'Round Midnight : 'Round Midnight

The 2006 Harmony Sweeps Regional Champs and Audience Favorite from NYC, 'Round Midnight placed well in their first BHS International Competition in Anaheim, CA. Jeff, Wayne , T.J. and Larry bring us their first, self-titled CD of 10 tunes. Favorites are Van Morrison's 'Moondance,' 'Try A Little Tenderness,' 'Don't Be A Baby, Baby,' 'Tonight' from West Side Story,' the Doo-Wop classic 'In The Still of the Night,' the Righteous Brothers' 'My Girl,' The Skyliners' 'Since I Don't Have You' and the Isley Brothers' 'Shout!' We have to say that 'Round Midnight's rich, velvety harmonies are particularly fine on a classic Barbershop song like 'Sing Me That Song Again,' but every one of these cuts is a winner, and we love to see a top Barbershop groups push the envelope with their repertoire. An impressive debut recording from talented, fast-rising 'Round Midnight!

12th Street Rag : Our Souls Rejoice

From the first strains of the opening cut, 'When I Lift Up My Head,' we know that this Kansas-based all-male Gospel Barbershop quartet is something very special. 10 beautifully-crafted, inspirational songs, from 'Sabbath Prayer,' the touching 'Joseph's Song,' 'Great Getting' Up Mornin'/Good News Medley,' 'Let There Be Peace On Earth' (sung with Sweet Adelines group 'Zing'), and 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' up to the final cut 'May There Be Peace On Earth This Christmas.' 'Rejoice' is a feel-good, deeply spiritual winner for soulful 12th Street Rag.

12th Street Rag : Songs From The Street

The four members of '12th Street' love to sing barbershop, and it shows! Here are 13 songs from the street: 'Four Brothers,' 'Someday Down In Carolin,' 'What If I Do,' 'In Your Eyes,' 'And The Angels Sing,' 'A Tree In The Meadow,' 'Let's Get Away From It All,' 'I Called You My Sweetheart,' 'I Am A Child Of God,' 'Celebrate The Child,' 'Little Altar Boy,' the title tune, and 'Irish Blessing.' Beautiful harmonies and a lot of feeling come through this rising, talented quartet!

139th St. Quartet : Collection

One of the prize Barbershop compilations of all time by the legendary 139th Street Quartet, 'Collection' is a winner for lovers of the finest Barbershop Harmony in the history of SPEBSQSA. The quartet was formed in 1975, and got its name from the address of Pete Neushul's factory building in LA, deciding to let the group make the name, instead of the name making the group. Four different lead singers, Jim Meehan (1975-78), Larry Wright (1978-88), John Sherburn (1988-91) and Dan Jordan(1991-present) contribute at least 10 songs to the grand total of 64 songs on this 3-disc set (which are, oddly, numbered 1, 3 and 9). Within 2 years of its founding, the 139th won a silver medal at the SPEBSQSA Internationals in Philadelphia, and regularly did well in competition, for instance scoring bronze medals in 1989, silver in 1990, and bronze again in 1991. Appearing on TV for the first time in 1985 on the first of several episodes of 'Cheers,' this was quickly followed by an episode of 'Night Court.' They were also very fortunate to record with the legendary Neil Diamond, who sang lead with the group on a song for each of his Christmas recordings, both of which went multi-platinum, 'God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen' on disc 3 is one of these tunes. The group wrote several of its own tunes, including 'Best Times I Ever Had,' 'Now Here You Are Back Again,' 'My Dear Old Irish Mammy,' as well as original words, intros and bridges to many other songs. Anyway, the liner notes are thick with Barbershop history and comments by the guys, and the music is all a cappella except for a couple of tunes like 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.' It's very hard to pick a favorite with so much great material, so we're going to go with the 'Theme Song From Cheers.' Sit back and enjoy about 3 hours of tunes by one of the great Barbershop quartets of all time!

17th Avenue All-Stars : 17th Ave All Stars

Original member Norm Silver, aided and abetted by Jackie Farrell and Rita Dean, who also appeared on the All Stars last recording, 'True Colors,' are joined by three new members (including a vocal percussionist), though their musical journey in fact began much earlier Ð they won the Harmony Sweepstakes in 1993! The six members of this mixed group recently won the Denver regional competition of the Harmony Sweepstakes. Therefore their sound has evolved as well, and though their warm blend and soulful performances have not changed, depending on whom is assigned the lead vocal duties, a variety of impressions emerge. The earthy 'Walking In Memphis,' for example, is balanced by the eighties sheen of 'Don't Stop Believin'.' Superior clarity and a spacious mix helps to open up the ears for this tuneful new incarnation.

17th Avenue All-Stars : Blend

Pride of Denver, CO, and 1993 Harmony Sweeps champs 17th Avenue All-Stars have given us 5 excellent Contemporary CDs, and their 6th, 'Blend' is their best yet. One of Colorado's best-loved musical acts, the Stars are real audience-pleasers, whether performing their award-winning Pop Music Show, Dance Party or Doo Wop Show. Formerly a 4 man, one woman quintet, they are now an all male act, adding soulful Jimi Alexander. Blend features 12 finely-crafted covers, some favorites are Christopher Cross's 'Ride Like the Wind,' one of the best covers we've heard of the Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations,' great falsetto leads on Earth Wind & Fire's 'Let's Groove Tonight,' a fun, seedy take on the Cars' 'My Best Friend's Girl,' Mr. Mister's 'Kyrie Eleison,' Richard Marx's 'Should've Known Better,' Paul Simon's hit 'You Can Call Me Al,' America's 'You Can Do Magic,' and Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long.' Tight vocal percussion, sweet leads and the Stars' shear ability to entertain make Blend a joy to listen to, and another winner for one of our favorite Sweeps champions!

17th Avenue All-Stars : Doo Wop Gold

The four men and one woman of the Colorado-based 17th Avenue Allstars have been singing sweet Pop harmonies together for over a decade since their beginnings in Denver CO, and are no strangers to Harmony Sweepstakes audiences--they have won the Western Regional 3 times, and the whole enchilada, the National Championship, in 1993. Their repertoire includes 5 decades of popular music: 40's Swing, 50's Rock and Roll, 60's and 70's R&B and 80's and 90's Pop. 'Doo Wop Gold,' their fifth excellent CD, includes 12 classic, beautifully-arranged Doo Wop hits that would certainly rank in our top 20 of all time: 'Remember When/I Wonder Why,' 'Sh-Boom,' 'I Only Have Eyes For You,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Rockin' Robin,' 'Come Go With Me,' 'Lonely Teardrops,' 'In The Still Of The Night,' 'Morse Code Of Love,' 'Get A Job' and 'Trickle Trickle;' finishing with a tasty 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.' Consummate entertainers whether they are performing their award-winning show at a family concert, large scale music festival or corporate party, 'Gold' is ample proof that the Allstars are still one of the best Doo Wop groups we've ever had the pleasure to hear.

17th Avenue All-Stars : Simplicity

Released in the same year as their triumphant success in the Harmony Sweepstakes, Simplicity is the defining moment of the early All Stars with Robert Johnson joining the group and La Tanya Hall considered a member of the group rather than guest artist. On this release there are mostly originals, wonderful originals at that, such as 'Johnny' by Jeff Harris which has been covered enough to become a standard. A similar mix of musical styles as the first release graces this recording but the group has matured tremendously.

17th Avenue All-Stars : Talkin' Acappella

Here's history for you. In 1991 just as the a cappella resurgence was beginning the All Stars began singing their mix of doo wop, soul, rock, and gospel which were to propel them to national prominence in 1993 as the winners of the Harmony Sweepstakes. In addition to originals by Robert Anderson, Jeff Harris and Norm Silver, the recording includes mostly covers arranged by Robert Anderson, 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love', 'Try A Little Tenderness', 'You Talk Too Much', 'Wonderful Tonight' and 'Fire' among others...

17th Avenue All-Stars : True Colors

The departure of La Tanya Hall to a solo career and untimely death of Jeff Harris left Robert Johnson and Norm Silver to rebuild the group with arranging assistance by founder Robert Anderson. New members Jacquelyn Farrell, Rita Dean and Evan Blackstone continue the standard of vocal excellence. The ten songs include only one original by Robert Johnson who was busy with production as well. Included are 'Sweet Dreams', 'Stand By Me' and 'Working In A Coal Mine' in addition to the beautiful title track 'True Colors'..

2Praise : Join 2 Sing

Join 2 Sing is a vocal a cappella collection by Jeremiah Savage and Nathanael Vossler. By dubbing layers of voice, they have created a professional arrangement of rich chords and blended harmonies in each song. Join 2 Sing is the first CD released by 2PRAISE. It began as an experiment with recording and dubbing vocals, but quickly evolved into a more ambitious project, due to the interest and encouragement of those who listened. This excellent CD features many original songs as well as re-arranged hymns that the whole family can enjoy.

3 Men and a Melody : On The Edge

Ranked among the top Barbershop Quartets in the world, 3 Men have a strong and diverse musical background ranging from classical to contemporary to Doo-Wop, as evidenced by their varied repertoire on 'Edge.' 12 songs beginning with the Swing tunes 'Hit That Jive Jack' and 'Crazy Rhythm;' Big Band tunes 'Sentimental Reasons' and 'I Got You Under My Skin;' Franz Biebl's 'Ave Maria,' the Rock tune 'What I Like About You;' Broadway hit 'Someone Like You' from 'Jekyll and Hyde;' and Kurt Bestor's touching 'Prayer of the Children.' There's tight harmonies and top-drawer entertainment from this impressive debut CD by versatile 3 Men & A Melody.

3 Men and a Melody : Strictly Barber Doo Wop

With the 1998 Central States District Championship and some international competition successes under their belts, the 4 young men who are 3 Men & A Melody have decided to bring their powerful, intricate harmonies into the recording studio. 12 songs, some of our favorites: 'Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy,' ''In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning,' 'Send In the Clowns,' 'Route 66,' 'Zombie Jamboree' and Harry Connick, Jr.'s 'Recipe For Making Love.' 'Strictly' is a fun, energetic CD, very much like 3MAAM's live show, we would guess, and we're expecting big things of these guys.

3rd Edition : 1st Take

First formed in 2000 of guys with deep Doo-Wop roots in Brooklyn or Queens by lead singer Ron Ruggiero, quintet 3rd Edition has a smooth, confident sound. Their repertoire of Doo-Wop classics was not lightly arrived at-they are 'songs that best capture the style and abilities of the groups, as well as keeping the integrity of the original versions by the greatest vocal group talents of our time.' So '1st Take' is essentially 20 best-of-the-best tunes: 'My Juanita,' 'Chapel of Dreams,' 'Teardrops,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Sincerely,' 'Castle In The Sky,' 'Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely,' 'Brenda,' 'Gloria,' 'My Own True Love,' 'When I Woke Up This Morning'É these have that authentic streetcorner sound, with the deep bass and soaring leads that so many Doo-Wop groups are trying to recapture. Good stuff!

3rd Edition : Songs in the Key of L

All-male a cappella quintet The Third Edition was formed in 2000 by lead singer Ron Ruggiero of guys from Brooklyn or Queens who grew up loving the happy music at a time when a 'threat of war' was the Paragons vs. the Jesters. 20 covers, some of our favorites: 'My Juanita,' 'Teardrops,' 'I Believe,' 'Blue Moon,' 'When You Dance,' 'Fine Fine Frame' 'To Be Loved' and 'The Sun.' Third Edition has the soaring vocals, deep-bass harmonies, group syncronicity and pitch to cover classic Doo-Wop songs as well or better than the originals, and that's what we're looking for in order to call a Doo-Wop CD.

4 Ever Young : Classic A Cappella Doo Wop

Founded in 1997, all-male Doo Wop quartet 4 Ever Young, from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, is the brainchild of Bruce Smith, who set out to assemble an a cappella Doo-Wop group to help keep alive the music he used to sing on the streets of Brooklyn, NY, and perform with the Deacons and the Montclairs in the 50s and 60s. 16 Doo-Wop standards, 'Barbara Ann,' 'So Much In Love, 'Sunday Kind of Love,' Book of Love,' 'Blue Moon,' 'At My Front Door,' '409,' 'In the Still of the Night,' 'Monster Mash,' 'Charlie Brown'Éyou get the idea. There's also a pretty cool cover of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as a Doo-Wop song. These guys are smooth as silk, professional, authentic and spot on key-one of the best Doo-Wop CDs we've heard this year!

4 His Glory : Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

From New Jersey, 4 His Glory are a Christian quartet with roots in barbershop. Member Roger Blackburn is known for his 1973 'Barbershopping in Brass' recording, and has been principal trumpet for several professional symphonies (no trumpet on this recording though). The group's harmonic identity is vertically dominant, but they also embrace the spiritual and hymn within their stylistic convergence. Songs such as 'If We Ever Needed the Lord Before' are echoes to the rousing gospel style popularized by Thomas Dorsey, 'A Shelter In The Time of Storm' to its precursor, the evangelicals written by Ira Sankey. 'I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now, ' is arranged by Warren Haeger, and 'A Wonderful Time Up There,' is arranged by Earl Moon. 'You Better Get You Ready,' author unknown, is a mournful plea of hope for a better day, and 4 His Glory render it simply and powerfully.

4 His Glory : Will You Love Jesus More?

This is the 3rd recording of Gospel/Barbershop quartet Four His Glory, and they bring us 12 uplifting, tight-harmonied old and new hymns to Jesus. In the title track, the 4 tell us, 'But if all I've done in the time we've shared, is to turn your eyes on me, then I've failed... there's someone else I want you to see.' Their message is clear and consistent throughout, as endearing and sweet as their old-time Barbershop harmonies!

4-Star Collection : Cool N' Crazy

Four women on a journey, tirelessly braving the road to excellence, bring you 'Cool 'n' Crazy'. Rich with attitude and sass is this 4-Star release of jazz and bop-pop barbershop! Finger-snapping tunes like 'Crazy 'Bout You Baby' and 'Bop 'til You Drop' energize your ears from the minute you push play. The perfectly blended voices and polished dynamic expression can only prove the power and musicianship of 4-Star Collection. From 'The Wee Small Hours of the Morning' to the 'Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening', when the CD is over one only wonders 'Where Does the Time Go'? Push play again!

4-Star Collection : Never Stop Dreaming

Officially, 4 Star Collection registered their quartethood with Sweet Adelines International in 1987. In 1988 and again in 1989 they won their regional competitions. Since then they were 10th in the Internationals in 1989, 5th in '90, 8th in '91, 2nd in '92, 5th in '93, 3rd in '94, 2nd in '95 and in l996 swept the field of 47 other quartets to become the 1997 Queens Of Harmony. Their winning performance that magic evening was '(When It's) Darkness On The Delta,' 'I'd Give The World To Hear Alexander's Band Again,' 'Here I Am, Broken Hearted' and, just for yucks, Weird Al's parody of 'La Bamba' entitled 'Lasagna.' As their chords rang out into the hall holding 7,000 enthusiasts, the judges awarded the maximum number of discretionary bonus points possible. Now you can enjoy the same winning perfection that swept the judges and audience that evening.

49th St : 49th St

49th Street is the neighborhood in West Philadelphia where Frank Lafaro and his cousin Bob Croce sang street harmony, and where they formed Frankie and the Fashions in 1963. Frankie and Bob, plus fellow 'Fashions' member Frank DiSantis, who wrote 'I Wonder Where You Are' on this cd, are together again (with 5 others including Frankie's daughter Christin) in 49th Street, and the selections include pop, jazz, R&B, rock & Doo-Wop. Some standouts: 'Sherry,' 'I Wonder Where You Are,' 'Where Are You,' 'Don't Worry Baby,' 'Summertime,' and 'Dream.

4:2:Five : 4:2:Five

Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweeps Regional winners 4:2:Five are James, Earl, Layne, Geoff, and Scott. E.P. was produced by Jeff Thacher of Rockapella, and it shows. There are five songs here, all originals, all excellent, with driving harmonies and tight vocal percussion, reminiscent of Rockapella and The House Jacks. 'look at me,' 'move my way,' 'you gotta know,' our favorite, 'why do you' with its soaring refrain, and 'life,' a sweet crowd-pleaser with an infectious vocal beat. Normally we're kind of so-so about selling what is essentially a sampler, but this one has the goods. We're totally psyched about seeing and hearing them at the Finals on May 5thÐthese guys have the kind of talent (and looks) that stars are made of, and they could easily win it all!

4:2:Five : Time Machine

When we first saw the four young men of 4:2:Five at the Harmony Sweeps Finals, we knew they were going places fast. Their sound brings to mind Rockapella, the Coats and the House Jacks, and they do most of their own arranging. The aptly-named 'Time Machine' is mostly classic doo-wop covers like 'Come Go With Me,' Barbara Ann,' the Drifters' 'Under the Boardwalk,' Elvis' 'Hound Dog,' 'Blue Moon,' 'Good Old A Cappella,' 'Love Potion #9' and even the beloved Sweeps anthem 'Goodnight Sweetheart.' What makes these 15 songs really 'sing' is James May's sweet leads, as good as any doo-wop leads we've heard. The other guys are right on the beat with the butter-smooth deep-bass and baritone backup vocals. Although technically not doo-wop, James Brown's 'I Feel Good' and the Doobies' 'Joy To The World' really smoke. A stone winner!

4:2:Five : Unstoppable

'Unstoppable' is the third CD by Earl, James, Layne and Geoff, and they've made some serious changes since we loved their set at the 2001 Harmony Sweeps Finals. Once a solid doo-woppish cover quintet with a sound reminiscent of Rockapella and the Coats who did all their own arrangements, they have become an (almost) all-original (written and arranged by group members) quartet with an infectious, techno sound. 11 songs, the supersmooth 'Baby I'm Waiting,' the precise, soaring 'The Rules,' the top-40ish Title tune, the edgy 'Just Listen,' the love song 'Your Moon,' the vocal percussion gems 'Any Note Will Do' and 'Just Listen,' the harmonic anthem 'Slowly Slowly Stop,' the philosophical 'Life,' a cover (one of two) of the BeeGee's 'Stayin' Alive' that's the best we've heard, and a funky, incongruous 'Winter Wonderland' that gives the Blenders a run for their harmony. All a cappella, but with some added echo and vocal distortion. Ordinarily we might have some reservations about such effects, but here they fit seamlessly into one of the richest, most full sounds we have heard an a cappella group produce on a recording, all the more amazing when we consider that they are basically just 4 guys with mikes. 'Unstoppable' pushes the a cappella envelope in a confident, surprising direction, that needs to be listened to again and again to be savored and appreciated. The fact that all the original material is brilliant is only to be expected. Enough superlatives-we love this CD, one of the best of the year!

5-Alone : Heavenly

Fourteen-member, mixed High School vocal jazz ensemble 5-Alone was founded by Director Lechner in the fall of 1999. The group's performances of tight 5-part harmonies (hence the moniker 5-Alone) have since earned acclaim from some of the most prestigious names in jazz, including numerous Downbeat awards, top three placement in a Harmony Sweeps Regional (we assume they trimmed down to 7 members for that appearance), and performances at the International Association of Jazz Educators' annual conference and the North Sea Jazz Fest. Their 2003 CD 'Good Vibrations' won a CARA for 'Best High School Album.' There are 11 tasty jazz cuts here, the Real Group's Anders Edenroth's 'Thousand Things' (Anders also arranges 'Body and Soul'), Harry Connick, Jr.'s 'Heavenly,' Brian Wilson's anthem 'God Only Knows,' 'One Day I'll Fly Away,' the upbeat, finger-snapping 'I'm With You,' very cool vocal percussion on 'In The Waiting Line,' the bluesy 'Can't Stop Thinking 'Bout You,' and the striking 'Silence of Time' are particularly fine. A poised, impressive 2nd CD from this young, talented, well-directed, fast-rising ensemble!