin Socks & Curlin’ Toes here!!!!! WOW!!!

12. Please Believe I Love You – Debbie on this one from ’58 by the Hi-Lites on Reno. Very, Very Nice!!!! Gotta hold your partner close to this one!!!

13. Don’t Say Goodbye – Tony leads here! (Gotta give him one!) Superiors Uptempo from ’58 on Mainline.

14. Heart, Darling Angel – Cyndy is truly fantastic on this Philly groups release. The Orlons on Cameo from ’61. Beautiful ballad!

15. Jerry – Debbie on this one. Now here is a treat! Rarely heard recording by the Minors on Celeste from ’57. Love this one! Ballad!

16. I Am So Lonely – Ondine leads on this one originally by the Kings & Queens ’57 Everlast Records. Rocks!

17. I Love You So – Lisa leads on this Great Ballad by the Kittens on Lupine ’62

18. Wish That You Were Here – Cyndy does the CD’s title song. California’s Casual Crescendos from ’63 on MRC Records. One SUPER, SUPER Ballad to go out on.

Eighteen tracks of pure melodic bliss. If you like the girl groups! If you like acappella! This CD is a must have!! As I said it is a 1998 production. Have no fear! This CD is readily Available. Have a problem, let me help.

In Harmony:

Bruce (DooWop DJ)

ellupo@comcast.net