The Talbot Brothers went on to world acclaim, appearing
on Ed Sullivan's TV show and even performing at the London Palladium.
In Bermuda they are considered national heroes, even deserving of their own
postage stamp.
While many of the Talbot Brothers recordings over the years
are calypso, some should be heard with an ear to vocal harmony. Check
out "Bermuda's Still Paradise" and "Sunset In Bermuda" for some close
(almost Four Freshmen) harmony.
Unfortunately, all of the Talbot Brothers are
gone now. While in Bermuda, we were pleased to see many of the store
selling the book, Bermuda's Famous Talbot Brothers by Elizabeth
Jones. This 59-page coffee table book traces the history of the Talbot
Brothers, including scores of photos from different stages of the group's
career. Also included with the book are a fabulous 30-minute narrated
DVD with footage of the Talbot Brothers appearance on Ed Sullivan's TV show
and two CD's of the groups better known recordings. The book/DVD/CD
package is also available on line at
www.talbotbrothersbermuda.com.
Talbot Brothers book, 2009
The Harmony Four
Bermuda also has it's share of Gospel
quartets, only a small number of whom has recorded. We've always been
intrigued by a group called the Harmony Four who did a record in our Classic
Urban Harmony Archives called "Miracle World." This record features a
tenor lead, reminiscent of Bill Kenny, great harmony and a talking bass
bridge. It came out on the group's own Har-Fo label out of
Hamilton, Bermuda, probably around 1962.
Great Gospel harmony record from Bermuda
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Hamilton, Bermuda, home of the Har-Fo label
As seen today from the water.
(Photo property of Classic Urban Harmony)
The Harmony Four, are believed to be from Hamilton and began
singing as a group around 1960. In addition to the 45 RPM single shown
above, the Harmony Four are said to have released three albums. We are
still trying to acquire copies of these. A 1995 newspaper article
lists the Harmony Four as consisting of Mr. Warren Williams, Mr. Louis
Thomas, Mr. Eugene Richardson and Mr. Tredwell Smith. All four group
members are Seventh Day Adventists and also sing in the Gospel choir, the
Warrenaires. Warren Williams is the writer and arranger of "Miracle
World." By 1995 Morton Williams had replaced Louis Thomas in the
quartet. In live appearances, the Harmony Four would often sing
acappella. We don't know if the Harmony Four are still singing.
We sincerely hope so. On our next trip to Bermuda, we'll try to locate
them. In the meantime, if any Bermudian visitors to this website know
the group, please email us.
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