Male Contemporary A Cappella Recordings

Tonic Sol-fa : Red Vinyl

Review: Paving their rising career with excellent CDs, from 1996's "Left Turns," "Carol," ('97), 2001's "Style," 2002's Xmas CD "Sugarue" to "Red Vinyl," TSF, one of our favorite Contemporary groups, may have found their breakthrough CD. Ten songs, all originals by group member Shaun Johnson except for a strong cover of "A Little Less Conversation," "Red" features some of the best vocal percussion we've heard, smooth, rich harmonies-there's not a weak cut on the CD. Particular favorites are "Sleep On," "Apartment 204," the rap-flavored, sampled "Velvet Jefferson," "Boston to Beijing," "Sweet Time" and "Who Will Love Me." What's amazing is the fullness of the sound these four men can create together, and the feeling in the lyrics. This is great stuff!

Songlist: Sleep On, Virginia, A Little Less Conversation, Apartment, Take Me Away, Velvet Jefferson, Long Lonely While, Boston to Beijing, Sweet Time, Who Will Love Me

Tonic Sol-fa : Twenty One

Review: Tonic Sol-fa's Greg, Shaun, Jared and Mark have been blowing us away with their sweet leads and buttery harmonies since 1996, when they released the first of many winners in the PAC catalog. Touring extensively and playing to sold-out audiences, TSF are high on our short list of most exciting Contemporary groups. Twenty one is a rich collection of 11 tunes, most of them beautifully arranged covers, but two of our favorites are originals written by group members Greg and Shaun, "Rest Your Head" and "Southern Guitars." "Other favorites include "99 Problems," "I Need a Dollar," the Killers' "Human," Rollins and Barton's lovely "Wrapped Around You," Dorff & Altman's "Butch Cassidy," Jen Foster's "Secondhand Love" Tom Petty's "Learning to Fly" and Dorff & Kaz' marriage song "Do You." We love Tonic's yummy background harmonies, solid vocal percussion and powerful leads. "Twenty one" is good stuff from first cut to the last by one of our longtime favorite veteran quartets!

Songlist: I Need A Dollar, Do You?, Rest Your Head, 99 Problems, Secondhand Love, Once Before I Go, Human, Southern Guitars, Wrapped Around You, Butch Cassidy, Learning To Fly

Trinovox : Incanto

Review: Trinovox is an Italian trio who have been composing and performing together since 1991. All singers, they believe the voice to be one of the most direct means of communication we humans have. Literature to is the written voice. Thus they create a synthesis, musical interpretation of some of the world's greatest pieces of literature. On Incanto are Baudelaire's "The Albatross," King Solomon's "Song of Songs," Frederico Garcia Lorca's "Cancion De Jinette," Japanese Poets from the 17th-19th centuries and more! Their masterpiece on this release is interpreting 12 Verses of Dante's "Inferno." This is truly world culture on disc.

Songlist: L' Albantros, Shir Hashirim, Cancion De Jinete, Furu Ike Ya, The Waning Moon, Nei To Grandi Oci, Addio Monti, A Lyric, Vivamus, Mea Lesbia, INFERNO, Prologo, Inizio, I Vili, Caronte, Discesa negli Inferi, Minosse, Francesca da Rimini, Cerbero, Farinata degli Uberti, Diavlo nero, Odisseo, Maometto, Il Conte Ugolino, Conclusione

Undivided Musical Group : Amor Verdadero

Review: All male sextet Undivided draw their musical influences from Latin, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Reggae, Pop, R&B and Rock, and they showed off their powerful, rhythmic live show to us twice, at the 2003 and 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA. "Amor" is the group's second finely-crafted recording, their first being the excellent "A Cappella From The Soul." There are 10 cuts here, the salsa-flavored "Los Fariseos," and rhythmic gem "Amor Verdadero," both of which feature Undivided's trademark faux horns, and the soulful love song "Contigo Para Siempre;" "La Murga De Panama," "El Nazareno" (a song about Jesus), "Jala, Jala," "El Todopoderoso" and "Ahora Vengo Yo" (with more of those smokin' faux horns) will get you up dancing and ordering another round of Margaritas; while "Bello Amanecer" and "Amanda Mia" are slower, bluesy salsa-jazz. All songs, and the liner notes for that matter, are in Spanish. But don't let that stop you from enjoying this spirited, high-energy collection from one of SoCal's most dynamic a cappella groups!

Songlist: Los Fariseos, Amor Verdadero, Contigo Para Siempre, La Murga De Panama, El Nazareno, Bello Amanecer, Jala Jala, Amada Mia, El Todopoderoso, Ahora Vengo Yo

UR2Kam : A Cappella

Review: UR2KAM is Simo Breede, baritone, his brother Tanel Breede, bass, Markus Leppoja, 1st tenor, and Mart Loite, 2nd tenor, and they are young, good-looking barbershop-doo-woppers from Estonia (please no "Estonia when you're driving in your car" jokes!). The liner notes are in Estonian, so we don't know what UR2KAM means, only that the group does all their own very mellow arrangements. There are a number of western pop covers here, sung in cutely-accented English; among our favorites: Jimmy Buffett's "Kokomo," "Sloop John B," "Sealed With A Kiss," "Hooked On A Feeling," "Blue Moon," "Ave Maria," and "Amazing Grace"-which highlights Tanel's smooth, powerful bass. Not in English, but spirited and entertaining: "Paula, sul on poisipea," "Labi saju," Jahikoera armuulg," and "Rajalaul." The CD is fresh and sweet-the guys have a lot of talent, and this is an excellent first effort for them!

Songlist: Intro, K-K-K-Katy, Kokomo, Blue Moon, My Special Prayer, Sealed With A Kiss, Hooked on a Feeling, Paula, sul on poisipea, Ave Maria, Labi saju, Sloop John B, Amazing Grace, Jahikoera armuulg, Rahalaul

ViBaFemBa : Aventyr

Review: A popular Swedish a cappella group, VibaFemba has released several CD's, of which "Aventyr" is their latest. Sweden, of course, has produced several commercially viable pop exports, notably Abba. Not having a clue about the language, we couldn't extrapolate much about the group themselves or the lyrics (their picture shows five guys). Most tracks have percussion, some of which may be an actual trap set, albeit mixed way back; most of the songs are originals, it seems (save for "Alskar Du Mig An," with music composed by Chaka Khan and Bruce Hornsby). Their harmonies suggest the Beach Boys as a significant influence, though one can detect the ghost of the Comedian Hamonists in arrangements such as "Troken Hoger" (with banjo), The group goes urban with "Jag Gillar Aventyr," a rap number.

Songlist: Under Palmer Och Blad, Klas, Finns det lite stolthet kvar (finns det ocksa hopp om battring), bland uteliggare och innevandrare, vargtimme, ja, de e lika bra a streaka, jag ar det fulaste som finns, bredvid, alskar du mig an, froken hoger, jag fillar aventyr, w.a.o., lyrisk sang

ViBaFemBa : Forsta

Review: This is one of the notable Swedish a cappella groups.They were formed in 1985 and, to date, have four cds on their discography. On this one, F-rsta, we find covers of Sweden's popular music, several originals and one tune we all know, the Beatles "Blackbird". Though we speak no Swedish there continuously snatches of melody which are tantalizing in their familiarity. "Asfaltvisan" is an obvious comedic tune, funny without knowing the language!These are very accomplished singers and worth it if your interest is in either contemporary or international music.

Songlist: Krakbegravningen, Makten at Skogen, Har du Kvar din Roda Cykel, Asfaltvisan, Valles Drom, Somliga Gar Med Trasiga Skor, Jag Sag, Fa Farre Farst, A Ente Flottar Ja Te Sjoss, Blackbird, Sudda Sudda, Jag Vill Ha En Hund En Bla

Vocal Sampling : Una Forma Mas

Review: When Vocal Sampling first became members of the a cappella scene everyone, simply everyone was blown away. Never before had we heard such complex rhythms made by vocally recreating a traditional Cuban dance band. Fabulous! This is their first album and an absolute must for a capellan literacy. It is full of the best known Cuban songs. Good notes give us understanding of the context of these songs in Cuban life, but the music is so rich as to carry us away with the horn sections, seeming endless varieties of percussion, and guitars. Styles include the bolero, comparsa, palo monte, rumba, salsa, son and trova. Wow!

Songlist: Montuno Sampling, La Negra Tomasa, Ojos Malignos, Dolor Y Perdon, Que Bueno Baila Usted (Castellano), Congo Yambumba, Una Forma Mas, Exclusiva, Soy Del Monte, Del Caribe Vengo, Canto Al Chango, Canto Al Beny More, Radio Reloj

Vocal Six : Vocal Six

Review: First CD by Swedish male sextet, Vocal Six, released in 1992. Though broadly classified as contemporary, in actuality their sound, and selection of material, leans heavily towards jazz. Compact close harmony, brilliant swipes and scat breaks characterize their style, as exemplified by "Music, Music, Music," "My Baby Just Cares For Me" and a deliciously understated arrangement of "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." A poignant, piano-accompanied "My Funny Valentine," wrings out every teardrop, as does the haunting Sting cover, "Sister Moon." Vocal Six plays the dance card with the "Bad/Thriller" medley and the group's own "Barberhouse Acid Rap," where they loosen their collars and grunt, James Brown style.

Songlist: Wake Up!, Lady Madonna, Tango, Bad/ Thriller, Sister Moon, Barberhouse Acid Rap, Music, Music, Music, My Baby Just Cares for Me, I Left My Heart In San Francisco, My Funny Valentine, Baby, Hooked on a Feeling, John Blund

Vocal Six : Why Dance

Review: This 1994 recording shows the Swedish sextet developing their own writing skills, and singing in Swedish on five tracks. Their sound is a forceful melding of both jazz and contemporary, with neither idiom gaining the upper hand. "Sensuella Isabella" features an explosive vocal guitar, while actual guitar guests, along with harmonica, on the ambling, roadhouse "Tomma Ramar Blues." "Bohemian Rhapsody," augmented by the "Bohemian Choir," duplicates the original vocal arrangement closely, and maintains the song's energy capably throughout, with plump, thickly-textured chordal backing. Close, vertical harmonies dominate "The Way You Look Tonight' and "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring," allowing the tonalities to blossom with rich color.

Songlist: Why Dance, The Way You Look Tonight, Alf Beror Pa Mej, Walk Between The Raindrops, Tomma Ramar Blues, Sensuella Isabella, Ta Mef Til Havet, Tvalen (En Blyg Mans Bekannelser), For Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring, Bohemian Rhapsody

Vocal Tonic : Chaser

Review: Five members, including alto singer Marya Grandy explain the five floors, though Monica remains unaccounted for. Almost entirely comprised of original songs, "Superwoman" is quirkily offbeat, and the group has a tight and punchy sound that will conjure up visions of the Bobs in some places. The sardonic intelligence and poetic imagery of lyrics such as "now he runs and she hides and they fill the phone with alibis" are intriguing. The standout arrangement is "Blackbird," where the bass and percussion rhythms establish a rolling countermotif to the familiar melody. This development of texture is also observed in "Sorry Susan," as the treble, bass and melody lines traverse countervailing patterns that gradually converge. Smartpop.With the production assistance of Rockapella's vocal percussionist Jeff Thacher, who also contributes vocal percussion to four tracks, Vocal Tonic's second CD is a dramatic step forward for the group. Current pop hits (the ubiquitous "Livin' La Vida Loca") and classic rock (Edgar Winter's "Free Ride"), along with six originals, are the vital ingredients; the formula, the solid arrangements. Vocal Tonic's easy rock style, as exemplified by "LightHouse" and "Whisper," is consonant and melodic, without becoming fatally trite. Clever touches such as their insertion of a verse of "Sunshine Of Your Love" into their own "Let It End," and the "instrumental" breakdown in "Free Ride" - which is super-tight and heavy - give this "Chaser" a flavor all its own.

Songlist: Let It End, Hot to Trot, Lighthouse, Whisper, Vox Humana, Free Ride, No Turning Back, Livin' La Vida Loca, Never There, Gove, Fly Away

Vocaldente : Let's Misbehave

Review: Surprise National Champs of the 2008 Harmony Sweepstakes Finals, all-male German quintet Vocaldente, appearing last after very strong sets by the previous seven Regionals winners, quickly got the crowd laughing and on their feet applauding at the end. They easily won Audience Favorite, and it was no surprise when the judges awarded them first place. The title tune of this excellent CD, Cole Porter's "Let's Misbehave," was their opening number, is beautifully done here, as is Kenny Loggins' "Footloose," the group's encore performance. Other winning covers are Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles," George Michaels' "Faith," the Rat Pack favorite "Everybody Loves Somebody" (here mimicking Dean Martin's rendition of the song), Freddie Mercury's "Don't Stop Me Now," a silly faux-ukelele version of Dion's "The Wanderer," and a tongue-in-cheek spoof of Abba's deathless "Mama Mia." Vocaldente sings all these songs (with the exception of "3-Tage Bart," which is in German) in very good English, but their strength is in their innocent, non self-conscious humor, which is not at all harmed by their unexpected and charming German accents. The sweet, pure falsettos, faux horns, strings and other instruments, comic asides and samples (like one from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the end of "Mama Mia") combined with their totally deadpan posing and pretending to play their faux instruments, are all, quite simply, hilarious. While we're laughing at this, we're noticing that their stuff is amazingly arranged (by group members Tobias and Oliver) and that they are top-drawer professional singers and vocal percussionists. From seeing them live, it's also clear that they are having big fun up there, and so are we. Two kinds of genius come together here, comic and musical, to award-winning effect!

Songlist: A Thousand Miles, Faith, 3-Tage Bart, Everybody Loves Somebody, Another You, Don't Stop Me Now, Let's Misbehave, Perfect, The Wanderer, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, Mamma Mia!, Footloose

Voce : People Change

Review: The singers are Bruce Cable, Orville Cameron, Martin Murphy, Jeff Watt, and Trent Worthington. Together they are the notable Canadian group who have been awarded top honors at the 1998 Northern Harmony A Cappella Competition, sweeping the contest... Winner: Best Group, Winner: Best Original Song ("Let It Go"), and Winner: Audience Favorite. Now you are the winner with the smooth, rich harmonies which are so tight they might have been found in a barbershop quartet but the chords find more inspiration from popular, show tune, gospel, and doo-wop traditions. Almost all the tunes are original love songs which have been written by members of the group. The tempo's vary from ballad to doo-wop, light rock and there's even a blues tune with a great vocal harmonica break found on "You Won't Be Hurtin' Me (No More)." The notable covers are "Paper Moon" and James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face." This is a recording of lovely singing which exemplifies the world of contemporary a cappella which they just happen to define in the opening track, "A Cappella Music."

Songlist: A Cappella Music, It's Only A Paper Moon, Let It Go!, Together Again, People Change, Comfort In Love, Your Love, You Won't Be Hurtin' Me (No More), I'll Give My Life to You, Your Smiling Face, I Love Lovin' You, Spiderman

Voce : So Many Ways

Review: Five music professionals from Edmonton, Alberta are classically trained members of Voce (pronounced Voh-che). They formed in 1993 to be able to share their interpretations of popular music from the tweedeledee of "Rockin' Robin" through a "Rocky Mountain High" which has "Rivers Of Dreams" flowing through it like "Tears In Heaven". Jazz, tight harmonies that take on a close harmony sound, almost, and touches of classical music are all incorporated in the covers found in the midst of three sweet original tunes, the title track "So Many Ways" and two spirit movers "The Light" and "Gift Of Song."

Songlist: So Many Ways, Rockin' Robin, River Of Dreams, Rocky Mountain High, Tears In Heaven, Big Yellow Taxi, Sweet Geargia Brown, Moondance, Fire, The Light, Gift Of Song

Voice Male : Hooked

Review: Six guys from West of the Rockies are keeping the Voice Male tradition alive and they are doing it incredibly well. In harmony, they take you to the movies to find the "Rainbow Connection", you find yourself floating in the Acapulco bay with a humorous rendition of the "Love Boat Theme", and you'll be "Walking on Sunshine". They pay tribute to tradition with a beautifully arranged "Danny Boy" and knock around a bit with James Taylor's "Only You". You're funny bone will tickle with "Farmer Tan" and "Send Me to Glory In A Glad Bag", and your desires inspired with "Give Them A Vision". Extra special mention goes to "You Lift Me Up", a Voice Male original. Appropriately titled "Hooked" because we believe you will be!

Songlist: Walkin' On Sunshine, Good Lovin', Only One, You Lift Me Up, Danny Boy, Love Boat Theme, Rainbow Connection, Light in Your Eyes, It's All Been Done, Farmer Tan, Send Me To Glory In A Glad Bag, Been There, Give Them A Vision

Voice Male : Six

Review: The contemporary group Voice Male is Richard McAllister, tenor, Mike Bearden, tenor, John Huff, Baritone, Phil Kesler, baritone, Mike Willson, bass and John Luthy, vocal percussion and bass. "6" refers to the fact that this is their 6th CD, and probably also to the 6 years that these very talented men have been singing and performing together. We think this will be a breakthrough CD for them, for "6" is a joy from start to finish! Comparisons with Rockapella, the House Jacks and the Beach Boys come to mind as VM hands us one powerful cover after another, held together by John's rock-solid vocal percussion. Much of the excellent arranging is by group members, and the guys take turns singing lead, showing off their vocal talents. 14 well-chosen songs here: a fun "Brown Eyed Girl," "A Million Ways," U2's "Pride" (In the Name of Love), "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," "My Maria," "The Shadow of Your Smile," great vocal "horns" on "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road" and "Sun on the Moon," "In The Still of the Night," "Loch Lomond," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Celebration." Fun stuff-highly recommended!

Songlist: Brown Eyed Girl, A Million Ways, Pride (In The Name of Love), It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, My Maria, The Shadow of Your Smile, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Sam You Made The Pants Too Long, That Lonesome Road, In The Still Of The Night, Sun On The Moon, Loch Lommond, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Celebration

Voiceboys : Voiceboys

Review: Six talented young Swedish men bring us an exuberant, fun CD of well-chosen classic top-40 US covers, startlingly arranged, with innovative, powerful vocal percussion. 13 songs: Prince's 'Kiss' and 'Sign of the Times' ben e. king's 'Stand By Me,' Seals & Crofts' 'Summer Breeze,' the BeeGees' 'Stayin' Alive,' Tom Jones' (and it totally sounds like him)'It's Not Unusual,' Carole King's 'You've Got a Friend,' Wilson Pickett's 'In The Midnight Hour,' our favorite song on the album,'Does Your Mother Know,' Sting's 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,' Smokey Robinson's 'My Girl,' 'Hooked on a Feeling' and 'The Great Pretender. There's nothing but Swedish on their website, (although the songs are in perfect English), and almost no info on the liner notes but 'Voiceboys' speaks for itself with the kind of vocal juice that made songs like 'Midnight Hour' and 'My Girl' instant classics when they first came out. These guys clearly loved this music when growing up, and love a cappella-the result is one of the best contemporary CDs we've heard this year!

Songlist: Kiss (Prince), Stand By Me (Elmo Glick, Ben E King), Summer Breeze (Dash Crofts, Jimmy Seals), Stayin' Alive (Barry, Robin, Maurice Gibb), It's Not Unusual (Gordon Mills, Les Reed), You're Got A Friend (Carole King), In the Midnight Hour (Steve Cropper, Wilson Pickett), Does Your Mother Know (Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeous), Sign of the Times (Prince), Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (Sting), My Girl (William Smokey Robinson, Ronald White), Hooked On A Feeling (Mark James), The Great Pretender (Buck Ram)

Warblers : Glee Presents The Warblers

Review: We don't have to explain who The Warblers are to the millions of you who have been religiously DVRing Glee since this Prime Time a cappella (well, actually sometimes accompanied) phenomenon hit the airwaves a couple of years ago. McKinley High's charismatic, angst-ridden New Directions ensemble has to take on any number of challenges in their quest to (a) survive as a group against the anti-glee club forces at McKinley, and (b) win the regionals. The Warblers, from hoity-toity Dalton Academy are their nemesis, but this all-male, matching Ivy League blazered group are no slouches. The New Directions take them out at the regionals, but it's clear that rematches will be happening, and this 13-song Warblers CD shows just what the ND are up against! Some favorites are three with leads by Popular Glee star Darren Criss, Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," Train's long-running hit "Hey Soul Sister" and Destiny's Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills;" Robin Thicke's "When I Get You Alone," Maroon 5's "Misery," a delicate cover of the Beatles' "Blackbird," a powerful take on Pink's "Raise Your Glass," Keane's poignant (accompanied) "Somewhere Only We Know," and tight vocal percussion and sweet backup harmonies on Barbra Streisand's "What Kind of Fool" and Rod Stewart's Disco hit "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy." But you don't have to be into Glee to recognize and dig a great a cappella CD-The Warblers have top-drawer arrangers and use the vocal chops of the Beelezbubs to absolutely nail every one of these songs. Just listen to songs like "Hey Soul Sister" and "Teenage Dream," and see why we love this CD, and are thrilled about what Glee is doing for a cappella! 

Songlist: Teenage Dream, Hey, Soul Sister, Bills, Bills, Bills, Silly Love Songs, When I Get You Alone, Animal, Misery, Blackbird, Candles, Raise Your Glass, Somewhere Only We Know, What Kind of Fool, Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?

Who's Your Daddy! : Who's Your Daddy!

Review: "They sing! They rock! They need a nap!" is the teaser for all male a cappella quartet Who's Your Daddy!, and might make you think they're a lightweight garage band; but you'd be mistaken. Freddy, Rick, Adam and Chris have some serious vocal chops, as well as long, extensive credits in the music business, as well as in film and television. This is the debut album for these four dads, and it's got 14 freshly-arranged Rock, Pop and Soul favorites, joyously and powerfully sung. From The Cars' "Let's Go," Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and "Livin' For The City," to the Sly and the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime," Brian Wilson's poignant "In My Room," the Spencer Davis Group's 1967 hit "Gimme Some Lovin'," The Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and The Young Rascals' "Groovin'," these are great songs sung by guys who know how to do them justice. Two other favorites are medleys, "Time of the Season" segued with Prince's "When the Doves Cry" and Queen's anthem "Bohemian Rhapsody" segued into Queen's "Somebody to Love." But every cut is a stone, fun winner. Treat yourself to "Who's Your Daddy!"

Songlist: Let's Go, Signed Sealed Delivered, Livin' For The City, Fire And Rain, Shining Star, Long Train Runnin', Hot Fun in the Summertime, In My Room, Time of the Season / When Doves Cry, Gimme Some Lovin', Free Falling, Sunshine of Your Love, Groovin', Bohemian Rhapsody / Somebody to Love

Audiofeels : Unfinished

Review: Eight man Polish a cappella ensemble Audiofeels recently gave us a memorable taste of what they call "Vocal Play" at the Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA. Vocal Play uses the human voice as a source of multiple instruments to create a vocal orchestra on stage, and this unique, creative concept has taken them from the Adam Mickiewicz University Choir in Poznan, Poland, where they met to Poland's prestigious Grand Theatre, to the NYC Sweeps Regionals, to the Finals, where they got a big ovation, and where to next? Their chosen musical "direction" has led to international acclaim and awards, and 2 CD set (Side A and Side F) "Unfinished" can only lead to more of the same! Some of our favorites are "Kiss from a Rose," which we loved at the Finals, "Unfinished Symphony," "What Does It Mean?," "Seven Nation Army," "What Goes Around Comes Around," "Ten Dzien," "You Came Close" and "Still," but each of these 15 cuts is fresh and compelling. Audiofeels is heading off boldly in its musical "direction," and we, along with thousand of other lovers of a cappella, want to hear where they're going. Don't miss this hot collection!

Songlist: What Does It Mean?, On The Edge (Of the unknown), Ten Dzien, You Came Close, Still, Banal, I Found a Place, You Came Close, Unfinished Sympathy, Kiss From a Rose, What Goes Around Comes Around, Bittersweet Symphony, Seven Nation Army, Bittersweet, Something in the Way

BaSix : Diversity

Review: The first thing that the (beautiful, multi-page, color, with cool pix and all the lyrics) liner notes of "Diversity" tells us is that this is the 5th album by Basix, "the first Basix album containing solely original songs straight from the minds and hearts of all the members of the group. Enjoy!" Easy for us, since these 6 talented Danish men first formed Basix in 1995 we have been watching this group get more amazing with every excellent CD, until we hold "Diversity" in our hot little hands, a tour-de-force 2 CD set that is world-class on every level. There's a total of 19 original tunes here, all sung in English, each one a gem. The fresh, clean sound, the confident, light background vocals and vocal percussion, the surprising, poetic lyrics, the sweet leads-what's not to enjoy? OK, I guess we'll have to pick some favorites at this point. "Super Natural Conversation" on disk 2, a wonderful reggae tune with an early Beatles flavor, "Tease" on disk 1 is a sexy, rhythmic romp, the title tune on disc 1 is a juicy foot-tapping suggestion against racism, and "So Much Better" is a marvelously arranged hit with the eye-opening opening line "I'm sorry, but I think you suck." "Change" on disk 1 simply needs to be listened to, as do "Let's Move On" and "Think Twice." On disk 2 "A Thousand Years," "It Won't Matter To Me," "High On Life (In The Slow Lane)," "Honesty" and "Without You" are all stone winners. There are certain groups (The Real Group, for instance) that push the a cappella envelope with every recording, every performance, and Basix is such a group. Don't miss this one!

Songlist: Why We Always Wait, So Much Better, Tease, Diversity, Said I Wanna Go My Way, Cry out for Muses, Change, Did a Little, Let's Move On, Think Twice, A Thousand Years, Super Natural Conversation, It Won't Matter To Me, High on Life (In the Slow Lane), The Truth Behind my Love, Infected with You, A Thought for You, Honesty, Without You

Persuasions : Persuasions of the Dead

Review: A re-invented, remixed, rearranged, updated, and expanded two-CD set from the sessions for The Persuasions long out-of-print Grateful Dead tribute album. Persuasions of the Dead (named by Tom Waits!), was conceived by Los Angeles writer/producer Rip Rense as a sweeping two-CD set, formatted like a Grateful Dead concert,with six new tracks, six new guest artists, and an entirely new feel. Guests include Country Joe McDonald, Mark Karan of Bob Weir's group, RatDog, saxophonist James King, Vince Welnick the Dead's last keyboard man, Jackie LaBranch and Gloria Jones of the Jerry Garcia Band, Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Peter Rowan, vocalist Alyn Kelley, and Dongming Qiao, Chinese erhu virtuoso.

Songlist: Ripple, Bertha, Sugaree, Brokedown Palace, Greatest Story Ever Told, Lazy River Road, New Speedway Boogie, Ship of Fools, Don't Ease Me In, Here Comes Sunshine 1, Might As Well, It Must Have Been the Roses, Loose Lucy, Liberty, Black Muddy River, Suite: Here Comes Sunshine 2/Drumz/Space, He's Gone, One More Saturday Night, And I Bid You Good Night

Four Shadow : Live in Bemidji!

Review: Minneapolis, MN's hot a cappella male Contemporary quartet Four Shadow brings us their 5th excellent recording, a CD/DVD combination of their live concert at Bemidji High School, recorded in March, 2006. There are 15 songs on the CD, 14 on the DVD, and it's quite interesting comparing some of the same songs, performed on the CD and the DVD where you can see the show and the interaction with the audience. The Doobie's "Joy To The World," "Wendy," Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," and the group's feature "Trip Through Time!" which musically takes us through the decades, beginning with the Four Tops' "Can't Help Myself," the BeeGees' "Stayin' Alive," Mister Mister's "Kyrie," "Giraffe Nightengale" from the 90s and "The Time is Now" from "Da Oh's." "Breathin'," the pop hit "Barbara Ann," Simon & Garfunkel's "Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard," and "Can't Get Next To You" finish up the program, to the delight of the screaming crowd. These four are born entertainers with great voices, harmonies and senses of humor-and we love the whole CD/DVD combo idea. See and hear why Four Shadow has been rising fast in the a cappella world!

Alan Billingsley : Lil' Red Riding Hood

Review: Sam the Sham's novelty hit of 1966 is a natural for guys' groups with campy comedy that will bring down the house! Available: TTB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:45.

Sheet Music Available: TTB

As Performed by: Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs

Alan Billingsley : My Girl

Review: The top-rated 1998 TV movie about The Temptations brought their smooth vocal harmonies and unique style to a whole new generation of fans. This 1965 #1 hit will please singers, parents and grandparents! Available: TTB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:45.

Alan Billingsley : Runaway

Review: It's the unmistakable sound of early '60s rock at its best in this supercharged 1961 #1 hit by Del Shannon. Available: TBB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:50.

Sheet Music Available: TBB,   TBB

As Performed by: Del Shannon

Alan Billingsley : Seventies Gold (Medley)

Review: This blast from the past is the perfect closer for any concert. Add some simple choreography and the ShowTrax CD to bring down the house. Songs include: Crocodile Rock, Joy to the World, and Your Mama Don't Dance.Available separately: TTB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 6:00.

Sheet Music Available: TTB,   TTB

Alan Billingsley : Ticket to Ride

Review: From the movie HELP!, this was one of the incredible series of Number One hits by the Beatles. This arrangement for guys offers all the appeal of the original recording and well-written easy-to-learn parts for choirs of all levels.

Sheet Music Available: TTB

As Performed by: Beatles

Audrey Snyder : Here, There and Everywhere

Review: Here is the Beatles classic song from 1966 in a well-crafted arrangement for men's voices, full of wonderful textures, solo lines and rich harmonic underlay.

Sheet Music Available: TTB,   TTB

As Performed by: Beatles

Audrey Snyder : Hey, Good Lookin'

Review: Your guys will have a blast singing this rockabilly classic by Hank Williams and more recently covered in a 2004 chart hit by Jimmy Buffett and his country cohorts Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and George Strait. Optional tenor sax part included. Available separately: TTB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Sheet Music Available: TTB,   TTB

As Performed by: Hank Williams

Beach Boys : Good Vibrations

Review: Rated by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 500 rock songs of all times, Good Vibrations is a rock classic. This arrangement builds on the happy rock shuffle groove and the now legendary harmonic progressions of the Beach Boys music.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   TTBB,   SAB,   TTBB,   2-Part,   SATB

As Performed by: Beach Boys

Beatles : The Beatles: Abbey Road (Medley)

Review: After the chaos of the recording sessions for the Beatles' last two late '60s records, Paul suggested to producer George Martin that they record an album like they used to earlier in their career, with all band members present. The result of this effort was one of the finest rock albums ever created. Celebrating the album's recent 50th anniversary, our medley includes Something, Here Comes the Sun, Come Together, Octopus's Garden, Maxwell's Silver Hammer, She Came Through the Bathroom Window and The End.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   2-Part,   2-Part,   SATB,   SAB

As Performed by: Beatles

Beatles : The Fool on the Hill

Review: Arranged in the style of Brasil 66 and their soft Latin-Jazz interpretation this is pure joy. An easy unison first verse sets the groove and classic Kirby harmonies send this into a breezy and moody musical experience.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB,   SAB,   SSA

As Performed by: Beatles

Ed Lojeski : I Get Around

Review: Your audience will recognize this #1 Beach Boys hit from 1964 immediately and your guys' groups will love recreating the spectacular sounds of an earlier era.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Beach Boys

Jerry Estes : Pop Songs for Young Men's Chorus

Review: Young men will develop confidence and skill with this collection for men's chorus that spans the decades and is designed to give youlots of value with songs your choir will love to perform! Includes: I Lived (OneRepublic), I'm a Believer (The Monkees), My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder), Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash), Viva La Vida (Coldplay).

Kirby Shaw : Little Deuce Coupe

Review: Fast wheels, four-on-the-floor - your guys will really respond to this 1963 Beach Boys favorite. A great motivational choice!Available separately: TTB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 1:49.

Sheet Music Available: TTB

As Performed by: Beach Boys

Kirby Shaw : Shake, Rattle and Roll

Review: Your guys will love to perform this anthem from rock's early era as recorded by Bill Haley and the Comets. Available: TTB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.

Sheet Music Available: TTB,   TTB

As Performed by: Bill Haley and The Comets

Kirby Shaw : The Roots of Rock and Roll

Review: Here is a 3-minute medley for guys that that really rocks with classic songs of the 1950s. Songs include: Jailhouse Rock, Rock Around the Clock, Shake, Rattle and Roll. Performance Time: Approx. 2:34.Available separately: TBB and ShowTrax CD.

Sheet Music Available: TBB

Kirby Shaw : Walk Like a Man

Review: One of the songs that propelled the Four Seasons to stardom and a showstopper in the Broadway musical Jersey Boys that chronicles their rags-to-riches story, your men's group will bring down the house with the soaring falsetto over solid rock and roll harmonies. Available separately: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available as a digital download (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 1:50.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Four Seasons

Mac Huff : Angels

Review: This Robbie Williams pop hit from 1997 was a powerhouse men's choir feature on the BBC show Last Choir Standing. An inspirational choice and great motivator for your guys! Available separately: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB,   TTBB

As Performed by: Robbie Williams

Mac Huff : Help Me Rhonda

Review: The Beach Boys at their best! This authentic doo-wop arrangement sounds hard and sings easy! Guy groups (and everyone else) will love it!Available separately: TTBB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:10

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Beach Boys

Mac Huff : Just My Imagination

Review: The 1971 #1 hit by the Temptations has a great groove, and this easy-to-sing arrangement by Mac Huff reproduces the wonderful vocal harmony. Available: TTB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Sheet Music Available: TBB

As Performed by: Temptations

Mac Huff : Knee Deep

Review: Lose yourself in a tropical paradise anytime of year with this irresistible tribute to the islands! The Zac Brown Band's single, with Jimmy Buffett as guest singer, soared up the Billboard charts, reaching #1 on the Country list. Great triadic harmonies make this a super feature for TTB groups of all ages! Available separately: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Zac Brown Band

Mac Huff : She's Got a Way

Review: From the Billy Joel songbook, this well-crafted pop ballad from 1982 speaks directly to the soul. Ideal for both pop and concert groups, the effect will be stunning! Duration: co. 3:05. Available separately: TTB, ShowTrax CD.

Sheet Music Available: TTB,   TTB

As Performed by: Billy Joel

Mac Huff : Something

Review: Something in the way he moved us - the music of George Harrison has the power to unite generations. This ballad is probably his most famous song. Simply eloquent!Available separately: TTB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Sheet Music Available: TTB

As Performed by: Beatles

Mark Brymer : Guys' Sing-Off

Review: The guys from Glee rock out in a mash-up showdown against the girls with this sizzling pairing of It's My Life by Bon Jovi and Usher's Confessions Part II. Your guys will bring down the house! Available separately: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as a digital download (syn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB,   TTBB

As Performed by: Glee Cast

Roger Emerson : All-American Men (Medley)

Review: This rousing medley of guy favorites is sure to bring down the house! Featuring easy to sing harmony, it includes: Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynard), Ramblin' Man (The Allman Brothers Band) and All The Gold In California (The Gatlin Brothers).Available separately: TBB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 6:00.

Sheet Music Available: TBB

Roger Emerson : In My Room

Review: The signature harmonies and deeply felt lyrics of the Beach Boys are front and center in this smooth TTBB arrangement of their 1963 pop hit. Available: TTBB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Beach Boys

Roger Emerson : Poison Ivy

Review: You're gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion... This Discovery arrangement for men uses limited ranges great for developing choirs. Add some choreography and feature your men in your next concert!Available separately: TB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: TB

As Performed by: Coasters

Roger Emerson : Uptown Girl

Review: Showcase your guys with this super arrangement of the 1983 hit. Available: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.

Sheet Music Available: TTBB

As Performed by: Billy Joel