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Displaying 1-50 of 258 items.
Review: Latest release from the a cappella country music stars. Songlist: Cruise, Life Is A Highway, Ring Of Fire, Oh, Pretty Woman, I'm Alright, Colder Weather, I Want Crazy, Stand By Me, Bye Bye Bye, Listen To The Music 
Review: 2022 release from the country music a cappella quintet. Includes the single "What's Left of My Heart." Songlist: Road Sweet Road, Might As Well Be Me, Stargazer Lilies, Everybody Walking' This Land, Playing with Fire, What's Left of My Heart, Understand, Mr, Remember My Name, Folsom Prison Blues, Give Me a Sign, Save the World, Givin' Up on You, So Long Dixie
Review: The 2006 Harmony Sweeps Regional Champs and Audience Favorite from NYC, 'Round Midnight placed well in their first BHS International Competition in Anaheim, CA. Jeff, Wayne , T.J. and Larry bring us their first, self-titled CD of 10 tunes. Favorites are Van Morrison's "Moondance," "Try A Little Tenderness," "Don't Be A Baby, Baby," "Tonight" from West Side Story," the Doo-Wop classic "In The Still of the Night," the Righteous Brothers' "My Girl," The Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You" and the Isley Brothers' "Shout!" We have to say that 'Round Midnight's rich, velvety harmonies are particularly fine on a classic Barbershop song like "Sing Me That Song Again," but every one of these cuts is a winner, and we love to see a top Barbershop groups push the envelope with their repertoire. An impressive debut recording from talented, fast-rising 'Round Midnight! Songlist: Moondance, Anytime At All, Try a Little Tenderness, Don't Be A Baby, Baby, Sing Me That Song Again, Tonight (From "West Side Story"), In the Still of the Night, My Girl, Since I Don't Have You, Shout!
Review: What better for well-respected Barbershoppers and 2006 NYC Harmony Sweeps Regionals champs and Audience Favorite 'Round Midnight to dedicate their second album to, than their beloved hometown? Larry, Jeff, T.J. and Wayne have represented their city well, twice reaching the Semi-Finals in the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Barbershop Quartet competition, and also being named the BHS 2010 Mid-Atlantic District Champions. Their first, self-titled CD won major kudos, being nominated for a CARA award for "Best Barbershop Song." "New York State of Mind" features 10 Big Apple (and international) favorites: Billy Strayhorn's Duke Ellington hit, "Take the A Train," a pair by Billy Joel, "Honesty" (a live cut) and the title tune, Lennon/McCartney's "All My Lovin','" Jazz master Thelonius Monk, Williams & Hanighen's "'Round Midnight," Sam Cooke's soulful Doo-Wop hit "Nothing Can Change this Love," the Barbershop standard "Some Lucky Day, the bluesy "Body and Soul," Harry Noble's pop hit "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" and Adam Schlesinger's "That Thing You Do," from Tom Hanks' 1996 comedy/drama of the same name. The sweet sound, great harmonies and leads, and wonderful arrangements of this talented, veteran quartet add up to the kind of great entertainment that New York City is famous for! Songlist: Take the 'A' Train, New York State of Mind, All My Loving, Nothing Can Change This Love, Body and Soul, Some Lucky Day, Honesty, 'Round Midnight, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, That Thing You Do!
17th Avenue All-Stars : 17th Ave All StarsReview: Original member Norm Silver, aided and abetted by Jackie Farrell and Rita Dean, who also appeared on the All Stars last recording, "True Colors," are joined by three new members (including a vocal percussionist), though their musical journey in fact began much earlier - they won the Harmony Sweepstakes in 1993! The six members of this mixed group recently won the Denver regional competition of the Harmony Sweepstakes. Therefore their sound has evolved as well, and though their warm blend and soulful performances have not changed, depending on whom is assigned the lead vocal duties, a variety of impressions emerge. The earthy "Walking In Memphis," for example, is balanced by the eighties sheen of "Don't Stop Believin'." Superior clarity and a spacious mix helps to open up the ears for this tuneful new incarnation. Songlist: Don't Stop Believin', I Wish, Walking In Memphis, I'm On Fire, Seesaw, God Shuffled His Feet, All Kinds Of People, My Child, You Don't Treat Me No Good, That's The Way Of The World, September
Review: Pride of Denver, CO, and 1993 Harmony Sweeps champs 17th Avenue All-Stars have given us 5 excellent Contemporary CDs, and their 6th, "Blend" is their best yet. One of Colorado's best-loved musical acts, the Stars are real audience-pleasers, whether performing their award-winning Pop Music Show, Dance Party or Doo Wop Show. Formerly a 4 man, one woman quintet, they are now an all male act, adding soulful Jimi Alexander. Blend features 12 finely-crafted covers, some favorites are Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind," one of the best covers we've heard of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," great falsetto leads on Earth Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove Tonight," a fun, seedy take on the Cars' "My Best Friend's Girl," Mr. Mister's "Kyrie Eleison," Richard Marx's "Should've Known Better," Paul Simon's hit "You Can Call Me Al," America's "You Can Do Magic," and Lionel Richie's "All Night Long." Tight vocal percussion, sweet leads and the Stars' shear ability to entertain make Blend a joy to listen to, and another winner for one of our favorite Sweeps champions! Songlist: Something About You, Ride Like The Wind, Good Vibrations, Let's Groove Tonight, My Best Friend's Girl, Heaven, Kyrie Eleson, Beautiful Soul, Should've Known Better, You Can Call Me Al, You Can Do Magic, All Night Long
17th Avenue All-Stars : Doo Wop GoldReview: The four men and one woman of the Colorado-based 17th Avenue Allstars have been singing sweet Pop harmonies together for over a decade since their beginnings in Denver CO, and are no strangers to Harmony Sweepstakes audiences--they have won the Western Regional 3 times, and the whole enchilada, the National Championship, in 1993. Their repertoire includes 5 decades of popular music: 40's Swing, 50's Rock and Roll, 60's and 70's R&B and 80's and 90's Pop. "Doo Wop Gold," their fifth excellent CD, includes 12 classic, beautifully-arranged Doo Wop hits that would certainly rank in our top 20 of all time: "Remember When/I Wonder Why," "Sh-Boom," "I Only Have Eyes For You," "Blue Moon," "Rockin' Robin," "Come Go With Me," "Lonely Teardrops," "In The Still Of The Night," "Morse Code Of Love," "Get A Job" and "Trickle Trickle;" finishing with a tasty "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Consummate entertainers whether they are performing their award-winning show at a family concert, large scale music festival or corporate party, "Gold" is ample proof that the Allstars are still one of the best Doo Wop groups we've ever had the pleasure to hear. Songlist: Remember Then - I Wonder Why, Sh-Boom, I Only Have Eyes for You, Blue Moon, Rockin' Robin, Come Go With Me, Lonely Teardrops, In the Still of the Night, Morse Code of Love, Get A Job, Trickle Trickle, The Lion Sleeps Tonight
17th Avenue All-Stars : SimplicityReview: Released in the same year as their triumphant success in the Harmony Sweepstakes, Simplicity is the defining moment of the early All Stars with Robert Johnson joining the group and La Tanya Hall considered a member of the group rather than guest artist. On this release there are mostly originals, wonderful originals at that, such as "Johnny" by Jeff Harris which has been covered enough to become a standard. A similar mix of musical styles as the first release graces this recording but the group has matured tremendously. Songlist: Sly Medley, When I Think Of You, Power Of The Holy Ghost, He's Back & I'm Blue, Simplicity, One Way Or Another, Johnny, If You Love Somebody, Love And Joy, You Are The One, All I Have Is Me, Stay With Me Tonight
Review: Here's history for you. In 1991 just as the a cappella resurgence was beginning the All Stars began singing their mix of doo wop, soul, rock, and gospel which were to propel them to national prominence in 1993 as the winners of the Harmony Sweepstakes. In addition to originals by Robert Anderson, Jeff Harris and Norm Silver, the recording includes mostly covers arranged by Robert Anderson, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", "Try A Little Tenderness", "You Talk Too Much", "Wonderful Tonight" and "Fire" among others... Songlist: Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Second Chance, Try a Little Tenderness, On, the Americas, The Letter, You Talk Too Much, Swing Down, Chariot, Forbidden Love, Wonderful Tonight, Fire, Minute by Minute, Ywa (Yuppie with Attitude)
17th Avenue All-Stars : True ColorsReview: The departure of La Tanya Hall to a solo career and untimely death of Jeff Harris left Robert Johnson and Norm Silver to rebuild the group with arranging assistance by founder Robert Anderson. New members Jacquelyn Farrell, Rita Dean and Evan Blackstone continue the standard of vocal excellence. The ten songs include only one original by Robert Johnson who was busy with production as well. Included are "Sweet Dreams", "Stand By Me" and "Working In A Coal Mine" in addition to the beautiful title track "True Colors".. Songlist: Sweet Dreams, Drive My Car, Sixteen Tons, Yes We Can, Stand By Me, True Colors, Working In The Coal Mine, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Brother John, Some Kind Of Wonderful
Ac Rock : AcappellagoReview: The second CD from this Chicago foursome (plus guest percussionist), who like rock and still admit to it. In fact, they even perform rock songs on this CD! Yes, INXS, Grand Funk Railroad and Cheap Trick fall victim to the AC (pronounced "Aack") Rock onslaught. Even "Vehicle," a seventies rock anthem written by Jim Peterik (of cult favorites "Ides of March" and later of eighties AOR band Survivor), receives the AC treatment, complete with an actual guitar solo played by Jim himself! What's more, AC Rock are fine singers, they're tight, and they're in tune. To prove it, and to refute any aspersions that may exist about their musicality, the group includes Seal's "Kiss From A Rose," the Beach Boys "409" and the Hollies "Bus Stop," and even "Istanbul" for you jump swingers. (Actually, we have it on good authority that members of AC Rock received serious musical educations, but we'll never tell!) Party on! Songlist: Istanbul, Come Go With Me, Because, Vehicle, I Want You To Want Me, Bus Stop, It's For You, Kiss From A Rose, Need You Tonight, 409, Coconut, Witch Doctor, Some Kind Of Wonderful
Ac Rock : Flying ColorsReview: Chicago's high-energy all male Contemporary quartet Ac-Rock, anchored by Mark MacLean's yummy, deep bass and sweet leads by tenor Paul Iams gets us into a boogying groove right away on "Flying," their 5th excellent CD. The Ricky Martin hit "Livin'," CCR's foot-tapping "Down on the Corner," the Doo-Wop classic "Little Darlin'," the Rockabilly hit "Waitin' In School" and Tommy James' "Draggin' The Line," which is impossible not to start moving to. The manic "Girls, Girls, Girls," Jackson Browne's "James Dean," "Poison Ivy," the make-out anthem "I Think We're Alone Now," the bubblegum hit "Elenore," Chicago's schmaltzy "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is," Kenny Loggins' "I'm Alright"... the words to these songs are engraved on our brain cells, but here is Ac-Rock, having big, silly fun with them, and suddenly so are we! Songlist: Livin' La Vida Loca, Down On The Corner, Little Darlin', Waitin' In School, Draggin' The Line, Girls, Girls, Girls, Elenore, James Dean, I Think We're Alone Now, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It is?, Poison Ivy, You're The Inspiration, I'm Alright
Ac Rock : Guaranteed To SatisfyReview: Fourteen songs with hilarious studio outtakes and interesting links make this AC Rock's best CD yet. AC Rock does not wait to get your attention on Guaranteed To Satisfy. The exciting opener, "Drive My Car" will leap out of your speakers and get you into the groove. High pitched vocals from tenor Paul Iams and the deep bass of Mark MacLean augment each other perfectly on another one of our favorites, "Rocket 2 U" which shows the groups astounding range. Also included on this remarkable album are new arrangements of Brian Setzer's "Stray Cat Strut," Steve Miller's "Abracadabra" and The Cars' "You Might Think." As the title of the album states, this album is guaranteed to satisfy. Songlist: Drive My Car, What's Your Name, You Won't See Me, You Might Think, No Particular Place To Go, Rocket 2 U, Crazy Little Thing, Rockin' Robin, Stray Cat Strut, Abracadabra, Desperado, Runaway, Ice Cream Man
Ac Rock : Out Of The BoxReview: "Box" is the fourth excellent CD by all-male Chicago quartet Ac Rock (pronounced Ak-Rock), who are into a cappella Rock n' Roll, and just keep getting better at singing and arranging it! Paul, JD, Mark & Chris share solos on these 14 songs (actually 18, considering the final cut, "Best of Doo-Wop" includes "Duke of Earl," "The Book of Love," "Get A Job" and the Harmony Sweeps anthem "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight"). Just listen to cut #9, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (before a live audience at an elementary school in Wilmington, IL) if you want to see how much these guys (a) love their work, and (b) have big fun in concert. It's hard to pick favorites here, but "Who Put The Bomp," Brian Wilson's "Little Deuce Coupe," the Drifters' "Under The Boardwalk," Maurice White's "Shining Star," Hanson's "MMMBop," and James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" (which segues into a short, surreal sample of Strauss' "Blue Danube"), and a nice original by Mark, "Get Out The Way" will do for starters. See these guys live if you can, and get a sweet taste of their good stuff on "Out of the Box!". Then, after you've listened, put Out Of The Box in your computer (PC or Mac) and check out the amazing Enhanced Content: the Ac Rock Concentration game, The Ac Rock Sound Machine, a QuickTime Virtual Reality walkaround of the AcRock sculpture, and interactive bios for all of the guys. A free multi-media bonus that appeals to all ages! Songlist: Shining Star, Absolutely Right, Happy Together, Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Ba Bomp Ba Bomp), Under the Boardwalk, I Got You (I Feel Good), (So Nice) Blue Danube, Get Out the Way, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Little Deuce Coupe, Pretty Little Angel Eyes, MMMBop, So Fine, Duke of Earl, Book of Love, Get A Job, Goodnight
Ac Rock : Ridin' The Storm OutReview: As their five excellent recordings in the PAC catalog will show, Ac Rock, the all-male quartet from Chicago is really into a cappella Rock n' Roll - arranging it cool, have big fun with it, recording it, but mostly singing it together, particularly in front of appreciative audiences! Not a bad gig, and as they keep getting better at singing, recording and arranging it, we will be expecting to see more rockin' albums from this prolific quartet. 14 spirited cuts, some of our favorites are Lennon/McCartney's "Paperback Writer," Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues," Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely," Brian Wilson's "I Get Around," The muscle car anthem "Hey Little Cobra," Randy Bachman's "Takin' Care of Business," Lieber & Stoller's "Yakety Yak," and the title tune. Fun stuff from the rockin' Windy City! Songlist: Paperback Writer, Summertime Blues, Only the Lonely, Hold Me Tight, I Get Around, Hey Little Cobra, Spooky, Build Me Up, Buttercup, Takin' Care of Business, Sunglasses at Night, I Think I Love You, The Way You Look Tonight, Yakety Yak, Ridin' the Storm Out
Ac Rock : U R What U RReview: Ah, sweet rock 'n roll! Say what? Yes, "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" (CCNY) is sweet. "Silhouettes" takes us back in time to the stone age of rock. A rap/reggae intro to "Get Off Of My Cloud" makes it into an original all over again. Bob Dylan is here.You won't even know its "Like A Rolling Stone" until a minute or so has passed. The Beatles are here. OK, lets go out with one of the intriguing tunes in rock n' roll, "Bohemian Rhapsody". Four singers with great voices and unusually fine arranging skills apply themselves to the world of rock with grand results. Songlist: Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Silhouettes, Get Off My Cloud, More Than Words, Break My Stride, Like A Rolling Stone, Things We Said Today, Carry On Wayward Son, Bohemian Rhapsody
Almost Recess : Full Speed AheadReview: Five talented young male singers and musicians come together to form Almost Recess, an a cappella band from the DC area, whose goal is to "bring kickin' a cappella music to every single person in the world." Their backgrounds range from jazz drumming to trombone to piano, but what unites them is their love of singing. Their debut CD "Full Speed" has 10 covers, beautifully arranged to take advantage of the group's solid vocal percussion, strong leads and crisp, fresh sound. Particularly nice are "King of Wishful Thinking," "Never a Second Embrace," Smoky Robinson's "My Girl," "This Everyday Love," "Carpe Diem," "Everywhere," "Burned" and "Harder to Breathe." Almost Recess has attitude, spirit, talent and they aren't afraid to use any of them! We like this group a lot, and "Full Speed Ahead" is an impressive debut CD for them. Songlist: King Of Wishful Thinking, Never A Second Embrace, Angel, My Girl, This Everyday Love, Carpe Diem, The Remedy, Everywhere, Burned, Harder To Breathe
Review: "Il Favoloso" is our favorite all-male Italian quartet's singing tribute to legendary American composer George Gershwin. Eight of the 11 covers here are by George, one, a lovely a cappella rendition of "The Man I Love," is by George and his brother Ira. One tune, A.E. Negri's "Charleston Prelude," and Zapponi-Luttazzi's title tune, complete the songlist, most of which are live and accompanied. Favorites include "Scandal Walk," "Naughty Baby," "I Got Rhythm," Medley, including "Preludio No. 2," "An American in Paris" and "Rhapsody in Blue," and the bluesy "Summertime." A fun, entertaining collection from Alti & Bassi! Songlist: Scandal Walk, Naughty Baby, Rose of Madrid, The Man I Love, I Got Rhythm, Rhapsody Medley, Liza, Summertime, Charleston Prelude, I'd Rather Charleston, Il Faboloso Gershwin
Alti & Bassi : Il Mito Americano  Review: Unfortunately our understanding of Italian is limited to restaurant menus, but a scan of the track list indicates that the spiritual and jazz standard are this CD's focus. These five European chaps obviously have a fondness for these particularly American forms; "Climbing Up The Mountain," "Summertime," "Satin Doll," and "Sophisticated Lady" are the mediums for Alti & Bassi's swinging big band style. Vocal orchestrations and scat are vital ingredients, and the group has a great deal of skill and versatility. Their gospel turn on "I'm Rolling Through This Unfriendly World" is warm and convincing. Occasional piano accompaniment. Songlist: Tu vo fa' f'americano, Climbing up the Mountain, Down by the Riverside, Fugue with Satin Doll, Quando canta Rabagliati, Jusus Gave Me Water, Satin Doll, Summertime, I'm Rolling Thorough This Unfriendly World, When the Saints Go Marchin' In, Jazz, Sphisticated Lady, Dueling Voices
Review: Alti & Bassi are five debonair-looking, fun-and-Western-music-loving Italian men whose "Medley" is exactly that, a 32-song medley. Or more correctly, a medley comprised of seven medleys, beginning with 8 heavily-accented Disney chestnuts ("Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf," "Heigh Ho," Bibbidi Bobbity Bu" and others); a masterful 4-song Platters medley ("My Prayer," "Sixteen Tons," "Only You" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"); a jazzy "West Side Story" medley ("Maria," "Tonight" and an apropos "America"); an "I Love America" Broadway medley ("Singin' In The Rain," "Cheek To Cheek," "Night and Day" and "New York, New York"); a seven song Beatles medley "A&B Road" ("Abbey Road," get it? It includes "Sgt. Pepper's," "If I Fell," "Norwegian Wood," "Help," "All You Need Is Love" and other favorites); a "Canto Libero" medley of Italian favorites ("Fiori Rosa Fiori Di Pesco," "Il Mio Canto Libero" and "Con Il Nastro Rosa") and finally the "A&B G's" medley (The Bee Gees of course, "(Saturday) Night Fever," "How Deep Is Your Love" and "Stayin' Alive"). These guys have loved and listened to a lot of records, cassette tapes and CDs to sound as much like these groups as they do. We love all this music, too, and Andrea, Alberto, Paolo, Diego and Filippo have the a cappella chops to do it justice. Listen to the yummy bass lead on "Sixteen Tons" (which we seem to remember as a Tennessee Ernie Ford hit, rather than the Platters, but no matter), and to the falsetto lead on "Saturday Night Fever"-these guys may come across as somewhat silly at times (we prefer "fun-loving") but they can really sing, and they give us a sweet taste of 32 wonderful songs here. Which we think you will enjoy, as we did! Songlist: Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf, Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes, Heigh Ho, A Spoonful of Sugar, The Bare Necessities, One Song, Bibbidi Bobbidi Bu, Everybody Wants To Be a Cat, My Prayer, Sixteen Tons, Only You (And You Alone), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Maria, Tonight, America, Singin' In The Rain, Cheek to Cheek, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Long and Winding Road, If I Fell, Norwegian Wood, All You Need is Love, Help, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Fiori Rosa Fiori Di Pesco, Il Mio Canto Libero, Night Fever, How Deep is Your Love, Stayin' Alive
Review: Talented all-male Italian pop/jazz quintet Alti & Bassi's "Take 5," whose cover features an open box of chocolates with musical notes on them, is, fittingly, a sampler CD of 5 songs: an amazingly jazzy cover of "Silent Night," a wonderfully harmonic version of the classic "Unchained Melody," the traditional Spiritual "Nobody Knows," a jazzy, surprisingly arranged "White Christmas" (which segues into the title tune, and "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Disney's Cinderella, which segues into a walking jazzy "Take 5. All these are pure a cappella, which really shows off Alti & Bassi's vocal talents. We like this group's song selection, hip arrangements, energy, spirit, sweet leads and solid background harmonies. Help yourself to a taste of Alti & Bassi, fresh pop/jazz from Italy! Songlist: Silent Night, Unchained Melody, Nobody Knows, White Christmas, A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
Altman, Sean : SeandemoniumReview: It seemed confusing to have Sean Altman leave Rockapella for uncharted waters. With the release of SeanDEMOnium it is evident he wasn't confused. Thanks to overdubbing and his trusty Tascam 686 we are showered with his musical vision, both vocal and instrumentally accompanied. Jeff Thatcher helped the project with vocal percussion on a number of the "pure" tracks. When you hear his guitar work though you will understand why he wants to front a rock band. When you hear his a cappella work you will bemoan his desire to front a rock band, but hear it you should. Songlist: Seandemonium-Bop, Person, Baby Go Bye Bye, I Quit, Falling Over You, Marry Me, Married Man, Days Easy Moan, I Wont Mind, The Pink Pig, Be My Friend, Tebecca, Oooh-Angst, Julie Gone, Perky Interlude, Hazel Eyes, Sullen Malaise, Miserable Destiny, My Parent's Son, Elektra, Polly Gets, You're Mine, Max & Sean's Phresh Jew Thang, Fan, Presto Change-o, I'm Waiting, Male Pattern Baldness, Are You a Man?
B Vocal : Seis Voces... Nada Mas? Review: We just had the rare pleasure of experiencing b vocal, Spain's fast-rising all male a cappella sextet, winner of the New York City 2010 Harmony Sweepstakes Regional, live on stage at the National Finals in San Rafael. Their wild, funny set, culminating in a hilarious a cappella rendition of "The Barber of Seville" that would make Ward Swingle proud, earned them the most lopsided ballot count for Audience Favorite we can remember. There is so much vocal talent here, and so much natural humor that recalls physical comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Brothers, b vocal have become big stars in Spain and Europe, and are well on their way in the U.S. There are 15 songs here, a healthy mix of songs in English, such as The Back Street Boys' "I Want It That Way," The Corrs' "What Can I Do," B.J. Thomas's "Hooked on a Feeling," live renditions of Elton John's anthem "Your Song" and Wet Wet Wet's "Love is All Around" and Extreme's "More Than Words;" and in Spanish, such as Juanes' "A Dios Le Pido," the fairly silly "Mucho Mejor" by Los Rodriguez, Marc Anthony's "Te Tengo Aqui" and Mana's "Clavado en un Bar." B vocal was clearly having big fun on stage at the Finals, and just as clearly having a great time in the studio recording "Seis voces." We love this group, and are pretty sure you will enjoy "Seis voces!" Songlist: A Dios Le Pido, Color Esperanza, Te Tengo Aqui, Mediterraneo, I Want It That Way, Carolina, What Can I Do, Mucho Mejor, Sabor de Amor, Clavado en un Bar, Hooked On a Feeling, Your Song, Si Tu me Dices Ven, Love Is All Around, More Than Words
B Vocal : Vocalitessen Review: There are 18 finely-crafted tunes on "Vocalitessen," some of our favorites in English include a nice cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," Robbie William's powerful "Feel," Irving Caesar's bluesy "Just A Gigolo" (which segues into "I Ain't Got Nobody"); George Michael's "Careless Whisper," Lieber and Stoller's very fun "Hound Dog" and the traditional spiritual "Oh Happy Day. In Spanish, Carlos Marco's faux horns-rich "No Puedo Mas," Augusto Gonzalez' "Corazones Sin Dueno" and "A Todo Ritmo;" and Coti's lovely "Antes Que Ver El Sol." In fact, there's so much yummy stuff here, especially the Spanish material, which is mostly new to us, that we hardly know what to choose. Just pick fast-rising b vocals "Vocalitessen" and enjoy! Beautiful, full-color liner notes. Our Favorite: "Hound Dog," cut #11.
Ball In The House : Ball In The HouseReview: Ball In The House are at the forefront of the new contemporary vocal band sound. Distinguished by all original material, punchy vocal bass and drums, wailing guitar and a generally rawer, "rock" approach, the six young men of this Boston group get down more than most. "The More That I Say" builds up to a rambunctious outro that is a vocal percussion extravaganza. "Crawlin'" is bluesy roots rock with an updated seventies feel; "Try" an urban soul ballad, a modernized street corner harmony. In general, if you like a "heavier" sound with your a cappella, you'll be loving Ball In The House. Songlist: Home, Don't Say Your Sorry, Burned, Fantasyland, Should I, Giving You Me, The More That I Say, Helen, I Couldn't Run, Crawlin', Ask, Gravity Buster, Try, Get It On
Review: We well remember Boston-based, 5-man Contemporary a cappella group Ball in the House from their 1998 appearance at the Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael. Since then they have wowing audiences with their dynamic live shows (over 250 a year!) and with excellent recordings ("Granite Ave." is their 4th). 12 cuts, many of them originals written and arranged by the group. Aaron Loveland, Dave Guisti, Jon Ryan, Dan Syzmczak and Tim Foust share credit for the words and music on "Come Back to Me," "Get It Together," "Crawlin' Out From Under," "Trust Me," "Your Love," "Addicted" "What More Do You Need," "Anyway," "Set The Mood," "Heavy On My Mind" and "Let You Lead." The only cover, arranged by the guys is Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," one of the best covers of this classic that we've heard. Strong vocal percussion throughout supplied by Jon. "Granite" shows Ball to be at the top of their game and among the elite Contemporary groups in the world. They are stars as a cappella performers, composers and recording artists, and the world is quickly discovering that! Songlist: Come Back To Me, Get It Together, Crawlin Out From Under, Trust Me, Your Love, Addicted, What More Do You Need, Anyway, Set The Mood, Superstition, Heavy On My Mind, Let You Lead
Review: BITH always put on a great show and do indeed, as the album name suggest, makes your body want to move. Their usual dynamic sound is in full force on this fabulous selection of pop cover songs. Songlist: This Is How We Do It, Happy, Get Lucky, Use Somebody, Treasure, Falling Slowly, Love Ya
Review: All male, Boston-based Contemporary a cappella quintet Ball in the House used their memorable appearance at the 1998 Harmony Sweeps Finals as a springboard to an amazing career of dynamic live shows (over 250 live performances a year) and excellent recordings ("One Night Only" will be their fifth hot-selling album in the Singers.com catalog). BITH's sound features solid, driving beatbox, hot arrangements, and sweet leads & harmonies. 18 covers, some of our favorites are a rap-flavored take on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," CSN&Y's "Love the One You're With," the Disco hits "Ladies Night" and "Oh What A Night;" the mainstream radio hits "Nothin' On You" and "Just the Way You Are;" the Motown standards "Ain't No Sunshine," and "That's the Way I Like It," the live cut "Waiting," Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" and "I Want You Back;" and the Seals & Crofts' 70s anthem "Summer Breeze." It warms our hearts to watch a top-drawer group from the Sweeps Finals grow into one of the top a cappella touring groups performing today. "One Night Only" is a party in a CD sleeve and we're invited! Songlist: I Don't Wanna Be, Superstition, Love The One You're With, Ladies Night, Think About It, Nothin' On You, Waiting, Beat Box Solo, Just The Way You Are, Let You Lead, Ain't No Sunshine, That's The Way (I Like It), Oh What A Night, I Want You Back, Billie Jean, Summer Breeze, Set The Mood, Falling Slowly, Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Ball In The House : Think About ItReview: What happens when you put five amazingly talented guys in a recording studio? The amazing powerhouse of sound, Ball in the House, answered that question with their newest CD. That's right, Tim, Jon J., Aaron, Dave and Dan are back with six new original songs to add to their repertoire. They have delivered a great mix of upbeat music you could dance to as well as some very tender ballads with lush harmonies that could give any contemporary a cappella fan chills. While there are only six tracks, the awesome lyrics and the catchy melodies of each song are more than enough to keep you satisfied as well as hope for their next release to be out soon. From the opening vocal percussion solo on the first track till the triumphant, yet soothing sound in the final track, your ears are sure to be glued to your stereo. Songlist: Ball in the House- Think About It, Think About It, Delivered, How Can It Be, Change Face, Ashmont (You're Gone), Wreckage
BaSix : Embodiment Review: For their second release baSix has the great idea of getting some of a cappella's finest talents to help them so they engaged the House Jack's Deke Sharon and Britt Quinten of M-Pact to produce the album. A mixture of some fine original songs along with pop classics such as Prince's "Purple Rain" and the Beatles "Come Together" makes for a top-notch contemporary a cappella album worthy of all fans collections. All songs are in English and the production quality is superb thanks to noted a cappella sound engineer Bill Hare. Songlist: Come Together, Right Now, Fallen, Dining Out, Purple Rain, Living And Loving It, Sweet Misery, My Heart Won't Work Like It Used To, If You Were My Woman, The Right Way, Part Of Me As One, Right Now
BaSix : Star PeopleReview: An EP release of songs from their "Star People" show highling three diiferent producers who mixes the songs in entirely different ways. A great listen. Songlist: Treat Her Like A Lady, Knowing Me Knowing You, Star People
BaSix : The Grass Review: The group gives credit to Italian a cappella greats Neri Per Caso as an inspiration for their sound and this debut album does justice to that high standard. The CD was a hit in their native Denmark and was the first a cappella recording ever to make the Danish pop charts where it stayed for 7 weeks selling over 25,000 copies. A great beginning for this fine a cappella sextet. Songlist: Dreamlover, Englishman In New York, You Can't Hurry Love, I Can't Make You You Love Me, It Will Take Me All Life, Hepsi Senin Mi, The Grass, Going My Way, Smooth Operator, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Weathered Storm, Australian Spring
Review: We had the pleasure of catching 8-man Baudboys, "the Undisputed Kings of Geek A Cappella," live at the 2008 Harmony Sweeps Finals, and we look forward to seeing them again at the 2011 Finals, as they won the Pacific Northwest Regional again this year. Composed entirely of Microsoft employees and alumni, this a cappella group has been performing up and down the West Coast for more than two decades, thrilling audiences with their irresistible combination of musical excellence and geek comedy. "Hello_World," the group's debut recording, has 11 winning covers, with a fair amount of very funny lyric "augmentation" thrown in. Some of our favorites are the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Aeroplane," Mentor Williams and Dobie Gray's anthem "Drift Away," a quintessentially geek/gamer take on Tripod's "Gonna Make You Happy Tonight," Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic," Stevie Wonder's moody "Overjoyed," a particularly graphic cover of Weird Al Yankovic's "One More Minute," Cub's manic "New York City," Al Jarreau & Michael Omartian's jazzy, scattish "Boogie Down," Joseph Shabalala & Paul Simon's "Homeless/Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and a completely incongruous, yet lovely, live cut of Dmytrovych Leontovych & Peter Wilhousky's "Carol of the Bells." The Baudboys have a fresh, (dare we say) modern sound, understated vocal percussion and background harmonies, sweet leads, great arrangements and a great sense of humor. Don't miss this impressive, surprising, big fun debut CD from Seattle's talented, slightly crazed Baudboys! Songlist: Aeroplane, Drift Away, Gonna Make You Happy Tonight, Every Little Thing She Does, Overjoyed, One More Minute, New York City, Boogie Down, Ghost Train, Homeless Diamonds on The Soles of her Shoes, Carol of the Bells
Blanks : Riding The Wave Review: Featured regularly on NBC's hit show Scrubs, where they are known as Ted's Band, this LA-based all male Contemporary quartet The Blanks are a whole lot of fun. We totally enjoyed their dynamic performance particularly the manic "Commandos Attack!," (which won at the Regional Sweepstakes for Best Original Song), which features a talking "action figure," as does "Happy Halloween," which features a talking plastic pumpkin. "Riding" features 34 cuts of various lengths, the shortest being three two-second versions of the notorious 3-note jingle "By Mennen," in G major and D major. The Blanks are big on TV show and sitcom themes, such as "Charles in Charge," The Little Rascals' theme song "Good Old Days," "Facts of Life," "Flipper Theme," "Speed Racer," "Six Million Dollar Man" and the deathless Saturday morning cartoon theme, "Underdog." The invented theme for a fictional cartoon character, "Testy Tiger," returns several times, and a theme is invented for the Broadway show, "The Full Monty." The Scrubs theme "Superman," "The Ballad of Jimmy Durante"-this is all funny, crazed stuff. We admit that we've avoided watching Scrubs for fear of becoming addicted to another great show, but now that we've seen and heard The Blanks, we're tuning in this week. Loads of vocal and comedic talent here-these guys are hot and funny! Songlist: Superman, Charles In Charge, A Little Polish, They'll Never Know, Touch Up, Play On, Testy Tiger, Commandos Attack, Crowded Landscape, Holy, Elliot In Your Cup, By Mennen, Happy Halloween, The Full Monty, Testy Tiger, What Now, I'm In The Middle, Facts Of Life, By Mennen, Flipper Theme, Speed Racer, The Riff Song, John, Do You Want, If You Never Looked At Me, Boing Fwip, Underdog, Six Million Dollar Man, Testy Tiger, Love Having You, and more
Blenders : From The MouthReview: From the opening cut, "Tasty,"; the Blenders infuse the hackneyed "upbeat "description with real meaning. There is an occasional touch of percussion added to this mix but frequently it is hard to discriminate between that and the vocal percussion and tambourine of Darren and Ryan. The production of this release is enhanced by experience as the group records, produces, and does everything else on this second effort. Studio originals are the substance of the recording but don't miss the hysterical, live, country version of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Songlist: Oxapello?, Tasty, Tasty, Tasty, Lonely With You, You, Jeannine's Anthem, Plainotfancy, Summer Sounds, Sailing, The Girl Is Good, Dirty Windows, 60 Minute Man, Interlude, Don't Worry, Be Happy, Gray Matters, Aunt Sue's Ant Soup
Blenders : Now And Then  Review: This 1997 release is a compilation of some of the group's favorite songs from their first three albums, plus three previously unreleased tunes. The new material opens the album - so the first half (the "Now" part) is accompanied, but full of the luscious vocals that has won the group so many fans. It includes a somewhat obscure Led Zeppelin cover, "That's The Way;" a solemn song about a friend's death "Fly Away;" and radio-friendly "Every Now and Then." Among the six a cappella tunes are the Christopher Cross tune "Sailing," and originals "Plainotfancy" and "Rock Your World." The CD is intended to introduce The Blenders to listeners outside the a cappella world, but it will also serve as a great introduction to the group for our catalog customers, and is a must for collectors who want a complete set by this up and coming vocal band. Songlist: That's the Way, Fly Away, Every Now & Then, Let It Fall, Charlie Anyboy, Comin' Back Again, Sailing, Plainotfancy, Grey Matters, Together, Rock Your World, Last Kiss
Blenders : Songs from the SoulReview: On their annual holiday concert tour, The Blenders got the idea for a different kind of recording than they had done in their 16 years together, of music so universal that it could be performed for any audience at any time of the year. It would be a tribute album, not Christmas music, and not a cappella. 10 songs based on a simple criteria: they had to be soulful, songs that speak to the heart, songs with messages of hope: "People Get Ready," compassion -"Takin' It to the Streets," support - "Lean On Me," and love - "Put A Little Love in Your Heart," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," "Love Train" and "Love the One You're With." They had to do a couple of songs, "What You Won't Do for Love" and "29 Ways," just because they feel so good. Admittedly, it's not easy getting used to an accompanied Blenders album, but the voices, harmony and soul we've loved in these Sweeps champs is as strong as ever, the tunes are great, and "Songs" is another Blenders winner. Songlist: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Takin' It To The Streets, Lean On Me, What You Won't Do For Love, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Put A Little Love In Your Heart, Love The One Your With, Love Train, People Get Get Ready, 29 Ways
Blenders : Songs From the Soul Vol 2Review: The Blenders have long been one of our favorite a cappella groups, particularly around Christmas, when they have released 5 wonderful Christmas albums and a live Christmas DVD. Darren, Tim, Ryan and Allan take a different tack on "Songs from the Soul," a Soul cover collection, accompanied by drums, guitars, bass and keyboards. Motown is of course well represented here, with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," the Four Tops hit "Reach Out (I'll Be There)," and Aretha Franklin's "Knew You Were Waiting for Me." Pop selections include Carole King's hit for James Taylor, "You've Got A Friend," The Gibb brother's Disco hit "How Deep is Your Love," the Grand Funk Railroad rocker "Some Kind of Wonderful," and the Elton John/Bernie Taupin classic, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me." Although we prefer to hear the Blenders sing a cappella, these are some of our favorite classic hits, and their butter-smooth harmonies are as sweet as ever. And the leads show what we always knew, a top-drawer quartet like the Blenders is comparable to most accompanied bands, but with four lead singers. If you like classic accompanied soul, pop and rock, you'll love "Songs from the Soul!" Songlist: Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Isn't She Lovely, The Heart of the Matter, Just the Two of Us, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me), You've Got A Friend, Reach Out, I'll Be There, How Deep Is Your Love, Love Will Keep Us Alive, Some Kind of Wonderful, Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me
Blenders : Totally Whipped Review: Fargo North Dakota is the center of the a cappella universe! Say what? Well it becomes so, at least momentarily, with each new Blenders release. This first release from 1992 introduced a young quartet of men who were bursting with creative energy, musical cleverness, and humor. Mostly we are treated to original work with just 4 covers for those who like to judge talent against the past. Totally Whipped was a great initial release and truly foreshadowed the career which is one of the dynamic successes of the a cappella world. Be prepared to boogie! Songlist: Jump Up, Accidental Lovers, You Can't Do That, In My Room, She Was Mine, Stand By Me, Faith, Drive By, Get Ready, Last Kiss, Together, Mama Knows Best, I Understood (Be Who You Want), Rock Your World, Last Kiss (808 Mix)
Blind Man's Bluff : Blind Man's BluffReview: The unfortunate news is that Blind Man's Bluff has broken up as a group and won't be up on stage electrifying audiences any time soon. The good news is that before they broke up, they left us all a lovely parting gift, this CD! Including are "Red Line" and "The Drive," stream-of-consciousness urban angst anthems with roots in rap, heavy on the vocal percussion as are all BMB songs, and the rocking, hurt, writhing "Why Didn't You Call Me." "Dirty World" and "Feel" are backed up by what sounds like synthesizer overload, but we have no idea if it's vocal or not, "My One Addiction," "Reservations For One," "I Don't Like" (includes kittens, flowers, SUVs, strip malls, Stallone and implants, among other things), and "Breathin'." This is push-the-a-cappella-envelope, sometimes angry, moody, risky stuff, not for everyone, but the most important art and music is like that! Songlist: Red Line, The Drive, Slightly Crazy, Why Didn't You Call Me?, Dirty World, Feel, My One Addiction, Reservations For One, I Don't Like, Breathin'
Blind Man's Bluff : Jaunce Review: Rockin' university gigs is the theme of this recording of live tracks taken from performances throughout the mid-west. The current lineup features David Wilner, Paul Donnelly, Adam Sears, David Anderson, and Eric Skalinder. While the tone lightens to a ballad feel on David W's "I Never Know," generally this is a hard rocking album. The fine vocal drumming of Paul Donnelly keeps the driving beat reverberating through your brain from ear to ear as you are treated to a great number of original tunes. The tunes written by other artists are not ones you will commonly hear and on the one or two really familiar tunes, the arrangements are so original that they sound like new songs. If you like hard rocking, original, contemporary a cappella, this is for you! What is Jaunce, anyway? Songlist: The Distance, Slightly Crazy, Dirty World, I Never Knew, Why Didn't You Call Me, Meet Virginia, Semi-Charmed Life, Twenty Five Miles, Hey Yeah C'mon, Drum Solo, Higher, Wake Up Call, Red Line, Inside Out, I Can't Get Next To You
Blue Jupiter : Live In New York Review: Edgy pop-funk Blue Jupiter, who won Audience Favorite and Best Arrangement at the Washington DC and NYC Harmony Sweeps Regionals 2 years in a row and recently won Oreo's "Milk's Favorite Jingle" contest, which now is all over the radio, brings us their 3rd CD-the first two the critically acclaimed "Ear Candy" and "Scattered Flurries." "Live" has "no tricks, no tracks, just four mouths and four mics," all 12 cuts arranged, performed and recorded by these 4 talented guys in November 2005 in New York City. Smoky Robinson's "Get Ready," Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time," the Turtles' reborn bubblegum hit "Happy Together," a bluesy, funky cover of "Flip, Flop & Fly," the wonderful "Mr. Pinstripe Suit," Carlos Santana's classic "Smooth" and "Wrapped Up In You" from Ear Candy, the vocal percussion drum solo on "Steal My Kisses" and the driving final cut "All The Small Things" are favorites. Inexplicably, there's guitar accompaniment on "Drive," but the crowd is going nuts throughout, and so are we whenever we see or hear this energetic, dynamic quartet-"Live" is a stone winner! Songlist: Get Ready, The Remedy, Wrapped Up In You, Time After Time, Brand New Jones, Flip Flop 'n' Fly, Mr Pinstripe Suit, Drive, Smooth, Steal My Kisses, Happy Together, All The Small Things
Boyz Nite Out : American Vinyl Review: Sacramento, CA-based all-male sextet BNO first got together in a 4-bedroom house 8 years ago, and discovered the kind of chemistry that you find in the bigtime, big city groups. "Vinyl" is their third CD, after the excellent "Rho Sham Bo" and "Director's Cut." 17 songs, from the Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'," "Fire" and "Come Go with Me" to remarkable vocal percussion on Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together" and on the Drifters' "Under The Boardwalk," this is great stuff. "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Footloose," "The Still Of The Night," the Righteous Bros' "My Girl," the Motown hit "Grapevine," the Doors' "People Are Strange"--the hits just keep on coming. What we love about BNO, besides their song selection, is a) their energy, spirit and love of the music, b) their great arrangements and vocal percussion, c) they're spot on key, and d) they nail every song, as you absolutely know they do in a live performance. Great stuff! Songlist: Soundtrack (Takin' You Back), Gimme Some Lovin', Fire, Come and Go With Me, Come Together, Under the Boardwalk, Brown Eyed Girl, Only You (And You Alone), Footloose, Change The World, Still of the Night, Hooch, My Girl, With Or Without You, Grapevine, The People Are Strange, The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Boyz Nite Out : Directors Cut Review: Contemporary California sextet Boyz Night Out is back with their second CD. Seven original songs, plus covers of rock songs such as Pearl Jam's "Alive," and strong vocal percussion, courtesy of Boyz Nite Out's newest member, add up to a professional and impressive result. State-of-the-art technology and hip production create a full spectrum of sound, emphasized on tunes such as "My Heart," but these guys can sing too, as is evidenced by Boyz-II-Men type cuts like "When I Look Into Your Eyes." Funky urban pop, such as the group's own "Big Black Cadillac" and Lenny Kravitz' "If You Can't Say No," packs a wallop. Songlist: Soundcheck, My Heart, Never Let Go, When I Look In Your Eyes, Big Black Cadillac, If You Can't Say No, Alive, I'll Be, I Believe, Sumthinsumthin
Brass Farthing : More Songs About Dogs and Beer Review: All male a cappella octet Brass Farthing, "a group of stalwart lads brought together to sing songs, raise good cheer, and otherwise make merry in the company of friends both old and new." We had the good fortune to catch the live show of these 8 authentically costumed and propped male vocalists at the 2011 Bay Area Harmony Sweeps Regionals in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, where they easily won Audience Favorite and First Place, and have to say that these guys are amazing! Rory, Daniel, Chris, George (Director), Mark (Assistant Director) Jim, Tazz and Ben have found wonderful, hilarious, traditional English drinking songs like "Itches in Me Britches," "Bass Ale," "Dido Bendigo," "General Taylor," "The Crayfish," "Barbed Wire," the nearly bawdy, very funny "Brasso," "Gamble Gold and Robin Hood" and "Charlie Mopps." They've also unearthed such gems as Fred W. Leigh's (1911) "Mary Anne, She's After Me," C. Frank Horn's "Mrs. Fogarty's Christmas Cake," Paddy Ryan's (1938) "The Man That Waters the Worker's Beer" and Peter Bellamy's "Oak, Ash and Thorn," with lyrics by Rudyard Kipling. The boys have written a couple of their own: Daniel's "The Rope" and Rory's "I Love You More than Beer." Songlist: Itches in McBritches, Bass Ale, Dido Bendigo, General Taylor, The Crayfish, Mary Anne She's After Me, Barbed Wire, Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake, The Rope, The Man That Waters the Workers Beer, Brasso, Gamble Gold and Robin Hood, I Love You More Than Beer, Oak Ash and Thorn, Charlie Mopps
Review: Breath of Soul, David, Jesse, Tony and Jake, is an all-male a cappella contemporary quartet who bill themselves as "Nashville's Premier Vocal Band." "4 the record" is their 3rd album, following 2009's "Blue Christmas" and 2010's "Breath of Soul," to which we gave rave reviews on the Primarily A Cappella website, commenting, "to be this good early in their careers promises great things for BOS." "4" is the poised, finely-crafted album of a mature group who have paid their dues and are ready to join a handful of cappella's elite groups. Some of our favorites among the 10 cuts are beautifully arranged covers of Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks," Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance," a fine pair of originals by tenor & vocal percussionist Jake, "Bee" and "Give Yourself;" The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun," excellent takes on a pair by Cory Hosler, "Fix You, Fix Me" and "My Last Season;" an impressive, sweetly-segueing medley of "Michael Jackson vs. Queen," Adele's "Rollin' in the Deep," and a soulful, harmonic take on Jason Mraz's romantic anthem "I Won't Give Up." Don't miss this one--Breath of Soul is smokin' hot and "4" took our breath away! Songlist: Pumped Up Kicks, Bad Romance, Bee, House of the Rising Sun, Fix You, Fix Me, Michael Jackson vs Queen, Give Yourself, Rollin' in the Deep, My Last Season, I Won't Give Up
Review: David, Jesse, Tony and Jake of "Nashville's Premier Vocal Band" Breath of Soul bring us their impressive, soulful, self-titled debut CD, recorded in 2010. Singing together for just a few years, these four friends have the talent, poise, harmonies, leads and arrangements of a group with years more experience. All 13 songs were arranged by BOS baritone Jesse Upah, who wrote the short, sweet "It's Just An Intro," "Breath of Soul" and "To Be Continued" mixes a lot of fresh sounds like the faux kazoo on Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together" and the fiery, powerful vocal percussion on "Lost!," the digital wah-wah effects and rap talk on "Breath of Soul," gentle finger-snapping on the gentle "Nora," chirpy Doo-Woppy notes on R. Spektor's "On The Radio," butter-creamy harmonies on "The Doxology," deep-bass percussion on the inspirational "Freedom Song," crazed popcorn and funhouse rhythms on Neal Diamond's "Headed for the Future," Stephen Foster's still-relevant "Hard Times," S. Chapman's driving "Lord of the Dance," and a sweet, creepy take on Stevie Wonder's hit "Superstition." Every cut here is a finely crafted winner, as BOS shows off its impressive collection of non-instrumental sounds, yummy leads and harmonies. To be this good this early in their careers promises great things for Breath of Soul! Songlist: It's Just An Intro, Lost!, Breath of Soul, Nora, Come Together, On The Radio, The Doxology, Freedom Song, Headed For The Furure, Hard Times, Lord of the Dance, Superstition, The Be Continued
Cadence : Frost FreeReview: Don't miss this one. Get in on the ground floor because the arrangements and vocal flights of fancy which seem to be the current signature of Cadence are exceptional. Four men who have had lifetimes of musical training met at York University in Toronto where they were all studying music. After a huge diversity of musical experience, they have focused their energies for the past couple of years on recreating the world of a cappella music. Frost Free, their first recording, is wonderful. Once again, words won't be able to do the slightest justice to the clever originality and breadth of musical vision which is presented here. Start with beautiful harmonies created by very pure voices. Take a songlist of familiar tunes, "Spinning Wheel," "Shape of My Heart," "I Wish," "Straighten Up and Fly Right," and more. Then add arrangements which occasionally add vocal sounds which you've never heard before (no matter how much you've listened to a cappella music) which are always used within a harmonious context of the whole arrangement. What do you get... originality, that's what you get! You get rap, you get rock, you get ballads, you get a lullaby, you get jazz - lots of jazz licks. When it helps to keep true to the original they create an amazing vocal similitude. You must listen to "Spinning Wheel" and then put on the Blood, Sweat and Tears version. Amazing! Or maybe you'll have your mind blown by the sweet close harmony of Paul Simon's "Slim Punky's Dilemma" as it morphs back and forth into the techno-rap lyrics of Public Enemy. This is one of the finest quartets to make an appearance in the a cappella scene in quite a while! Songlist: Spinning Wheel, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Lullaby for Hannah, Slim Punky's Dilemma, Shape of my Heart, Drive My Car, Feelin' Groovy (The 59th Street Bridge Song), Brown-Eyed Girl, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I Wish, She's Got A Way
Review: Ross, Aaron, Kurt and Carl, "Like four thieves who've been stealing the show for years", (Toronto Star) Cadence has played to sold-out concert halls and toured jazz festivals worldwide, sharing the stage with artists like Bobby McFerrin, Quincy Jones and Gordon Lightfoot. Both of their Juno-nominated albums have garnered wide critical acclaim, including CARAs for Best Jazz Song, Best Original Composition and Best Rock/Pop Album, and their 2005 release "Twenty for One" was nominated for the Best Vocal Jazz Album Juno Award alongside such established musical mainstays as Diana Krall and Paul Anka. A cool rat pack of musical misfits, Cadence thrills their audiences with infectious energy, wild stage antics, and by pushing a cappella music to amazing new heights! "Speak Easy" is a mellow, sublime collection of 12 innovatively arranged gems: classics like Cole Porter's "It's All Right with Me," Jimmy Van Heusen/Sammy Cahn's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," and a bluenote/scattish take on Lerner & Loewe's "On the Street Where You Live," from "My Fair Lady." Then there are two sweet originals by group member Aaron Jensen, "Good Love" and "High and Drysville," smoky and hip with some killer faux horns, that you'll swear were written for a black & white Noir detective movie in the late 1940s. Several of our favorites are reinvented pop songs, such as Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" and Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years," all perfectly arranged-and the foursome's "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" is simply big, silly fun. The bottom line is, we love "Speak Easy" and, well, everything else we've heard by Cadence, and we're betting that you will too! Songlist: It's Alright With Me, Black Cars, Good Love, Ain't That A Kick In The Head, Both Sides Now, High and Drysville, On The Street Where You Live, Harvest Moon, Just A Gigalo / I Ain't Got Nobody, Bijou, The Tramps, Still Crazy After All These Years
Cadence : Twenty For OneReview: Toronto's celebrated 4-man vocal band, Dylan, Carl, Kevin and Ross, won the tough 2003 Harmony Sweeps New York Regional (and Audience Favorite), and went on to place third here in San Rafael with a very strong set at the '03 Finals. So we were not at all surprised to see their debut CD, "frost-free," win two CARA awards. With an extensive concert and touring schedule, playing to sold-out audiences, and now with "twenty for one," it's clear to us, from their great sound, solid musicianship, finely-crafted arrangements, sense of humor and pure ability to entertain, that Cadence is simply one of the best jazz/pop vocal quartets performing today. We have 12 songs, great covers of the cool retro "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps," popping vocal percussion and a Simonesque lead on "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," Charles Mingus' and Joni Mitchell's classic jazz treat "The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines," Nat King Cole's crackling "Hit That Jive, Jack," the timeless "Game," the pop hit "True Colors" and a nod to Freddie Mercury of Queen on "The Things We Do For Love;" and winning originals by Dylan ("Don't Fix What's Broken," "Blues on Sunday"), Carl's sweet wedding anthem, "The Perfect Kiss," Kevin's funky "Sittin' in the Cellar" and friend Gillian Stecyk's "Sunshine." Begin with poised, perfect harmonies, add solos and scat with attitude, heartbreaking faux horns, vocal percussion that's some of the tightest and most innovative we've ever heard, and cutting edge arrangements--and you get "twenty for one," one of the best jazz-pop cds of the year! Songlist: Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps, Don't Fix What's Broken, Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover, Sunshine, The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines, Hit That Jive Jack, The Perfect Kiss, Game, Blues On Sunday, Sittin' In The Cellar, True Colours, The Things We Do For Love |
