AMG Review of Best of the Jesters

Steve Leggett
All Music Guide

A fun 1950s New York City vocal group, the Jesters sang vibrant five-part street harmonies, making them a favorite of serious doo wop fans. Led by the soaring falsetto lead vocals of Lennie McKay, the group tracked several timeless singles, including 1957's "Please Let Me Love You," 1958's "Now That You're Gone" and "The Plea" (originally done by the Chantels), and 1960's wonderful "Sally Green" and "The Wind" (a remake of the Diablos' 1954 hit), all of which are collected in this 14-song set. Woefully underappreciated outside of the doo wop community, the Jesters have also been underserved in the digital era, and this is the only disc of their work currently available, which means it will have to do. Luckily, all you really need is here.