Concert A Cappella DVDs

African Children's Choir : Still Walking In The Light

Review: The African Children's Choir celebrates its fifteenth anniversary in concert on the DVD Still walking in the Light. This joyful program features the children in bright costumes in energetic dance numbers. Many of the numbers are traditional African songs with drumming accompaniment. The choir is joined by the Young Africans, who are all previous members of the children's choir. If you enjoy their recordings, you will love seeing them in action. This is a tremendously delightful event.

Songlist: Walking in the Light, Full the River, Mwiji Mwena, He is my Light, Highway to Heaven, Crouch Medley, He's the Way, If we ever, Carnival, Earnestly, Noimusanyu, This Little Light of mine, Standing for Heaven, Testify, Reach out and Touch, Holy Ground, He's got the whole World, Little on the Road, O Happy Day

African Children's Choir : Teach Me To Dance

Review: This inspiring 20th anniversary gospel concert at the beatiful Opheum Theare in Vancouver B.C. Is an accumulation of two decades of heartwarming music and performances by the African Children's Choir. Since arriving in Vancouver in September 1984 their incredible journey has taken them around the globe where they have exhilarated audiences everywhere with their message of hope and healing. The performance, featuring 60 current and former members of the African Children's Choir, united today's Choir children with young adults who ere members of the very first Choirs in the mid-1980s. This moving concert, dedicated to South African Children orphaned by AIDs, features traditional gospel favorites performed during the Choir's early years, along with new music from the Choir's most recent CD. It includes "you are the Shepherd," written especially for the Choir by Keith and Kristyn Getty, and "Teach Me To Dance", which brought the audience of 2200 to its feet to participate in the choir's exuberant praise to God.

Songlist: Walking in the light, Come, now is the time, Ndyahimbisa mukama, Somebody, O'sifuni mungu, The Lord be magnified, Pilatek, Take up your cross, Testify to love, Reach out/Lean on me He is my light, You are the shepherd, Lord I lift your name on high, Light of the world, Holy ground, Steal away, Because you loved me, Highway to heaven, Couch medley, Teach me to dance

Alley Cats : Nine Lives

Review: When we first saw the Alley Cats it was giving a "showcase concert" on a small school stage at the A Cappella Summit, singing 4 or 5 songs. What was clear was that these four young guys simply performed sweeter, better-arranged, funnier, more together Doo-Wop than anyone we had ever heard. "9 Lives" (9 "live" performances, get it?) proves that they are even more so now. Their song selection includes our very favorites: "Blue Moon," "Duke of Earl," "Come Go With Me," "Little Darlin'," "La Bamba," "Little Bitty Pretty One," "The Book of Love," "Barbara Ann," plus 3 bonus tracks, including "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Rock N Roll is Here to Stay." The DVD includes cool footage from their appearances on Arsenio Hall and other shows, and begins with live songs from an outdoor California festival, then follows the guys on their ride to Vegas for very hot performances and outtakes there. Alley Cat fans, you of course will buy this DVD because you know that the Cats are "America's Premier Doo-Wop Group." Those unfamiliar with the group, you of course will want to see how good you have to be to bill yourself as "America's Premier Doo-Wop Group," and you won't be disappointed. We love these guys, and "9 Lives" is a treat from beginning to end!

Songlist: A Cappella, Come Go With Me, The Duke Of Earl, Little Bitty Pretty One, Book Of Love, Little Darlin, La Bamba / Twist And Shout, Barbara Ann, Blue Moon, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Rock 'N Roll Is Here To Stay

Anuna : Invocations of Ireland

Review: "Invocations of Ireland" features the voices of the Irish choral group Anuna performing the music of Dublin composer Michael McGlynn. This is an elegant and Visually spectacular study of the Irish countryside filmed entirely on location, and includes spiritually resonant lanscapes of Wicklow and the West of Ireland.

Songlist: Whispers of Paradise, Siuil a Ruin, Maid in the Moor, Song of Oisin, Kells, August, From Nowhere to Nowhere, Ave Maria, Ceann Dubh Dilis

Benjamin Britten : in Rehearsal and Performance

Review: The acclaimed composer and conductor Benjamin Britten and the CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra team up with tenor Peter Pears in a rehearsal and performance of Britten's own "Nocturne for Tenor, 7 Obbligato Instruments & Strings, Op. 60." Britten has been called "The Greatest Musician of the Century" by the New York Times. In Benjamin Britten: In Rehearsal and Performance With Peter Pears, the nocturne, based on works by English poets including Shakespeare, Keats, Wordsworth, and Owen is performed. In this collaboration, Britten and Pears give their musical interpretation of a collection of classic poems

Songlist: Below the Thunders of the Upper Deep, Encinctured With a Twine of Leaves, Midnight's Bell Goes Ting, Ting, Ting, But That Night When on My Bed I Lay, She Sleeps on Soft, Last Breaths, What Is More Gentle Than a Wind in Summe, When Most I Wink, Then Do Mine Eyes Best See, On a Poet's Lips I Slept, Below the Thunders of the Upper Deep, Encinctured With a Twine of Leaves, Midnight's Bell Goes Ting, Ting, Tin, But That Night When on My Bed I Lay, She Sleeps on Soft, Last Breaths, What Is More Gentle Than a Wind in Summer, When Most I Wink, Then Do Mine Eyes Best See, Benjamin Britten Interview

Blenders : Christmas With

Review: The Blenders have been performing a series of very successful Christmas concerts for many years and now we finally have a chance to see for ourselves what makes the shows so popular. Neither all a cappella nor just Christmas songs the concert is nevertheless a real treat for Blenders fans who enjoy their wonderful harmonies and a blend that can only come after many years of singing together. The all a cappella "Hark The Herald Angel Sings" and "I Wonder As I Wander" are particular treats on this enjoyable live performance footage.

Songlist: Opening Credits, Put a Little Love In Your Heart, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, When it Snows, Audience Greetings, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Walkin' In A Winter Wonderland, I Wonder As I Wander, Do You Hear What I Hear, One Small Child / We 3 Kings, Frosty The Snowman, Audience Greeting 2, I Bought You a Plastic Star (For Your Aluminum Tree), Pure Imagination / White Christmas, Lean On Me, All Wrapped Up, Love Train, End Credits

Bobby McFerrin : Live In Montreal

Review: Since a cappella pioneer Bobby McFerrin singlehandedly gave the vocal arts a hand up to a whole new level of possibilities in the 1980s with his iconic hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy," we have looked at him and listened to him with awe and gratitude. Experiencing him perform live several times only increased these feelings exponentially, and we had the feeling that everyone in the audience was on exactly the same page. Well, in the early 90s Bobby seems to have picked up on that, and has invited the audience to participate, and included interaction with guest musicians, all improvised. This has cemented his reputation as a marvelous entertainer, and has created a new kind of concert-not a performance, but a "communal sharing and celebration of music." This is exactly what the new DVD "Live in Montreal" is all about. It's beautifully filmed at the "Festival International de Jazz de Montreal," In these 21 video cuts, part of the audience is right up on stage with Bobby, and he improvises and creates musical events with them and members of the main audience. He improvises with a trapeze artist above him, and with a singing viola player. I'll just list some of the cut titles to give you a taste of what happens in this very special DVD: 12. "Improvisation with Richard Bona," 13. "Improvisation, Country Stuff," 13. "Baby," 14. "Improvisation with Tamango "Well You Needn't," 15. "Bwee Do," 16. "Le Grand Choeur de Montreal, It's a Wonderful World," 17. "Circlesong One," 18. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and 19. "The Wizard of Oz Medley." Bobby is a living a cappella legend, and this live show is creative, funny, touching and simply brilliant. Don't miss this one!

Songlist: Improvisation Style "Little Red Book", Improvisation with the People on Stage, Improvisation with Evelyne Lamontagne on the Trapeze (Extracts from the Opera Carmen), Improvisation with the Audience, Improvisation with Jorane "Riopel", Improvisation "Gonna Move", 'The Jump", "Drive", "Ave Maria', Richard Bona "Dina Lam", Improvisation with Richard Bona, Improvisation "Country Stuff", Baby, Improvisation with Tamango "Well You Needn't", "Bwee Doo", Le Grand Choeur De Montreal "It's A Wonderful World", "Circlesong One", "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", "The Wizard of Oz Medley", Melody from "Sun Concert 5", Sings Walking Off Stage

Bobby McFerrin : Spontaneous Invention

Review: This video was filmed for HBO live at the Aquarius Theatre in Hollywood in 1986, the year McFerrin won a Grammy - when he was at his first peak as a one man jazz band. It is absolutely marvelous to watch the energy and humor of this musical genius interact with an audience. On the CD you can hear "Thinkin' About Your Body" but you don't see the interlude where McFerrin suddenly starts improvising on someone's leather jacket. Watching him create "Bwee-Dop"using audience participation is very different from just hearing it (which is why it didn't make the CD), and there's no substitute for watching him egg on the crowd to do the hand signals in "Itsy Bitsy Spider," On "Fascinating Rhythm," his expressions are priceless as he emulates a 1940s jazz band. And his duet with/accompaniment to soprano saxaphonist Wayne Shorter is all the more astounding as you see the two of them lock eyes and minds. Of the 12 songs here, only four are on the CD. We highly recommend this DVD! 

Songlist: Scrapple From The Apple/honeysuckle Rose, Bwee-Dop, Cara Mia, Fascinatin' Rhythm, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Thinkin About Your Boy, Drive, Opportunity, I Got the Feelin', Walkin, Blackbird, Manana Iguana, Don't Worry, Be Happy (music video), Good lovin (music video)

Bobby McFerrin : Swinging Bach

Review: "Swinging Bach" is a 122 minute documentary of a festival that took place in the old town square of Leipzig, Germany. before a large, appreciative audience (who are standing throughout, are introduced to the groups in both English and German by an attractive pair of emcees, and who get seriously rained on later in the show). Featured are 12 groups of different genres, mostly instrumental, all playing Bach pieces or variations on Bach pieces. The German Brass and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, directed by Christian Gansch, are followed by a jazz interpretation of "Fugue No. 5 in D Minor" by the Jacques Loussier Trio, then another Bach Concerto and Fugue by the Leipzig orchestra and the German Brass. Then comes one of our favorite pieces, Bobby McFerrin with the G. Leipzig, doing a wonderful faux (violin?) lead on "Orchestra Suite No. 3 in D Minor," followed by more German Brass, G. Leipzig and some nice pieces by two quintets, the Quintessence Saxophone Quintet and Turtle Island String Quintet. Another of our favorites follows, The King' Singers. with a brilliant a cappella medley of Bach samples, "Deconstructing Johann," with their own very funny added lyrics, which we would like to see written down so we could appreciate them more. Quite a few added features follow, our favorites being "Improvisation on "Wachet auf ruft uns de Stimme," featuring Bobby with the Loussier Trio, and a piece with Bobby and the G. Leipzig where he goes into one of his standard concert improvisational vocal riffs. "Swinging" is an amazing event with some particularly nice work by McFerrin and the King' Singers.

Songlist: Concerto in D Major, BWV 972, 1st Movement, Allegro (German Brass), Orchestra Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066, Bouree I/II (GewandhausorchesterLeipsig, Christian GanschFugue No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850, from "The Well-Tempered Clavier" (JacquesLoussier Trio), Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043, Vivace (GewandhausorchesterLeipzig, Christian Gansch), Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (German Brass), Orchestra Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068, Air (Bobby Mferrin,Gewandhausorchester Leipzig), Concerto in D Major, BWV 972, 3rd Movement, Allegro (German Brass), Fudge Fugue in G Minor (Quintessence Saxaphone Quintet), Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043, Allegro (GewandhausorchesterLeipzig, Christian Gansch), "Bach's Lunch," Variations on Themes by J.S. Bach (Turtle Island StringQuartet), Snow What (Turtle Island String Quartet), Deconstructing Johann (King's Singers), Improvisation on "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (Bobby McFerrin/JacquesLoussier Trio), Orchestra suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068, Gavotte (Jacques Loussier Trio), "Tocatta & Funk & Choral" (Quintessence Saxophone Quintet), "Seven Steps to Bach" J.S. Bach/Miles Davies (Turtle Island String Quartet), Orchestra Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067, Menuet/Badinerie (Jiri Stivin/Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Christian Gansch), "Jazz Medley," Part A (Jiri Stivin & Collegium Quodlibet), "jazz Medley," Part B (Jiri Stivin & Collegium Quodlibet), "Improvisation" (Bobby McFerrin), Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1054, Allegro (Jacques Loussier Trio), Orchestra Suite no. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068, Gigue; End Credits

Bobby McFerrin : Try This At Home

Review: Recorded in front of a live intimate audience at Minneapolis' Walker Arts Center in September 1999, "Try This At Home" features the 10-time grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin in a version of his renowned solo vocal concert. Entirely improvised, the performance displays Bobby's astonishing vocal virtuosity and musicianship, and his gift for audience interaction. With a comedian's sense of timing, an unrestrained zany streak, and an infectious love of every genre of music, Bobby's solo show is not a 'performance' but a communal sharing and celebration of music.

Songlist: Mysteries, Harmonizin, Try this at home, In the morning, Staccato groove, Opera style, The shirt-scratching song, Head in my bed blues, Folk rap, Walkin' on the beat, Out we go, Ducks, The name song, Calyso sing, More singin

Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea : Rendezvoux in New York

Review: Two music legends provide an evening of sheer delight as they blend their astonishing talent, passion and creativity. Chick Corea, one of today's most significant and versatile performers, has never lost his sense of exploration about music. Teamed with virtuoso vocalist Bobby McFerrin, whom Corea describes as a "totally unique artist" and "a genius of spontaneous improvisation," the pair's free-spirited performance soars wit exuberance. Captured in High-Definition Video and CD-quality sound, this rare duet concert at New York City's fame Blue Note Jazz Club was one of the highlights of a Grammy winning reunion celebration chronicling Corea's Amazing four-decade career.

Songlist: Improv 1, The Frog, 'Round Midnight, Autumn Leaves, Cocierto De Aranjuez / Spain, Smile

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : Anthems From King's

Review: The Choir of King's College Cambridge sings some of the best-loved English anthems in the stunning fan-vaulted chapel which is famed throughout the world for its beautiful acoustic. The programme includes some of the most ethereal anthems, while those such as Parry's "I was glad", Stanford's "Coronation Gloria" and Vaughan Williams' "Let all the World" make it the perfect release to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations. The candlelit camera work is elegantly done and in this respect the presentation is very dignified and understated, perhaps appropriately reflecting the King's sound. The performances are highly musical with the expected King's polish... Fans of the King's tradition around the world will relish this compilation of 'choral favourites'. Filmed in High Definition with 5.1 surround sound.

Songlist: Hail, gladdening light (Wood), Greater love hath no man (Ireland), I was glad (Parry), Bring us, O Lord God (Harris), And I saw a New Heaven (Bainton), Like as the Hart, Gloria in Excelsis (Stanford), Evening Hymn (Gardiner), Beati quorum via (Stanford), God be in my Head (Walford Davies), Vox dicentis: Clama (Naylor), Faire is the Heaven (Harris), Let all the World (Vaughan Williams)

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : Carols From King's

Review: The world famous Christmas Eve service, presented by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is brought to us in a format it was destined to be seen on - DVD. This widescreen BBC presentation is a dazzling display that is sure to be enjoyed by any who appreciate both watching and listening to christmas choral music. Some memoralable moments include the opening boy soprano solo if "One in royal David's city," the big choir sound of "Silent Night," the fast-pased "Riu, Riu Chiu" which is sure to put a smile on your face and the beautiful soothing melody of "I Wonder As I Wander." Also, the finale, "Hark The Herald Angels Sing." Along with the pristine DVD transfer of the service, those who buy this DVD will also be treated to the first televised service, recorded in 1954, as well as giving you the option of viewing only the musical portions of the service, excluding the readings. Also, a booklet detailing the history of the service, lyrics to all songs and a 30 minute conversation between Sir David Wilcox, Sir Philip Ledger and Stephen Cleobury, the three Directors of Music at King's Collefge since 1957. 

Songlist: Once in royal David's city, Quem pastores laudavere, In dulci jubilo, Angels from the realms of glory, In the bleak mid-winter, Quittez, pasteurs, While shepherds watched, Silent Night, The Shepherd's Carol, The Angels and the Shepherds, Riu, riu, chiu, O little town of Bethlehem, The Shepherds' Farewell, I wonder as I wander, Small wonder the star, Sussex Carol, Gloria in excelsis Deo, God rest ye merry gentlemen, Hark! the herald angels sing

Choirs of Brigham Young University : A Thanksgiving of American Folk Hymns

Review: A Thanksgiving Of American Folk Hymns is a visual feast from the rich tradition of music at Brigham Young University. As the hour long program begins, an early American landscape of colorful leaves and delicate autumn branches gives way to 400 singers and over a hundred instrumentalists joined in song. To see them, through windows of faith, is to hear beloved favorites anew-Shaker hymns, American folk songs, an African-American spiritual, Southern folk hymns and such classics as Abide With me; 'Tis Eventide and The Battle hymn of the Republic. Voices soar, and we see in the faces of fervent young performers a celebration of the gladness and sorrow that has shaped America-an America we have been and hope to be.

Songlist: Saints Bound for Heaven, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, Simple Gifts, The Morning Trumpet, Come, We That Love the Lord, Wondrous Love, Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal Southern Folk Hymn, Let Me Fly, Cindy American Folk Song, Bound for the Promised Land, Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee, Redeemer of Israel, Third Symphony, How Can I Keep from Singing, Abide With Me; 'Tis Eventide, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Come, Though Fount of Every Blessing

Concordia Choir : Journey to Bethlehem

Review: The re-imagined Christmas story takes viewers and audience members on a musical "Journey to Bethlehem," combining the pageantry of opera and the grandeur of choral orchestral masterworks. Composer Dr. Rene Clausen weaves sonorous and celebratory Christmas music throughout the concert.

Songlist: There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, E'n So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Silent Night, Sanctus, Betelehemu, Mannerchor, Estampie Natalis, Veni Sancte Spiritus, I Wonder As I Wander, Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Praise To The Lord, Stay With Us, Compline

Concordia Choir : O Come All Ye Faithful

Review: With almost 20,000 attendees at their annual Christmas series of concerts and the airing on PBS television and radio stations across the nation has certainly made the Concordia Choir a great Christmas tradition for many. The 400 voices celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with some spectacular arrangements including "Gesu Bambino" and the title track "O Come All Ye Faithful". Two new compositions by director Rene Clausen, who has over the 26 years he has been directing the choir become world-renown, are superb. Always top-notch this choir continues to build upon it's already excellent reputation.

Songlist: Fantasia On O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night, O Come Al Ye Faithful, Gesu Bambino, Advent Motet, People Look East, There Is No Rose, Lo, How A Rose E'Er Blooming, ary's Wonder, Lux Aurumque, He IS Born, Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head, Sanctus (From Mass), Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mary Had A Baby, O Day Full Of Grace, Carol Of The Drum, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth, Ring Out Ye Crystal Spheres From Hodie, Compline

Concordia Choir : O Holy Night

Review: On the cover of "O Holy Night" we see an awesome giant Christmas mural, with the huge Concordia Choir in front of it, and The Concordia Orchestra in the foreground. This massive Christmas celebration has been an annual event for many years, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. 24 songs, with spoken parts, all accompanied, some familiar ("Angels We Have Heard On High," "O Holy Night," "Joy to the World"), some unfamiliar ( "Of the Father's Love Begotten," "Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah," "Calm on the Listening Ear of Night"), but together in sequence they magnificently tell the Christmas story. "O Holy Night" is a triumph, one of the best of the year!

Songlist: Prelude On How Brightly Shines the Morning Star (J. Robert Hanson), Of the Father's Love Begotten, Angels We Have Heard On High (arr. Rene Clausen), O Holy Night (arr. Rene Clausen), There Is No Rose of Such Virtue (Christopher Brown), Light Everlasting (Oloaf Christiansen), Lost In the Night (arr. F. Melius Christiansen), Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (arr. Wayne Wold), Vene Sanctus Spiritus (Jacques Berthier), All My Heart This Night Rejoices (arr. Ralph Johnson), Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (arr. John Rutter), He Is Born (arr. Donna Gartman Schultz), Before the Marvel of this Night (arr. Carl Schalk), Good Christian Friends, Rejoice! (arr. Paul Nesheim), Calm On the Listening Ear of Night (Kenneth Jennings), Twelfth Night (Samuel Barber), How Great Our Joy (arr. John Rutter), Nowell Sing We, Both All and Some (Raymond Monelle), Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (arr. Paul J. Christiansen), Sussex Carol (arr. Philip M. Young), Jeg er saa glad (arr. Paul Nesheim), Go, Tell It On the Mountain (arr. Carolyn Jennings), Psalm 150 (Alberto Ginstera), Joy To the World (arr. Charles Fosberg), Comline (arr. Rene Clausen)

Counterpoint : Counterpoint Christmas DVD

Review: The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Counterpoint Christmas -- a fanciful journey around the world during the holiday season. Selections include familiar and less-familiar melodies and carols from around the world ending with the splendid suite of Argentinean Carols, Navidad Nuestra, by Ariel Ramirez. This beautifully-produced DVD will put you in the spirit of the season while presenting a unique collection of exciting Christmas music. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, a Counterpoint Christmas will be a great selection. If you are a teacher needing an activity for a substitute to use, this is a worthwhile way for your singers to spend a class period!

Songlist: One Horse Open Sleigh, Ritsch, Ratsch, Filbom, Christmas In The Southwest, Oh, Mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A La Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana sobre Campana, El Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirrquitin, El Rorro, Away In A Manger, The Wealden Trio, The Souling Song, Navidad Nuestra, Betelehemu

Fisk Jubilee Singers : Sacred Journey

Review: Nashville, TN's Fisk University's legendary Jubilee Singers, founded by school treasurer and music lover George White, led his group of former slaves on a tour that followed the Civil War's Underground Railroad in an effort to save the school, originally called the Fisk Free Colored School, from financial ruin. The group finally found some success in Ohio, then created a sensation with their spiritual "secret slave songs" in New York City, beginning a tour of Britain and Europe that saved the school and built beautiful new campus buildings. "Sacred Journey" is a 2-disk live CD recorded on the group's 2006-7 trip to Ghana, Africa, where they sang in the courtyard of notorious Elmina Castle, a key link in the slave trade. Robert Swope said of the concert, "This ensemble, through the sheer love of its' performance, brought the glory of His forgiveness to the walls of Elmina Castle and allowed His grace to forgive what, for hundreds of years, was a place torn by human degradation." Twelve powerful songs, recorded live and without overdub or re-record in any way: "I Thank You, Jesus," "Our Father," "Didn't My Lord," "Kekeli Tso Kekili Me," "We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace," "Here is On," "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord," "An' I Cry," "Mister Banjo," "Sweet Home," "Mawu nye lolo" and "Ride the Chariot." Don't miss this remarkable, profound concert, that brought joy and healing light to the heart of darkness!

Songlist: I Thank You Jesus, Our Father, Didn't My Lord, Kekeli Tso Kekeli Me, We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace, Here Is On, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, An' I Cry, Mister Banjo, Sweet Home, Mawu Nye Lolo, Ride the Chariot

Four Freshmen : Live From Las Vegas

Review: 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!

Go Fish : Showtime

Review: Go Fish, one of our favorite Contemporary Christian groups, is an a cappella trio comprised of 3 young men, 2 of them fathers, who have toured across the country and sold over 500,000 albums. Jamie, Jason and Andy, those "Go Fish Guys," possibly because of their experiences with parenthood, have directed their ministry at children and their parents, with joyous results. Their CDs "Splash," "Superstar, the recently released "Snooze" and this new DVD, "Showtime" are all winners. "Showtime" features songs from "Splash" and "Superstar," and it is performed before (and with) an adoring, excited audience of kids and their parents. Interspersed with songs and silliness at the local county fair, the guys perform "Superstar," "I've Got the Joy," "The Crazy Dance," "The Ten Commandment Boogie," "This Little Light of Mine" and "That Acappella Sound." "Showtime" is advertised as "Great music for kids that won't drive their parents bonkers!"-indeed, far from it, people of all ages in the audience are up, dancing and singing along. Learning about Jesus and the teachings of the Bible becomes a celebration here, and everybody's included. Go, Fish!

Songlist: Go Fish Theme, Superstar, The Fair!, Jason's Pigs, I've Got The Joy, Jamie's Cow, Crazy Dance, Ten Commandments Boogie, Andy's Sheep, Dr. Atom, Why The Name, This Little Light, See You Next Time!, Bonus Material, Go Fish Bloopers, Promo video

Hilliard Ensemble : Arvo Part - St. John Passion

Review: Arvo Part's contemporary sacred work, St. John Passion, is sung in Latin and recalls the purity and timelessness of the great musical passions of the seventeenth century. Recorded from Durham's magnificent medieval cathedral, the performance features the Hilliard Ensemble and the Western Wind Choir, conducted by Paul Hillier. The solo parts are sung by John Potter (Pilate), Michael George (Christ), Mary Seers, David James, Roger Covey-Crump and Gordon Jones (The Evangelist Quartet). A short introduction precedes the work.

Songlist: 1.Opening credits, 2.Introduction, 3.Passio Domini nostri, 4.Haec cum dixisset Jesus, 5.Quem quaeritis?, 6.Stabat autem et Judas, 7Quem quaeritis?7, 8.Ut impleretur sermo, 9.Mitte gladium tuum in vaginam, 10.Cohors ergo, et tribunus, 11.Erat autem Caiphas, 12.Dixit ergo Petro ancilla ostiaria, 13.Stabant autem servi, 14.Ego palam locutus sum mundo, 15.Haec autem cum dixisset, 16. Erat autem Simon Petrus stans, 17.Adducunt ergo Jesum a Caipha, 18.Quam accusationem affertis, 19. Introivit ergo iterum in praetorium Pilatus, 20.Regnum meum non est de hoc mundo, 21.Tu dicis quia Rex sum ego, 22.Et cum hoc dixisset, iterum exivit ad Judaeous, 23. Tunc ergo apprehendit Pilatus Jesum, 24.Exivit ergo iterum Pilatus foras, 25.Cum ergo vidissent eum Pontifices, 26.Cum ergo audisset Pilatus hunc sermonem, 27. Non haberes potestatem adversum me ullam, 28.Et exinde quaerebat Pilatus dimittere eum, 29.Erat autem parasceve Paschae, 30.Et baiulans sibi crucem exivit in eum, and more

Howard Goodall's Choral Works : Choirs Perform

Review: Driven by the infectious enthusiasm of zany writer and presenter Howard Goodall, we travel to locations around the world to focus on people, their lives, individual traditions, customs and histories. The four programs set out to show how singing in groups is fundamental to the way communities express themselves. From the joyous sounds of South Africa, thro Nashville, USA, and Bulgaria, to the traditional cathedral choirs of England, the series gives a refreshing overview of some of the vastly different choral traditions of the world today. This performance special showcases seven of the world's leading choirs and their contrasting choral traditions. The rich and haunting harmonies of South African Iscathimiya - a call and response style - are performed here by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Christ Church Cathedral Choir in Oxford and Salisbury Cathedral Girls Choir, both stalwarts of English church music, perform works by Byrd, Stanford and Bruckner. The keening, yearning tone of Bulgaria's throaty Cosmic Voices is contrasted with the joyous and heartfelt gospel of Just Us and The Temple Church Choirs in Nashville, and the clarity and purity of The Academic Female Choir of Tartu University's nationalistic folk songs in Estonia. The variety in each choir's repertory is complemented by their striking costumes.

John Tavener : Fall and Resurrection

Review: The World Premiere performance of Sir John Tavener's epic work written for the new Millennium, recorded in St Paul's Cathedral, London, in January 2000. The composer makes full use of the remarkable acoustic of St Paul's, presented here in breathtaking 5.1 Surround Sound.

Songlist: Introduction and Interview with Sir John Tavener, Titles: Fall and Resurrection, Part I; Silence, Darkness; In the Beginning, Before Time, Representation of Chaos, Paradise, The Serpent, Catastrophe: The Implications of the Fall, Adam's Lament, Part II: Prediction, Part III: The Incarnation of the Logos, Cosmic Dance of the Resurrection: All Is Transfigured, The Eye of the Heart: Sir John Tavener talks about his beliefs and music

King's Heralds : Jerry's Farewell

Review: Join the King's Heralds as they celebrate second tenor Jerry Patton's exceptional thirty-seven year career. Special guests include first tenors Bob Edwards and John Ramsey; baritones Wayne Hooper, Jack Veazy and Steve Laing; and Basses Jerry Dill and Jim McClintock. Also included is a rare special appearance by contralto Del Deker. Enjoy not only the regular repertoire of rousing spirituals, hymn classics of the faith and the latest contemporary Christian sounds, but also renditions from former members of the quartet along with Don Scroggs, Russell Hosepedales and Jim Ayars; as the King's Heralds honor Jerry and his legendary career in Gospel music.

Songlist: Lord Of All, Take A Little Time To Talk To The Lord, On The Jericho Road, Kum Ba Ya, Sit Down Servant, Cooperation, Only A Boy Named David, Dry Bones, City Of Light, Sweet, Sweet Spirit, Lift Up The Trumpet (Ndebele), Master Designer, Milky White Way, New Life, Calm of the Drum, Daystar (Shine Down On Me), The Wonder Of It All, Good News, Chariots a Comin'

King's Singers : Live at the BBC Proms

Review: The King's Singers celebrated their 40-year anniversary in 2008 with a live BBC Proms performance from the Royal Albert Hall. This disc demonstrates the skill, flair, versatility and on stage charm you would come to expect from a King's Singers performance, sampling the best from their vast repertoire. The King's Singers have maintained their place at the apex of a cappella singing and are amongst the world's elite classical performers. This disc also includes interviews with the members, a glimpse into the King's Singers' past, and a special audition for the group! Reviewing this concert, The Daily Telegraph said "every edge was bevelled smooth", and the Guardian described it as "flawlessly realized".

Songlist: La bell' si nous etions, La belle se sied au pied de la tour, Clic, clac, dansez sabots, Pilons l'orge, Ah! Mon beau laboureur, Les Tisserands, Scenes in America Deserta, Dessus le marche d'Arras, ll est bel et bon, Toutes les nuitz, La Guerre, Hears not my Phyllis, Phillis is my only joy, The Little Green Lane, The Goslings, Greensleeves, Blow Away the Morning Dew, The Turtle Dove, Widdicombe Fair, The Long Day Closes

Kinsey Sicks : I Wanna Be A Republican

Review: In their first live concert film The Kinsey Sicks reveal the shocking news: they have gone Republican. In this mock GOP fundraiser, Rachel, Winnie, Trixie and Trampolina, the four gifted singers and comedians who comprise the quartet, defend their conversion to conservatism. They sing - literally! - the praises of corruption, tokenism, greed and all things nuclear (both families and bombs). The film, shot over two nights with five high definition cameras at the Broadway Studios in San Francisco, captures the final performances of the live, touring version of the Kinseys' I WANNA BE A REPUBLICAN stage show which they developed during the 2004 election season. Touring for over a year nationally, as well as in Canada and Mexico, "Republican" was performed not only in major cities, but also in small towns and red states -- to wildly appreciative audiences. A cappella has rarely been funnier!

Ladysmith Black Mambazo : On Tip Toe

Review: If you love world music, or more specifically, the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, you are sure to love this academy award nominated documentary. Directed by Eric Simonson and spanning three continents, ON TIP TOE follows the captivating story of South African musician Joseph Shabalala and his unique singing ensemble. Best known on these shores for their innovative support on Paul Simon's Grammy-winning album, Graceland, Mambazo has crafted an extraordinary hybrid of traditional Zulu harmonies and unconventional Western influences, including gospel, ragtime, doo wop and even rock 'n roll. Made up of seven bass voices, a tenor, a male alto and Shabalala as lead vocalist, Mambazo amazingly incorporates the light, syncopated stomping of "Isicathamiya"(meaning "on tip toe"), a style born theough the strains of apartheid. This entertaining and informative documentary traces the fascinating origins of Shabalala's tuneful creations, featuring interviews with Paul Simon and extensive live footage of Mambazo's performances.

Lettermen : The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Review: From The Opening "We Need A Little Christmas" to the ending song, "White Christmas", The Letterman present a heartfelt program of songs from Christmas past and present. Combining their close harmonies with traditional and updated arrangements this concert is abundant with holiday cheer. The audience seems to enjoy the recognizable songs, and the new ones and in several instances sings along. The first half of the show is given over to secular songs and the second to more religious minded themed carols. Whatever the song the Lettermen deliver them in a sound that has become identifiable with them over the years. This concert is family fare to be shared year after year.

Songlist: We Need A Little Christmas, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Sleigh Ride, Silver Ride, Silver Bells, Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Deck The Halls/Jingle, Winter Wonderland, Medley: Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Up On Top Of The House, Christmas Morning, Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful/ Joy To The World/Hark, The Herald Angels Sing, Away In A Manger, Silent Night, Mary's Boy Child, The Little Drummer Boy, One Solitary Life, O, Holy Night, It Feels Like Christmas, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, White Christmas

Libera : Angels Sing: Libera in America

Review: Libera, the celestial-sounding, chart-topping boy choir, brings its distinctive blend of innovative textures, meditative solos and shimmering, ecstatic choral harmonies, embedded in atmospheric instrumental arrangements, to a combination of religious and secular music. The group recorded a live concert for DVD in Washington, D.C. at the spectacular Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. With Libera in America, the young Londoners pay tribute to their host country and church with a characteristic blend of sacred and secular music in both the classical and popular traditions, bringing together innovative textures, meditative solos and shimmering, ecstatic choral harmonies. The album opens with Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, inspired by Beethoven's 9th Symphony, and among the following tracks are some of Libera's greatest hits - including Sanctus, inspired by Johann Pachelbel's famous Canon, and Song of Life by the Japanese composer Takatsugu Muramatsu. These numbers are complemented by such universal sacred favorites as the haunting Amazing Grace and Schubert's soaring Ave Maria

Libera : Christmas in Ireland

Review: This Christmas, boy choir super-group Libera bring their angelic voices and inspiring music to the holiday season with a new CD and DVD: Angels Sing - Christmas in Ireland. The program features beloved carols old and new, sacred and secular, joyful and tender - all recorded live in the radiant ambiance of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Ireland. This inspiring concert features favorites such as 'Carol of the Bells,' 'Joy to the World,' 'Silent Night,' 'Danny Boy' and more, and the DVD also contains behind-the-scenes documentary extras. Six of the tracks are previously unreleased, and the remaining songs all feature brand-new arrangements made especially for this recording. The distinctive music of Libera has traveled the world, with chart-topping albums and sold-out performances across the globe. The group has performed in front of the Pope during a visit to Yankee Stadium and at the Kennedy Center during a ceremony honoring Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Their signature sound shimmering, mystical chords and harmonies atop traditional and electronic instruments has captured the hearts of music lovers everywhere, and their passionate, dedicated fan base (including over 5 million YouTube views) attest to the enduring power and appeal of this unique group.

Los Zafiros : Music From the Edge of Time

Review: Music, History and emotion fuel this dynamic, award-winning film tribute from producer-director Lorenzo DeStefano. For those whose lives they deeply touched, Los Zafiros are legends. Often Referred to as The Beatles of 1960s Cuba, The Sapphires were a Cuban musical phenomenon molded by their time and place. Bes described as world music before there was world music, they caused a sensation in Havana and beyond into the early 1970s with their brilliant mix of American-inspired doo-wop touched with Afro-Cuban rhythms, salsa, son and other traditional Latin Forms.

Songlist: Opening, Cuando Yo Lo Conoci, Cuba and America- 1950's and '60s, Interviews, Two Roads to Home, Survivors and Casualties, Caya Hueso Street Interviews, Reflections of Families and Friends, Naming Los Zafiros, Return to Egrem Studios, Los Zafiros in Europe, Miguel Reunites With Chino's Brother, Los Nuevos Zafiros, Coming Apart, Egrem Studios "Mis Sentimientos", Galban and Cancio to Cementerio Cristobal Colon, "They Will Never Be Forgotten", Los Zafiros, End Credits

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas at Luther 2008

Review: "Magnificent" and "Beautiful" are words that come to mind a lot when experiencing this DVD of Luther College's 27th annual "Christmas at Luther" festival, featuring over 600 student musicians in numerous choral and instrumental ensembles. This DVD features the breathtaking music, joyous robed choristers and glowing candlelight that makes "Christmas at Luther" so famous and beloved. The various groups, including Nordic Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Cantorei, Christmas Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Norsemen and Luther Ringers, perform individually and in combination to tell the timeless Christmas story in music and narration, from the marvelous "Angels, from the Realms of Glory" by the combined choirs, Symphony Orchestra and organ, to the a cappella solo on "Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow" by Norsemen's Timothy Olstad," you will be moved and touched by "Christmas at Luther!"

Songlist: Angels, from the Realms of Glory, I Was Glad, Comfort Ye My People (from Messiah), Candlelight Carol, Carol of the Birds, Sing We Now of Christmas, I Saw Three Ships, Winds Through the Olive Trees, Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (from An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts), Gloria (from Lord Nelson Mass), About Luther College, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Before the Marvel of this Night, Farandole (from L'arlesienne, Suite No. 2), Silent Night, Wonderful Peace, Nation Shall Not Lift Up a Sword Against Nation (from Dona Nobis Pacem)

Manhattan Transfer : Christmas Concert

Review: What's better than hearing Manhattan Transfer sing our favorite holiday tunes? Seeing them sing those holiday tunes,LIVE! Thanks to the awesome sound and picture quality of this DVD, you can watch the internationally acclaimed quartet spread Christmas cheer in your very own living room. It's like having your very own personal concert. All 11 tracks from their earlier CD release, 'The Christmas Album' are presented as well as four solo songs (one for each member of the group). Also included, in the bonus features, is an rare interview with the group, sharing their individual backgrounds, their secret to success, and insight on how they learn their music as a group. This DVD is sure to become a Holiday Treasure and is not to be missed! In Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

Songlist: Happy Holiday, Let it Snow, Christmas Love Song, Santa Claus is Coming To Town, White Christmas, Sleigh Ride, It Came Across A Midnight Clear, Caroling, Caroling, Good King Wencesslas, Christmas Is Coming, Snow Fall, Merry Christmas Baby, Santa Baby, The Christmas Song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Operator, Happy Holiday (Reprise), Goodnight

Manhattan Transfer : Vocalese

Review: You are encouraged to accept this invitation to the DVD party of the Manhattan Transfer's "Vocalese Live" featuring Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, and Janis Siegel and recorded live at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall, Tokyo. All you have to do to RSVP is get yourself a copy of this live event featuring one of the best contemporary Vocal Jazz groups of our time. The companian to the same titled CD features: Four Brothers, Rambo, Meet Benny Bailey, Airegin, To You, Sing Joy Spring, Move, That's Killer Joe, The Duke Of Dubuque, Gloria, Heart's Desire, Birdland, On The Boulevard, Shaker Song, Java Jive, Blue Champagne, How High The Moon, Boy From New York City, and Ray's Rockhouse, in full digital color and is 80 minutes long. DVD not only boasts incredible video quality, the sound is just as pleasing.

Men Aloud : Live From Wales

Review: Fresh off their Platinum album debut, and on the heels of their stunning victory on BBC's television smash hit show, Last Choir Standing , Britain's favorite choir MEN ALOUD is set to bring their unique music making to North America. The choir, led by Tim Rhys-Evans, features 20 tremendous vocal talents from across Wales. In addition, Men Aloud is also a recent winner of the Classical Brit Album of the Year award for their second album, Band of Brothers.The program was produced in association with the BBC and was filmed in the Wales Millennium Center with featured performances by opera star Bryn Terfel, John Owen Jones (leading man of Broadway and London's West End's Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera & Showboat) and pop icon, Bonnie Tyler. Men Aloud was formed in 2000 by Tim Rhys-Evans. Tim s primary aim was to encourage young men to get involved with one of Wales oldest and best loved traditions, male voice singing. The group are unafraid to tackle music not normally associated with male voice choirs, and their repertoire ranges from the 17th Century to the present day.

Songlist: O Verona, It Ain't Necessarily So, Don't Rain on My Parade, Macarthur Park, Bridge Over Troubled Water, All by Myself, Bui-Doi, Sit Down You'Re Rocking the Boat, Rhythm of Life, Cwm Rhondda, Gwahoddiad, Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

Moscow Boys Choir : Christmas Around The World

Review: The Moscow Boys Choir is a careful blending of heavenly soprano voices with the rich resonance of bass, tenor, and baritone sound that brings a distinct Russian flavor to an all new choral experience. Founded in 1957, this choral ensemble is among Russia's most prestigious all-boy choirs, which is currently under the direction of Mr. Leonid Baklushin. Now for the first time ever, the Moscow Boys Choir is available in the crystal clarity of DVD! This very special performance was recorded in high definition by HDNet TV. Their work with HDNet exemplifies the Moscow Boys Choir's innovative spirit and displays their hallmark cutting-edge style. The significance of becoming amount the very first boys choir's to be broadcast in this new and exciting medium is a tribute to their tremendous talents and will no doubt bring more awareness of and accolades for this truly 21st century ensemble.

Songlist: A Quiet Melody, Angels We Have Heard On High, Ave Maria, Gloria / Kyrie, Hallelujah, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Fum! Fum! Fum!, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, L'Allelujah, Ochi Tchiornye, Evening Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Kalinka

Naturally 7 : Live at Montreux

Review: 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.

Songlist: 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 : Live In Berlin

Review: When we last saw and heard Naturally 7 live, they were called "Seven," dressed in matching dark suits and confidently blowing away the Harmony Sweeps Finals competition on a San Rafael stage in 1999. "Live In Berlin" was recorded live at the "Meilenwerk" concert hall in Berlin, March 13th, 2004, and the guys are looking fine, dressed like rap stars at a music awards show, but the story here is the amazing talent of these men, and their music. 12 songs: "Sit Back, Relax" welcomes us in, and Jamal Reed's guitar solo on "BMG (Be My Guest)" is one of the best we've heard. Their opening number at the Finals, "Bless This House," is even better than we remember, as is "Amazing Grace," and a stunning "Simon and Garfunkel Medley" reminds us of their show-stopper "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The good stuff keeps coming with "Say You Love Me," "Back To The Essence," a stunning arrangement of "Another You," the title tune of their second CD, "What Is It," "Have I Ever Told You" and "Music Is The Key." Throughout there is great camera work, close-ups of the group and the appreciative audience. There is some very cool bonus material: "First Time in Japan," "At Telecom," an interview with Nat7 at the hotel lobby, "Photo Gallery" and "Biography." The guys are stars, and this amazing DVD leaves no doubt of that! In Dolby Digital 5.1

Songlist: Sit Back - Relax, BMG (Be My Guest), Bless This House, Broken Wings, Say You Love Me, Back To The Essence, Another You, What Is It?, Simon & Garfunkel Medley, Amazing Grace, Have I Ever Told You?, Music Is The Key

Nylons : Live In Tokyo and more..

Review: Of all the contemporary a cappella groups The Nylons have always put on one of the best shows, in great part because of their background in live theater. So this DVD of a historic concert shot in Japan in 1986 is a real treat and a must for all Nylons fans. The high production values shows the guys at their high-energy best and features Marc Connors, Claude Morrison, Paul Cooper and Arnold Robinson. As well as the thirteen song concert footage there are six bonus music videos that the group has shot over the years which helps makes this a most enjoyable watch!

Songlist: Me And The Boys, Bop 'Til You Drop, Stepping Stone, One Fine Day, Please, Romance (If I Can Get It), Heavenly Bodies, Silhuoettes, Up On The Roof, Prince Of Darkness, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Up The Ladder To The Roof, Fire, That Kind Of Man, Take Me To Your Heart, Combat Zone, Happy Together, Wild Fire, Busy Tonight

Perfect Gentlemen : "Live" In Paradise

Review: The focus in the Barbershop world is excellence in live performance, and all of us in the audience of the 2002 Harmony Sweeps Finals were treated to one of the best, the set of LA's The Perfect Gentlemen. "Live" gives everyone else a chance to join the excited, appreciative audience enjoying the Gentlemen live in concert, at the historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu. (This would be a good time to warn purists that there is, not too surprisingly, some ukelele accompaniment in several of the songs). PG classics "Meanest Thing You Ever Did," "They Wrote 'Em in the Good Old Days," "Java Jive," "Room Service" and "I Want You to Be My Baby" all lead up to the Gents' hilarious masterpiece, "Salute to the 20th Century," with costumes, wigs, and musical renditions of "Shine On Harvest Moon" in everything from Barbershop and Dixieland to Blues, Big Band and Doo-Wop to Disco, Techno Punk and Rap. And believe us, you haven't lived until you've seen 4 kind of chubby barbershop guys in sunglasses, NFL jerseys and spats do a devastatingly funny takedown of Rap music. Great stuff!

Songlist: Meanest Thing You Ever Did, They Wrote 'Em In The Good Ol' Days, Java Jive, Room Service, I Want You To Be My Baby, Salute To The 20th Century, Ukulele Lady

Phil Mattson and VoicesIowa : Count Your Blessings

Review: Formed at Southwestern Community College's School for Music Vocations in 1991, the mixed-voice sextet VoicesIowa was recently honored by Down Beat Magazine as "Vocal Jazz Group of the Year." Their repertoire also includes Renaissance part-songs, 19th and 20th century compositions and arrangements of contemporary music. Their Director Phil Mattson has been nominated twice for Grammy Awards. These 12 songs, recorded live at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN, feature Mattson-arranged winners like "Snow Covers the Valley," Bach's "Jesu, Meine Freude," Burt Bacharach's "Alfie," "Never Let Me Go," Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen's classic "Blues in the Night" and Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep." Ward Swingle's "Country Dances" and the Swingle-arranged "Satchmo," Duke Ellington's "Don't Mean A Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing," Anders Edenroth of the Real Group's "Friendship" and Bobby McFerrin's "Jubilee" are other favorites. Great stuff, from the first cut to the last!

Songlist: Since All Is Passing, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Snow Covers the Valley, Jesu, Meine Freude, Alfie, Jubilee, Never Let Me Go, Satchmo, Friendship, Blues in the Night, Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep), Country Dances

Rajaton : Joulu

Review: We've been raving about Finnish mixed sextet Rajaton for their first 5 CDs now, their bright, smooth, poised sound only leaves us wanting to hear more! "Joulu" is a live concert, recorded in Helsinki in 2003, 17 tunes from their Christmas CD "Joulu," which features new songs and new arrangements of traditional Finnish Christmas songs. Watching the six on stage, first dressed all in white and later in the show in matching black and silver outfits, we have to say that their show is as elegant and impressive as any a cappella show we've seen. Some favorites are "Joulu" are the wonderful vocal trumpets on the opening cut "Joululaulu," the exquisite, high-flying "En etsi valtaa, loistoa," "Kulkuset," "Lumisade," the vocal percussion gem "Pukki tietaa, and the only song in English, Lennon/McCartney's "Lady Madonna," (great solos and some mean air-guitar) one of 5 bonus tracks. The solo talents of each of the six are seamlessly presented, for instance with the group walking in a circle and the next in line stepping into a breathtaking solo as another finishes. We of course don't understand Finnish, but we understand poise, and harmony, and blend, and the magic that a talented ensemble at the height of their creative powers can create. And with this DVD we are blessed to be able to watch them do it instead of merely listening!

Songlist: Jouluaulu, Tonttu, Lumisade, Talvi-iltana, Joulun Neiet, Jouluyo Joulayo, Heinilla Harkien Kaukalon, Ja Neitsyt Pikku Poijuttansa, En Etsi Valtaa, Loistoa, Arkihuolesi Kaikki Heita, Pukki Tietaa, Kulkuset, Varpunen Jouluaamuna, Ketun Jouluaulu, Joululaulu, Tiernapojat, Tahtilaulu

Red Army Chorus : Red Star

Review: This concert, given by the magnificent Russian troupe, The Red Red Army Chorus And Dance Ensemble, was recorded at the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow prior to a nationwide tour of the United States in the autumn of 1992. The 100-strong Ensemble was first formed within the USSR armed forces in 1977, performing concerts primarily for the army. Their repertoire ranges from popular folk tunes and songs of battle from all corners of the former Soviet Union to spectacular Cossack dancing and includes Glinka's Patriotic Song and Kamarinskaya, Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight Of The Bumblebee, and folk songs Kalinka, Dark Eyes, A Birch Tree Stood In The Meadow, Happy Girl and Seven Sons-In-Law. All are performed with energy, enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.

Songlist: Patriotic Song, Meadowland, Regimental Polka, Cossack's Dance, Paganni Variations, The Swallow, Dark Eyes, Russian Dance, Volga Boat Song, Kamarinskaya, A Birch Tree Stood in the Meadow, The Sun Set Behind a Mountain, Sailor's Dance, The Flight of the Bumble Bee, Song of a Flea, Happy Girl, Seven Sons-in-Law, Hopak Dance, Moscow Nights, Kalinka, On The March

Sistine Chapel Choir : Complete Musical Works of the Pilgrimage

Review: Complete Musical Works of the Pilgrimage was filmed live at the basilica of St. John Lateran. This sacred collection of music includes Gregorian chants with incredible arrangements by Perosi, Liberto, Bartolucci, and Palestrina. A wonderful and interesting concert that is sure to be a unique addition to any classical collection.

Songlist: Pater Noster, Sicut Cervus, Tu es Petrus, Victamae Paschali laudes, Ave Maria, Benedictus, Cantate Domino, Veni ad liberandum nos, Jubilee Triptych for Organ, Salve Mater, O sacrum Convivium, Exultate iusti, Christe Redemptor omnium, Ave Verum, Alma Redemptoris Mater

Sixteen : An Easter Celebration

Review: This 90-minute concert was especially recorded at LSO St. Luke's in London as a finale to the Sacred Music TV series. The concert, performed by Harry Christophers & The Sixteen and presented by Simon Russell Beale, features a selection of glorious music from the Sacred Music series culminating in Allegri's famous "Miserere." Playable in all regions. Approximate run time 90 minutes.

Songlist: Vexilla Regis, Gloria from Missa Papae Marcelli, Viderunt omnes, Super flumina Babylonis, Quomodo cantabimus?, Komm, Jesu, komm, Salvator mundi, salva nos, Ye sacred muses, Stabat Mater, Agnus Dei from Mass For Four Voices, Haec Dies, Miserere, Assumpta est Maria

Sixteen : Sacred Music

Review: Fascinating stories, beautiful architecture, and some of the greatest music ever written-CORO brings the BBC's groundbreaking TV series to DVD! The complete first series charts the fascinating history of sacred music from the Notre Dame School to Johann Sebastian Bach. Presented by celebrated actor and former chorister Simon Russell Beale, this DVD also features Harry Christophers and his award-winning group, The Sixteen. Filmed on location across Europe, from Rome and Paris to Leipzig and London. Bonus features include extra tracks by The Sixteen, a preview of Sacred Music: An Easter Concert Harry, Christophers' Top 10 recordings, biographies, images, and much more.

Songlist: The Gothic Revolution, Palestrina and The Popes, Tallis, Byrd and The Tudors, Bach and The Lutheran Legacy

Soviet Army Chorus : Soviet Army Chorus

Review: This rare and historic program was filmed on location in the former Soviet Union The brilliant ensemble consisted of about 200 entertainers including a choir and choreographic troupe, who traveled the front lines, entertaining Soviet troops by performing more than 1500 concerts during World War II. This entertaining DVD brings to life the essence of Russian music and performance with spectacular singing, dancing and acrobatics.

Songlist: Forward, on the Way, The Birch Tree, Under the Elm Tree, Under the Oak, Kamarinskaya, The Golden Rye, Dance of the Soldiers, Listen, Stenka Razin, Meadowland, Down the Peterskaya Road, The Gray Cuckoo, Dance of the Cossacks, Song of the Volga Boatmen, The Girl Next Door, Kalinka, Lovely Moonlit Night, Dance of the Zaporozhye Cossacks, Forward, on the Way (Reprise)

St John's College Choir, Cambridge : Poulenc: Stabat Mater

Review: Poulenc wrote his Stabat Mater, a hauntingly passionate work, after visiting the sacred shrine of the Black Madonna of Rocamadour. Poulenc's journey profoundly changed his life and work as a composer. Like the Stabat Mater, the Litanies a la Vierge Noir is also inspired by the Black Virgin of Rocamadour. Recorded here in an unrivalled performance by the combined choirs of St. John's, Clare and Gonville and Caius Colleges, Cambridge, with the BBC Philharmonic with soprano Judith Howarth.

Songlist: Stabat mater dolorosa, Cujus animam gementem, O quam tristis, Quae moerebat, Quis est homo, Vidit suum, Eja mater, Fac ut ardeat, Sancta mater, Fac ut portem, Inflammatus et accensus, Quando corpus, Litanies a La Vierge Noire, Timor Et Tremor, Vinea Mea Electa, Tenebrae Factae Sunt, Tristis Est Anima Mea

St. Olaf Choir : 100 Years: St. Olaf Choir in Norway

Review: In June of 2013, the St. Olaf Choir embarked on a centennial tour that retraced the steps of the ensemble's 1913 journey to Norway. 100 Years: The St. Olaf Choir in Norway takes viewers on the road with the choir across the best that Norway has to offer. Highlights include a visit to the U.S. ambassador's residence, performing for a royal audience member at the Oslo Konserthus, traveling through the heart of the Norwegian fjord region, homestays in Snasa (birthplace of college founder Bernt Julius Muus), the famed Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, and other cultural connections between St. Olaf College and Norway. The documentary features many of the pieces performed on the tour, interviews with Conductor Anton Armstrong '78 and students, spectacular views of Norway, and a few surprises. Join the choir as they travel through Norway on this unforgettable journey.