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Displaying 101-150 of 259 items.
Review: Experiencing the Jacks live at a trendy South of Market club in San Francisco first turned us on to the power and glory of a hot group that could move and thrill an audience onstage with only mikes in their hands. Since then the guys, Nicholas Girard, John Pointer, Elliot Michael Robinson, Deke Sharon & Austin Willacy have had big fun touring, recording, meeting and performing with other groups and always growing their fan base. The aptly named "Pollen" is a fascinating experiment that involves some of our all-time favorite groups, for example Australia's Sweeps Champs The Idea of North, England's The Swingles, and BR6 from Brazil. The Jacks wrote songs, arranged them, performed them live and "noodled with the arrangements," then recorded the songs, added some parts and sent the recordings to their guest artists and "told them to go crazy, then we added complimentary parts of our own." The only caveat: "Everything you hear is a human voice, but sometimes we mess with it." Ten amazing tunes, some of our favorites are: "Crazy," with The Idea of North; "Quiet Moon," with BR6; "This Life" with The Swingles; "Confessional," with Canada's Cadence; "As It Falls Apart" with MICappella, Singapore; "Your Love" with Maybebop, Germany; "Get What You Need" with Cluster, Italy; "Talk2Me" with Postyr Project, Denmark; "Wo Ai Ni" with Voco Novo, Taiwan and Freeman, China; and "Got What You Wanted" with Exit, Korea and Kaichiro Kitamura, Japan. Writing credits for these wonderful vocal collages go to Austin for "As it Falls Apart," "Crazy" and "Got What You Wanted;" Nicholas for "Your Love;" John for "Get What You Need," "This Life" and "Confessional;" Elliot for "Talk2Me;" and Deke for "Wo Ai Ni" and "Quiet Moon." In a cappella poker five Jacks, drawing some of the best international kings, queens & aces in the deck, makes every track of "Pollen" a stone winner. You don't want to miss this one!! Songlist: As It Falls Apart, Your Love, Get What You Need, Talk2Me, Crazy, Wo Ai Ni, This Life, Got What You Wanted, Confessional, Quiet Moon 
House Jacks : UnbrokenReview: It sometimes happens that bands write their best songs early in their career. However, the House Jacks new CD - their first with wholly original material in several years - proves that those generalities don't apply here. Maturity can be a good thing! "Unbroken" contains their best writing since, well, maybe ever, with compositions from every member (including Austin Willacy, who's back). The strength of their material shows that marriage and family can contribute in positive ways to artistic development, as in Deke Sharon's joyous nod to fatherhood, "Adventure Day." The vocal chops of the Jacks have always been in the upper of the upper echelon, but now their performances are translating to CD with new passion. Part of the credit is due to the production - it's BIG. So every nuance of those trademark harmonies shines through, and the vocal bass and drum tones are brilliant. Take, for example, the title track: it's powerful, evocative, and could match anything heard on modern rock radio. The House Jacks early promise was just a taste of things to come. Songlist: More Love, Adventure Day, What's For Real, After You, Maybe That's The Reason, From Sunday, Stop And Think, Good Things, Middle Ground, Unbroken
Hyannis Sound : Aged 10 YearsReview: In May of 1994 ten young collegiate men, who had been chosen by founder Townsend Belisle, arrived in Cape Cod, Massachusetts with the noble intention of singing together for a living. Creating jobs for themselves by singing on the street, in parks, on beaches and had regular gigs in places like Thompson's Clam Bar and Richard's Galleries. By late summer they had put together a crowd of regulars, an opening act for the Mamas and the Papas, and a sold-out show in Hyannis, which is captured in this live recording. 21 songs, particularly wonderful are: "Good Ol' A Cappella," "Summertime," the Fairfield Four's arrangement of "Roll, Jordan Roll," "Crazy," "House of Blue Lights," "Wonderful World," the traditional "Drunken Sailor," Manhattan Transfer's arrangement of "How High The Moon," Richard Greene's "Share A Load," "Freeze Frame," a lovely "Shenandoah" and "Everything She Wants." It's very clear from the audience response how much fun these guys are having on stage, reveling in the vocal group they have created in such a short time. An inspiring story, a lively live show with an enthusiastic audience, a repertoire well-chosen and arranged. The Sound Is Coming! Songlist: Good Ol' A Cappella, Sister Goldenhair, Summertime, Spiderman, Roll, Jordan, Crazy, L-Y, House of Blue Lights, Wonderful World, Oh, What a Night, Drunken Sailor, Why Should I Cry for You?, Future Love Paradise, How High the Moon, Share a Load, Captain's Song, Freeze Frame, Shenandoah, World on Fire, Everything She Wants, A Parting Blessing
Hyannis Sound : Annual Bootleg Vol 1  Review: "Annual Bootleg Volume 1" is of course a live CD in a simple cardboard sleeve that has a songlist printed on it and very little else. It assumes we know that THS is a Cape Cod-based a cappella vocal group of between 10 and 14 young men, and luckily, we do. 16 songs, some favorites are the Beatles' "Drive My Car, "Bring It To Me," "Remedy," "Just My Imagination," "Signed Sealed Delivered," Huey Lewis & the News' "If This Is It," Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," "Love Train" and closing with their trademark "Irish Parting Blessing." Recorded at First Baptist Church, Hyannis in August of 2003 before an enthusiastic audience. Good stuff! Songlist: Drive My Car, Bring It to Me (arr: Ian Varley), I Wish (arr: Ed Boyer), On and On (arr: Townsend Belisle), Remedy (arr: Eric Fosbury), Still Fighting It (arr: Ed Boyer), Baba O'Riley (arr: Victor Sandman), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (arr. Deke Sharon), If This is It (arr: Eric Fosbury), Don't Cry (arr: Aithan Shapira), L-Y (arr: Townsend Belisle), Big Yellow Taxi (arr: Samrat Chakrabarti), The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing (Jim Barrington), Love Train (arr: Ed Boyer), Irish Blessing
Hyannis Sound : Cape Standard Time Review: The Sound, founded and produced annually by Townsend Belisle, has been Cape Cod's all-male a cappella ensemble since 1994, and is comprised of an elite group of 14 young male singers from colleges and universities across the country. They perform in backyards, weddings, fine dining establishments, stadiums and everything in between. "Cape Standard Time" has 15 finely crafted covers, some favorites are: "72 Hour Daze (Taxiride), Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon," James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face," Otis Reddings " The Dock Of The Bay," Stephen Bishop's "On and On," Michael Jackson's "Thriller," the Blenders' arrangement of Christopher Cross' "Sailing," Sting's marvelous "Fields of Gold," and Queen's immortal "Bohemian Rhapsody." Strong, solid vocal percussion, sweet, soaring leads, hip arrangements, strong material-it adds up to an entertaining winner for Hyannis Sound! Songlist: 72 Hour Daze, A Thousand Miles, Fly Me to the Moon, Your Smiling Face, (Sitting on) the Dock of the Bay, On and On, Walking Away, Thriller, Sailing, Fields of Gold, I Feel Good, L-Y, Last Goodbye, Bohemian Rhapsody, Parting Blessing
Hyannis Sound : Talk About It  Review: "Talk About It" was recorded in 1996, in the second year of the group's existence, and they have clearly grown in experience, arrangements and sheer vocal talent. Still comprised of 10 young male singers from colleges and universities all over the country, brought together and produced by Townsend Belisle. 18 songs, particularly fine are "Sister Golden Hair," the Motown hit "Ain't No Sunshine," Van Morrison's deathless "Moondance," the Doo-Wop standards "In the Still of the Night" and "Sh-Boom," "I Don't Want to set the World on Fire," Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing," "Lullaby," "What A Wonderful World" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." An impressive, lively second album for Hyannis Sound! Songlist: Good Ol' A Cappella, That Cat is High, Sister Golden Hair, Summer Time, Get it Right the First Time, On and On, Thank YOu, Ain't No Sunshine, Moondance, In the Still of the Night, I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire, Sh-Boom, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, Lullaby, What a Wonderful World, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Crazy, A Parting Blessing
Inpulse : Alone and Above Review: This is the debut CD of 5-man Twin Cities Contemporary a cappella group Inpulse, formed by members of the St. Olaf College group, The Limestones, which recorded the very good CD "Set in Stone." The top-drawer vocal percussion is courtesy of renowned vocal percussionist Paul Donnelly, Inpulse has a fresh, driving sound, writing about 80% of their solid pop material and adding some great covers. 11 songs: "Obsession," Sister Hazel's "Everybody," "Dancing Angel," John Mayer's "Your Body is a Wonderland," the very strong title tune, "Here For A While," the surprising, self-defining "Top 5 Reasons (we're not a boy band)," a soaring cover of Journey's SF anthem, "Lights," and finishing with our favorite 3 cuts on the CD, "If Morning Would Come," "Pictures On TheWall" and "Fearless." "Alone" is a confident, intelligent debut by a very talented group of young men who are going places in the a cappella world! Songlist: Obsession, Everybody, Dancing Angel, Your Body Is A Wonderland, Alone and Above, Here for A While, Top 5 Reasons, Lights, If Morning Would Come, Pictures on the Wall, Fearless
InsideOut : ExperienceReview: Those familiar with Inside Out's previous CD, "Innocence," will notice that the group has evolved considerably since then. Though still paying sonic homage to their influences, the Blenders and Rockapella, this male sextet from Utah has a considerably more substantial sound than on the previous recording, and is writing original songs as well. Concise and punchy vocal percussion adds crunch, the performances are tighter, and the group is finding their own identity. When they launch into the groove of "What's On Your Mind/Pure Energy" they quash all objections. The verdict is in: "Experience" pays off! Songlist: Oh L'amour, Dreamer, Love, Me, What's On Your Mind, Cruel Kindness, Jackie Chan, Silence, Come Thou Fount, Stalking Song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Cruel Kindness (Italian Reprise)
InsideOut : InnocenceReview: InsideOut's full sound realizes a variety of musical styles and a broad repertoire ranging from golden oldies to hits of the 80s and 90s. The album also includes original songs by InsideOut's exceptional songwriter Kimball Brown. Kimball has done some amazing work on both his original compositions and new arrangements, you won't be disappointed. Songs on the album include "Forever Young," "Just Can't Get Enough," "You've Got a Friend," and "Only You," plus originals "Taken Up," "Like Water," "Innocence II," and "I'll Fly." In addition to the audio, the CD has an interactive portion for computers with sound clips, photos, and even an InsideOut video game. Songlist: Innocence 2, Forever Young, Only You (And You Alone), Love Right Through, I'll Fly, Just Can't Get Enough, When I Fall In Love, You've Got A Friend, Taken Up, Renewal
InsideOut : Primary Colors Review: The fifth excellent CD by multiple CARA-winners, 6-man Salt Lake City-based Mormon a cappella group Insideout is for kids, and is the second kids' CD by a Contemporary Christian group we've reviewed recently, the other is Go Fish's "Splash," which we also found delightful. 15 songs, "'Give' Said The Little Stream" features wonderful vocal percussion and fake synthesizer, and "Eensie Weensie Spider" is beautifully updated. "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus," "I Feel My Savior's Love," "Never Tell a Lie," "When You Tell One Lie," and "Lullaby," an original by group member Kimball Brown, are especially good. "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission" and the short but sweet "Books in the Book of Mormon" are of special interest to Mormon kids. The CD concludes with the big fun "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" and "Once There Were Some Snowmen," a brilliant and unexpected parody tour-de-force. Songlist: 'Give' Said the Little Stream, Eenie Weensie Spider, I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus, Short Trip Home, We'll Bring the World His Truth, I Hope The Call Me on a Mission, Never Tell a Lie, Lullaby, I Feel My Savior's Love, Smiles, Books in the Book of Mormon, Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree, Once There Were Some Snowmen
InsideOut : ReverenceReview: It's a musical Mission! Is there such a field of music as Mormon Gospel? There is now! Jason Smith, Ryan Hinton, Paul Hatch, Kimball Brown, Ben Haacke, and Lynn Haacke present a beautiful selection of Mormon religious music. While much of the music has the sound of four-square gospel or a traditional hymn feeling, occasionally the sweet perfection of the voices are enhanced by mixing a full choir behind their voices which creates the audible image of a huge organ filling a glorious cathedral. From the opening tune, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," to the finale "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission," you will be introduced to an entrancing spiritual music which is subtly different from more familiar gospel or spiritual traditions. It is both beautiful and fascinating. Songlist: Joseph Smith's First Prayer, Silence (Heaven's Gift), Brightly Beans Our Father's Mercy, Daybreak, O Savior, Thou Who Wearest the Crown, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Silent Night, Dona Nobis Pacem, Turning, Prayer of the Children, The Greatest of These, I Feel My Savior's Love, I Hope They Call Me on a Mission
InsideOut : So It SeemsReview: An all-male sextet from Utah, "Inside Out A Cappella" has a similar sound to the Blenders and Rockapella, a likeness for which they make no apology, even covering the Blenders "McDonald's Girl" and Rockapella's "Ellie My Love." The group's "Coal Mine Medley" is a four-song patchwork that seamlessly integrates classic Americana such as "Sixteen Tons" and "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" with a surprisingly modern and engaging result. "Squirrels" and "Rubber Ducky," reveal the group's silly side; "Somebody," "Prayer For The Children" and "Old Park Bench" are tender ballads. Several of the compositions are originals and display quite a flair for melody. Songlist: Coal Mine Medley, Innocence, Ellie My Love, Crazy, Rubber Ducky, The Promise, McDonald's Girl, Somebody, Prayer of the Children, Old Park Bench, Inside, Squirrels
Review: "Sharing Time" is a wonderful sequel to six-man, SLC-based Mormon multiple CARA-winners' excellent "Primary Colors." Both CDs are aimed at children, and both sparkle with crisp vocal percussion, original songs arranged and produced by the group, sweet harmonies and leads, and thought-provoking lyrics. Fourteen all-a cappella tunes, ranging from serious Contemporary Christian material in songs like "Book of Mormon Stories/The Golden Plates," "The Priesthood Is Restored/A Young Man Prepared," "When I Am Baptized" and "Baptism (Jesus Came to John the Baptist)" to a fine a cappella rendition of Ravel's "Bolero," Piero Umiliani's "Mahna Mahna," fun and silly kid's tunes like "Do Your Ears Hang Low," "Little Purple Pansies," new lyrics to the Reggae tune in "Primary Jamboree," "What Do You Do in the Summertime" and the surprising, brilliant impressionistic gem "In The Sun They Melted (Snowman II)." We loved the guest children singers on "I Am a Child of God" - so many things about "Sharing Time" are beautiful and touching on many levels. One of the best of the year! Songlist: Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?, Book of Mormon Stories / The Golden Plates, My Heavenly Father Loves Me, The Priesthood is Restored, Bolero, Do Your Ears Hang Low?, Little Purple Pansies, I Am a Child of God, When I Am Baptized, Baptism (Jesus Came to John the Baptist), Peanut Butter and Jelly, Mahna Mahna, Primary Jamboree, In The Sun They Melted (Snowmen II)
Kickshaw : Put It In The MicrophoneReview: Seattle, Washington-based Kickshaw, 5-man Contemporary a cappella group who've been working on their 'Groovalistic-Funkappella' sound since 1996, won first place in the 1997 Pacific NW Harmony Sweepstakes competition, and decided after a great performance at the Finals that they were ready to pursue music full time. "Put It" has 9 songs (and an intro by one of the group member's little son): "Gavin Intro," "Stand Up," "No," "Pin-Up Girl," "No Tomorrow," "Me Gusta La Musica," "Potatoes and Rice," "The Other Side," "What I Wanted" and "Play!" "Put It" is excellent CD #2, the first was "Superstar." Kickshaw's energetic songs are groove-driven, with crafty vocal arrangements, and they have ability to create the sounds of musical instruments with only their mouths-which makes them a very exciting live group, and "Put It" an a cappella envelope-pushing winner! Songlist: Gavin Intro, Stand Up, No, Pin-Up Girl, No Tomorrow, Me Gusta La Musica, Potatoes and Rice, The Other Side, What I Wanted, Play!
Kickshaw : Superstar Review: Having been introduced to Seattle's Kickshaw in the 1997 Harmony Sweepstakes, we knew this CD was worth our attention, and it has surpassed our expectations. (Seattle's a cappella scene is happening, having also produced m-pact and the Coats). This funky foursome grooves to a dance beat, that's for sure; "Superstar," written by the group, is our favorite, but "Papa Is A Rolling Stone" is a close runner-up. However, Kickshaw throws out several curve balls too - the chant of "Invictus," which reveals a depth and intelligence that goes beyond frilly shirts and disco frivolity. The production is outstanding, some of the best we've heard - "Dance To The Music" a great example, as Kickshaw cops a guitar and drum tone that may even be better than the real thing, and the arrangement is clever. Cool. Songlist: Sound Check, Voice!, Superstar, Invictus, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Dance To The Music, The Deed, The Party Song, Walkin' Man, My Heart Is For You, Invictus (reprise), Are You Gonna Go My Way, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Review: Beginning his career as a singer and "San Francisco's Best Beatboxer," Kid Beyond, "Singer, Beatboxer, Live Looper, Songwriter and One Man Band" has put together a powerful solo a cappella show and a growing following. We personally caught a couple of Kid's first live shows at the A Cappella Summit, and were amazed, watching and hearing him loop and multitrack his voice onstage to create his own backing tracks-layering his impassioned, surreal lyrics over his own beatboxing and vocal instrumentation. The result is a riveting, mesmerizing, soulful brew of pop electronica. Included are 4 major pieces, "Wandering Star," "Mothership," "Deep Inside" and one of our favorite live tunes, "I Shall Be Free." Following that are some wonderful remixes, 2 of "Wandering Star," and one each of "Mothership" and "Deep Inside." With over a dozen live concerts across the country in the next month, Kid has become an a cappella phenomenon that needs to be experienced to be believed! Some of the remixes are remixed with some accompaniment, unless Kid can do the best imitation of several trumpets we've heard-but no matter, this is great stuff, and Kid is going to be a star! Songlist: Wandering Star, Mothership, Deep Inside, I Shall Be Free, Remixes, Wandering Star, Mothership, Deep Inside, Wandering Star
Kinsey Sicks : Boyz 2 Girlz Review: The high-priests of parody, the Kinsey Sicks, have returned to tweak our collective consciousness with provocative chansons such as "Queen of the Nile," "I Will Swallow Him" and "Titanic: Why Does Celine Go On?" The irascible and gender-bending foursome of Winnie, Trampolina, Rachel and Trixie are not content to rest upon their tightly-clad derrieres, after the success of last year's "Dragapella," (and selection as "Audience Favorites" at San Francisco's Harmony Sweepstakes Regionals). Seven tracks recorded live, at their raucous stage-show (19 songs in all). Six originals, including "I Wish You Peace," an ingenuous goodbye to those nearest and dearest to their hearts; this rare break in levity is perhaps the most touching of all. Songlist: Diva!, The Group Kinsey Sicks, Where The Goys Are, I Will Swallow Him, Gay Sera Sera, Baby Dyke, Song For An Answering Machine, Dead Princess, Queen Of The Nile, April Sat On My Master's Face, El Nino, Gay, Straight Or Bi, Wear Names, Baby In The Bathtub, I Wish You Peace, Titanic: Why Does Celine Go On?, Inflatables, Papirossen, Anal Warts: A Sing-Along
Kinsey Sicks : Dragapella Review: Yes, this CD is everything the group's name implies, and more! Taking on issues as serious as AIDS and as hilarious as the never-ending pursuit of bodies beautiful (their own or someone else's), this quartet is flagrant in its willingness to gore any sacred cow. The only taste they could be accused of having is musical. The arrangements and harmonies, while not innovative, are perfectly respectable and provide a satisfactory backdrop for the lyrical content. "AZT," a parody of the Jackson Five's "ABC," uses the names of HIV medications in a perfect synchronization of words and rhythm. "Impossible Mission" is a paean to Tom Cruise, "Lifesize Jesus" an homage to Karen Carpenter. The "Kinsey Sicks" theme song is an X-rated group mission statement (Dragapella "puts the sin in syncopation"). The Supremes' "Love Child" is fatally lampooned in "Baster Baby Blues." Dragapella's social satire will be a favorite, no matter your orientation! Songlist: Brava!, Gentle Loving People, Kinsey Sicks Theme Song, Take Me Home to Meet Your Mama, Lifesize Jesus, Men Are Pigs (But Why Keep Kosher?), Be Here Next Year, The Rose, Impossible Mission, Begona's Song, Self-Esteem, Keep Your Hands Away, Worry, Proud Marys, AZT, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free, Baster Baby Blues, Macaroona, Beaver
Kinsey Sicks : I Wanna Be a RepublicanReview: America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet has done it again with their fourth CD! 17 deliciously appalling originals and parodies -- plus a gorgeous-beyond-belief videoclip -- all on one fabulous CD. The Kinsey Sicks deliver their sassy take on the GOP in "I Wanna Be A Republican" and "When You're Good To Dubya", offer sage advice with "Rent A Homo" and "Be A Slut", and give Whitney Houston and Cher a run for their money with "I Will Always Love Booze" and "Do You Believe I've Lasted This Long?" With the gorgeous harmonies you love, the tart satire you crave, and the towering hair you fear, The Kinsey Sicks will leave you pleading for more with their spiciest CD yet! Songlist: I Wanna Be A Republican, Why Can't We?, Clean, It Isn't Easy Being Dumm, Be a Slut (live), Can't Help Lovin That Hand (live), Rent a Homo, Don't Rein in My Buffet, The Day We Were (live), I've Been THrough Parasites (But I've Never Had VD), Lo Que, Paso, Paso, Jerry's Song (live), I Will Always Love Booze (live), When You're Good to Dubya, Buy My Pride, Spoken Intro (live), Buy My Pride (live), Do You Believe I've Lasted This Long?, Bonus Video!
Kinsey Sicks : Sicks In The City Review: After wowing the crowds at a couple of Harmony Sweepstakes Bay Area Regionals and a West Coast Summit, this highly entertaining quartet went on to a critically acclaimed off-Broadway run with their show "Dragapella." The show was nominated for a prestigious Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics and it's clear from the 18 new songs that Rachel, Trampolina, Trixie and Winnie have been busy little boy/girls. "You're Scaring Us," sung to the tune of the 5th Dimension's "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" is a hilarious anthem to gay men's (and everyone else's) aging horrors. "Cruise People Uglier Than You" goes strangely well with the segue "Don't Let There Be A Morning After." The ode to a yuppie real estate agent, "Bugle Boy on Avenue B" musically explains why you can't afford your apartment. Then comes the aria to telemarketers "MCI will call you..." to the tune of "Bali Hai." This review is getting verbose, but it could easily be twice as long - this is brilliant, dangerous and funny stuff. We loved them live, and we love this CD! Songlist: You're Scaring Us, Locked Out of the Chapel of Love, Amour, amor, Cruise People Uglier Than You, Don't Let There Be a Morning After, Ad Nauseum, Bugle Boy on Avenue B, What You Never Told Me, MCI, Dubya, Fetish, Leaning Close, It's Crystal Time in the City, Snatchmaker, Snatchmaker, Nice Jewish Girls, Proud Marys, Everybody Loves a Drag Queen, Sexy Underwear
Knudsen Brothers : BelieveReview: Unable to afford musical instruments in 1975, the five oldest Knudsen boys, began singing a cappella barbershop-style as a quintet under the direction of their gifted father. Cutting their chops as a quartet in SPEBSQSA competitions as teenagers, the brothers joined again professionally as a quintet as adults. "Believe" is their 7th CD and besides winning the Harmony Sweeps, they have thrilled audiences all over the world and appeared with some of the biggest names in show business. "Believe" is 11 songs, pure classic gospel ("Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "Be Still My Soul," "The Lord's Prayer," etc), with one exception, the original "Love Times Ten," which is a stone hit and should be on the radio. Light guitar accompaniment on "Love Times Ten," "Nearer My God to Thee," and "Sweet Hour of Prayer." Frankly, we love the Knudsens, they sing with feeling and power, and their live shows and CDs are top-drawer. Excellent, inspirational and recommended Songlist: Amazing Grace, The Way, Sweet Hour of Prayer, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, Battle Hymn of the Republic, You'll Never Walk Alone, How Great Thou Art, Nearer, My God, To Thee, Be Still, My Soul, Love Times Ten, The Lord's Prayer
m-pact : 2Review: 1996 Harmony Sweepstakes winners m-pact are back with this, their second CD. Two new members have joined the group: Britt Quentin and Greg Whipple. Britt's tenor voice-and-soul are shown to impressive advantage in the Earth, Wind & Fire song "Fantasy," the album's only cover. The original songs demonstrate an R&B sensibility, coupled with pop hooks. The standout songs are "Hold On My Heart" and "Without Your Love," which combines great material, a powerhouse vocal (by Greg), and an exceptional bass performance. In general the bass is placed and articulated so that it really fills up the bottom end, and is one of the main reasons this CD feels so good. We expected no less! Songlist: If We Try, Without Your Love, Hold On My Heart, Fantasy, First Steps, My Way, 2, Under The Sun, A Mile In My Shoes, Rain
m-pact : It's All About Harmony Review: OK lets take it from the top. That must have been what someone told this quintet of men and they heard, "lets start at the top," instead. That's what they did all right. After just a few months together they entered the Harmony Sweepstakes and won! This release was recorded later that year to satisfy the clamor of fans everywhere. There are some slow ones, some fast ones, and two which have become signature tunes, "Got A Friend?" and "Change In My Life." Other memorable originals are "All Of My Love," "If I Lost You" and "Why Can't We?" Songlist: Got a Friend?, All Of My Love, Love The One You're With, If I Lost You, Still the One, Why Can't We All?, 29 Ways, Change In My Life, She Won't Believe in Me, Higher and Higher, Still the One, Got a Friend?
m-pact : Live At The Triple Door Review: A live recording of m-pact, one of our favorite pop/jazz vocal ensembles of all time, at Seattle's Triple Door-what a treat!! Since being named 1996-97 Harmony Sweeps champs and Audience Favorite, m-pact has been wowing appreciative audiences all over the world, including several memorable appearances at the West Coast Summit. Finally, the signature sound and eclectic musical tastes of this internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning vocal sensation are down on plastic. The song selection dances from soaring soul like a marvelous arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish," "Ain't Nobody," "Still the One" and Willie Dixon's "29 Ways;" and sophisticated jazz like Miles Davis' "All Blues" and the salsa scattish "Northeast Wind;" to fresh pop originals like "u nee 2 no" and the jazzy "found a love in you," written by brilliant alto lead Britt Quentin. The disco tune "Boogie Oogie Oogie" becomes a vocal percussion showcase for Trist Curless' flawless beat-box, and "If We Try" highlights Britt's pure, soaring, almost unbelievable range, as does a jazz interpretation of Cole Porter's "Night and Day." "Live" continues with the jazzy, ultra-hip "What If We Was Cool," a surprising jazz interpretation of the pop anthem "Higher and Higher," and closes with an incongruous, but lovely cover of Bach's "How Shall I Fitly Greet Thee." Everyone who has had the one-of-a-kind experience of seeing and hearing m-pact live, and knows what a gift that is, will appreciate what has been captured on these two discs. Brilliant, stunning, and highly recommended! Songlist: Boogie Boogie Oogie, Ain't Nobody, Somebody Love Me, What If We Was Cool, If We Try, Night and Day, All Blues, Still The One, Found A Love In You, 29 Ways, Higher and Higher
m-pact : m-pact Review: One of our favorite groups on the planet from the first time we saw them on the stage of the Harmony Sweeps Finals, easily taking Audience Favorite and the National Championship, (then 5-man, now 6) jazz-pop m-pact continues to push the a cappella envelope with their unique, amazing sound. "m-pact," their 5th recording, was recorded at m-pact studios in LA, and is proudly distributed exclusively by Primarily A Cappella Records. The tagline on "m-pact," "experience the voice," refers to the pure, sumptuous tenor/soprano of Britt Quentin, whose creative arrangements, production and even engineering are evident on all 14 tracks. Especially fine are his arrangements that reinvent classics such as Cole Porter's "Night and Day," Rogers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," "Over the Rainbow," Lerner & Lowe's "Almost Like Being In Love," "Bluesette," the Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving," and "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life." The opening cut is "You Need to Know," a sassy, walking-jazz original by Britt, who also shines on lead. He also wrote (or co-wrote) and sings lead on the mellow finger-snapper "I Found A Love In You" and vocal percussion gem "I Thought You Cared For Me." Trist, Marco, Jake, Rudy and Jeff and their own incredible vocal talents to a smooth, sophisticated recording that surprises and touches on many levels, that we found ourselves replaying again and again to fully appreciate-in short, a masterpiece! Songlist: You Need To Know, Have A Talk with God, I Found A Love In You, Night and Day, I Thought You Cared For Me, Jesus To A Child, My Favorite Things, Northeast Wind, Over The Rainbow, Almost Like Being In Love, Bluesette, Baby I Need Your Loving, What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life?, Northwest Passage
Review: "The World's best beatboxing and singing group" is a very bold statement, and it's right there on The Magnets' website! Sure, the UK's Nic, Steve, Michael, James, Fraser and rock-solid percussionist Andy "Ice Man" Frost won the 2001 CARA for Best Pop/Rock Original Song, "All the Wrong Reasons" from their excellent debut CD "Giving It All That." And sure, their tours of Austria, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Hungary, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK were a huge success, and they received reviews like "A cappella singing straight from the Gods"-Edinburgh Evening News, "Talent in abundance and a highly original, note-perfect act"-Metro, and "Glorious a cappella - these are top-class professional vocalists"-Die Welt. And on "Gobsmacked" (also the name of their current 26-song live show), the guys give 11 iconic songs an all-vocal reinvention, including Blondie's "Call Me," a sultry version of "Poker Face" by Lady GaGa, a stunning Bossa Nova remake of Bon Jovi's "Living On a Prayer," a funky celebration of the Scissor Sisters' "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," a breezy, pop hit on David Bowie's "Let's Dance"-in fact, this is one of the best albums we've heard in a long time! Check it out, great leads, creative, surprising arrangements, flawless vocal percussion, stellar backup harmonies, big Fun-The Magnets are the real deal! Songlist: Call Me, I Don't Feel Like Dancin', Livin' On A Prayer, Dog Days Are Over, Drum Solo, Are You Gonna Go My Way?, Girls & Boys, Sweet Dreams, The Model, Let's Dance, Poker Face
Review: All male a cappella Vocal Jazz sextet from Kiev Ukraine ManSound was formed in 1994, the brainchild of composer/arranger Vladimir Mikhnovetsky, and they immediately began creating fans. First performing at, and winning, European Jazz festivals, ManSound hit the US by storm, wowing the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and winning the coveted Ward Swingle Award. There are 15 tunes here, some favorites (admittedly the ones in English, as we can write their names here) are a hot salsa "Mas Que Nada," a scattish "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," an unbelievable arrangement of the BeeGee's "How Deep is Your Love," "Spain (I Can Recall)," "Air on G String," "Les Moulins de Mon Coeur" ("The Windmills of Your Mind") and "Beyond The Sea." ManSound has a powerful, exuberant sound, with spot-on vocal (and non-vocal) percussion that's scary good. The leads are sweet and soaring, and who cares if the singer knows exactly what he's singing? The arrangements are juicy and surprising, just listen to their fresh, bluesy take on "How Deep is Your Love." ManSound is the most exciting new sound in Vocal Jazz right now! Songlist: Mas Que Nada, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, How Deep Is Your Love, Spain (I Can Recall), Air On G String, Les Moulins De Mon Coeur, Beyond The Sea, Yiddishe Mamme, Tetri Rashi, Amore No
Review: In this live CD Marcoux (Mahr-coo) Corner, their 3rd, prove that yes, in fact, more than one outstanding male Contemporary quartet hails from the home of the Blenders, Fargo, ND. 12 well-chosen pop cover, with funny banter segues and interactions with the audience - all adds up to big fun! Lennon/McCartney's "Ob, La, Di," "M.T.A.," "You're Sixteen," the Monkees' "I'm A Believer," the completely silly "Dolphin Boy," "One Fine Day," Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville," the manic, tongue-twisting "Johnny Saucepan," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," Van Morrison's "Moondance" and "The Sunshine Medley" are all wonderful. It's the next best thing to being in the audience for this very funny, highly entertaining show. Songlist: Ob La Di, M.T.A, You're Sixteen, Build Me Up, Buttercup, Aluminium, I'm A Believer, Garden State, Dolphin Boy, Bad Choreograhy, One Fine Day, Burro Burrow, Margaritaville, Relaxing Tapes, Johnny Saucepan, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Find Someone, Moondance, The Sunshine Medley
Review: This is the debut album of all male Contemporary a cappella Italian sextet Maybe6ix. Brought together in 2006 by a cappella devotees Fausto Caravati and Alessandro Cadario, Maybe6ix became kind of a supergroup with the addition of Luca Giugno, Tony Guerrieri, Tommaso Ferrandina and Krishna Nagaraga. The avowed purpose of the group was (and continues to be) to advance Italian pop music through creative new arrangements, using the voice as the only instrument. The group wants to bring classical and pop closer together and to bring a cappella music to every musical genre. They have an experimental sound that throws faux horns, 5-part fugues and other seemingly incongruous settings into their lovely, surprising compositions. All 9 songs are in Italian, some particularly fine ones are "Infinito," "lo per lei," "Ogni mio istante," "Oceano," "La terra dei Cachi" and "Baila." Maybe6ix has a sweet, unexpected sound that brings together a smorgasbord of musical styles in the same song, in a playful, spirited way that recalls Queen on "Bohemian Rhapsody" and '08 Harmony Sweeps Champs Vocaldente. Fun, eclectic a cappella stuff from Italy! Songlist: Infinito, Giudizi Universali, Lo Per Lei, Cose in Comune, Ogni Mio Istante, Oceano, La Terra De Cachi, qualcosa che non ce, Baila
MeasureXmeasure : On Our OwnReview: The five young men who form Contemporary a cappella group measureXmeasure, slimmed down from the original nine who founded the group at the University of Kansas in 1995, have two successful CDs, "Measure by Measure" and "We're Back," under their belts, and "On Our Own" is an impressive third effort! We like to see the little note, "all music on this CD was created by the voices and appendages of the group," because it usually means there's some butt-kicking vocal percussion, and there's some of the best we've heard here. 11 songs, including some originals, "My Heart," "Live and Learn," "So In Love With You," "Everything" and "On Our Own," and some excellent covers: "Up the Ladder to the Roof," "You Don't Treat Me No Good," "Mustang Sally," "Only You," "Don't Let Your Heart," and finishing, incongruously, by nailing Maurice Durufle's sacred masterpiece, "Ubi Caritas." The group does their own arrangements and has the kind of juice and flair only found in the best Contemporary groups like Rockapella and m-pact. "On Our Own" is one of the best we've heard this year. Songlist: Up the Ladder to the Roof, You Don't Treat Me No Good, My Heart, Mustang Sally, Only You (And You Alone), Live and Learn, So in Love With You, Everything, On Our Own, Don't Let Your Heart, Ubi Caritas
MeasureXmeasure : We're BackReview: From that indie-music oasis, Lawrence, Kansas, come MeasureXMeasure (Measure-by-Measure is how that reads). These five young twenty-something fellows incorporate some hip-hop/dance/electronica energy into their yes, exclusively a cappella contemporary sound, which is also made up entirely of original tunes, save for "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," arranged by the group's own Jeff Smith. This track deserves special mention, both for originality and execution; it's different, strikes the proper balance between economy and surfeit, and is absolutely in tune. If they do this live, it must bring down the house. Not to give an incorrect impression, "Rainbow" is a stylistic anomaly, but the point is that these five bring a measure of skill that is promising indeed. Given that all of the group members write, their originals haven't forged the same distinct personality, but there's a lot of potential here. Songlist: I Have A Plan, Give It Up, If.., In The Same Shoes, Can't Seem To Say Goodbye, Whatcha Gonna Do?, I Feel You In My Heart, Be Your Man, Hear Me Say, Runnin' Through My Mind, Step Up To The Mic, Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Montezuma's Revenge : In Pursuit Of Pleasure Review: Hip Dutch group Montezuma's Revenge is back with this simply-produced contemporary recording. Allowing the songs and lead vocals center stage, the five men of Montezuma take on pop hits as well as lesser-known compositions from familiar artists, such as Prince's "Sometimes It Snows In April" and John Lennon's "Mother," in addition to self-penned originals (the sexy "I'm da 1-4-U"). "Plateau" has a hypnotic repeating minor-third accompaniment that drives the verse; the swirling descent of notes that are the setting of "Sometimes It Snows" are a modern tone-painting. The radio-friendly "Virtual Insanity" (Jamiroquai) lends itself well to this a cappella version; anyone who has heard the chorus once will recognize it instantly. This CD reveals more with each listen. Songlist: In The House Of Stone And Light, Nightshift, Calling You, What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted, I'm Da 1-4-U, Plateau, Mother, Sometimes It Snows In April, No More I Love You's, Virtual Insanity, Decent And Distant
Moosebutter : See DeeReview: We had the pleasure of seeing the manic four young men of Utah-based Moosebutter at the recent smash West Coast Summit, first in a showcase concert at Dominican College, and then, by invitation because they were so hilarious, at the Saturday night concert. There are 4 authentic young comic geniuses here, especially Tim Y. Jones, who writes, composes, adapts and arranges practically everything in this CD. There are 17 little delights here, from an ode to tile, "The Happy Tile Cleaner," "Captain Organic Vegetable Man," "Psycho: The Musical," "The Alphabet Song," the amazing "Star Wars Medley" adds words to those deathless heroic theme songs, like "Kiss a Wookiee, kick a droid, fly the Falcon through an asteroid, 'til the Princess gets annoyed," "Ghost Chickens in the Sky," the very funny "Cell Phone," "The Googies," "O Pretty Baby," "Luck o' the Irish," "Turkey Dance," "Jell-O," "He Met Her on the Stairs" and "Spew." This is funny, brilliant stuff, that wowed 'em at the Summit, with crazed sound effect samples, the kind of material that gets a group on morning shows and stages at the Harmony Sweeps Finals! Songlist: Tile Lovers of the Universe, The Happy Tile Cleaner, Captain Organic Vegetable Man, SPAM, Psycho: The Musical, The Alphabet Song, Star Wars, Ghost Chickens in the Sky, Lion, Cell Phone, The Googies, O Pretty Baby, Luck o' the Irish, Turkey Dance, Jell-O, He Met Her on the Stairs, Spew
Moosebutter : Udder WonReview: There they were, 4 young guys from Utah at one of the daytime West Coast Summit "showcase concerts," in white headbands, red polyester running pants and black windbreakers, singing "Captain Organic Vegetable Man" and "Star Wars." That night they were invited to do some of their set at the big Summit concert at Marin Veterans Auditorium, and the crowd went nuts. Segue to May, 2003, another Saturday night on the same stage--the Harmony Sweeps Finals, where Moosebutter came in second only because The Idea of North could have beaten a choir of angels that night. Although they're not our type, we loved Moosebutter from the beginning, and have played their 1st CD, "See Dee," until "Psycho, the Musical" sounds like Alvin & the Chipmunks. Their long-awaited 2nd CD, "udder won" is now safely installed in our boombox. 15 manic songs, like "Uncle Earl's Hairpiece," the deeply romantic "The Valentine's Day Song," "Harry Potter" (sung to the tune of Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman"), "I Hate Mosquitoes," "Rubber Monkey," "Hicksville, parts 1 and 2," "Jon Boy Jon," a particularly crazed "Witch Doctor" and the never-ending "Squirrels" (In My Nose). "Udder won" (which we think refers to the fact that they had one "See Dee" and this, obviously, is the "udder won"), is funny, bizarre, weird, brilliant and totally bananas. Our theory centers on something in the Utah water, and we'll take a six-pack! Songlist: Convocation, Uncle Earl's Hairpiece, The Valentine's Day Song, Sarah, Harry Potter, I Hate Mosquitos, Midnight musings upon completeing the works of Byzantine philosopher Johannes Philoponus, Act II, scene iii, Still the Shortest, Rubber Monkey, Doug, Hicksville pt. 1, Jon Boy Jon, Hicksville pt. 2, Witch Doctor, Squirrels
MuSix : Everything We Want Review: Berlin-based Contemporary a cappella boy septet muSix's "everything" has some top-drawer arranging and cool production effects, a very fun mix of fairly unexpected covers - Jamiroquai's wonderful "Canned Heat," Terence Trent D'Arby's "Delicate," Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer," the Isley Bros' "(I've Got) Work to Do" and a pair by Phil Collins and Genesis, "That's Just the Way It Is" and "Land of Confusion." There's also three originals that win more musical than lyrical points, but show definite promise, especially talented arranger and innovative vocal percussionist Patrick Oliver's ominous "The Poison of Love." Tenor Lukas Teske's leads on "Delicate" and "Canned Heat" really caught our attention-the man has a world-class voice. Some of the lyrics in German, particularly on N'Sync's "I Want You Back," which appears here as "Will Dich Zurich," take something away from the edginess of the original. But for a self-produced and arranged debut CD by a group of 20-something guys, "everything" is very impressive, and turned us into fans. We're expecting big things of this talented, refreshing group, who create such a rich sound on a cut like "Land of Confusion," that they have to put the disclaimer "all sounds on this record are mouth-made, except for the seashore on 14." Songlist: Canned Heat, Everything You Want, Dolce Vita, Touch Me, Sledgehammer, That's Just The Way It Is, Just An Illusion, Autosong, Delicate, I've Got Work To Do, Tribute, Will Dich Zuruck, The Poison Of Love, Feissein, Land Of Confusion
Review: Both Sides Now is Naturally 7's seventh studio-album. It represents a further remarkable development for the renowned vocal-group from NYC. Some of their previous biggest successes were notable interpretations of global hits from Phil Collins' "Feel It (In The Air Tonight)"; Coldplay's epic "Fix You" to their self-penned "Wall Of Sound". All of which they performed during three world tours with Michael Buble in 467 shows to over 4 million people in 25 countries. Both Sides Now is driven by wonderfully rich and warm harmonies in stellar vocal arrangements combined with Naturally 7's unique talents to perform a variety of instruments simply using their voices. The album contains of classics spanning over a century: from Anton Dvorak "Going Home", England's most patriotic Hymn "Jerusalem" to Roberta Flack's "The First Time, Ever I Saw Your Face", Sting's "Shape Of My Heart" featuring A Cappella-Youtube-sensation Peter Hollens, Paul McCartney's "Pipes Of Peace", the title-track: Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" all the way to a very special version of Adele's "Hello" feat. German megastar Helene Fischer, as well as the group's original song, which always closes their live-show: "Caught In The Moment" featuring Naturally 7 fan Pentatonix' Kevin Olusola on cello. Kevin's excitement to work with the band comes as no surprise, as many admire the seven as the modern "Godfathers" of the vocal genre. Songlist: Jerusalem, Shape of My Heart, (I Need) Air, Going Home, Prince Igor, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Both Sides Now, Hello, Caught in the Moment, Pipes of Peace, Bridge Over Troubled Water
Naturally 7 : Hidden In Plain SightReview: When we first heard and saw these seven beautiful singers, on the stage of the 1999 National Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA, they were the NY Regional Champs, a gospel group called "Seven," recently formed as a group and unknown on the a cappella scene. A sublime 12 minute set later they were the surprise winners, and these talented, soulful men have never looked back since then! Their latest release, of many excellent albums and DVDs we've praised in the Singers.com catalog, "Hidden in Plain Sight," is a wonder, and has drawn superstar-like attention. Difficult to pick favorites among these 14 cuts, but a cover of Coldplay's hit "Fix You," an audience favorite on their live shows, also stands out for us, "Galileo" features a wonderful (and actually licensed) sample of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," and the gorgeous, elemental "Mahalia" samples Mahalia Jackson's "Trouble of the World" while giving a nod to the group's spiritual roots. Other favorites are what group front man Roger Thomas calls "Hybrids," where the group takes well-known songs like Wham's "Everything She Wants" and makes it the impetus for their own song, "Life Goes On;" and the group imitates all the instruments on Art of Noise's "Moments in Love," bringing their own song into the mix. "Rhapsody to the Queen" is another favorite of the group's eight originals on the album. It's clear to us how much Naturally 7 has become the cutting edge in the a cappella world by all the reviewers who rave about how 7 showcases the "awesome power of the human voice." This is what we've been talking about for decades when reviewing truly transcendent, envelope-pushing artists. Naturally 7 has clearly risen to this rare, atmospheric level, and we would invite you to celebrate this achievement with us by treating yourself to "Hidden in Plain Sight!" Songlist: Tempus Fugit (Motus1), Keep The Customer Satisfied, Rhapsody of the Queen, Can't Take The Credit, Galileo feat. Queen, Moments (Ive Been Loved), Life Goes On, Put You On To This, Fix You, Need You With Me, Mahalia, Take It (Golden Gates), Run Away, Eppur Si Muove (Motus V)
Review: Here is a "best of" collection from one of the most innovative a cappella groups performing today. Songlist: Wall of Sound, Feel It (In The Air Tonight), As Tears Go Bye, Gone With the Wind, Broken Wings, More Than Words, What I'm Lookin' 4, Closer Now, Heaven Knows, It Is What It Is, Let It Rain (Harmony Mix), U Can't Hear Me, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Say You Love Me, Amazing Grace
Neri Per Caso : La Raccolta Review: It has been some time since we received silky-smooth Contemporary Italian all-male sextet Neri Per Caso's first, self-titled CD. It blew us away like a warm Mediterranean breeze, and from the first few bars of "La Raccolta" we can hear that they've only gotten better--smoother, sexier, and the harmonies and vocal percussion richer and more effortless. As the liner notes are all in Italian we still don't understand a word (except for the final cut, a sumptuous cover of Lennon/McCartney's "Here, There and Everywhere), but then again, chocolate gelato melts in your mouth whether you understand the language or not! 17 songs, a lot of originals "Amore Psicologico," "La Ragazze," "Sentimento Pentimento," "Donne," "Quando," "Io Ci Saro"...these songs simply cook. Four tracks, "Quello Che Vuoi," "Fortuna," "Io Ci Saro" and "Centro Di Gravita Permanente," are also on the debut CD. Most of the second half of the CD, including "Mai Piu Sola," "Appena Un Po A Est," "Sara," "Che Cosa Sei" and "Un Angelo Blu," are intensely accompanied. In their a cappella tunes, NPC is like an Italian Rockapella, if you will--there's a tremendous amount of charisma and talent here, and all we can say is, "recommended!" Songlist: Amore Psicologico, Tu Sei Per Me, Le Ragazze, Sentimento Pentimento, Donne, 'A Malatia 'E L'America, Quando, Mai Piu Sola, Appena Un Po' A Est, Quello Che Vuoi, Io Ci Saro, Centro de Gravita Permamente, Fortuna, Sara, Che Cosa Sei, Un Angelmo Blu, Here, There And Everywhere
Neri Per Caso : Neri Per Caso Review: This male Italian sextet provides an infectious brand of contemporary a cappella. Though in Italian (the lyrics are therefore a mystery to us), our appetites are whetted by catchy melodies and sated by enthusiastic and charismatic delivery. The songs groove, with smooth syncopated bass lines. The harmonies are polished, but not too slick. We believe the compositions to be all originals, and they are sung without accompaniment, save for piano on "Un Po' Cosi" and "Volare Via." The group's work has been very hard to obtain in North America, and we were lucky indeed to arrange this special purchase. Neri Per Caso is a welcome infusion of Mediterranean heat! Songlist: Quello Che Vuoi, Io Ci Saro, Centro Di Gravita Permanente, Un Po' Cosi, Fortuna, Sogno, Cosa C'e Tra Noi, In Un Bar, Canta Appress'a Nuje, Volare Via, Jamming, Quello Che Vuoi
Review: Longtime Harmony Sweepstakes fans like us experienced a curious sense of deja vu while watching the Finals of NBC's "The Sing-Off." This was not surprising, of course, because the show was directly inspired by the Harmony Sweeps, but watching the first Champions, Nota, some of the singers looked very familiar. Searching the Sweeps website, we had to go back to the 2004 Finals, where a 7-man group from Puerto Rico named "Alpha", winners of the L.A. Regional, failed to place but impressed a lot of us in the audience. Since that evening "Alpha" members Edgar Rios, Johnny Figueroa and Ludwig Henderson joined with friends Jose Angel Rodriguez, Juan Eli Diaz and David Pinto to form the beautifully-named Nota, and the reaction of the tv audience, studio audience and judges underlined what everyone could tell from the first few notes-Nota ranks among the best, most entertaining a cappella groups in the world! There are 11 cuts on "Nota," covers of Lil' Wayne's "I Gotta Feeling," Jay Sean's "Down" (which has a marvelous salsa segueway), William "Smoky" Robinson's "Track of My Tears" and "My Girl;" Marc Anthony's "I Need to Know" and Maroon 5's "This Love;" and originals such as "You Own My All," by group member David, "Con mi nota en do" and "Solo sin ti" by Edgar, Ludwig, David and Eduardo Reyes, "Que tengo que hacer" and "Todo cambio." We're going to list the first cut, "I Gotta Feeling" as our favorite because listening to it we knew how good Nota is, and, as we expected, the other 11 cuts are all joyous, bilingual musical treats. Listen to the faux harmonica on cut #7, "My Girl," the faux electric guitar solo on cut #6, "This Love" or the faux horn section on "I Need to Know." Look and the amazing performance photos of the group in the liner notes, or go to YouTube and check out a couple live Nota performances. Then, like us, you'll be a huge Nota fan, turning on your friends to this sweet-singing, big fun group of a cappella champions! Songlist: I Gotta Feeling, Down, Can Mi Nota En Do, You Are My All, Tracks of my Tears, This Love, My Girl, Todo Cambio, Que Tengo Que Hacer, Solo Sin Ti, I Need To Know
Nylons : Best of Review: In 1993 Attic Records and Windham Hill Records put out their first collection, entitled Best Of..., which, like the later compilation Perfect Fit is a fine survey of the four Nylons whom most consider the originals, Marc Connors, Paul Cooper, Arnold Robinson and Claude Morrison. Many of the signature tunes are found on both releases but uniquely on Best Of... are "That Kind Of Man," "Up The Ladder To The Roof," "Please," "Stepping Stone," "Bop Till You Drop," "Combat Zone," "Wildfire" and "The Stars Are Ours." Songlist: That Kind of Man, Kiss Him Goodbye, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Up the Ladder to the Roof, Please, Happy Together, Drift Away, Stepping Stone, Bop Till You Drop, Chain Gang, Up On The Roof, Prince of Darkness, Poison Ivy, Combat Zone, Wildfire, The Stars Are Ours
Nylons : Happy TogetherReview: Classic Nylons! Here we have the archetypical fabulous vocal harmony accompanied by rhythm tracks. As Happy Together was released in 1987 it can be said to be in the prime of the early Nylons. Though the best known tunes from this recording are "Happy Together" and "Kiss Him Goodbye," this reviewer finds "It's What They Call Magic," "This Island Earth" and the soaring falsetto on "Grown Man Cry" particularly memorable though perhaps less AM Radio worthy. Additional notable arrangements are "Chain Gang" and "A Touch Of Your Hand." Songlist: Happy Together, Dance of Love, It's What They Call Magic, Chain Gang, This Island Earth, Face in the Crowd, Grown Man Cry, Crazy in Love (Morning Comes Early), A Touch of Your Hand, Kiss Him Goodbye
Nylons : Hits of the 60'sReview: Scotti Brothers released this compilation of tunes in 1997. The Nylons had recorded them while on that label and all have been released on other cds. On it are arrangements which vary from live performance sung unaccompanied by even their patented percussion track ("One Fine Day," "Up On The Roof" and "Kiss Him Goodbye") to the instrumentally enhanced tracks found on the cd Because ("The Time Of The Season" and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"). If you aren't a collector this release gives you a fine survey of their mid-careeer period. Songlist: Time Of The Season, God Only Knows, My Cherie Amour, A Change Is Gonna Come, One Fine Day, Up On The Roof, Kiss Him Goodbye, Lady Madonna, The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in Her Kiss), Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, Hey Girl, Because
Nylons : IllustriousReview: The Nylons have long been one of our favorite groups, most recently wowing the audience at the West Coast Summit. What we love about them is that they don't just cover a song, they "vocally sculpture" it, giving it a new dimension from the original. "Illustrious" is a "best of" collection from The Nylons' many CDs and huge number of live performances, and it's a treat! 13 songs: the live cuts "Duke of Earl" and "Chain Gang," "Love Potion #9/Spooky," the quintessential version of"The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Up On The Roof," "Silhouettes," "Town Without Pity," "Remember," "Kiss Him Goodbye"...the hits just keep on coming. The Nylons simply sing and perform rings around most Doo-Wop groups, and never was this fact so evident as it is on "Illustrious." Great stuff! Songlist: Duke Of Earl, Love Potion #9 / Spooky, Rock and Roll Lullaby, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Silhouettes, Town Without Pity, Up The Ladder To The Roof, Remember, Happy Together, Chain Gang, Kiss Him Goodbye, Drift Away
Nylons : Perfect FitReview: Attic Records has been working with Windham Hill Records to rerelease the Nylons' "Attic years". Perfect Fit is a collection of favorites from the previous releases, The Nylons, One Size Fits All, Seamless, Happy Together, and Rockapella. This release is a grand survey of the early Nylons giving us, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Happy Together," "Kiss Him Goodbye," "Love Potion #9/Spooky," "Silhouettes," "Chain Gang," "Poison Ivy," "Drift Away," "All I Have To Do Is Dream," "Up On The Roof," "This Boy" and three more. Songlist: The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Happy Together, Kiss Him Goodbye, Love Potion #9/Spooky, Selhouettes, Chain Gang, Poison Ivy, Drift Away, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Up On The Roof, Oo Wee, Oh Me, Oh My, This Boy, Remember (Walking In The Sand), Duke Of Earl
Nylons : Play On Review: The veteran male quartet the Nylons, who wowed the West Coast Summit audience not long ago, show us once again the innovative, driving arrangements, tight harmonies, soaring leads, rhythm and soul that has made them a favorite of ours for years! There's non-vocal percussion on just about every cut, but the emphasis remains on the amazing vocals. The song selection is typically well-chosen and fearless: Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," Garth Mosbaugh's "Play" and "Wrong and Right," Kenny Loggins' "This Is It," the lovely Whitney Houston hit, "Feel Like Making Love," "Loving You," "Good Enough to Love," James Taylor's "Only One," "Could've Been You," "Hey There," Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening" and "One More Lonely Night." Every cut is excellent, and some, like "Late in the Evening," the guys just flat out nail! The Nylons are one of the best in the business, and "Play On" is their strongest, most soulful CD to date! Songlist: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Play, This Is It, Feel Like Making Love, Loving You, Good Enough (To Love), Only One, Wrong and Right, Could've Been You, Hey There, Late in the Evening, One More Lonely Night
Nylons : RockapellaReview: A high-energy recording that includes such popular songs as: "Love This is Love," "Drift Away," "(All I Have To Do Is) Dream," and "Poison Ivy." Songlist: Love This is Love, Drift Away, Wildfire, Another Night Like This, No Stone Unturned, Count My Blessings, Poison Ivy, Busy Tonight, Rise Up, (All I Have To Do Is) Dream
Review: The oft-imitated "Lion Sleeps Tonight" leads off this 1984 recording. Other memorable tunes include "This Boy," "Perpetual Emotion," and "Stepping Stone." Songlist: The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Take Me To Your Heart, This Boy, Oo Wee, Oh Me, Oh My, Combat Zone, Up On The Roof, Perpetual Emotion, Stepping Stone, Remember (Walking In The Sand), The Stars Are Ours
Nylons : Skin TightReview: We caught the Nylons' act of classic soul, Vocal Jazz and pop hits at a West Coast A Cappella Summit some years ago, and Tyrone, Gavin, Claude and Garth are as smooth as they come! There are 12 covers here, all accompanied by an unidentified jazz combo: "They Just Can't Stop It" ("Games People Play"), ""What A Fool Believes," the Jazz standards "Like Young" and "Orange Colored Sky," "Seven Day Fool," "All in Love is Fair," "Crybaby," "Spider-Man," "Teach Me Tonight" "Night Train," "Suddenly I See/Acqua De Beber" medley and "Gone Too Soon." "Skintight" has sweet, soaring leads, jazzy scats, rich background vocals, great arrangements-this is great stuff from veteran, quintessential entertainers the Nylons! Songlist: They Just Can't Stop It, What A Fool Believes, Like Young, Orange Coloured Sky, Seven Day Fool, All In Love Is Fair, Crybaby, Spider Man, Teach Me Tonight, Night Train, Suddenly I See / Aqua De Beber, Gone To Soon |
