Concert A Cappella DVDs

Sweet Adelines : Top Quartets 2010

Review: It was another great year for top notch singing at the International contest held this time in Seattle, Washington. Here are the contest performances from the top quartets including of course bronze winners Capri, silver medalists Journey and the 2010 Queens of Harmony MAXX Factor.

Songlist: Oh Suzzanna, After My Laughter Comes Tears, Brokenhearted, L-O-V-E, How Many Hearts Have You Broken?, Time After Time, The Church Bells Are Ringing For Mary, Baby Face, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Over The Rainbow, When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam', How Are Things in Glocca Mora?, My Baby Just Cares For Me, Angry, My Foolish Heart, No. No, Nora, I Told Them All About You, At Last, I Had Somebody Else Before I Had You, Cuddle Up A Little Closer, May I Never Love Again, Put Your Arms Around Me, Cry Baby, All The Way, When You Wish Upon A Star, It's A Sin to Tell a Lie

Sweet Adelines : Top Quartets 2011

Review: It was cocktail time in Houston when Martini were crowned the new Queens of Harmony. Corrina Garriock, Michelle Shoemaker, DeAnne Haugen and Shannon Harris took top honors with Touce coming second and AKA third.

Songlist: Yes Sir, That's My Baby, Time After Time, Handful of Keys, You Don't You Won't, Happy Together, Till There Was You, Hit That Jive Jack, What Kind of Fool Am I, Ya Gotta Know How To Love, Desperado, Happy Together, Yesterday I Heard The Rain, Good Luck Charm, Goodbye, World, Goodbye, How Many Hearts Have You Broken?, Seasons of Love, If You Love Me, Really Love Me, Hallelujah, This Could Be The Start Of Something Big, At Last, I Don't Care if The Sun Don't Shine, Taking A Chance On Love, Flirty Eyes, Once Upon a Time, Bohemian Rhapsody, I'll Never Say "Never Again" Again, If I Love Again, Love Will Keep Us Together, I Wish, Open Arms, and more

Tallis Scholars : Byrd - Playing Elizabeth's Tune

Review: Focusing on the life and works of William Byrd, this DVD has a playing time of over 3 hours and includes filmed performances by The Tallis Scholars, a documentary on the composer and over 50 minutes of bonus audio tracks. The filmed performances feature over 70 minutes of sacred music by Elizabeth I's favourite composer including the Mass for 4 Voices and Ave verum corpus. It is performed by candlelight in the beautiful surrounds of Tewkesbury Abbey and recorded in genuine surround sound. In a seventy-minute documentary produced for the BBC, Charles Hazlewood further explores the life and music of William Byrd and the troubled times that produced some of the most intimate and passionate sacred music ever written. Bonus audio tracks including Byrd's Mass for 5 voices and Mass for 3 voices result in the complete audio recordings of Byrd's Masses being available on this one DVD.

Songlist: Mass For 4 Voices, Ave verum corpus, Diffusa est gratia, Magnificat, Ne irascaris, Nunc dimittis, O Make Thy Servant, Elizabeth, Prevent Us, O Lord, Tristitia et Anxietas, Vigilate, Mass For 5 Voices, Mass for 3 Voices, Tribune Domine

Tallis Scholars : Live In Rome

Review: Peter Phillips and The Tallis Scholars celebrated Palestrina's 400th anniversary with a unique concert in the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where the composer sang as a choirboy and later became maestro di cappella. The concert was filmed for release on Video and has now been re-edited especially for this DVD release. There are 2 presentations of the same concert, an illustrated performance featuring the priceless artworks in the Basilica which are used to illuminate the sung texts, and a pure performance that is 100% Tallis Scholars. Optional captions name the artworks and describe the context in which they are used and sub-titles provide translations of the sung Latin into English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. The concert includes a performance of Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli together with the Stabat mater, Alma redemptoris mater, Surge illuminaire, Magnificat Primi toni and the 8-part Nunc dimittis. There is also a stunning performance of Allegri's Miserere with Deborah Roberts as the soprano soloist

Songlist: Missa Papae Marcelli, Sabat Mater, Alma redemptoris mater, Surge, illuminaire, Magnificat Primi toni, Allegri Miserere

The Choir : Tavener: Choral Ikons

Review: The Choir sings Sir John Tavener's hauntingly beautiful unaccompaniedchoral music in a stunning virtual reality restoration of the ancient Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople. Orthodox ikons enrich the visual tapestry, enhancing the full richness of Tavener's mystic inspiration.The power of the performances is overwhelming and the credit goes to James Whitbourn and his vocal ensemble The Choir that he created for the express purpose of television and DVD recordings for Opus Arte. The Choir sing Tavener's music with great understanding and sensitivity to the religious texts. This DVD captures every beauteous moment of Tavener's music with The Choir. Opus Arte, as in all their productions, never leave you second-guessing about the music with their investigative extra features that bring further insight upon the chosen subject.The ikon chooses you which, together with an illustrated booklet containing an in-depth article on the inspirational power of ikons as well as the vocal texts and an introduction by Tavener himself, round off this beautifully presented package.

Tonic Sol-fa : Christmas

Review: Recorded live from Minneapolis's Orchestra Hall at the culmination of one of their always-sold-out Christmas concerts this DVD finds the award-winning a cappella group returning to its musical roots to deliver what the Pioneer Press calls .. an event as much a party as a concert." "A fine blend, a driving sense of rhythm, and a pitch that's right on target", this DVD puts you front row at the holiday event where Tonic Sol-fa, "...filled the air with a marvelous variety of musical textures."

Songlist: Joy To The World, Come To Save The World, Baby King, Adeste Fideles, Ay Ay Ay It's Christmas, We Owe Them More Than That, On This Christmas Night, King Of Glory, Santa Bring Me My Baby Back To Me, Up On The Housetop, Chances, Long Black Train, 29 Ways To My Baby's Door, Nuttin' For Christmas, Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Genltmen, Little Drummer Boy, Grace

Tonic Sol-fa : Greatest Time of the Year

Review: The boys are back for their second, nationwide holiday telecast! Filmed over two nights in an intimate Midwestern setting, Tonic Sol-fa channels the halcyon days of the "Rat Pack" with a mix of spontaneity and contemporary flair. Catch the camaraderie, high jinx and, of course, the masterful harmonies of America's premiere all vocal band..

Songlist: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Holiday Road, Angels We Have Heard on High, Holiday Medley, Greatest Time of Year, O Come All Ye Faithful, I Saw Three Ships, Cactus Christmas, Miss You Most (at Christmastime), Rockin' On Top of the World, The First Noel, Do You Hear What I Hear

Various : Holy Russia - The Festival of Christmas

Review: The spiritual culture of Russia is reflected in the beauty of its churches and monasteries, paintings and frescoes that adorn them and - above all - in the sacred music that is sung in them. This program celebrates the history of Christmas in Russia and features 15 beautiful holiday songs. Holy Russia is a vocal and musical treasure that you will enjoy year after year.

Songlist: Today Christ, God Is With Us, From My Youth, The Golden Ring, The Cherubic Hymn, Holy Day Troparion, Song of the Magi, Rejoice the Righteous, Credo, Praise the Lord from the Heavens, Nunc Dimittis, Kaliadka, Epiphany Troparion, The Cherubic Hymn, Praise the Name of the Lord

Various Artists : Countertenors

Review: An LWT South Bank Show, presented by Melvyn Bragg, exploring the phenomenon of countertenor singing With its unique, soaring beauty, the high male voice is today enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity. Heirs to the celebrated castrati of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, today's countertenors produce their voices by wholly natural means. In this program international stars Michael Chance, Andreas Scholl and James Bowman, as well as pop star Jimmy Somerville, shed light on the appeal of the male falsetto. Meanwhile, experts such as Michael White place today's countertenors in their historical context. What emerges is a compelling portrayal of an unmistakable vocal style, rooted in church and operatic tradition, yet completely up-to-date, resonating louder today than at any time in the last two hundred years. Following the South Bank Show is a 70-minute program of specially recorded performance material, showcasing the extraordinary talents of today's most popular countertenors.

Songlist: Never Weather-Beaten Saile, Sorrow Stay: Can She Excuse My Wrongs?, Flow My Tears, Since I First Saw Your Face, Sound The Trumpet; O Dive Custos, Strike the Viol; Evening Hymn, Ode on the Death of Henry Purcell, Cantata BWV 170, Cum Dederit, Stabat Mater, Ombra Mai Fu (Xerxes), Dove Sei; Civi Tiranno (Rodelinda), When I Was One-and-Twenty, Is My Team Ploughing?

Various Artists : Living Legends of Gospel Vol 1

Review: For the first time on video, legendary quartet singers like The Fairfield Four, Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jublilaires, The Swanee Quintet, The Racy Brothers, Robert Blair and The Fantastic Violinaires, Martin Jacox and Willie Rogers and Company, come together to pay tribute to one another and to pioneer gospel quartets. Hosted by Lou Rawls, who began his career as a quartet singer, covers a century of the music and history that have made the quartet one of the most beloved styles of music. All these living legends share the same stage, taking their turns at the microphone, with a backup band in a church-like concert hall with an enthusiastic audience. 15 tunes, with a lot of old photos and history in between, presented by Rawls. "Precious Lord" is by the whole company, "Noah," "There Must Be A City," and "I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray" by the Fairfield Four, "Soul Stirrers Medley" and "Landed on the Shore" by Martin Jacox, Willie Rogers & Co., "Old Time Religion" and "Doctor Jesus" by Robert Blair and the Fantastic Violinaires," "Sit Down Servant" and "Doctor Jesus" by the Swanee Quintet, "Somebody Touched Me" and "Count It As A Blessing" by The Racy Brothers, "I've Got Heaven on My Mind" and "I'm Going on With the Lord" by Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires, and the final "Glory Hallelujah" by the assembled groups. This is great authentic gospel music by masters who are still with us, fascinating history and old photos-"Living Legends" is a joy!

Songlist: Precious Lord, Noah, Soul Stirrer's Medley, There Must Be A City, Old Time Religion, Landed On The Shore, Doctor Jesus, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray, Sit Down Servant, I've Got Heaven On My Mind, Doctor Jesus, Count It As A Blessing, I'm Going With The Lord, Glory Halleltjah

Various Artists : Pure Gospel - Top Gospel Choirs

Review: The popularity of the Gospel Choir is one of the major reasons for the growth of the genre. Crystal Rose searched its vault and selected the best live performances ever for a visually exciting gospel music experience. This DVD compilation provides pure gospel in the form of Praise & Worship as well as contemporary and traditional gospel songs by some of today's most recognized choirs.

Songlist: The Vision, Praise Is What I Do, Don't Forget To Remember, Jesus Paid It All, Jesus Paid It All (reprise), Great Things, There Is No Way, Bless His Name, Hold On, He Made A Way

Various Artists : The Doo Wop Sound

Review: This beautifully-done DVD is like a History Channel documentary on the Doo-Wop phenomenon of the 1950s and 60s, starting with its streetcorner roots in cities like NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore and SF, and progressing into the recording and performance mainstream of American culture. Along the way we hear fascinating interviews with people like Ronnie (I) Italiano, DJs Don K. King and Bobby Jay, Louis Lymon (Frankie's Brother and a star in his own right), Pookie Hudson of the Spaniels (who wrote "Goodnight, Sweetheart" to his first love, not to write a hit), Earl "Speedo" Carroll of the Cadillacs, and Arlene Smith of the Chantels (who talks about being 12 years old when they scored their first hit with "Maybe"). We hear about and see vintage footage of the first Doo-Wop sex symbol, Sonny Till, The Ravens singing what arguably is the first Doo-Wop song, "Count Every Star," and the 1940s roots groups, The Deep River Boys, the butter-smooth Mills Bros. and SF's Golden Gate Quartet. We hear why and how a cappella, nonsense syllables and silly lyrics were used by poor young singers to create a full sound and "get noticed," the bombshell effect on the recording industry of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" ... I could rave on and on here, but I'll just give you the Chapter headings to give you a taste of what's here: "The Early Years," "Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers," "Romance and Innocence," "The Urban Streets," "The Girl Groups," "The Tour Bus" (which goes into the racism the mostly Northern groups encountered in the South), "The Business of Doo-Wop," "The Cadillacs" and "The End of An Era." Lots of great vintage footage here, of singers, cities, recording studios, live performances with star-studded playbills in lights-this is a sumptuous feast for the a cappella, R&B and pop music fan, as well as anyone who is interested in the amazing cultural history of the 50s and 60s. Enough said--"The Doo-Wop Sound" is a winner from beginning to end!

Songlist: The Early Years, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Romance and Innocence, The Urban Streets, The Girl Groups, The Tour Bus, The Business of Doo Wop, The Cadillacs, The End of an Era

Various Artists : The Singing Revolution

Review: Most people don't think about singing when they think about revolution. But song was the weapon of choice when Estonians sought to free themselves from decades of Soviet occupation. The Singing Revolution is an inspiring account of one nation's dramatic rebirth. It is the story of humankind's irrepressible drive for freedom and self-determination. Hundreds of thousands of people faced down their oppressors... armed only with hope, truth and song. Recommended.

Various Artists : Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Induction Concert Vol. 1

Review: The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame was created to honor the Greatest Vocal Groups of the World, to preserve their music at a world-class museum, to promote their music and memories throughout the world and to pay tribute to the inductees as National Music Treasures. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was designed to perpetuate the life long careers of the Inducted Artists, recognizing them as inventors and creators of the music that influenced today's pop culture, promoting their music to many fans, and bring to the attention of the world, their legacy for many generations to come. The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony honors these great groups and features them performing their legendary music.

Songlist: The Star Spangled Banner, Sam Cooke Medley, Crying in the Chapel, Five O'Clock World, Turn Around, Look At Me, You're The One, Accapella Medley, Medley, More (Theme from Mondo Cane), Goin' Out of My Head/ Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, America, The Beautiful

Various Artists : Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Induction Concert Vol. 2

Review: The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame was created to honor the Greatest Vocal Groups of the World, to preserve their music at a world-class museum, to promote their music and memories throughout the world and to pay tribute to the inductees as National Music Treasures. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was designed to perpetuate the life long careers of the Inducted Artists, recognizing them as inventors and creators of the music that influenced today's pop culture, promoting their music to many fans, and bring to the attention of the world, their legacy for many generations to come. The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony honors these great groups and features their legendary music.

Songlist: Up, Up and Away, California Dreamin', Chatanooga Choo Choo, Crying in the Chapel, Love Potion #9, Blue Moon, I Only Have Eyes For You, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, You Can't Hurry Love, Under the Boardwalk, Medley, If I Didn't Care, Loves Me Like A Rock, Goin' Out of my Head/ Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, She Cried, Looking for an Echo, God Bless the USA

Various Artists : Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Induction Concert Vol. 3

Review: The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame was created to honor the Greatest Vocal Groups of the World, to preserve their music at a world-class museum, to promote their music and memories throughout the world and to pay tribute to the inductees as National Music Treasures. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was designed to perpetuate the life long careers of the Inducted Artists, recognizing them as inventors and creators of the music that influenced today's pop culture, promoting their music to many fans, and bring to the attention of the world, their legacy for many generations to come. The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony honors these great groups and features their legendary music.

Songlist: White Christmas, Shout, Who Are We?/ Down By the Wayside, I'll Never Smile Again, Medley, Sunday Kind of Love, Devil or Angel, Maybe, Along Comes Mary, Windy, Charlie Brown, Standing on the Corner, Birdland, Trickle Trickle, America, The Beautiful, At the Hop, Baby Please Don't Go, In the Mood, I'm So Proud, One Less Bell To Answer, Aquarius/ Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures), Java Jive, Goody Goody, This Magic Moment, Come A Little Bit Closer, Dancing in the Streets, Since I Don't Have You, Reflections, America, The Beautiful

Various Artists : Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Induction Concert Vol. 4

Review: The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame was created to honor the Greatest Vocal Groups of the World, to preserve their music at a world-class museum, to promote their music and memories throughout the world and to pay tribute to the inductees as National Music Treasures. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was designed to perpetuate the life long careers of the Inducted Artists, recognizing them as inventors and creators of the music that influenced today's pop culture, promoting their music to many fans, and bring to the attention of the world, their legacy for many generations to come. The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony honors these great groups and features their legendary music.

Songlist: Never My Love, Pennies From Heaven, Rock 'n Roll Is Here To Stay, Little Darlin', More, Return To Sender & Jailhouse Rock, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, If I Didn't Care, Aquarius/ Let The Sunshine In, Be My Baby, You Keep Me Hangin' On, I Only Have Eyes For You, Why Do Some Fools Fall In Love, In The Still Of The Night, Betchya By Goly Wow, Loves Me Like A Rock, Perfidia, Help Me Rhonda & California Girls, Only You & The Great Pretender, Charlie Brown, Ruby, Ruby, What A Wonderful World, Under the Boardwalk, For the Love Of Money & Love Train, Love Train

Various Artists : Yesterday's Memories

Review: Step back in time with your favorite performers live in concert. Learn about their humble beginnings with music icon Herman Santiago, original member of the Legendary Teenagers. You'll be singing along with every one of these songs and reminiscing of days gone by. Who can forget "Charlie Brown" by Carl Gardner's Coasters and "The Girl I Love" By Earl Speedo & The Cadillacs? This DVD is a must for your collection and will be sure to bring back Yesterday's Memories. Look for Volume @ with more great hits such as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" By Jay Siegel & The Tokens and "Pennies From Heaven" by Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners and many more.

Songlist: Intro:, Johnny Preston, Running Bear, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Herman Santiago, Mashed Potato, Oldies But Goodies, Looking For An Echo, Tonight Could Be The Night, Herman Santiago, The Girl I Love, Herman Santiago, Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak, With This Ring, Herman Santiago

Vocal Majority : A Vocal Majority Christmas

Review: Experience the Vocal Majority Chorus, directed by Jim Clancy and Greg Clancy, in this hour-long DVD produced from live performances of their acclaimed Christmas concerts at the Dallas Convention Center. Acoustix and soloists Steve DeCrow and Jeff Oxley join the Chorus in a program destined to become a holiday favorite. Seventeen songs, some favorites: "Winter Wonderland" (with Jeff Oxley, bass), "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (with Acoustix), "Christmas Time is Here" (with Steve DeCrow, tenor), "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Do You Hear What I Hear?," "Little Drummer Boy," "Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah," and "The Secret of Christmas." Now you can see as well as hear the best barbershop chorus in the world.

Songlist: I'll Be Home For Christmas, Caroling, Caroling, Winter Wonderland (with Jeff Oxley, bass), White Christmas, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch (performed by Acoustix), Toyland, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Christmas Time Is Here (with Steve DeCrow, tenor), I'll Be Home for Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Little Drummer Boy, What Child Is This?, O Holy Night, Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, The Secret of Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas (reprise)

Voena : The Journey Makes Us One

Review: This 2-DVD set celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the remarkable Benicia, CA-based VOENA (Voices of Eve 'N Angels), created by director Annabelle Marie. Disc 1 features the group's amazing journey through an interview conducted with Annabelle in the front seat of her moving car, and a collage of still photos and colorful live performance videos. Disc 2 is packed with full performances of their 2004 COPIA and Napa Valley Opera House concerts, highlights of their 2003 A&E Special featuring VOENA in the Pageant of Peace Ceremony at the White House. The colorfully-dressed, talented, joyful children (including 12-year-old soloist Holly Stell, who recorded with Andrea Bocelli) dance and sing on stage with Annabelle in many languages, delighting us and their audiences with their joy of singing. There is usually some light accompaniment, percussion and piano supplied by the children, violin played by Annabelle, and other instruments. "The Journey" is a feel-good, inspirational CD set from start to finish!

Voices Of Lee : 10th Anniversary Concert DVD

Review: We believe that Lee's University's Voices Of Lee is one of the finest Christian a cappella ensembles performing today and their excellence shines thru in this well produced DVD. A nice bonus is that four members of the ensemble also makes up the International Barbershop quartet champions Four Voices who step to the front to perform a couple of dynamic songs. This 2 DVD set has over two hours of performances and with it's high quality production values it will be a show you will watch over and over.

Songlist: One Voice, Jesus, His Name, Hallelujah, When God Dips His Love In My Heart, The Love of God, A Mighty Fortress, Beyond the Open Door, Softly and Tenderly, All Rise, Holy Ground, Keep Believin' Catch On Fire, It Is Well With My Soul, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Benediction: The Lord Bless and Keep You, Oh How He Loves You and Me ('94-'95 Original Members), The Lord's Prayer ('96-'97 Alumni), Lamb of God ('98-'99 Alumni), Tonight (4-Voices), Be Happy (4-Voices), Man of Constant Sorrows (Ryan Wilson), American Idol Revue, Follow Me (Special Gues Judy Jacobs), You Raise Me Up ('Voices' tribute to Danny Murray), The Battle Hymn ('00-'01 Alumni), God Bless America ('02-'03 Alumni)

Voices Of Lee : An Evening With Voices of Lee - Live Concert DVD

Review: This Christian university choir has been performing at a high level for many years under the expert guidance of director Danny Murray. The choir alumni boast a host of talented singers some of who now have successful music careers and who appear on this live concert DVD such as Doyle Dykes, Babbie Mason, Jay Demarcus and Ryan Wilson. The choir is in fine voice in this well-produced DVD and is a real treat for all fans of this delightful group of singers.

Songlist: How Great Thou Art, For All my Sin, Power in Praisin' the Lord, God Will Open up the Windows, He'll Find a Way, Freedom & Justice, America, The Beautiful, Strike up the Band, God Bless The USA, Battle Hymn, The Lord's Prayer, Mercy Seat, Jesus Hold my Hand, He Giveth More grace, He Looked Beyond my Fault, Press On

Westminster Chorus : Road To Gold

Review: Westminster Chorus: Road to Gold follows a young band of barbershopers who set out to make history, bringing their youth to a hallmark American art form - Barbershop Harmony. Their stunning performances on stage have moved thousands and their infectious love for brotherhood, competition, and artistry has captivated fans both in and outside of the Barbershop Harmony Soceiety. What began as an idea between a few young men has become an international phenomenon and has undoubtedly changed the face of barbershop music forever.

Songlist: Shine Medley, So Long Mother, Just The Way You Look Tonight, South Rampart Street Parade, Their Hearts Were Full of Spring, Strike Up The Band, Everybody Step Medley, Ave Maria

Winchester College Chapel Choir : Christmas With

Review: This selection of music for Christmas brings together East and West in the collaboration of Winchester College Chapel Choir and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Recorded live in Hong Kong in December 2004, this disc features a selection of perennial favourites from the Baroque period, including Bach cantatas and Handel's Messiah, and three exquisite modern carols.

Songlist: Corelli Concerto Grosso, From Praetorius to Weir (Four a Cappella), O Come All Ye Faithful, All Bach (4 Excerpts), Handel Concerto Grosso, Handel Messiah, Joy to the World and the First Noel