|
Displaying 51-100 of 118 items.
III Of A Kind : Groovapella  Review: The surprise winners of the San Francisco Bay Area Harmony Sweeps '02 Regional bring us their second CD, which includes a song they performed that night, Michael Jackson's powerful "Man in the Mirror." The three talented singers from the Philippines, two men and one woman, next sing the orchestrally accompanied "Daybreak" and the funk band-accompanied "Tibok." Then comes the lovely "Nahan Hanggang Langit," the beautiful, orchestrally-accompanied "Eres Tu," "Wala Pa Rin," "Never Our Hearts," "Pag-Usapan," "Every Breath You Take," the funky disco tune "Isang Ngiti Mo Lang" and the sweet a cappella "Paalam Na." Certainly more accompaniment than we're used to hearing from the III, but the beautiful voices and harmonies that wowed the Sweeps judges remain. Songlist: Daybreak, Tibok, Nahan, Hanggang Langit, Eres Tu, Wala Pa Rin, Never Our Hearts, Pag-Usapan, Every Breath You Take, Isang Ngiti Mo Lang, Paalam Na 
Review: The core blend of three soulful women (Gwen, Linda and Renee) of the soulful Bay Area a cappella ensemble The Irrationals has been singing together for over 15 years. This funky, diverse group has an eclectic, African American-based repertoire that explores life, love and politics. There are 11 songs here, which feature soaring leads, strong vocal percussion and background vocals. Favorites are "Train in Vain," the title tune, "Something to Talk About," the powerful stream-of-consciousness two originals by Susan Anders, "Living on the Edge" and "Trouble Now," the stark "Everything and Nothing," the bluesy "Microwave Life," the jazzy "Mighty Long Way" and the poignant "Love Me Still." This is surprising, entertaining, thought-provoking stuff from The Irrationals! Songlist: Train In Vain, Done Waiting, Something to Talk About, Living on the Edge, Everything and Nothing, Microwave Life, Mighty Long Way, Love Me Still, Key Largo, Trouble Now, Happy Birthday
Irrationals : The IrrationalsReview: Sometimes a great thing can be in your own back yard and you don't even know it. Such is the case with The Irrationals, a mixed sextet of really tight voices deep, sultry and rich. One minute the dynamics are pumping with a percussive and poignant arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise" only to surprise you with the ability to successfully cover David Byrne's "Slippery People" AND do it well. Gotta love "Codeine", a bluesy rendition of a Buffy Sainte-Marie classic, which goes perfectly with the Bill Wither's anthem "Ain't No Sunshine". This debut is worth checking out for just the "Sweet Inspiration" alone, though I can't imagine not enjoying the "Language of Love". Just trust us! Songlist: Because the Night, Bein' Mean To Me, Pastime Paradise, Slippery People, Mystery, Brass In Pocket, Codeine, Inner City Blues, Ain't No Sunshine, Sweet Inspiration, Language of Love, Somethin's Got A Hold
Minimum Wage : Hamburgerology 101 Review: Since their 1999 Mid Atlantic Harmony Sweeps win and being named Audience Favorite at the National Finals, Minimum Wage hasn't been content to flip burgers and offer to supersize our fries. The five a cappella singer-actors (added: Elena Meulener, who plays Piercy, the company's only burger girl) have won BackStage mag's Bistro award for Outstanding Musical Comedy Act, have had major TV appearances including The Fox Network, Comedy Central, and America's Funniest People (Grand Prize Winners). And, with the songwriting help of Rockapella's Sean Altman and the direction of Samrat Chakrabarti (Five o'clock Shadow/The Hyannis Sound) they produced a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, named of course "Minimum Wage: Music, Mayhem & Hamburgerology 101." Some of the best material from the show is on this CD, the MW theme song is as sharp as ever, and the hilarious "Grill" is a literally hot "boy meets grill" doo-wop-flavored love song. The rousing "Balls," which sings of grabbing one's life by the, let's just say short hairs, is the funniest song on the CD; while the prize of their Sweeps performance, "The Last Cowboy Song," a whip-cracking lament about the annoying tendency of cowboy underwear to keep "riding up my rear," is happily included. The fascinating and never-ending "L'Histoire du Burgoire" and the manic "Connecticut," which seems to have been transplanted to South America, round out our list of favorites. 9 winners by one of the best laugh-out-loud comedy a cappella groups on the planet! Songlist: Minimum Wage Theme, Kooky the Happy Burger Klown, G-R-I- Double-L, L Histoire de Burgoire, The Last Cowboy Song, All These Dreams, Connecticut, Balls, The 17th Annual Harmony Honey Suckle Shootout Finale!
Pacific Mozart Ensemble : A Cappella Jazz & PopReview: The P.M.E. is one of the San Francisco Bay Areas most versatile and innovative choruses. The repertoire stretches from Mozart to Monk (Meredith). Each year members arrange and perform immensely popular jazz and pop concerts. On this recording which has arrangements of 20 songs, various members form quintets and sextets to allow individual singers greater individual expression. It begins with "Doodlin'" and ends with "Canary In A Coal Mine." In between find yodeling, scats, a lullaby, Eric Clapton and more. You'll listen to this one over and over. Songlist: Doodlin', Wonderful Tonight, Things We Said Today, Boy From New York City, 42nd Street, Cattle Call, Pretending To Care, Don't Let Your Heart Slip, Blues My Naughty Sweetie, 'Round Midnight, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, Sincerely, Mama, I Wanna Make Rhythm, Lullaby, It's All Right, You Know It's Wrong, The Love You Save, What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, Four, Canary In A Coal Mine
Review: This CD is a compilation from Pacific Mozart ensemble's live performances up until 2000. This is a great way to hear what they sound like live. It's fun and energetic, and the singing is excellent! It includes lots of great arrangements from members of the group as well as arrangements from A Cappella luminaries Phil Mattson, Anders Edenroth, Gene Puerling and many more. Songlist: Orange Colored Sky, Yesterday, Chili Con Carne, Waltz For Debby, I Can See For Miles, Sweet lorraine, Satin Summer Nights, Quality, I Can Cook, Too, That Lonesome Road, Im In a Hurry, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, I'd Give My All, Cottontail, Calling My Children Home, Full Moon, Full of Love, The Tracks of My Tears, Duke of Dubuque, Brahms' Lullaby, When God Dips His Pen, And So It Goes, Love Shack
Review: This fun CD includes live performances of the Pacific Mozart Ensemble from years 2000-2004. Eric Freeman and Jim Hale (members of PME and one of our favorite vocal jazz quintets, Clockwork!) have both contributed quite a few arrangements, which makes this an extra special recording. This CD has everything from classic pop and rock, to jazz ballads and big band standards. You are sure to enjoy every one of these amazing tracks! Best when purchased along with Jazz and Pop A Cappella, Vol. 4, Live, as they both cover the same seasons of this fantastic ensemble! Songlist: Hazy Shade of Winter, Taxman, El Hambo, Four Lads Medley: Moments to Remember, No Not Much, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Alma Mater (from Grease), Samba de Minha Namoradhino, Swingin Till the Girls come Home, You Raise Me Up, Goody, Goody, Travelin' Prayer, When the Night, Conjunction Junction, Jubilee, Philosopher's Song, BeeGees Medley, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, When the Hangover Strikes, I'm Cute, Five Brothers, Handful of Keys, Up Above My Head
Review: More great tracks from PME's 2000-2004 concert seasons. This CD is yet another testament to how many great musicians we have here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Best when purchased along with Jazz and Pop A Cappella, Vol. 3, Live, as they both cover the same seasons of this fantastic ensemble! Songlist: Also Sprach Zarathustra, I Can See Your Aura, You Still Believe in Me, One More Time Chuck Corea, Creep, Sinisia, Billie Jean, I Wanna Be Around, Chain of Fools, Polkadots and Moonbeams, Cuchi Cuchi, Good Bait, Hair, Teardrops, Beyond the Sea, Lush Life, Within You Without You, Old Joe's Place, Let Me Touch You for a While, Walk Between the Raindrops, Musik! Musik! Musik!
Review: The three-time GRAMMY award-winning quintet releases their sixth holiday project featuring 14-tracks, including the just-released lead single, "It's Been A Long, Long Time," their rendition of the popular 1945 tune. Songlist: It's Been a Long, Long Time, Wonderful Christmastime, I Saw Three Ships, Home for the Holidays, River, Over the River, The Prayer, Evergreen, Frosty the Snowman, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Little Saint Nick, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, My Heart With You, We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Review: No need for Pentatonix to come up with a catchy CD title. These four men and one woman from Arlington, TX, Avi, Kirstin, Scott, Mitch and K.O. (Kevin), are now the most famous a cappella group in the world! Their first album "That's Christmas to Me," became the fourth best-selling album of 2014-behind only Taylor Swift, Frozen and Sam Smith. Winning NBC's "The Sing-Off" 3rd season was just a warm-up for this talented quintet, who recently came face to face with Pitch Perfect II's Bellas as a Canadian group, the Bellas' first taste of international competition. We have to admire the Bellas, going up against a group that has gone platinum, won a Grammy, sold out Madison Square Garden and has 8 million followers on YouTube. What next? After learning that their album had briefly dethroned Taylor Swift's "1989" it became clear: no more covers. Besides featuring 13 of the group's usual top-drawer arrangements, marvelous harmonies, solid beatbox and soaring leads, "Pentatonix" features "Can't Sleep Love," also released as a single, an original winner directly aimed at becoming a radio hit. Have a listen, and while you're at it, be blown away by "Na Na Na," "Misbehavin'," "Ref," "First Things First," "Rose Gold," "If I Ever Fall In Love" featuring Jason Derulo, "Take He Home," "New Year's Day," "Light In The Hallway"... every cut is gold here. Don't miss this one! Songlist: Na Na Na, Can't Sleep Love, Sing, Misbehavin', Ref, First Things First, Rose Gold, If I Ever Fall in Love, Cracked, Water, Take Me Home, New Year's Day, Light in the Hallway
Pentatonix : PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. 1Review: 2018 release. Three-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Pentatonix release PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I. The inaugural release for the group's PTX Presents series features 11 PTX-curated modern pop performances, including an arrangement of Camila Cabello s "Havana." Songlist: Attention, Finesse, New Rules x Are You That Somebody?, Havana, Perfect, Stay, Feel It Still, Despacito x Shape Of You, Issues, Praying, Sorry Not Sorry
Review: Winners of the Sing-Off and now the most popular group in contemporary a cappella Pentatonix has a touring schedule that's so busy it makes you wonder how they find time to create so many videos. These YouTube videos usual garners up to 20 million views each (yes 20 million) making them one of the most successful musical acts on You Tube. This is their third CD release and they are in top form. Produced by the talented a cappella wonder kid Ben Bram these are some of the most rewarding tracks for lovers and connoisseurs of contemporary a cappella with intense harmonies and dazzling vocals. The disc also includes a couple of Pentatonix originals that deftly show their versatility. We are one of the very few places where one can buy physical copies of the CD and this is one recording every fan should have in their collection. Songlist: Can't Hold Us, Natural Disaster, Love Again, Valentine, Hey Momma/Hit The Road Jack, I Need Your Love, Run to You, Daft Punk, Save the World / Don't You Worry Child
Review: Pentatonix, Season 3 winner of The Sing-Off, brings us their third finely-crafted album, simply named "III." There are "only" 7 tunes here, which is kind of like saying the Sistine Chapel is only a painted ceiling. "Problem," by Kotecha, Martin, Salmanzadeh and Kelly, is a rhythmic, rappish love tune, "On My Way Home," by Evigan, Martin, Lomax, Johnson, Johnson & Coffee, is a gorgeous anthem with a soaring chorus, "La La Latch," by Khan, El Kaubaisy, Mbabazy, Smith, Murray, Omer and Napier is sweetly delicate and complex; "Rather Be," by Patterson, Napier, Marshall & Chatto, is a jazzy, upbeat love song, "See Through" by Angeria, Koiv and Kirjonan, features strong vocal percussion and sweetly melodic leads; the oddly-named "Papaoutai Feat. Lindsay Sterling" by Paul Von Haver, sung in French, is a salsa-flavored, rhythmic dance tune and "Standing By," written by the group, is gently poetic that builds to anthemic, then returns, a gem that seemed to end way too soon. Five man, one woman Pentatonix creates wonderfully arranged, multi-dimensional pieces that fill the speakers with rich, perfectly harmonic sound. If you're into a cappella, as we are sure you are, you'll want to own and listen to "III" to experience what sounds and harmonies, that, although rare, are now possible! Songlist: Problem, On My Way Home, La La Latch, Rather Be, See Through, Papaoutai Feat, Standing By
Review: 4-man, 1 woman Pentatonix, or PTX, are vocal sensations and winners of season 3 of NBC's The Sing-Off, who are pushing the instrument-free envelope. Named after the 5-note musical scale, this quintet has paired their intricate arrangements with brilliantly re-invented pop songs. Lead vocalists Scott, Kirstie and Mitch, bass Avi and beatboxer Kevin, all Southern Californians in their early 20s, got together to audition for The Sing-Off, and created a sound and style that are unique and deliciously infectious! "Volume I" is 6 tunes, "Starships" is a techno pop rhythmic dance tune with salsa and hip hop flavors, and one of the most danceable a cappella tunes we've heard; "The Baddest Girl," written by the group and Ben Bram is a complex, driving, rhythmic torch song, and "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Luiz Bonea and Walter de Backer is a poignant, memorable tune about a former love. Cut 4 is a wonderfully-arranged cover of Imogen Jennifer Jane Heap's "Aha!" that keeps on coming with powerful beatboxing and intertwined rhythms, and "Show You How to Love" is another sweet group original with a top 40 hook. "Love You Long Time" by Salaam Remland and Jazmine Sullivan is a powerful, driving love song. Bottom line: Pentatonix is re-inventing a cappella all over the place, they're one of the hottest vocal bands on the planet, and "Volume I" is one of the best of the year. Enough said! Songlist: Starships, The Baddest Girl, Somebody That I Used To Know, Aha!, Show You How To Love, Love You Long Time
Review: 11 brand new original songs from the most successful a cappella group in the universe! Songlist: Happy Now, Love Me When I Don't, Coffee in Bed, Be My Eyes, A Little Space, Side, Bored, Exit Signs, Never Gonna Cry Again, It's Different Now, The Lucky Ones
Review: Not only only one of the most talented a cappella groups performing today, Pentatonix is also one of the most prolific. This is their 8th recording and surely one of their best. This time they cover some of the great standards with their usual intricate arrangements and powerhouse delivery and this recording should be in every a cappella fans collection. Songlist: Bohemian Rhapsody, Imagine, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Over The Rainbow, Take On Me, Can't Help Falling In Love, Jolene (featuring Dolly Parton)
Postyr Project : Postyr Project  Review: Postyr Project is a mixed-voice (two women, three men) quintet out of Denmark, and on their debut album the five singers "strive to explore the border land between the natural softness and vitality of the human voice and the uncompromising and merciless roughness of electronic instruments." There are 13 tunes here, all sung in English, some such as "Interlude" are obviously accompanied; others like "Veins," "Go! Don't Stop!," "A Wave," "In Vernalis," " Elps (Breath)," "Broken," "An Open Chapter," "OMG," "RunRunRun" and "Walking" are more ambiguous and mostly focus on some wonderful, mysterious vocals. The last two cuts are an "Electrocrank Remix of Go! Don't Stop!," and a "SWAB Remix of Breath." There are some sweet leads, ethereal harmonies, haunting arrangements and lyrics here that touched and moved us, although some lyrics here are not for children or the easily-offended. That said, Postyr Project has a tremendous amount of vocal talent, and their self-titled debut CD is an impressive winner! Songlist: Veins, Go! Don't Stop!, Interlude, A Wave, In Vernalis, Elpa (Breath), Broken, An Open Chapter, Omg, RunRunRun, Walking, Go! Don't Stop!, Breath
Review: With 10 wonderful albums and a live DVD among our personal Vocal Jazz favorites available on Singers.com, we are always thrilled to see and hear a new Rajaton release! This Finnish three man/three women a cappella sextet has a clean, perfect sound that brings to mind groups like Sweeps winners Idea of North, Sing-Off Champs Nota, Sweden's The Real Group, Rockapella and M-Pact. There ar 12 songs here, 6 in Finnish ("Onni," "Vainamoisen Veneretki," "Satakieli Monrepoossa," "Tuuti, Tuuti Poiuttani," the surreal soundscape "Surma," the poignant "Kaivo" and the gentle folk tune "Laulua Lopettaessa." Although we don't speak Finnish, we particularly enjoy these cuts, all the more lovely and powerful because they are in the singers' native tongue. Other favorites are "The Lament (of My Heart)," "Aurora," "Uphill," "I Need You to Turn To" and "Glass House." Rajaton paints with delicate sound, perfectly in tune and harmony, and each album is a surprising, stunning masterpiece. Treat yourself to "Terinoita" by Rajaton, one of our all-time favorites, and clearly one of the best a cappella ensembles in the world! Songlist: Onni, The Lament (of my heart), Aurora, Uphill, Vainamoisen veneretki, Satakieli Monrepoossa, I Need You to Turn To, Glass House, Tuuti, tuuti poiuttani, Surma, Kaivo, Laulua lopettaessa
Review: Berkeley, CA's three man, three woman a cappella jazz ensemble Ro Sham Bo, who impressed us with a strong set at the '06 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional (winning Best Original Arrangement and 2nd place overall), bring us this impressive debut CD of 12 songs. The salsa favorite "Mas Que Nada" starts the program, the brilliantly arranged "Nature Boy," the silly "Barney is the Devil," jazzy "Why Haven't I Heard From You," "Greasy Granny" and "It's Over," the bluenote, scattish "Anthopology," the Blues standard "God Bless the Child," the moody "Interlude" and the striking bluenote arrangement of "Ballgame," which was a special request that the group sang only one time, are favorites. "It's not over" is a beautifully selected, arranged and performed debut by this talented mixed Bay Area sextet! Songlist: Mas Que Nada, Baghdad Cafe, Barney Is The Devil, Why Haven't I Heard From You, God Bless The Child, Greasy Granny, Nature Boy, Simple House, It's Over, Anthropology, Interlude, Ballgame
Review: This is the debut album from the adventurous and renowned vocal octet Roomful of Teeth. From the neo-alpine yodel on Rinde Eckert's "Cesca's View" to Caleb Burhans's stirring post-minimalist take on bel canto singing in "No", the album breathes fresh life into the a cappella landscape. One of this generation's most dynamic vocal talents, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs, contributes two electrifying songs that explore a range of world-inspired grooves. African pygmy yodels, Inuit rhythmic pulsing, Appalachian hymn tunes, and bracing Eastern European belting all filter through Garbus's powerful compositional voice. For her Pulitzer Prize-winning four-part composition Partita for 8 Voices, Caroline Shaw uses her insider vantage as a Roomful of Teeth vocalist to create a sonically exquisite and emotionally charged journey through the ensemble's soundworld. Songlist: Passacaglia, Amid the Minotaurs, Montmartre, No, Courante, AEIOU, The Orchard, Cesca's View, Allemande, Quizassa, Sarabande, Runaway, Ansa Ya
Singers : Breathing Review: The three men and three women of Danish Contemporary sextet Singers have been singing together for 10 years now, and the voices and harmonies are sweet, clear and sure. We were hoping their website would offer clues to how they can juxtapose an energetic Christian tune like "Shackles (Praise You)" with the hip-hop song "No Diggety," but the website is all in Danish. So we can just sit back and enjoy their cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," the r&b classic "I Got A Man" (originally titled "I Got A Woman,") Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" and "He's (originally She's) Out of My Life," a waltz-like "Kiss From A Rose," "Freedom '90" and "Jesus Christ Lies Here Tonight" without explanation. All songs are sung beautifully, and in perfect English. "Breathing" is a treat! Songlist: Shackles (Praise You), Frozen, No Diggety, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I Got A Man, Kiss From A Rose, He's Out Of My Life, Freedom '90, Jesus Christ Lies Here Tonight
Slammin All Body Band : Slammin All Body Band Review: Oakland, CA-based mixed-voice sextet Slammin All Body Band, which we caught at a recent A Cappella Summit, is at its best live - as "Slammin," their debut CD proves. In fact the idea for the band came out of a raucous jam session at Jazz Camp/West, where the creation of a full and textured sound using no instruments outside the body "was just too happening to ignore." Slammin concerts were immediately rowdy, funky, humorous, vibrant and fresh. We particularly liked the opening cut, "Overjoyed/Cabra da Peste," riffs on the reggae anthem "Pressure Drop," "Thank You/Just Be Thankful/What Is Hip" medley and "Freedom Jazz Dance." Exciting, cutting edge stuff! Songlist: Overjoyed / Cabra da Peste, Pressure Drop, The Way You Move, Can't Get It Right, Body Music: Slammed, Thank You/Just Be Thankful/What Is Hip, Gateway to Freedom, Freedom Jazz Dance, Where I Know My Name, All Blues / Ven Aca, Irene's Good Night
Review: Los Angeles-based 3-man, three woman sextet Sonos are part of UCLA's wildly proliferating a cappella scene, debuting in December of 2008 at the Hotel Cafe with an "intimate, yet scorching performance...brimming with fiery fervor, major dynamics and sexual tension," according to Deli Magazine. Sonos aims to turn the a cappella genre on its head, with bold reinterpretations of artists who inspire them, Radiohead ("Everything in Its Right Place"), Sara Bareilles (also a UCLA alum who joins Sonos on her "Gravity"), Fleet Foxes ("White Winter Hymnal"), Bon Iver ("Re:Stacks"), Rufus Wainwright ("Oh What A World"), Bjork ("Joga") and Imogen Heap ("Come Here Boy"). They also reinvent the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" with a hip-hop rendition, and have a soulful take on Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." Sonos has a wonderfully sophisticated, sweetly harmonic sound that lends itself well to these innovative, often surprising arrangements. Let us be clear, Sonos is an a cappella force to be reckoned with, especially with the rise of a cappella in Hollywood to the mainstream with groups like Harmony Sweeps champs Moira Smiley and VOCO, and hit series like "Glee." An impressive debut release! Songlist: Re: Stacks, Everything in It's Right Place, Gravity, I Want You Back, Again and Again, Little Bird, Come Here Boy, Enjoy the Silence, Bittersweet, Oh What a World, Joga, White Winter Hymnal
Sound Stage 7 : Scroobylicious Review: The live performances Boston's Soundstage 7, Liz, Hyoun, Andrea, Mike, Maddie and Greg, feature whatever music takes their fancy, and ours, as long as it's "fun, crazy, energetic, hip or just plain groovy, baby!" They dig '80s and '90s pop tunes, but their repertoire also includes soul, funk, Latin, folk and more. 12 tunes, some favorites are Sting's "All Four Seasons," The Cure's "The Lovecats," The Story's "Fatso," Ricky Martin's "Shake Your Bon Bon," Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music," Suzanne Vega's "Calypso," and an apparent live parody of Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time," that has the audience roaring with laughter. Soundstage 7 has the kind of spirit, panache and vocal talent and sense of humor that a cappella stars are made of. They have a fresh, professional sound that invites us to join in the fun. An impressive debut CD from these fast-rising a cappella stars! Songlist: All Four Seasons, Dela, The Lovecats, Fatso, Pikachu (I Choose You), Shake Your Bon-Bon, Summer Moved On, Play That Funky Music, In These Shoes, Calypso, ...Baby One More Time
Review: 2010 Harmony Sweeps Los Angeles Regional Winner SoundStage is a talented mixed voice (4 men, 2 women) Contemporary a cappella sextet who drew a huge ovation with great harmonies and lead at the recent Sweeps Finals in San Rafael. "In House" has 15 excellent covers of Pop, Rock, Show, Jazz and Soul tunes, all arranged by group member Bradley Hampton. Some favorites are the Spencer Davis Group hit "Gimme Some Lovin'," Lennon/McCartney's "Good Day Sunshine," a jazzy rendition of the classic "Route 66," Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow," Slocum's "Kiss Me," and a pair of originals, Hampton's "On Your Way Back Home" and (with group member Kyle Bowen) "Everybody Needs Some Love." Other favorites are Aretha Franklin's R&B anthem "Respect," Yancy/Jackson's "This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)" and McNaughton's "Love at Home." SoundStage's live show is as dynamic and exciting as they come, and "In House" is an impressive, finely-crafted debut CD. We loved it, and are expecting big things from fast-rising SoundStage! Songlist: Get On Your Feet, Gimme Some Lovin', Good Day Sunshine, Route 66, Wink and a Smile, Over The Rainbow, I Love You, On Your Way Back Home, Everybody Needs Some Love, Think / Respect, Kiss Me, Love Will Keep Us Alive, This Will Be, Put A Little Love In Your Heart, Love at Home
Tam Echo Tam : A Cappella Review: This reviewer rants, raves and generally degenerates into rabid fandom over Tam'Echo'Tam who are a Brussels-based mixed quartet of French, Guyanese, Moroccon and Zairese extraction. They begin composing with improv and vocal games evolving from fun into highly polished songs which retain their playful origins in sounds never before heard. One totally original sound is a sort of warble that the two women have created and others have termed a vocal mandolin. Most of the songs are in French which all the members have in common. If you love international a cappella, this is one of the best! Songlist: The Island Of My Love, Delit MIneur, En Pensant A' Bill, Le Ruisseau, La Fuite De Jazz, Sophie S'Envole, What Does It Mean?, Tchin, Esperanto, My Black Bird, La Vie En Rose, Au Clair De La Lune, Koyaka
Review: The blossoming music scene in Brussels, an exciting cultural melting pot, has given birth to mixed-voice quartet Tam 'Echo' Tam, two men and two women of French, Guayanese, Moroccan and Zairian origin. Valerie, Aline, Larbi and Daniel use their solid mastering of vocal expression to create an eclectic repertoire that combines elements from African roots music, American folk-bop, French chanson, gospel and jazz. 12 songs, some favorites are the bluesy title tune, joyous finger-popping "One day life," the inspirational guitar accompanied "Blessed," a rhythmic, street corner take on Stevie Wonder's "Master Blaster;" the ethereal "Quando" and "Yvan" the spicy, slightly greasy "El trabajo del amor," the surreal "L'ultima danza," the bluesy French "Du tout au tout," the kind-of-depressed reggae tune "On a mis longtemps," and the guitar accompanied heartbreaker "Be your friend." We love the cover photo of these beautiful young singers mugging, grinning and having fun with each other-it sets the tone for "Dawn," a not too serious, singing together on a sunny afternoon in Brussels kind of album. That is, big fun! Songlist: Dawn, One Day Life, Blessed, Master Blaster, Sans Toi, Quando, Yvan, El Trabajo del Amor, L' Ultima Danza, Du Tout au Tout, On Mis Longtemps, Be Your Friend
Review: We had the pleasure of hearing Mister Tim and his four other singers, Kate, Emily, Peter and Matt, onstage at the 2011 Harmony Sweeps Finals, where they performed a powerful set and won "Best Original Song" for "Monsters, Animals." Winning the Rocky Mountain Regional, Throat's Mister Tim, according to his website, is associated with a number of groups who have graced Harmony Sweepstakes stages, Mouth Beats, moosebutter (one of our favorite groups), and the 2010 Sweeps Champs Plumbers of Rome, two members of which joined Throat for their set at the Finals. The personnel changes are all pretty confusing, but the music, which reminds us a lot of another one of our longtime favorites The Bobs, is great! There are 12 songs here, the first five performed by Throat, and 6 through 12 performed by, who uses a repeat loop recording machine to sing leads and harmonies with himself. All songs are written by Mister Tim, with the exception of "Monsters, Animals, which was written by Emily Bedal. With a heavy, driving vocal percussion beat, lyrics that are funny, surreal and bizarre, great leads and background harmonies, Throat and Mister Tim kick butt and take no prisoners! Some other favorites are "ala Floyd," "On and On," "Softly," "Full Set of Heartbreaks," "Momma," "Bang on the Door," "Zombies" and "180." The songwriting is reminiscent of Bob Dylan crossed with Peter Gabriel, with a touch of a young Leonard Cohen. But don't take our word for it, have a listen-Mister Tim is a world-class poet and his Throat can sing their tails off and put Tim's lyrics out with style, power and attitude. And to us, and to the appreciative Sweeps Finals audience, that's entertainment! Songlist: ala Floyd, Jeremiah Pollock, Monsters, Animals, On and On, Softly, Down and Down, Full Set of Heartbreaks, I Have Become, Momma, Bang on the Door, Zombies, 180
Toxic Audio : Captive AudienceReview: This phenomenally talented mixed quintet just "captured" the 2000 Harmony Sweepstakes, and the fourteen songs on this CD show exactly how they did it. Recorded in front of a live audience, this Florida based group, who earns their bread and butter at Disney World, absolutely tear up the floorboards. With material that is mostly popular - "Lean On Me," "Turn The Beat Around" and "Come Together" - their style is emphatically jazz-inflected, as are many of their arrangements, most of which are their own (though they include two by Yumiko Matsuoka-Young, Vox One's alto and one of the finest arrangers in a cappella). However, it's as performers that Toxic Audio dominate. Their professionalism and confidence are apparent, and they get inside each song and exploit every nuance. They have the experience to go for it, and the savvy to back it up. Co-produced by Jeff Thacher of Rockapella. Songlist: Sound Check, Walk the Dinosaur, Route 66, Super Groovy Alphabet Soup, Come Together, Thriller, 50 Ways, ...Baby One More Time, Abracadabra / You Can Do Magic, It's Too Late, Angelina, The Water Is Wide, Lean On Me, Turn the Beat Around
Toxic Audio : ChemistryReview: 2000 Harmony Sweeps Champions, (and hilarious hosts of the 2001 Finals), the third CD of the 3 men and 2 women who are Toxic Audio has been much anticipated here, and we are happy to report that "Chemistry" is a smash! The CD begins with a wonderfully wacky "She Blinded Me With Science," the Doobie Bros' hit "Listen to the Music," "Hush" with a really cool vocal "bass" solo, "Words," with a very cool "rap" sequence, a sneakily funny parody, "God Must Have Spent A Little Less Time On You," with the line, "you're so ugly, when you were born, instead of slapping you, they slapped your mom," "Paperback Writer," Throat Culture's "I want a head like the heads you see on Easter Island, I want to stare at the seaside and do nothing." Next is "Stand By Me," a jazzy "Autumn Leaves," first in French and then upbeat in English, an ultra funky "Why Don't We Do It in the Road," a Michael Jackson song, and the disco hit, "Turn the Beat Around, which vocally segues into the drum solo from the surfer hit, "Wipeout." "Chemistry" is a winner and highly recommended! Songlist: Blinded Me With Science, Listen to the Music, Voices Carry, Putting Words Into My Mouth, God Must've Spent a Little Less Time on You, Paperback Writer, Easter Island, Stand By Me, Autumn Leaves, Do It in the Road, Tunnel Vision, Turn the Beat Around
Toxic Audio : Toxic AudioReview: The release of this CD has been eagerly awaited - fans of the group's live performances have been clamoring for it! This mixed quintet, based in Florida, has all kinds of chops, as singers as well as entertainers. They have a contemporary sound, including vocal percussion, but a jazzy influence can be detected, such as on the track "Loving You," (no surprise, as the song was arranged by Yumiko Matsuoka). Indeed, it is this facility that fleshes out the arrangements and gives the finished product substance. "Hooked On A Feeling" chugs along with its "ooga chaka" pulse - an example where humor also works musically. "My Cherie Amour" shows once again the tightness of the "rhythm section," "Big Yellow Taxi," arranged by the group, proves their facility in this area. Several original songs show another facet of the group's talent. Songlist: A Toxic Tribute To Pat And Debby Boone, Spooky, Can't Win, Loving You, Hooked On A Feeling, Ordinary Life, Take A Chance On Me/ Dancing Queen, My Cherie Amour, Big Yellow Taxi, Outta My Mind, Say Goodbye, The Super-Phat Low-Cal Disney Rap, A Dream Is A Wish
Toxic Audio : Word Of MouthReview: First launching its quirky show at the 1998 Orlando International Fringe Festival, where they caught the attention of Disney executives who hired them as featured performers at Disney/MGM Studios, Toxic Audio began making major waves in the a cappella world in 2000 with a stunning win at the Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA. Their CD "Chemistry" was named 2003 CASA' Album of the Year. After national TV appearances with Ed McMahon and Wayne Brady, the group won the 2004 Drama Desk Award for "Unique Theatrical Experience for their Off-Broadway Show in New York's John Houseman Theatre. "Word of Mouth" is essentially a "Best of Toxic Audio 1998-2004" CD, which features tracks from their previous releases in addition to "Chemistry," "Captive Audience," and "Toxic Audio," as well as 6 new tracks recorded exclusively for "Word." 13 songs, and a list of favorites would have to include a pair of amazing originals written by group members Jeremy and Shalisa, "Caffeine" and "Putting Words in My Mouth," who also sing lead on them; a funky, salsa-flavored "(Put the Lime in the) Coconut;" an ethereal, soaring arrangement of "Stand By Me," a pair of Lennon/McCartney winners, "Why Don't We Do It In The Road" and "All I've Got to Do," one of the best live covers of "Route 66" we've ever heard, the group's live concert favorite "Turn the Beat Around," a bluesy-jazzy "If I Only Had A Brain" with a sweet, meandering lead by Paul; and a boogying "You Can't Stop The Beat" from the Broadway musical "Hairspray." One of the most dynamic live shows we've seen, at the Sweeps and at the A Cappella Summit, Toxic Audio makes equally wonderful CDs, and this is their best yet, "Word!" Songlist: Caffeine, (Put The Lime In The) Coconut, Splanky, Bring Me To Life, Stand By Me, Why Don't We Do It In The Road, All I Gotta Do, Route 66, Putting Words In My Mouth, Turn The Beat Around, Voices Carry, If I Only Had A Brain, You Can't Stop The Beat
Various Artists : A Cappella All-Stars - 1998 CARA's Review: Produced by CASA, these compilation CDs are a great introduction to different genres of a cappella, and are particularly recommended to the novice listener. Including groups such as Penn off the Beat ("Fall from Grace") Heebee-jeebees ("Angels We Have Heard on High") Da Vinci's Notebook ("Liposuction") and the King's Singers ("Abendlied"), the proceeds benefit CASA and allow the organization to continue in its efforts to promote a cappella singing. Other groups featured are The Fairfield Four, Vox One and Rockapella. Songlist: Lift Up, Chameleon, Tic Tic Boom, Hush, Fall From Grace, Sham'a, Swingers, Help For The Needy(Today), A Song From The Fifties, 'Round Midnight, 'Cross The Mason-Dixon Line, Mabel, Angels We have Heard On High, Liposuction, El Paisanito, Abendlied, Tonight, Eternity Alone, Hymn To The Mother Of God
Various Artists : Pitch Perfect - Motion Picture Sound TrackReview: Set in the world of collegiate a cappella the hit new movie Pitch Perfect features made-for-movie a cappella groups The Treblemakers, The Barden Bellas and the BU Harmonics. This well-produced CD includes all the a cappella singing from the movie and loaded with new takes on old favorites, to hits of right now that are seamlessly mixed together, mashed-up and fabulously arranged. Songlist: Don't Stop The Music, Let It Whip, Since U Be Gone, Cups, Riff Off, Micky, Like A Virgin, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, S&M, Let's Talk About Sex, I'll Make Love To You, Feels Like The First Time, No Digerty, The Sign, Eternal Flame, Turn The Beat Around, Right Round, Just The Way You Are, Just A Dream, Party In The USA, Bright Lights, Bigger City, Magic, Price Tag, Don't You (Forget About Me), Give Me Everything, Just The Way You Are
Various Artists : The Sing-Off - Best of Season 2Review: Since the couple of months in the Spring of 2008 that producers from NBC followed Primarily A Cappella's John Neal around and their camera crews filmed the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Finals in San Rafael, CA, the a cappella world has gone through some big changes. The Sing-Off showed off the Sweeps' brand of exciting, unique mixed-genre a cappella competition to new studio audiences and millions of new Primetime tv viewers. Harmony Sweeps Finals veterans like Face and MAXX Factor were showing off their stuff, and the first year's champion was Nota, whose three core members performed as Alpha at the '04 Sweeps Finals. "The sing-off, The Best of Season 2" features 2005 Sweeps champs Groove for Thought, and these 11 songs, like "Beautiful Day" by all the sing-off contestants, "Apologize" by 1st place winners Committed, Radiohead's "Creep" by Street Corner Symphony, Stevie Nicks' "Landslide" by The Backbeats, Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town's "Mercy," Eleventh Hour's "Baby," Groove for Thought's "Cooler Than Me," The Yale Whiffenpoofs' "Grace Kelly," Pitch Slapped's "Good Girls Go Bad," Men of Note's "Take a Bow" and On The Rocks' "The Final Countdown" simply underscores how much vocal talent has been assembled here for all to see and hear. Buy "The Best of Season 2" and listen to a cappella take off like a harmonious, vocal percussioning rocket on national TV! Songlist: Beautiful Day, Apologize, Creep, Landslide, Mercy, Baby, Cooler Than Me, Grace Kelly, Good Girls Go Bad, Take A Bow, The Final Countdown
Vocal Nation : Vocal NationReview: This is a terrific contemporary recording, which had been unavailable for some time. Six Los Angeles session vocalists, one of whom is the notable Randy Crenshaw, writing and arranging superb original dance/pop, including "The Prize," which sounds like the progressive rock group Yes, and "Ye-U-Ma," which could be a track on a Ladysmith Black Mambazo CD! This is the depth and diversity of which Vocal Nation are capable. "Live Wire" is an undulating soul shaker with a funky bass line and vocal horn section (and, yes, a percussion track, which is true of many of the songs on the CD). "Of Love" is a modern hymn, and along with "The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood," (a Celtic traditional), displays a joyful sense of melody that is proof positive that music really can soothe the savage beast. Songlist: Make Your Move, Keys To Paradise, Live Wire, Of Love, Sly Medley, Ye-U-Ma, O Brasil, The Prize, Cry From The Heart, Why Ask Why, The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
Vocalosity : VocalosityReview: So new we have not reviewed it yet. Songlist: Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Tightrope, Locked Out of Heaven, Thinking Out Loud, Hallelujah, Whole Lotta Love, Beatbox Break, Sing Sing Sing, True Colors, Shut Up and Dance, See You Again, Fever, Fix You
Voicebox : No Net Review: Priding itself on freedom from stylistic barriers, Voicebox is eight men and women that has chosen to stray from all stereotypes and produce an effort that proves strength with diversity. The voices are powerful and incredibly controlled. To have the versatility of voice and style is a true gift, protocol for the Voicebox musical mission. Prepare for a trip down memory lane as Voicebox reflects the songs of radio, television, widescreen, days in the Golden Gate and summertime in England. It is likely that each song will remind you of special times with special people. No Net features "My Romance", "Moondance", "You Are The New Day" (a personal favorite), "Skylark", "Guinnevere", "That Lonesome Road", and Lennon-McCartney lullaby "Good Night". Songlist: Don't Stop, My Romance, Moondance, Won't You Be My Neighbor?, Dixie Storms, You Are The New Day, Over the Rainbow, Fowles in the Frith, Skylark, In This Heart, Babethandaza, Guinnevere, She's Not There, RIdin' the Rails, That Lonesome Road, Pink Cadillac / Greased LIghtnin', Better Be Home Soon, Good Night
Voices of Liberty : A Cappella Americana Review: Derric Johnson is the director of the 'Voices Of Liberty,' the ten-voice ensemble that performs at Walt Disney World. This collection, featuring the Voices themselves, is as unabashedly and straightforwardly patriotic as it is possible to be, with songs such as 'This Land Is Your Land,' 'America, The Beautiful' and 'Battle Hymn Of The Republic' on the set list. The CD's opener, 'Golden Dream,' is the musical equivalent of a twelve-gun salute, if for nothing other than its finale, which climbs up the scale chromatically to dizzying heights. The challenging arrangements and the virtuosity of the performances - excellent across the board - are a complement to the sometimes grave lyrical content, which emphasizes all-American values with unmitigated confidence. Whatever one's opinions on that score, musically 'A Cappella Americana' is great. Songlist: Golden Dream, Shenandoah, Railroad Medley, We, The People / America The Beautiful, The Star Spangled Banner, Songs Of The South (medley), This Land Is Your Land, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, Oh Susanna!, Black Is The Color of my True Love's Hair, The Penny / My Country 'tis of Thee
Voices on the Dark Side : Dark Side of the Moon - A CappellaReview: VOCOMOTION is an a cappella-only recording studio and record label based near Chicago, owned by multi-talented Freddie Feldman, who has been immersed in the world of a cappella for over a decade, as a singer, producer, arranger, composer, recording engineer and vocal percussionist. He is a major CASA player, and was the lead singer for the band Gaskit and vocal percussionist for Absolute Harmony. He has produced 30 a cappella albums at VOCOMOTION, winning several BOCA and CARA recording awards. Pink Floyd's masterpiece and one of the best-selling rock albums of all time, "Dark Side" is vocally recreated here by 8 singers and 1 vocal percussionist, and the results are fairly stunning. Of course, many people know these 9 tunes by heart: "Speak to Me/Breathe," "On the Run," "Time," "Money," "Us and Them" and others, but the envelope that the recording pushes goes way beyond being able to better understand what the lyrics actually were. Floyd used synthesizers and audio effects to create their haunting sound, and it's totally cool to hear the voices riff on a creating a particularly difficult beloved passage, and succeeding. Recorded in High Definition, without breaks between the tracks, and as close to the original timing as possible, lovers of a cappella and/or of rock will want and need to hear "Dark Side," to be amazed again by the power of the human voice. Songlist: Speak To Me/Breathe, On The Run, Time, The Great Gig In The Sky, Money, Us And Them, Any Colour You Like, Brain Damage, Eclipse
Review: Orlando, FL-based 3-man, 2 Women Vox Audio, formerly Toxic Audio, who jumped fro the 1998 Orlando Fringe Festival to featured Disney performers, to 2000 Harmony Sweeps Champs, were on a huge roll, and it has kept going: their "Chemistry" was named 2003 CASA Album of the Year, national tv appearances, and their off-Broadway show in NYC's Houseman Theatre won the 2004 Drama Desk Award for "Unique Theatrical Experience." Officially changing their moniker to Vox Audio with "Voice Activated, the group thanks the name in the liner notes for "13 years of faithful service, we hope you enjoy your condo in Boca!" Toxic Audio's live shows and CDs have always been hilarious, and "Voice Activated" follows suit bigtime: "I Gotta Firework," "Sound Guy," "Go to Bed Early," "I Wish I Could Go Back to College," "Quiet Time" and "Swingin' Low," which features a "Wicked Scat Solo" by Michelle, "Wicked Horn" by Paul and "Wicked Bass" by Trist Curless, are all hilarious. Great, funny stuff by one of our all time favorite a cappella groups! Songlist: I Gotta Firework, Crazy, Sound Guy, Imagine, Swingin' Low, Beautiful Day, Go To Bed Early, September, Grace Kelly, Man of Constant Sorrow, A Little Less Conversation, Quiet Time, I Wish I Could Go Back to College, Group Bio
Review: Southern California's hottest contemporary a cappella sextet, formed in 2001 to perform at Disney's California Adventure under the name "Groove 66," led by musical director and vocal arranger Deke Sharon. The band became the park's most popular atmosphere group, and performed every day at Disneyland for almost three years; now they exist primarily outside of Disney, making appearances on TV and radio, headlining on cruise ships, corporate events and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. We had the pleasure of watching and hearing Los Angeles-based Vybration's wonderful set at the Harmony Sweeps Finals, which won them 2nd place against a very strong field of Regional winners, and Best Original Arrangement for Sharon's arrangement of "Route 66." That finger-poppingly jazzy song is one of our favorites among the 12 songs here, other ones are the Eagles' "Fly Like an Eagle," a jazzy "Blue Skies," "Fly" medley, Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," Otis Redding's Bay Area anthem segueing into the Doo-Wop hit, "Dock of the Boardwalk" the Mamas and the Papa's iconic hit "California Dreamin', Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People," and "Disco Medley." Vybration's stage act was completely fun-these three men and three women obviously love what they do, and it adds up to great entertainment! Songlist: Fly Like An Eagle, Blue Skies, Fly, Lean On Me, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Route 66, Dock Of The Boardwalk, California Dreamin', Everyday People, Seasons Of Love, Disco Medley, America, The Beautiful
Various Artists : Harmony Sweepstakes 2009 - SOLD OUT Review: 18 songs from the amazing 25th Anniversary Finals, featuring "Book of Love," "Cat is High" and "Ghost Train" from 3rd Place winner Rezonate, "Bye Bye Norman" and "Bill Bailey Medley" from 2nd Place winner and Audience Favorite, the Bay Area's own The Love Notes, and "Brand New Day" and "Don't Break The Heart" by National Champs Maxx Factor. Also included are "When the Lilacs Bloom" and "Nothing At All" from 2008 Champs Vocaldente, plus tunes from Road Show, Mouth Beats, 3 Men and a Melody, Cartoon Johnny and Evolution. It always seems to us that every Harmony Sweeps National Finals is even better than the last, but there's really no comparison, because they all are wonderfully unique. So, for a very reasonable price, treat yourself to this Sweeps banquet, and, as we have, settle back and savor each of the a cappella goodies within! Songlist: 16 Tons, Tron, Bye Bye Norman, When the White Lilacs Bloom, Brand New Day, Book of Love, The Future Pt. 2, Don't Break the Heart, Nothing at All, Bill Bailey Medley, Angel, Cat is High, Ghost Train, What I Like, Bless the Broken Road
Various Artists : Harmony Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary  Review: This 25th Anniversary collection is 2 discs of prize-winning tunes and Big Fun from the first 25 years of the best a cappella show on the planet, The Harmony Sweepstakes National Finals! The first disc has 23 of our favorites from these shows, and it was, you might imagine, very hard to pick from:- let's see-8 Regional Winners per show times 25 equals 200 great groups, times 3 or 4 songs per group, well, you get the picture. How can we forget The Idea of North's "Mas Que Nada," Naturally Seven's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Chapter 6's marvelous "Wizard of Oz Medley" or Moosebutter's hilarious "Star Wars?" Now we, and you, don't have to! Just to give you a taste of all the goodies on Disc 1, we present a list of the groups that are included: 17th Avenue All Stars, The Idea of North, +4db, Hi-Fidelity, Naturally Seven, Moira Smiley & Voco, Chapter 6, Clockwork, Traces, Harmonytrix, Acapelicans, Moodswing, The Coats, The New Originals, Pickups, Chicago Voice Exchange, Metropolis, Moosebutter, Face, Citylights and SoVoSo. The second disc has 18 songs from the amazing 25th Anniversary Finals, featuring "Book of Love," "Cat is High" and "Ghost Train" from 3rd Place winner Rezonate, "Bye Bye Norman" and "Bill Bailey Medley" from 2nd Place winner and Audience Favorite, the Bay Area's own The Love Notes, and "Brand New Day" and "Don't Break The Heart" by National Champs Maxx Factor. Also included are "When the Lilacs Bloom" and "Nothing At All" from 2008 Champs Vocaldente, plus tunes from Road Show, Mouth Beats, 3 Men and a Melody, Cartoon Johnny and Evolution. It always seems to us that every Harmony Sweeps National Finals is even better than the last, but there's really no comparison, because they all are wonderfully unique. So, for a very reasonable price, treat yourself to this Sweeps banquet, and, as we have, settle back and savor each of the a cappella goodies within! Songlist: Sly and the Family Stone Medley, Mas Que Nada, In a Mellow Tone, Blackbird, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie, Wizard of Oz Medley, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Mary Don't You Weep, O Sinfuni Mungu, Get Down Tonight, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Paper Moon, Stray Cat Strut, Plastic Jesus, Route 66, Spiderman, Sweet Georgia Brown, Change in My Life, Star Wars, O Fortuna, That's How You Jazz, Say
Idea Of North : The Early YearsReview: A four piece mixed group from Australia, "The Idea of North" has compiled an eclectic mix of songs, performed and arranged in an accessible contemporary jazz style. About half are accompanied; the melody line on "My Funny Valentine" is played by a flugelhorn, and there is bass and percussion on several other songs (bassist Duncan Brown plays in the snappin' and poppin' style of the "Seinfeld" theme). "The 23rd Psalm" (arranged by McFerrin) and "Irish Blessing" reveals a traditional side, and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" has a gospel inflection and ragtime vocal horn solo. James Taylor's "Shed a Little Light" and "That Lonesome Road" are included, as is Harry Connick's "Trouble." This is a "crossover" record: it could qualify in either the contemporary or jazz categories. The second CD.has guest artists, James Morrison on Trombone on "Mas Que Nada," and "Fragile," the only two very lightly accompanied songs. This is an impressive, confident CD, reminiscent of the Real Group, and all the tunes are so beautifully arranged, selected and performed, it's hard to pick favorites - so we just sat back and enjoyed the sweet jazzy ride. The full color, beautifully photographed liner notes are a perfect complement to the music. Recommended! Songlist: Sweet, Sweet Spirit, Fragile, Triste, Takes My Breath Away, Amazing Grace, Trouble, Shed A Little Light/The Gulf War Song, Sitting In Limbo, My Funny Valentine, The 23rd Psalm, You've Got What It Takes, That Lonesome Road, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, The Irish Blessing, My Foolish Heart, Straight To My Heart, It's Alright With Me, Mas Que Nada, Neat Surprise, Singin' A Cappella, Gotta Move On, Two Sides to the Story, Fragile, Abide With Me
Mac Huff : I Believe I Can Fly - Parts CDReview: This 1996 #2 pop ballad offers a positive message about believing in yourself and reaching for your dreams. A powerful choice for young choirs. Includes optional Oboe part. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed 2-Part and VoiceTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30 Sheet Music Available: SAB, 2-Part As Performed by: R. Kelly
Alan Billingsley : Just the Way You Are (Amazing)Review: Bruno Mars hit several Billboard charts with this catchy and uplifting song from his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Finn gave it the ultimate Glee treatment on the popular "Furt" episode! Sheet Music Available: SATB, SATB, SSAB, SATB As Performed by: Billy Joel
Carpenters : A Carpenter's ChristmasReview: Karen and Richard Carpenter brought singable songs with thoughtful and insightful arrangements to the pop music world during the 1970's and 80's. Those musical offerings are enhanced in these skillful arrangements. Songs include: The Christmas Waltz - I'll Be Home for Christmas - It Came upon the Midnight Clear - Merry Christmas, Darling - An Old Fashioned Christmas - Sleigh Ride Sheet Music Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, SAB, SSA, SATB As Performed by: Carpenters
Review: Awarded the Song of the Year at the 1985 GRAMMY Awards, Cyndi Lauper's song is still popular today among many generations. This arrangement is a cappella and can be joined by light percussion and acoustic guitar. A unique and fresh programming choice for your show, jazz or concert choirs. Available: SSATB; StudioTrax CD. Sheet Music Available: SSATB As Performed by: Cyndi Lauper
Audrey Snyder : At The Twist and Shout - Parts CDReview: Two pop tunes from totally different eras combine into a non-stop party in this arrangement for younger choirs. Down at the Twist and Shout has a Louisiana style Cajun groove and with snippets of Twist and Shout added for a colorful choral mash-up. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed 2-Part VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:30. Songlist: At The Twist and Shout Sheet Music Available: SAB, 2-Part, 2-Part, SAB |
