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| Maureen The Way You Make Me Feel My Girl Stand By Me Beliver Magic Dance Dance Sky Use Me Some Kind Of Wonderful |
New York-based male a cappella quartet The Fault Line has jumped into the mainstream of Rock 'n Roll with no instruments, and they're rising fast! "Junkin' 'Em Up" is one of those albums that you find yourself looking incredulously for those ten little wordsand then you find them: "No instruments were used in the making of this album." Adam, Jeff, Justin and Matt are pushing the a cappella envelope, testing the limits of the human voice, and we, of course, love bands that do that! "Maureen" has some very fine faux snare drum, "The Way You Make Me Feel" recalls The House Jacks and Rockapella at their finest, "My Girl" has Righteous Brothers searching for the drum kit and the guy who's playing the screaming guitar solo. "Stand By Me" has a bluesy, sassy attitude, "Believer" updates the Monkees in wonderful electronic ways, "Dance Dance" is as rich and delicious as Sting's original, , the powerful, dark "Sky" is a rhythmic gem, "Use Me" and "Some Kind of Wonderful" round out a stunningly good album. You can buy "Junkin'" to find out exactly what these New Yorkers have learned to do with their voices, or you can buy it because it seriously rocks. Your choice!
Listen to Magic in RealAudio.
| 2512 CD $14.95 |
| A Thousand Miles Faith 3-Tage Bart Everybody Loves Somebody Another You Don't Stop Me Now Let's Misbehave Perfect Niklas Turmann The Wanderer It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday Mamma Mia Footloose |
Surprise National Champs of the 2008 Harmony Sweepstakes Finals, all-male German quintet Vocaldente, appearing last after very strong sets by the previous 8 Regionals winners, quickly got the crowd laughing and on their feet applauding at the end. They easily won Audience Favorite, and it was no surprise when the judges awarded them first place. The title tune of this excellent CD, Cole Porter's "Let's Misbehave," was their opening number, is beautifully done here, as is Kenny Loggins' "Footloose," the group's encore performance. Other winning covers are Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles," George Michaels' "Faith," the Rat Pack favorite "Everybody Loves Somebody" (here mimicking Dean Martin's rendition of the song), Freddie Mercury's "Don't Stop Me Now," a silly faux-ukelele version of Dion's "The Wanderer," and a tongue-in-cheek spoof of Abba's deathless "Mama Mia." Vocaldente sings all these songs (with the exception of "3-Tage Bart," which is in German) in very good English, but their strength is in their innocent, non self-conscious humor, which is not at all harmed by their unexpected and charming German accents. The sweet, pure falsettos, faux horns, strings and other instruments, comic asides and samples (like one from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the end of "Mama Mia") combined with their totally deadpan posing and pretending to play their faux instruments, are all, quite simply, hilarious. While we're laughing at this, we're noticing that their stuff is amazingly arranged (by group members Tobias and Oliver) and that they are top-drawer professional singers and vocal percussionists. From seeing them live, it's also clear that they are having big fun up there, and so are we. Two kinds of genius come together here, comic and musical, to award-winning effect
Listen to "Mama Mia in Real Audio.
| 2508 CD $16.95 |
| People Get Ready/Three Little Birds/ One Love - When the Big One Comes - Eleanor Rigby/Across the Unverse - River of Dreams -l I Wanna Be Like You -. Down to the River to Pray/I'll Fly Away/Man of Constant Sorrow - I Sing Low- When the Night Feels My Song After The Goldrush As (always) |
Two man, two women Canadian Contemporary Quartet the Euphorics, blew us away winning the 1999 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional and gave a great performance at the Finals. We loved their debut album "Standing Up for Love" by have been waiting patiently for its sequel, and now happily hold "Born to Sing" in our hot little hands! The wonderful harmonies and leads by Joni Bye (alto/soprano), Helen Davis (alto/soprano) and Bing Jenson (bass) are as solid and crisp as ever. There is one significant change, the fine tenor of Nathan Aswell, has been replaced by that of David Steele; but we have to say the group is sounding better than ever. "Born to Sing" has 10 songs, beginning with a Curtis Mayfield/Bob Marley medley, "People Get Ready/Three Little Birds/One Love," a very funny group reggae original, "When the Big One Comes," a sweet Lennon/McCartney medley, "Eleanor Rigby/Across the Universe," Billy Joel's "River of Dreams," Richard and Robert Sherman's "I Wanna Be Like You," a nice traditional medley, "Down to the River to Pray/I'll Fly Away/Man of Constant Sorrow," bass Bing's hit from the Sweeps, "I Sing Low," "When the Night Feels My Song," Neil Young's "After the Goldrush" and closing with Stevie Wonder's "As." Every one of these is a winner. The Euphorics have a huge, spirited sound and put on a live show as entertaining as any we have seen. Treat yourself to "Born to Sing," and enjoy!
Listen to "After The Goldrush" in Real Audio.
| 2501 CD $14.95 |
| Easter Island Head Don't Know Why Sleep Where the Sun Will Never Go Down Railroad Medley Route 66 Amazing Grace Ezekiel Saw de Wheel Voice Dance Witness Lady Madonna Take On Me Elijah Rock All Creatures of Our God and King |
This Colorado-based evenly-mixed voice a cappella octet was formed in 1999, and has a varied repertoire ranging from Jazz to Pop, Classical and Gospel to Folk. "Beyond Ordinary's" 14 cuts highlight this versatility, beginning with Stefan Farrenkopf's deadpan "Easter Island Head," Jesse Harris' moody "Don't Know Why," Charles Sylvestri and Eric Whitacre's brooding , dissonant "Sleep," the nice Derric Johnson-arranged "Railroad Medley," a bluesy, rhythmic "Route 66," traditional favorites "Amazing Grace" and "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel," Greg Jasperse's ethereal "Voice Dance," Lennon/McCartney's "Lady Madonna," the Moses Hogan-arranged spiritual "Elijah Rock," and finishing strong with the traditional "All Creatures of Our God and King." DACP has three excellent recordings and years of live performances under their belts, and it shows. Sweet harmonies, solid vocal percussion, deep basslines, spirited leadsthis is fun stuff from this talented octet!
Listen to "Easter Island Head" in RealAudio.
| 2443 CD $14.95 |
| Silver Lining The Tight Pants Tango t Come Here Often? Sandwich Man Funk Shui Massacre Imaginary Tuba I Dreamt That David Mamet Buddha Bakes Never Date a Musician Silver Lining II Diappointment Pants Cow Tipping, Part II Howard Peterson Hit the Road, Greg Poverty Tom Spath Get Your Monkey off My Doge Party Arty Hope |
The Bobs' 14th CD is a stunning compilation of 18 new, original songs sprung from the dangerous minds of ASCAP-award winners (and Grammy nominations for vocal arranging) The Bobs. Recorded in Seattle, Berkeley and in Room 144 of the Best Western in Marshalltown Iowa (yep, that's right!), this collection features guest appearances by former Bobs Gunnar Madsen and Lori Rivera. What's the album about? Oh, the usual assortment of obvious topics. Tubas, fast food, feng shui, the wild west, vibration, lame pickup lines, the faux poor, wrong numbers, annoying simians, religious cooking, cow tipping, hope, David Mamet, giant bagels, dating, poverty, and the ability to par-tay... This is classic Bobs guaranteed to please both new and old fans alike.
Listen to "Never Date a Musician" in RealAudio.
| 2457 CD $15.95 |
| Shadows and Light 1 Object Devotion I carry your heart with me ( There Alone Go I Orchard Old Man Home Lavaliere Take It With Me These Things Take Time Longing Busy, Being Blue Shadows and Light 2 |
Individually, they are five phenomenal and distinctive vocalists: Theo Bleckmann, the effusive German-American Meistersinger known for his brilliant collaborations with Meredith Monk; Peter Eldridge, a eclectic vocalist, composer, and member of the New York Voices; Lauren Kinhan, known for her charismatic voice, genre bending originals, and her dedicated years as a member of the New York Voices; Kate McGarry, a vocal polymath at home with the folk tradition and the Big Apple bandstand; Luciana Souza, the Brazilian whose repertoire ranges from bossa novas and Elizabeth Bishop to Steely Dan. Together, they are MOSS, A vocal supergroup that intertwines jazz, classical, pop, folk, electronica, world music, and poetry into an arresting and unique sonic species of art. A typical vocal jazz record follows a formula: some up-tempo tunes, plenty of moody ballads and a vocalist reaching for the unique without leaving the familiar. The vocal dream team Moss has thrown out the old formula on their new self-titled CD. Not to be pigeon holed, these master vocalists supply their own unique originals along with a bevy of thoughtful arrangements of not so standard tunes (including pieces by Tom Waits, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and e.e. cummings). Throughout this exceptional recording, the vocal quintet's contrapuntal harmonies, silken phrasing, and soulful improvisations, traverse and morph genres with ease and invention. “Hopefully, each song reveals the curiosity and uniqueness of each voice," Luciana Souza writes in the CD liner notes, “and the wonderful and intangible thing that happens when a group of friends blend their voices and sensibilities into one."
Listen to Shadows and Light 1 and Shadows and Light 2 in Real Audio.
| 7664 CD $15.95 |
| Breakout I Can Fly Wonderful You (Big Chill) High and Dry T Invisible War Broken Wings Betcha By Golly, Wow Getaway Both Sides Now |
Mixed Vocal Jazz quartet Syncopation represented Boston well at the recent Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA, winning a strong ovation from the sellout crowd for songs like the sweet, soaring "High and Dry," which is here on "Wonderful You." There are 9 songs here, our favorites are the a cappella songs, Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and the aforementioned "High and Dry." Of the others, "Invisible War," lightly piano-accompanied, is very nice, as are the more heavily accompanied songs "Breakout," "I Can Fly," the title tune (from The Big Chill), Lennon/McCartney's "Broken Wings" the Motown tune "Betcha By Golly, Wow" and "Getaway." Beautiful leads, harmonies and arrangements, but let us once again make it clear that "Wonderful You" is mostly an accompanied album.
Listen to "High and Dry"(Best Original Arrangement Harmony Sweepstakes) in Real Audio.
| 7665 CD $14.95 |
| Come Together Don't Get Around Much Anymore With Every Breath I Take Try to Remember Quarter to Five You Take my Breath Away Stop Somewhere over the Rainbow A Child is Born Essence It's Raining Men Surprise |
Founded in 2002, all-women Dutch Vocal Jazz quartet Velvet Voices has been appearing in some serious European and international events, like the 2003 Voice Mania in Vienna, the Jeunessethe largest German a cappella festival in Munich), and they won the Jazz Gold at the international "Ward Swingle Awards." There are 11 finely-crafted tunes on "Essence," the group's 5th excellent album, some wonderful covers like Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together," Duke Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," Cy Coleman's "With every breath I take," Freddie Mercury's "You take my breath away," Brown, Sutton and Brody's "Stop," a fine faux trumpet solo on Harold Arlen's "Somewhere over the rainbow," Jones and Wilder's "A child is born," and Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer's "It's raining man." There's also a pair of very nice originals by group member Gerda, the moody "Try to remember" and "Quarter to five," and one original by group member Monika, the title tune. Each of these beautiful young women can easily sing perfect solos and leads, so even a difficult, dissonant piece like "A child is born" comes off as effortless, and the harmonies are clean, sharp and on perfect pitch. Even a powerful rocker like "It's raining man," which is reprised as a surprise bonus cut with amped-up vocal percussion, is cleanly nailed both times with no sweat. The voices here are so perfect, the sound so effortlessly clean, we had to listen to it again just to fully appreciate it. "Essence" is a gift for the ears by the Velvet Voices, who have, in a very short time, risen to a level attained by only a few elite Vocal Jazz groups, like the Real Group, Vox One and the Swingle Singers. Treat yourself to one of the best of the year!
| Relampiano Cha de Cozinha Samba da Esquina Samba da Bahia Chovendo na Roseira Chico Bento Domingo no Parque Muito Mais Construcao Cada Olhar Boi da Cara Preta De Manha Palavra Bilboque |
Four man, one woman Brazilian a cappella Jazz ensemble from Salvador da Bahia present their debut CD and lovely, full-color liner notes, all in Portuguese. Ditto with their website, but one of the things we love about a cappella is that the music speaks very eloquently for itself! There are 14 juicy, original tunes here, written and arranged (as far as we can tell) by talented Brazilian composer and musician Hiran Montiero. Banda uses only voices, has a sweet, sassy, funky-clean sound, and specializes in faux horns, guitar, bass and percussion. Listen to the drum lead on "Relampiono," the horn solo on "Chico Bento," and the sizzling percussion on the Salsa tune "Domingo No Parque" to get a taste of what this group can do. Other favorites are the moody "Muito Mais," finger-snapping "Cada Olhar," joyous "Palavra" and the percussion gem "Bilboque." Don't let the no-English issue keep you from enjoying one of the most cutting-edge, high-energy Vocal Jazz groups we've heard in a long time. Every cut is a winner!
Listen to "Samba da Bahia" in Real Audio.
| 7636 CD $15.95 |
| Everything's Coming Up Roses Isn't This a Lovely Day How Are Things in Glocca Morra I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter Goin' to the Dance with You Danny Boy Aren't You Glad You're You Your Cheatin' Heart Blue Moon of Kentucky The Tennessee Waltz Glad Rag Doll Over the Sunset Mountains I Love the Whole United States You Are There |
Georgia-based State Line Grocery formed in July of 2003 and won the Dixie District Quartet Championship in the fall of that same year. Lead Tim Brooks, Tenor Dylan Oxford, Bass Drew McMillan and Baritone Mark Lamback recently finished 3th with a strong performance at the 2008 BHS International competition that was held in Nashville, Tennesee. "Restocked" has 14 tunes, some of our favorites are Stephen Sondheim's "Everything's Coming Up Roses," Irving Berlin's "Isn't This a Lovely Day," Young and Ahlert's "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "Danny Boy," Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "The Tennessee Waltz," "Glad Rag Doll," "Over the Sunset Mountains" and Frishberg and Mandel's "You Are There." State Line has a rich, spirited sound with tight harmonies, ringing chords and wonderful arrangements. Combine that with their love of singing with each other, and you have one of the elite quartets in the world. "Restocked" is great Barbershop from the first song to the last powerful chord!
Listen to "Goin' to the Dance with You" in Real Audio.
| 5839 CD $14.95 |
| As Long As I'm Singin' I Wanna Be Like You On the Street Where You Live The Headless Horseman Beautiful Savior The Barber of Seville Overture Let's Live It Up Cheer Up Charlie Country Boy Undecided (with the Buzz) Good Vibrations Go the Distance |
06 International Quartet Championship Vocal Spectrum are one of the youngest quartets to ever win such a coveted award and are a fine example of the fresh yet traditional approach to the noble art of barbershop singing. This new release is a true gem and will please both the traditionalists and those looking to expand the barbershop sound. The opening Bobby Darin song “As Long As I’m Singin’”, arranged by David Wright, sets the tone as this acclaimed arranger has been coaching the quartet for several years and his influence is most apparent. This recording belongs in all barbershop fans collection.
Listen to As Long As I'm Singin' in Real Audio.
| 5838 CD $14.95 |
| LIttle Pal - Max Q Rhythm Medley: Crazy Rhythm, I Got Rhythm, Fascinating Rhythm - Max Q I Want You, I Need You, I Love Yout - OC Times I Have Dreamed - Storm Front On The Sunny Side of the Street - State Line Grocery The Banjo's Back in Town - Flipside Do, Re, Mi - Glory Days Alamo Rag - The Allies They Say It's Wonderful - Rounders Anytime - Wheelhouse That's A-Plenty - SEP If I Give My Heart To You - Four Aces It's You - Late Show Recipe For Making Love - Men & A Melody The Curtain Falls - 12th Street Rag That Rhythm Man - Ringers Middle Aged Man - Reveille Put Your Arms Around Me Honey - Voices Only Mean To Me - Nexus Sugarcane Jubilee - Men In Black Why Don't You Fall in Love With Me?/Undecided Medley - The Crush |
July, 2007 in Denver, CO was hot, but the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Quartet competition being held there was even hotter! The gold went to supergroup Max Q, silver to OC Times, followed closely by Storm Front, State Line Grocery and Flipside. Live favorites from the top five are "Little Pat" and "I Got Rhythm/Fascinating Rhythm" medley by Max Q, "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by OC Times, Storm Front's "I Have Dreamed," State Line Grocery's "On The Sunny Side of the Street" and Flipside's "The Banjo's Back In Town." But listen to the Allies' "Alamo Rag," Wheelhouse's "Anytime," Saturday Evening Post's "That's A-Plenty," 3 Men & A Melody's "Recipe for Making Love" and others by top 20 finishers such as Rounders, Four Aces, Late Show, 12th Street Rag, Voices Only, Nexus and Men in Black, and you'll see that excellence and entertainment were there in abundance on that magic night in Colorado!
Listen to Rhythm Medley by Max Q
| 5827 DVD $24.95 |
| 5827 CD $14.95 |
| I Don't Have To
Change - J. Stephens Prologue Feeling The Blow Sincerely - Harvey Fuqua White Port And Kool Aide Never Let Me Go - Joe Scott Doo Wop Retrospective - Torre Brannon Reese This Magic Moment - DOc Pomus An Ode To Clyde - Mcfadder Money Honey - Jesse Stone The Greatest Singer On The Planet Were You There? What Sam Saw Chain Gang - Sam Cooke Looking For Tony I'm Gonna Give Her All The Love I Got (Listen) So Much In Love - William Jackson III Long Head Charlie Speedo - Ester Navarro Frankie And Johnny Let's Have This Corner Blue Moon - Richard Rogers Meet Me On The Corner - Maurice Kitchen I Could Never Love Another - Rogers |
"Meet Me" is an all a cappella Doo-Wop album that recreates the street corner experience of the 50s and early 60s and pays homage to the genius of Sam Cooke, Clyde McPhatter, Harvey Fuqua & the Moonglows along with other Doo-Wop pioneers. It was the brainchild of Maurice Kitchen, an award-winning Chicago musical playwright and producer who assembled an all-star group in Los Angeles, Torre Reese of New Orleans, Kwame Alexander from Memphis, Charles (Sonny) Banks from San Antonio and Anthony Snead from Newark. These 24 songs, songs like "It Don't Have to Change," the lone contemporary song on the album, "Feeling the Blow," "Sincerely," "This Magic Moment," "Money Honey," "Chain Gang," "So Much in Love," "Speedo," "Blue Moon" and the title tune, use the group's comments and recollections to create a feeling in us what it was like to harmonize great music on the street back then. Authentic early Doo-Wop harmonies from these finger-snapping, sweet-singing veterans, who are having big fun recording this, and very shortly, so are we!
Listen to SALT sing "Don't Be A Baby, Baby" in Real Audio.
| 8808 CD $14.95 |
| Intro to Reach Out Reach Out Ambuye Yesu Shut De Door Chidzakhala Chokondwelesta Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Thank You Very Much Intro to Jalula Mulyango Jalula Mulyango He Gave Her Water Kulidziko M'mwamba Robe and Crown |
All-male Gospel a cappella octet the Zambian Vocal Group brings us a yummy collection of 12 uplifting tunes with rich, butter-smooth harmonies. Hailing from a community called Kalingalinga, "Reach Out" was recorded by Daniel Mwanza at ZVG Home Studio in Tyler, TX. Especially lovely are originals by group member James Mbewe, the title tune, "Chidzakhala Chokondwelesta," "Kulidzido M'Mwamba" and the sweetly rhythmic "Jalula Mulyango." Also wonderful are the spirited "Shut De Door," a cover of the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," and "Thank You Very Much" features the endearing lyric, "Thank you, thank you very much, you are the Savior with a spiritual touch." The rhythmic traditional tune "He Gave Her Water" and "Robe and Crown" are other favorites. Inspirational, feel-good, toe-tapping music, from the first cut to the last!
Listen to He Gave Her Water in Real Audio
| 9923 CD $14.95 |
| O mmu beno mmu Kuyafundw' osizini (Ilembe) Vela nsizwa Let's Do It Umon' usuk' esweni Sizobalanda This Is the Way We Do Iphel' emasini Asekhon' amatshitshi Hlala nami Prince of Peace Iphel' emasini (Nature Effects) |
In the late 1700s, the Zulus were an obscure tribe of less than 2000 South African natives, ruled by a petty chief and seemingly doomed to eventual extinction. But when one charismatic and cunning young warrior, Shaka Zulu, emerged from this small, disorganized clan, the path of South African history changed forever. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has conquered nations in its own way with a joyous and spiritually charged brand of vocal music and native choreography, pays tribute to this historical icon with their latest release. The album title translates to “The Greatest Warrior,” and either directly or indirectly, each of the tracks speaks to Shaka’s rare combination of attributes and how they resonate in contemporary society not just for South Africans, but for the world in general.
Listen to O mmu beno mmu in Real Audio
| 9922 SACD $17.95 |
| 4 U 2 Know As U Grow Education the Key When I Grow Up All I Have to Do Do What the Spirit Say Do Right Now Trust In the Middle of the Night Chinese Proverb The Soul of Nature Indaba: We Believe in You Member of the World Community Dog, Dog I Like It That Way Me is We The Best Medicine Gratitude 4 U 2 Know As U Grow |
Sweet Honey in the Rock, the award-winning female African American ensemble, releases their first recording since Dr. Reagon’s retirement and is the group’s fourth CD for children. The CD’s colorful packaging an eyecatching digipack and a 16-page booklet in the style of a school composition notebook contributes to the theme of learning through music. Children from the ages of 9 to 12 pose questions about the mysteries of the adult world in print, and the members of Sweet Honey (six vocalists at the time of this recording, now five, not counting their onstage sign language interpreter) respond with songs of about peaceful coexistence, the virtues of education, the nurturing support and reassurance of parents and elders, following one’s moral and spiritual compass, and working to better the surrounding world. Emphasizing the group’s roots in African culture, the songs are matched up in print to Adinkra symbols used in Ghana, West Africa, to indicate wisdom, strength, unity, good fortune, harmony and other emotions crucial to leading a meaningful life. The sound of Sweet Honey is almost intoxicating, as they deploy their voices in myriad combinations and styles call-and-response, scatting, percolating percussive effects, waterfalls of harmonies and counterpoints, rounds, spoken rap-like segments, and just about every other pleasing way the human voice can be utilized.
Listen to "In The Middle Of The Night" in Real Audio.
| 9914 CD $16.95 |
| Unleashed I Cry Before The Throne Please Come Somebody's Watchin' How Great Love The Lord For You Grace I Love You Lord Percussion: Articulated |
Formed in 1996, Gresham, OR-based Contemporary Christian male quartet Rescue dedicated themselves to a ministry of learning, writing and performing a cappella songs. Now, 6 excellent CDs and one live DVD in the PAC catalog, and a whole lot of wonderful live performances later, "Before the Throne" shows just how well these talented, deeply spiritual men have fulfilled their commitment. "Before" has 10 richly-harmonic songs that feature state-of-the-art vocal percussion by group members Brandon, Jason and Steve, and some of the best faux trumpet (actually, it sounds like a whole trumpet section) we've heard on the title tune and "Somebody's Watchin'." Other favorites are an original by group member Brian Sell, "I Cry," "Unleashed" by Wm. Barfield and Scott Krippayne (with added lyrics by Brian and Jason), Nicole Nordeman's lovely "Please Come," "How Great" by Ed Cash (a live cut that features audience call and response), Chris Tomlin and James Reeves; Lincoln Brewster's "Love the Lord," Nathan Arnold' "Grace" and Laurie Klein's gorgeous "I Love You, Lord." A welcome surprise is the 11th "tune," a tour-de-force beatbox talk and demonstration by Brandon Bell. Powerful and beautiful - another winner from Rescue!
Listen to "I Love You Lord" in Real Audio.
| 2525 CD $14.95 |
| You're My Rock I Just Want to Celebrate Thank You It's Alright God of Hope and Love The Only Way We Sing Holy I Need You Broken Heart Think About His Love Show Me Your Ways Amazing Love (You are my King) |
We have just enjoyed a wonderful performance by all-male Contemporary Christian quintet Sweet Deliverance at the '08 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional, which earned them a very close 2nd place finish (to winner Where's Gesualdo?). "You're My Rock" includes 8 originals by the group, Bass Bob Allsup collaborating with 1st tenor Kevin Percival on the title tune, the Beach Boys-inspired "Thank You," the rocking "It's Alright," the inspirational "God of Hope and Love" and "The Only Way," the foot-tapper "We Sing Holy," the testifying "I Need You." Allsup gets together with tenor Gary Ferguson on the final original, the touching "Broken Heart," before finishing with a very fine 3-song medley, Walt Harrah's "Think About His Love," Russell Fragar's "Show Me Your Ways" and Billy James Foote's "Amazing Love" (You are My King). Every one of these songs uplifts and celebrates the faith of these talented singers, especially their excellent original material. Treat yourself to "You're My Rock," one of the best albums we've heard this year!
Listen to You're My Rock in Real Audio.
| 2505 CD $14.95 |
| Unleashed I Cry Before The Throne Please Come Somebody's Watchin'? How Great Love The Lord For You Grace I Love You Lord Percussion: Articulated |
"Grateful Praise" is the 5th excellent CD from Utah-based Contemporary Christian sextet Eclipse. We have been watching Eclipse with great interest since their dynamic performances at the Harmony Sweeps Finals in 2001 and 2002, winners of the Denver and Pacific NW Regionals. The group's trademark sound features tight, smooth harmonies, solid vocal percussion, complex, beautiful arrangements and high energy. Innovative covers of three traditional tunes in the public domain, "All Creatures of Our God and King," begin the album, followed by the touching "Mercy's Arms," "God is Love," the lovely and familiar "Evening Prayer," "Open Thou My Soul," "Go With Me," one of our favorite hymns, "Be Still My Soul," and it finishes strongly with a pair of fine originals, "I Believe in Christ" and "Let The Words." Each note is true here, each arrangement effortlessly perfect. The full color liner notes are as beautiful as any we have ever seen. An album that inspires and lifts us up, on many levels!
Listen to "I Love You Lord" in Real Audio.
| 2555 CD $15.95 |
| She's Always A Woman - Billy Joel arr. Philip Lawson You Can Close Your Eyes - James Taylor arr. Philip Lawson Greensleeves - arr. Bob Chilcott The Gift to be Simple - arr. Bob Chilcott Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - arr. Peter Knight Helplessly Hoping - Stephen Stills arr. Philip Lawson Deep River - arr. Philip Lawson Black is the Color - arr. Bob Chilcott I Love My Love - arr. Philip Lawson The Water is Wide - arr. Philip Lawson When She Loved Me - Randy Newman arr. Philip Lawson Valparaiso - Sting arr. Philip Lawson The Turtle Dove - arr. Philip Lawson April Come She Will - Paul Simon arr. Philip Lawson Steal Away - arr. Bob Chilcott You are the New Day - arr. Peter Knight |
"Simple Gifts" is a very rare and special gift to us, as it represents the first full a cappella studio album by the legendary King's Singers in 10 years. Arguably the most popular a cappella group of all time, whose flawless harmonies grace over 30 finely-crafted CDs and a slew of songbooks in the Primarily A Cappella online catalog, we will assume that you know how good these six British men really are. So let's talk about some of the 16 carefully-selected songs: Billy Joel's classic "She's Always A Woman," James Taylor's sublime "You Can Close Your Eyes," the traditional joyous round "The Gift to Be Simple," Stephen Stills' harmonic CSN&Y gem "Helplessly Hoping," some wonderfully-arranged spirituals, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Deep River," "The Water is Wide" and "Steal Away," all of which feature some sweet deep bass leads. Randy Newman's poignant "When She Loved Me," Sting's "Valparaiso," Paul Simon's "April Come She Will"…these are some of our picks for the most beautiful songs of all time. They are arranged by group member Phillip Lawson, Bob Chilcott and Peter Knight, and then sung as beautifully as you can imagine by the King's Singers. The King’s Singers incredible blend and tuning goes to ensure that this is probably their finest recording in a long time. Enough said!
Listen to April Come She Will in RealAudio.
| 8907 CD $16.95 |
| Early summer's fairy tale Soundlessly somewhere murmurings homeward The grindstone game The finger-binding game The ship game O, my gentle tender mother Daughters of the Meadow Matron The wave Rolls Waking the birds At Pasture Shrovetide Wee winkie mouse Sang the father, sang the son Singing aboard ship It is late summer Clouds are racing Pale Light Painfully red are the leaves Wind over the barrens Cold autumn night Heather I sing for my child It's time for the little berry to sleep Let the cradle swing! Lulling Childhood memory |
The Holst Singers are acclaimed as one of England’s greatest non-professional choirs. The talent and commitment of the individual members and the leadership of their mercurial conductor, Stephen Layton, ensure that their performances are always of the very highest standards. Veljo Tormis (born 1930) is - along with Arvo Pärt - Estonia’s most famous living composer, holding an almost mystic status in his home country. He is also the passionate and practical torch-bearer for folk-singing revival, and the integration of an ancient cultural inheritance into thoroughly modern, post-Soviet lives. Interestingly, he trained at the Moscow Conservatory and was steeped in Soviet instruction during his early musical life. His music is almost all written for choirs; few other composers have been so committed to one genre. Tormis’s choral specialization marks him out from Bartók, Kodály, Vaughan Williams and Grainger, whose pioneering interest in folksong was ultimately limited to the use of textless tunes in instrumental or orchestral works. For Tormis, the words and the music are inseparable. The Holst Singers have recently been invited to Estonia to perform Tormis’s music - a great honor, and a mark of their mastery of this repertoire.
| 8910 CD $19.95 |
| Introit: Benedicta sit Sancta Trinitas Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise - Francis Poulenc Salvation is Created (spaseniye sodjelal) - Pavel Chesnokov Ave Dulcissima Mria - Morten Lauridsen Last Letter Home - Lee Hoiby Lullabye (Goodnight my Angel) - Billy Joel Mogamigawa funa uta Ramakali Who's Loving You - Smokey Robinson Pseudo Yoik - Jaakko Mantyjarvi Dalvi duoddar luohti - Seppo Paakkunainen Casey at the Bat - Peter Hamlin I Can't Tarry |
Cantus programming at its finest represents a great mix of styles and influences. On their latest release they decided to showcase all this variety on one recording. Included is a new commission from Lee Hoiby paired with a “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel. They include early 20th century Russian sacred music next to early 21st century American sacred music. They are two show-stoppers - the Smokey Robinson tune “Who’s Loving You” and ”I Can’t Tarry” a rousing African-American spiritual An amusing faux-Finnish piece precedes a semi-theatrical setting of “Casey at the Bat” and the lively programming keeps you listening from beginning to end, just as it does in their acclaimed live concerts.
Listen to "Pseudo Yoik" in RealAudio.
| 8698 CD $15.95 |
| THX/20th Century Fox Fanfare Spider-Man Theme Take On Me Superstition Black Balloon Sing, Sing, Sing Sunshine Medley No Not Much Home When You Come Back to Me Again Praise The Man Super Mario Thriller Home Bigger Than My Body Nearer My God To Thee |
Formed by two BYU students in 1991 in the traditional college glee club format, 9-man Vocal Point discovered a huge interest in their high-energy, wonderfully-arranged covers. "Nonstop" features recordings by 3 different configurations of the group, 2004-2005, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. Photos of those groups are in the full-color liner notes, where founders Bob Ahlander and Dave Boyce also describe watching their creation win the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella at the Lincoln Center in NYC in April of 2006, an inspiring and moving story. The 16 high-energy cuts begin with a rousing a cappella rendition of the THX/20th Century Fox fanfare, "Spider-Man Theme," Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," Louis Prima's "Sing, Sing, Sing," a very fine "Sunshine Medley" ("Walkin' on Sunshine," "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Let the Sunshine In"), Robert Allen and Al Stillman's 50s harmonic gem "No Not Much," Marc Broussard's Southern-fried foot-stomper "Home," Garth Brooks' beautiful, touching "When You Come Back to Me Again," Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and the final cut, traditional hymn "Nearer My God to Thee." Solid vocal percussion, fine arranging, strong harmonies, powerful leads (especially Michael Buble on "Home")--it all adds up to great entertainment from one of our favorite collegiate ensembles!
Listen to "Sing, Sing, Sing" in Real Audio.
| 1775 CD $14.95 |
| Aj Lucka Lucka Little Pony New Hymn On Broadway Something Like The Blues Steppin' Out With My Baby Stay Waiting in Vain Sweet Baby James Time After Time Bye Bye Blackbird Down By The Sally Gardens Who Loves The Sun Deep River Midnight Train To Georgia The Whiffenpoof Song |
As one of the nation’s oldest and most acclaimed collegiate a cappella groups the Whiffenpoofs have, during their 99 years of existence, sung all over the world. With their 100 year anniversary approaching the group decided that was not quite enough so now “The Whiffs” have taken off to explore the universe where “in space nobody can hear you sing”. This recording reflects their long tradition by performing a selection of more traditional male glee club type songs along with a very healthy mix of contemporary a cappella songs. With such a long and proud tradition the Whiffenpoofs have always been one of the creams of the crop and this year’s group more than hold their own on this fine recording. An added bonus is the printed insert which turns into a cool poster.
Listen to "Time After Time" in Real Audio.
| 1768 CD $14.95 |
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Africa - David Paich/Jeff Porcaro - arr. Philip Lawson |
To celebrate their 40th anniversary the Kings Singers compiled a collection of their most-requested arrangements from the past 15 years since the release of the still best-selling 25th anniversary songbook. Some. like "Danny Boy", "All I Ask Of You" and "Blackbird" date from earlier in the group's history but are still performed regularly by the group and choirs all over the world. Others, such as "Down To The River To Pray", "Under The Sea" and "Africa" have already established themselves in the repertoire of many groups they come in contact with on their tours. Here, then, is a carefully selected mix of folk songs, pop songs and spirituals plus the exquisite Victorian parlor song "The Long Day Closes".
| 9633 SONGBOOK $8.95 |
| Blue Christmas (arr David
Maddux) A Christmas Love Song (arr. Vijay Singh) Feliz Navidad (arr. Paul Langford) Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas I'll be Home for Christmas It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (arr. Michelle Weir) Santa Claus is comin' to town We need a little Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas What are You Doing New Year's Eve? (arr David Maddux) Winter Wonderland |
These breathtaking arrangements of traditional gospel songs, hymns, classics, spirituals, Scripture songs, and contemporary praise will bring unique quality to your choral performances. Without sounding simplistic, these exquisite settings are performable by the volunteer choir, Christian school choirs, or even by finer vocal ensembles.
| 9323 SONGBOOK $14.95 |
| Introduction (Bob Flanigan) Day In, Day Out You Stepped Out Of A Dream Invitation Young and Foolish You've Got Me Cryin' Again If Only I Had A Brain Angel Eyes Somebody Loves Me Mamselle Something's Gotta Give Skylark That Old Feelin' If I Had You You've Changed There Will Never Be Another You It's A Blue World September Song Rain Indian Summer How Do You Keep The Music Playing After You've Gone We'll Be Together Again |
Bob Flanigan, one of the founding members of the legendary Four Freshmen, is on the stage in Las Vegas for this live, 23 song performance of the new incarnation of the 4Fs, Brian, Curtis, Vince and Bob, before a very appreciative audience. Where Flanigan and his mates would perform with a single member on the guitar, and often perform and record with a jazz band (such as Stan Kenton's) or orchestra, the new 4Fs play their own instruments, guitar, trumpet, bass and drums. But their voices are what makes this dvd special. The original Four Freshmen (founded at Butler U. in 1948) had a marvelous, era-defining, tight-harmonied tenor sound that sold millions of records and influenced every vocal jazz group that followed--and these four men simply nail it. So don't be put off by the fact that they are posing, very confidently, on the cover of "Live" holding their instruments. Instead, sit back and enjoy the show's amazing vocal harmony and wonderful jazz selections! Some favorites are the standards "Day In, Day Out," "Invitation," "Young and Foolish," "If I Only Had A Brain," "Angel Eyes," "Something's Gotta Give," "If I Had You," "Blue World," "September Song," "After You've Gone" and "We'll Be Together Again." A top-drawer show, and a great new incarnation of one of our favorite groups!
| 7665 DVD $24.95 |
| Fly Baby Can Ya Feel It? Broken Wings Another You What Is It? (Excuse Me) Say You Love Me Simon & Garfunkel Medley Back to The Essence / Solos Feel It (In The Air Tonight) Open Your Eyes |
Naturally 7 brought their unique style of Vocal Play to Montreux in 2007. These seven incredibly talented singers from New York manage to sound like a full band without the use of any instruments other than their voices and have been wowing audiences around the world. This concert marked Naturally 7's first appearance at the festival and their distinctive arrangements of tracks such as :In The Air Tonight", "Broken Wings", and "Sounds Of Silence" marked a new chapter in their ongoing success story.
| 2874 DVD $15.95 |
| Western Onion Cuban Restaurant Audition Janie Bob Naming The Band Early Years Prisoner of Funk Arranging Joe Bob Gigs Zappa! Lori Bob Amy Bob On Tour TV Medley VP Story Air Drum Dan Bob Plus lots and lots of songs |
The documentary SIGN MY SNARLING MOVIE chronicles the history of the Bobs, the original “band without instruments” as they rise from the ashes of San Francisco’s Western Onion Singing Telegram Company. Known for their vocal pyrotechnics, witty tunes, musical brinksmanship, and amazing live shows, the band evolves as they gain an audience, get nominated for a Grammy, tour the world, and manage to thrive for 25 years with no major label support, no hit records, and no instruments. Featuring music from the Bobs 25th anniversary concerts in Berkeley in 2006, rare and never-before-seen archival footage, new interviews with the band and their fans, and many surprises.
| 2408 DVD $24.95 |
Perspectives On Vocal Jazz The Ensemble And Its Director Interpreting Vocal Jazz-The Vocal Jazz Ensemble The Vocal Jazz Soloist The Band Sound Reinforcement (A.K.A. Live Sound) The Performance About The Author |
This vocal jazz book absolutely has it all! From the ensemble audition process to the final performance and everything in between, this book truly covers every aspect of what it takes to begin and maintain a vocal jazz group. An absolute must for novice directors and singers and equally valuable for those with years of experience, this text provides a wealth of material on the full spectrum of vocal jazz education and performance. The enclosed CD includes recorded vocal examples.
| 6851 BOOK & CD $24.95 |
| Understanding the Voice Learning to Breathe Again Vocal Focus The Vocal Break Understanding Falsetto The Zipper Technique The Importance of Pitch Ailments of the Voice Enemies of the Voice The Singer's Daily Regimen Strenghening the Voice The Isolation Method Falsetto Development Transcending Tone Full Voice Production Developing Vocal Endurance Developing Vibrato Taking the Next Step Daily Vocal Routine |
Raise Your Voice 2nd edition is a completely revised 460-page vocal training manual based on Glass Shattering Vocal Coach Jaime Vendera''s "Isolation Method" and "Vocal Stress Release Program" This edition contains a band new cover, over 150 new pictures and illustrations, 200+ Useful Tips from the author and tips from over 20 of the world''s top rock singers and vocal instructors, 72 audio examples and 6+ hours of video instruction through the authors "Members section" online. Membership is included with book. If you want to extend your range, increase the power and quality of your voice, improve your vocal health, master grit and the whistle voice, conquer stage fright and become a great performer/recording artist, then this book is a step in the right direction.
| 6642 BOOK $34.95 |
| The Beelzebubs Release Pandaemonium Divisi Spring 2007 ICCA goes International The Hullabahoos' Laziness Bites Back The Beelzebubs' Spring Break "Feuding" Divisi and the ICCA Ladies The Hullabahoos Go To LA The Beelzebubs Record Divisi Gets A Lesson The Belzebubs And The Hullabahoos Collide The Hullabahoos Origin The Explosion of Collegiate A Cappella Divisi Struggles With More Than Music Meet The Hullabahoos The Belzebubs Face Crisis Divisi Gets Snubbed Hullabahoos Spring 2007 Epilogue Acknowledgments |
In Pitch Perfect, GQ editor Mickey Rapkin follows a season in collegiate a cappella through all its twists and turns, covering the displays of vocal talent, the groupies (yes, a cappella singers have groupies), the rockstar partying (and run-ins with the law), and all the bitter rivalries. Along the way are encounters with boldfaced names such as President George W. Bush, Prince, David Letterman, Barack Obama, Barbra Streisand, Hillary Clinton, Marisa Tomei, Amanda Bynes, Nick Lachey, Merv Griffin, Jim Carrey, Microsoftas Paul Allen, John Legend, and Jessica Biel. At the heart of the narrative are three a cappella groups whose interactions are anything but harmonious: the historic Tufts Beelzebubs, founded more than forty years ago with 40,000 albums sold since and struggling to record a new album that lives up to the hype; Divisi of the University of Oregon, a relatively new, all-female group attempting to overcome a loss in the 2005 championship; and the University of Virginia Hullabahoos, the so-called bad boys of collegiate a cappella, who will attempt to compete on a higher level this year while retaining their casual soul. Bringing a lively new twist to Americaas fascination with talent showdowns and peerless performers, Pitch Perfect is sure to strike a chord with readers.
| 6843 BOOK $24.95 |