Review: We have to say two things about the BOCA series-one, the studio production on the tracks keeps getting more professional, and two, so do the groups! Michigan (my alma mater) Amazin' Blues' "Millennium," for instance, will get you up and boogying, and Iowa State U's Shaggy Boys (see above cd review) "Owner of a Lonely Heart" is unbelievable. UPenn Off the Beat, represented on 7 BOCAs, ride with "Wild Horses," and York University's Wibijazz'n grooves on Steely Dan's "Peg." All 17 tunes are good, but some notables: Stanford's Mixed Company, "Someday;" USC's Sirens, "Ray of Light" and SoCal VoCals, "Total Eclipse of the Heart;" Illinois Extension Chords, "Inside Out" and Northwestern Purple Haze, "Cornflake Girl." Smooth, energetic and entertaining.

Songlist: Peg - York University Wibijazz'n, I'm Your Baby Tonight - Tufts University Armalgametes, Someday - Stanford University Mixed Company, Owner of a Lovely Heart - Iowa State University Shaggy Boys, Good Enough - Stanford University Counterpoint, Get Set - Virginia Tech Juxtaposition, Total Eclipse of the Heart - University of Southern California SoCal VoCals, Ray of Light - University of Southern California Sirens, Now and Forever - University of Rochester Yellowjackets, Insideout - University of Illinois Xtension Chords, Millennium - Universiy of Michigan Amazin' Blue, Wild Horses - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Happy Together - Stanford University Mendicants, Truly Madly Deeply - University of Rochester Midnight Ramblers, Uninvited - Bostonians of Boston College, Cornflake Girl - Northwestern University Purple Haze, Rainbow Connection - Utah State That One

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: Another BOCA collection of the best of the collegiate vocal groups never fails to impress us with the humor, arrangements and sheer talent of these young voices. 19 tracks, from UCLA Awaken's "Walk Like An Egyptian," and Indiana Straight No Chaser's "I Belong to You," to Duke Out of the Blue's "Eve" and Tufts Beelzebubs' "The Trial." As admirers of Michigan Amazin' Blue, who give us "She," we were pleased to note that two other Ann Arbor groups made the cut, Michigan Compulsive Lyres singing "Limp" and Michigan Dicks & Janes, with "Everything You Want." Other good stuff: U-Madison-Wisconsin's Tangled Up In Blue's "Breathless," Stanford Everyday People's "Billie Jean/No Diggity" and USC Sirens' "Beautiful." But it's all good, really-BOCA 2002 is a treat!

Songlist: Walk Like An Egyptian - UCLA Awaken, I Belong to You - Indiana University Straight No Chaser, Drive Me Crazy - USC Socal Vocals, Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover - Claremont College Shades, Beautiful - USC Sirens, I Was Brought to My Senses - University of Wisconsin Madison Madhatters, Here With Me - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Everything You Want - University of Michigan Dicks & Janes, Billie Jean / No Diggity (EP Remix) Everyday People (Stanford University), She - University of Michigan Amazin' Blue, Breathless - University of Wisconsin Madison Tangled Up in Blue, Fields of Gold, Limp - University of Michigan Compulsive Lyres, Father Figure - University of North Carolina Clef Hangers, Rhythm Nation - Washington University Mosaic Whispers, Eve - Duke University Out of the Blue, Alleluia - Northwest Missouri State University Millennium, The Trial - Tufts University Beelzebubs

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: This year BOCA had the most submissions ever from collegiate groups to choose from, over 2,000 songs, and each collection, beginning in 1995, is more successful than the last! When these collections come out about this time every year, it's always a joy to see the enthusiasm and love for a cappella in these excellent college groups. 18 songs, from the Upenn Off the Beat's "Crawling In The Dark," Dartmouth College Aires' "Workin' for the Weekend," and the U of Michigan Dicks & Janes' "Tonight and the Rest of My Life," to York U.'s Wibijazzn's "Rosanna," Tufts Univ. Amalgamates' "Killing Me Softly" and Stanford University Harmonics' "Lady Marmalade," this CD is a revelation. Many excellent collegiate groups sent songs, few were chosen, and the quality of those is very fine indeed!

Songlist: Crawling in the Dark - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Workin' for the Weekend - Dartmouth College Aries, Tonight and the Rest of My Life - University of Michigan Dicks and Janes, Best I Ever Had - Stanford University Mixed Company, Rosanna - York University Wibijazz'n, 6 Underground - Harvard University Callbacks, The Way It Is - Indiana University Straight No Chaser, Comedown - University of North Carolina Clef Hangers, Killing Me Softly with His Song, Girl from the Gutter - University of Southern California Sirens, Hey Jealousy - Virginia Tech Juxtaposition, K'mo B'tmunah - Tufts University Shir Appeal, Everywhere - Northwestern University Purple Haze, Lady Marmalade - Stanford University Harmonics, Black Balloon - Massachussetts Institute of Technology Logarhythms, Can't Fight the Moonlight - Bostonians of Boston College, Wrong Impression - University of Virginia Sil'hooettes, O Magnum Mysterium - University of Illinois No Strings Attached

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: The 2004 Best of Collegiate A Cappella recording boasts an impressive assortment of cover songs performed by our nation's premiere, young vocal groups. From the USC Sirens to the The Bostonians of Boston College, the groups performing on this CD are the best in their class, ousting hundreds of collegiate vocal groups that sought the BOCA title. Fans of collegiate a cappella, old and new, will enjoy the University of Virginia Academical Village People's rendition of Ben Folds' "Kate," or the University of Oregon on the Rocks' cover of Coldplay's hauntingly beautiful love ballad, "Yellow."

Songlist: Let Me Entertain You (Brandeis VoiceMale), Bring Me To Life (John Hopkins Octopodes), Slumber (USC SoCal VoCals), Always (The Bostonians of Boston College), Gravity (UCLA Awaken A Cappella), Kate (University of Virginia Academical Village People), Broken Wings (Elizabethan College Phalanx), Write Me A Song (The Pitchforks of Duke University), No Such Thing (MIT Logarhythms), Sadder Day (Stanford Harmonics), Take Me Home (Tufts Beelzebubs), Porcelain (University of Michigan Dicks & Janes), Winter (UC Santa Barbara Naked Voices), Yellow (University of Oregon on the Rocks), China (University of Michigan Amazin' Blue), Cry (USC Sirens), Candleburn (Northwestern Purple Haze), Enjoy the Silence (Dartmouth Cords)

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: We always enjoy listening to the BOCA collection that arrives this time of year, because (a) it's exciting, spirited stuff from a cappella groups across the country we don't usually get to hear, and (b) it reminds us how alive and juicy the a cappella scene is on the country's campuses! Picking favorites from CASA's picks for the 20 best collegiate a cappella tunes, we have: Stanford U. Everyday People's "Whatever You Want," the Dartmouth Aires' rendition of Caedmon's Call's "Somewhere North," MIT Logarhythms' vocal percussion gem "The Kids Aren't Alright," U of North Carolina Clef Hangers' rap-flavored version of Outkast's "The Way You Move," UCLA Random Voices' lovely cover of Tori Amos' "A Sorta Fairytale," the Claremont Shades' cover of Garbage's nasty "Push It," Stanford Mixed Company's cover of Collective Soul's "Run," Clemson U TIGEROAR's cover of Matchbox 20's "Unwell," Duke Out of the Blue's cover of Maroon Five's "She Will Be Loved," Stanford Mendicants' cover of Wham!'s "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go," the Michigan Amazin' Blue's cover of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" and the U of Virginia Hullabahoos' raucous cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya." Some incredible voices, cutting-edge arrangements, hot vocal percussion and wonderful song selection-BOCA 2005 is another stone winner!

Songlist: The Kids Aren't Alright (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Logarhythms), Everlong (Tufts Amalgamates), Breathe (The Bostonians of Boston College), Somewhere North (Dartmouth Aires), Whatever You Want (Stanford University Everyday People), Going Under (University of Pennsylvania Off The Beat), The Way You Move (University of North Carolina Clef Hangers), A Sorta Fairytale (University of California Losa Angeles Random Voices), Tragic Kingdom (Johns Hopkins University Octopodes), Push It (Claremont Shades), Where Would You Be (University of Virginia Sil hooettes), Run (Stanford University Mixed Company), Ga'agua (Tufts Shir Appeal), Unwell (Clemson University TIGEROAR), Mona Lisa (New York University Mass Transit), She Will Be Loved (Duke Out of the Blue), Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Stanford University Mendicants), Time Is Running Out (University of Southern California Sirens), Angel (University of Michigan Amazin Blue), Hey Ya (University of Virginia Hullabahoos)

Review: With so many great collegiate a cappella groups out there, how does one hear them all? The BOCA series CD's are the way to go, and "Wasting Our Parents' Money" has the added benefit of humor as a selling point. Some of the best known collegiate ensembles, such as The Stanford Fleet Street Singers, Penn-Six 500, Harvard Krokodiloes and Brown Derbies, contribute, but it's not all Ivy League glamour here. UNH Gentlemen, BYU Vocal Point and U Illinois Other Guys, among others, are in attendance. Many, if not most, of today's a cappella luminaries learned their chops on campus stages, so take note!

Songlist: Ran, Scottish Spring, One More Minute, You Always Hurt The One You Love, Cheesecake Truck, Berkeley School Dropout, PC Love Song, Masochism Tango, Taco Bell Canon, My Name Is Not Merv Griffin, Circumcision, Regretting What I Said, Walk Of Shame, Cool Cool Kelly, Funny Feeling, Conrad Bain, Commercial, Prayer to the God of Partial Credit, Telephone Message, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Basket Case

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: Leading up to the emergence of doo-wop was the tradition of black quartet singing. It is one of the major tributaries of our musical evolution which led to rock 'n roll and R&B which led to... But we digress. Let's go back to the quartets. Between the World Wars was a period during which this style evolved from the schoolyards and churches of the southern Atlantic seaboard to finally become the sophisticated sounds of groups like the Golden Gate Quartet and the Silver Leaf Quartet Of Norfolk. This recording traces that evolution with some early, raw recordings from quartets at the beginning of the movement and lots of the highly sophisticated groups of the later years. It is a historian's dream as well as a testament to the human spirit. The accompanying booklet has wonderful notes to leave you much richer for the experience.

Songlist: Daniel in the lions' den (Norfolk Juilee Quartette), I got a Home in that Rock (T.C.I. Women's Four), Jog a-long boys (Pullman Porters Quartette), So glad I've got the stone (Bethel Quartet), Jesus, the light of the world (Bethel Quartet), I am a Pilgrim (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), Our Father (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), My soul is a witness for my Lord (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), You better let that Liar Alone (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), Sleep on, Mother (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), The ship is at the landing (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), I'm Going Home on the Chickasaw train (I.C. Glee Quartet), Do you want to be a lover of the Lord (Davis Bible Singers), Daniel Saw the Stone (Davis Bible Singers), Light of the World (Davis Bible Singers), I'm leaning on the Lord (Famous Blue Jay Singers of Birmingham Alabama), New Dry Bones (Heavenly Gospel Singers), Going back with Jesus (Heavenly Gospel Singers), A Warrior on the Battlefield (Golden Eagle Gospel Singers), The Prodigal Son (Golden Eagle Gospel Singers), Jonah (Golden Gate Quartet), Found a wonderful Savior (Golden Gate Quartet), Blind Barnabus (Golden Gate Quartet), He Never said a Mumblin' Word (Golden Gate Quartet), Run On (Golden Gate Quartet)

Voicing: gospel/music-cds/

Review: Memphis has long been illustrious for its blues, jazz and soul roots. The essence of Memphis musical heritage is showcased in this collection of Gospel Quartets featuring: The Gospel Writers, Holy Ghost Spirituals, The Harmonizers, The Harps of Melody, The Pattersonaires, and the Spirit of Memphis Quartet. Reflecting on styles from the 30's through 80's, you will be taken on a historical and musical journey throughout the neighborhoods of Memphis.

Songlist: The Gospel Writers - Gospel Writer Boys Are We, Holy Ghost Spirituals - Old Landmark, The Gospel Writers - Oh My Lordy Lord, The Harmonizers - Roll, Jordan, Roll, Harps Of Melody - Blind Bartimus, The Harmonizers - Trampin', The Gospel Writers - New Born Soul, The Harmonizers - My Lord is Writing, The Pattersonaires - Why Not Try My God?, The Gospel Writers - Blind Barnabas, The Harmonizers - Leaning on The Everlasting Arms, Holy Ghost Spirituals - Talk To The Man Upstairs, Spirit of Memphis Quartet - Swing Down, Chariot, The Harmonizers - I'll Be Satisfied, Harps Of Melody - Sing and Make Melody Unto The Lord, The Gospel Writers - Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air, The Pattersonaires - He's Worthy, Holy Ghost Spirituals - Ninety-nine and A Half Won't Do, Spirit of Memphis Quartet - Just To Behold His Face

Review: "I Belong to This Band" follows the practice of shape-note singing from 1922 through to the present, offering 30 distinct cuts, spanning a mess of geographies, years, and intentions. Shape-note singing, a church-based southern song system based in four notes (sung as fa, sol, la, and mi), was initially designed as an all-inclusive, participatory choral tradition - it's not necessary to know how to read music to sing shape notes, most songs are transposed a cappella, and each piece is specifically engineered for swarms of singers, meaning the whole always trumps the parts. Although there are several shape note songbooks, The Sacred Harp is the most celebrated collection (published in 1844, by Benjamin Franklin Wright and Elisha J. King, it contains over 250 songs), and somewhere along the way, it became the movement's lone manifesto and remains tucked under the pillows of dedicated shape-note singers everywhere - appropriately, each track included here was born from The Sacred Harp.

Songlist: The Christian Hope 134, Antioch 277, Christian Soldier 57, Jubilee 144, Save, Lord, Or We Perish 224, Cuba 401, Invocation 131B, The Christian Warfare 179, Concord 313T, Morning 163T, Reverential Anthem 234, The Morning Trumpet 85, New Morning Sun 436, The Child of Grace 77T, Ninety-Fifth 36B, Consecration 448T, Blooming Youth 176B, Marlborough 228, North Port 324, Farewell Anthem 260, The Good Old Way 213T, Weeping Mary 408, Ninety-Fifth 36B, Present Joys 318, Corinth 32T, White 288, Coronation 63, Sabbath Morning 283, Whitestown 211, Traveling Pilgrim 278B

Voicing: gospel/sacred-harp/

Review: An important collection of original recordings of some of the earliest Sacred Harp singing groups. Extensive liner notes makes this compilation a must have for people intested in the Shape Note tradition.

Songlist: Hallelujah (Daniels-Deason Sacred Harp Singers), Long Sought Home (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Long Sought Home (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Rocky Road (Alabama Sacerd Harp Singers), Calvary (Dye's Sacred Harp Singers), I'm on My Journey Home (Denson's Scare Harp Singers), Happy Land (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Relgion Is a Fortune (Alabama Sacred Harp Singers), Happy on the Way (Fa-So-La Singers), Land of Beulah (Dye's Sacred Harp Singers), Pleyel's Hymn (Daniels-Deason Sacred Harp Singers), Journey Home (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Edom (Okeh Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers), Relgion Is a Fortune (Wells, Lee Sacred Harp Singers), Not Made With Hands - 2:39 (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Odem (Roswell Sacred Harp Singers), Ragan (Denson-Parris Sacred Harp Singers), Ninety-Fifth (Okeh Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers), Promised Land (Prioneer Sacred Harp Singers)

Voicing: gospel/sacred-harp/

Review: Bluegrass, a brand of music appreciated for its intricate musicianship and instrumental virtuosity, has always maintained a fresh appeal while staying true to the gospel roots inherent to the genre. Sacred Voices is a gathering of Bluegrass big shots who have put down their instruments and opened their voices, sounding out an integrated variety of Gospel songs and continuing a tradition that started with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sing 'Climbing Up The Mountain' and 'That New Jerusalem'. Peter Rowan & The Rowan Brothers sing a haunting 'Lone Pilgrim' while also making an appearance with the Nashville Bluegrass Band on 'Jesus Made the Wine'. 'Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee' and 'Roll Jordan Roll' also feature the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Tim & Mollie O'Brien contribute 'Shut De Do' and Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice 'Talk about Suffering'. New Grass Revival adds a touch of live performance to the mix with 'Walk In Jerusalem' while Robin & Linda Williams & Friends keep the faith with 'He's Coming Again So Soon' and 'Don't You Want To Go To Heaven'. Also featured are 'Vision Of A Golden Crown' by Don Rigsby and a whole cast of vocals, 'My Heavenly Home' by Front Range, and 'Feel Like My Time Ain't Long' by The Country Gentlemen. First published in 1855 is the oldest and most recognizable song 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus', a riveting solo performance given by Doc Watson. Bluegrass and Gospel music are both inspiring and timeless; strip down to the naked voice and the result is something sacred.

Songlist: Climbing Up the Mountain, Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee, Vision Of A Golden Crown, He's Coming Again So Soon, My Heavenly Home, Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, Lone Pilgrim, Shut De Do, Talk About Suffering, Didn't You Want To Go To Heaven, Jesus Made the Wine, Walk In Jerusalem, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, That New Jerusalem, Roll Jordan Roll

Voicing: gospel/southern-gospel/

Review: A collection of some of today's top Southern Gospel artists get together to record an all a cappella recording. Artists include Reggie Smith, Mike Bowling, Jason Crabb, Kim Rubbe Lord, Ernie Haase, Jessica King and many others.

Songlist: Sheltered In The Arms Of God, Not Even A Stone, Yes I Know, Midnight Cry, He Made A Change, When He Was On the Cross, No Other Word For Grace But Amazing, Shouting Time, Grace, Daystar

Voicing: gospel/music-cds/

Review: While students of American a cappella history can find many re-issues of gospel groups from the 1930's and beyond, this import from Austria is one of the few that captures the music from the roaring '20s. Of the four groups represented here, The Sunset Four were most productive with 13 of the 25 songs on CD They have snippets of future bass imitation on 'Jerusalem Morn' and barbershop - like chord ringing on 'Didn't He Ramble.' But perhaps 'Barnum's Steam Calliope' is most notable, for its unique vocal imitation of the famed circus instrument. The audio quality reflects the fact that old (and sometimes scratched) '78s were used to make the CD, but anyone interested in early 20th Century a cappella will happily overlook those flaws because of the unique performances captured here, all but two are a cappella.

Songlist: Sing On - Original Valentine Choral Club Quintette, Give Me That Old Time Religion - Original Valentine Choral Club Quintette, Jerusalem Morn - Sunset Four, Do You Call That Religion? - Sunset Four, Barnum's Steam Calliope - Sunset Four, Didn't He Ramble - Sunset Four, Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John - Sunset Four, You Must Have That True Religion - Sunset Four, Good News Chariots Coming - Sunset Four, Oh Lord What a Mourning - Sunset Four, Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet, Gabriel - Sunset Four, Wade in the Water - Sunset Four, You Must Come in at the Door - Sunset Four, When I Came Out of the Wilderness - Sunset Four, Plantation Days - Grace Outlaw, I've Got a Home in That Rock - Grace Outlaw, In Some Lonesome Graveyard - Grace Outlaw, Sleep My Mother - Bessemer Melody Boys, Didn't They Crucify My Lord - Bessemer Melody Boys, Motherless Children - Bessemer Melody Boys, In My Father's House - Bessemer Melody Boys, When I Get Home - Bessemer Melody Boys, Sun Didn't Shine - Bessemer Singers

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: "That's The Rhythm" is a delicious collection of 20 examples of Black vocal group harmony from the early 1930s to the early 1950s, all at least lightly accompanied. The watershed moment for these groups was the rise of network radio, which made immediate stars of the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. By 1945 there were three routes an aspiring group could take, the "jubilee" gospel style of the Golden Gate Quartet, which enjoyed a crossover appeal, the jump/jive stylings of the Four Vagabonds, which had an almost entirely Black following, or going into the pop crossover stylings of the Ink Spots/Mills Brothers, whose huge success was due to the support of a vast white audience. So many treats: The Three Keys' cartoon-like "Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn," Three Sharps and a Flat's wonderful title tune, the raunchy, double-entendre "Garbage Man" by the Four Aces, the very funny "Wig Blues" by The Melody Masters, who also star on "Subway Cutie," The Four Vagabonds' swinging "Choo Choo," The Four Blues' boogie-woogie anthem "It Takes A Long Tall Brown Skinned Girl," the Four Knights' sweet "Wrapped Up In A Dream," The Three Riffs' silly "Cherry In My Lemon And Lime," The Beavers' torch song "I'd Rather Be Wrong Than Blue"-these are unknown musical treasures on many levels. Funny, poignant, hip, romantic-it's all here, and some of the sweetest leads and harmonies you could imagine. We love this collection!

Songlist: Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn, Za Zu Swing, That's the Rhythm, Milk Shake Stand, Satchelmouth Baby, Garbage Man, Wig Blues, Hurry Home, Let's Be Sweethearts Again, (I Wonder) Where Is My Love, Nicholas, Subway Cutie, Choo Choo, It Takes A Long Tall Skinned Girl, Yesterday Rose's, Wrapped Up In A Dream Again, Cherry in My Lemon and Lime, I'd Rather Be Wrong that Blue, I Don't Mind Being All Alone, Yes Sir That's My Baby

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: If you're a fan of a cappella gospel from the 1930s and '40s, you won't want to miss this CD! Best known of the five groups is the Soul Stirrers, who are credited with reshaping gospel and paving the way for modern R&B. Their historic first recordings are here and have never before been rereleased on CD.

Songlist: Home In The Sky, Let Me Ride The Chariot, Shelter In The Time Of Storm, Sorrow Valley, Dig A Little Deeper, Rough And Rocky Road, Standing By The Bedside Of A Neighbor, Stand By Me, Today, Where Shall I Be, Jesus Met The Woman At The Well, There Are Some Things, I Know The Lord, My Soul Is A Witness, I'm On My Way, Trouble All About My Soul, Walk Around, He's My Rock, Precious Lord, Freedom After A While

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: This CD presents the miracle of the unique vocal tradition and compelling choral arrangements of Corsica and Sardinia. On both these islands, a unique choral tradition has developed over the centuries. The repertoire includes religious songs, folk songs, love songs, shepherd's songs, and madrigals from several centuries. The polyphonic singing of Sardinia and Corsica is virtually unknown in the rest of Europe. An article in the leading German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung described this music as an "infinite wonder of tonal beauty and archaic phrasing" and went on to claim that "the musical development often has something of the majestic architectural quality of a liturgical chant." The collection presents Sardinia's five leading choirs, collected during a WDR recording tour, and the launneddas playing of Luigi Lai. The Tenores di Bitti, currently recording in Peter Gabriel's Realworld-Studios, were greatly admired by none other than Frank Zappa. The revival of traditional culture by Canta u Populu Corsu & A Filleta has contributed towards a new Corsican self-awareness. The five singers of Donnisulana, outstanding soloists of Corsican polyphonic music, are the islands' only female choir.

Songlist: Paghjella Four Hymns/Introitus, Four Hymns/Kyrie, Four Hymns/Sanctus, Four Hymns/Tantum Ergo, Diu VI Salvi Regina, Terzetti, Barbara Furtuna, Paghjella di Ponte Novu, Chjama/Paghjella, Eramu in Campu, Punto d'Organo, Boghe 'E Notte, Su Sartiu, Anninnia, Boch 'E Notte, Su Passu Torradu, Spinello

Voicing: a-cappella/mediterranean/

Review: Grammy nominated singers Alex E. Smith & Cheevers Toppah join Nitanis "Kit" Landry and effortlessly blend their vocal talents to create stirring songs woven in lush harmonies. Raised in Weatherford, Oklahoma, Cheevers Toppah comes from a strong family of line of singers and has spent most of his life around the Pow-wow drum. While in high school, he studied choir and eventually sang and traveled with the All-State chorus. This experience later inspired Cheevers to combine his choral training with this extensive knowledge of Pow-Wow singing. With uplifting soul and touching ethereality, these performances let shine the brilliance and expressive power of the human voice. This is an unprecedented vocal sound blending southern plains Pow-wow singing with choral hymnody. Featuring guest artists Louie Gonnie, Anthony Wakeman and Thunder Hill.

Songlist: Beautiful Angel, Harmony Nights, Southern Man, Dookoosliid, Saturday Night, Leavin' Me, Never Too Far, Purdy's Word, Calendar Girl, The World is Yours, Takin' It Back

Voicing: sheet-music/native-american/

Review: Irish traditional singing has made an important contribution to the popular repertoire as well as to folk tradition. Irish Voices brings together 17 brilliant vocal performances, some recent and some classics from the archive. Included are earlier singing styles such as "Sean-Nos," the still ornamented (but more accesible) styles of singers like Paddy Tunney, the group harmony singing of The McPeake Family of Belfast and such current musical hotshot groups as Patrick Street and Four Men And A Dog.

Songlist: The Humours Of The King Of Ballyholey, Stor Mo Chroi, Balckwaterside, The Traveller All Over The World, The Raggle Taggle Gypsy, P For Paddy, The Rollicking Boys Of Tandaragee, A Bucket Of The Mountain Dew, Bean An Leanna, The Wind That Shakes Barley, The Song Of The Riddles, A Sgelpin Droighneach, The Maid On The Shore, The Lake Of Coolfin, John Reilly, The Green Fields Of America, High On A Mountain

Voicing: world/ireland

Review: Inspired by the earlier Bahamian recordings of Sam Charters, Jody Stecher (now a renown singer and multi-instrumentalist of traditional music) traveled with Peter Siegel to the Bahamas in 1965 to record the rhyming singers whose songs were, even then, beginning to disappear. Rhyming, a distant relation to rap, seems to have come from communities of sponge fishermen off the west coast of Andros. Mostly the songs are spirituals though there are occasionally ballads and anthems. In this unique Bahamian vocal development a singer intones verses, called "rhymes" (though the verses don't necessarily have to rhyme), in rhythmic cycles usually supported by bass and treble harmonies. The best known of the singers on this extraordinary recording is Joseph Spence with, of course, the Pinder Family. A close cousin of this music can be found on the recordings of the Sea Island Singers. We're talkin' roots here.

Songlist: my lord help me to play, standing in the need of prayer, kneelin' Down inside the gate, run come see jerusalem, be engaged unto the lord, i met my mother this morning, cecil gone in the time of storm, long summer days, hallelujah, my mother gone over, shepherd moan, shepherd moan, oh jesus my baby, there is good news, just a little talk with jesus, what a beautiful home

Review: In 1954, Alan Lomax and Diego Carpitella set out on a yearlong voyage of discovery that resulted in an exhaustive documentation of Italian folk music. This recording is from their journey to Liguria's western Riviera, featuring performances by the Compagnia Sacco from the village of Ceriana: a unique and splendid vocal polyphony distinct from, and yet as exciting as, the Genoese trallalero.

Songlist: A Figlia du Capitanu, U Camijin Bagnau I, U Camijin Bagnau II, Lauda da Madona da Vila, Donna Lombarda, La Fontanella, Lenga Serpentina, Paire de Catarina, Se ti u Savesi Couse fa e Done, En ta Vale de Pigna, O Come Mai, Mia Cara Ema?, O Pinota, Bella Pinota, Ghe N'Eiran tre Figliete, Io L'Amavo una Sola Bambina, Mi me ne Fon Ina Sciura

Review: This compilation features the acclaimed singing group Te Vaka as well as recordings by David Fanshawe and more. Tracklisting: E keli (The Digging), Siva mai (Let's Dance), Te Maeva Welcome, Manihiki Action Song, Tautai e (The Master Fisherman), Ua Vii Keee Na Te Hatu (Lord's Message), Saki saki tu ni noqu bula marau, Na Ai Tutu Tuetue? Group Moana Nui, Lakalaka hihifo, Aparima Puurai, Aparima te maeva.

Songlist: E keli, Siva mai, Te Maeva Welcome, Manihiki Action Song, Tautai e, Ua Vii Keee Na Te Hatu, Sakisaki tu ni noqu bula marau, Na Ai Tutu Tuetue?, Lakalaka Hihifo, Aparima Puurai, Aparima Te Maev

Voicing: world/south-seas/

Review: This recording features some of the finest artists practising the academic choral art in Bulgaria. The release contains a compilation of performances of Bulgarian choirs, starting with the children's, through the female, chamber, mixed, and ending with the male choirs. The earliest recording in the release is of the song "I'm leading a Horse, Mother" by Georgi Dimitrov. It is performed by one of the earliest children's choirs - Bodra Smyana Choir. Then follow a number of children's choirs, all with acknowledged international prestige: Bulgaria National Radio Children's Choir, Sofia Boys' Choir, etc. Then come the female choirs: Hristina Morfova Female Choir, Polyphonia Chamber Choir, Vassil Arnaudov Sofia Chamber Choir, and the mixed and male choirs: Dobrudjanski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Morski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Kaval Male Choir, Gusla Male Choir, etc. A wonderful selection from a country that produces world class choral music.

Songlist: Native Song, I'm Leading a Horse, Mother, A Cuckoo Called Out, Aquarelle, Devilish Song, The Port of El Granny, Pizzicati, A Nightingale Is Singing, Zara, You Maiden, Reverie, Like Snow, Like Snow, Indeed, Mehmetyo, My Woe, Hey, Yana, Evening Dusk, A Love Night, A Morning by the Sea, Get Up, Mother, Sechenata, A Young Lad Has Fallen Asleep, My Native Land, Divertimento, Dafina, You Wine, How Dear It Is To Me

Review: This recording is a historical wonder, particularly valuable for putting the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in context. One of the obvious distinctions of mbube groups were who sang soprano parts in the absence of women. The earliest of the recordings is from 1932 and the history extends to 1967, ending with the song, "Umama Lo" by Ladysmith Mambazo which is a transcription of their first radio appearance. They didn't record their first album until six years later. The other most notable recording is the 1939 recording of "Mbube" by Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds. This was the song which became "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" when western artists tried to phonetically recreate what they heard from the record. Oh well. Other notable groups are the King Star Brothers, Crocodiles and the Shooting Stars.

Songlist: Jim Takata kanfani, hewul kwaqaqamba anathambo, ina ma wala, kuyekeleni kukule, mbube, ngazula emagumeni, anoku gonda, yek' emerabini, izindaba ezinkulu zika "Kawa", hamba stutubaker, ngi-e kaya, nsigoduke, akasangibhaleli, cothoza mfana, mus' ukuqubuda, umama lo

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: Here are the roots of Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Solomon Linda's Evening Birds - it's a thorough documentation of the whole genre of Worker Choirs, featuring 7 different groups; included are full lyric transcriptions with translation into English. Fascinating fun stuff!

Songlist: Go Girl, Why are you Happy?, She no Longer Writes to Me, I Have Discovered Wonders, I Want Money, Come Back Africa?, Greetings Girl, Be Quiet my Love, You are Inconsistent like a Witchdoctor, Here at iSandlwana, We Shall See, Lion, Greetings to you Father

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) created the Urban Harmony Movement to bring music, via free materials, coaching, and concerts to public high schools in need. For more information call (415) 563-5224. In the mean time buy and listen to another outstanding compilation of 16 tracks sung by both well known groups and four of the best college a cappella groups, with whom CASA is uniquely connected. Other notable contributors are The House Jacks, Five Live, The Persuasions, Bobby McFerrin, Vox One, The Nylons and M-Pact.

Songlist: 'Cause We All Got A Mouth, Stay With Me Tonight, I Feel Good, Respect, Change In My Life, Drift Away, Papa Oow Mow Mow, Sister, Back II Life, The Way It Makes Me Feel, Yesterday, I'll Be Whatever You Want Me To Be, Always Be My Baby, 29 Ways, Ya Gotta Be, I'll Be There

Voicing: a-cappella/contemporary/cds-mixed/

Review: A truly Gregorian Christmas album, this prayerful recording of seven different chant choirs includes the Benedictine Abbeys of Montserrat, Maumont, Einsiedeln, the Dominican Schola of France, the Paris Gregorian Choir and more. Outstanding performances of 23 chants for Masses and other liturgical events on Christmas Eve, Christmas Night and Christmas Day.

Songlist: Christmas Eve, Antiphone: Judaea Et Jerusalem, Reponsory: Salve VIrginale, Antiphon Completi Sunt Dies Mariae, Christmas Night, Responsory Hodie Nobis De Caelo, Reading: Genealogy According to Saint Matthew, Responsory: Verbum Caro, Introit: Dominus Dixit Ad Me, Kyrie IV, Offertory: Laetentur Caeli, Agnus Dei IV, Offertory: Laetentur Caeli, Agnus Dei IV, Communion: In Splendoribus, Christmas Day, Hymn: A Solis Ortus Cardine, Mass of the Day, Introit: Puer Natus Est Nobis, Kyrie XI, Gloria XI, Gradual: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae, Alleluia: Dies Sanctificatus, Offertory Tui Sunt Caeli, Sanctus XI, Agnus Dei XI, Communion: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae, Antiphon: Natus Est Nobis Hodie, Alma Redemptoris Mater

Voicing: choral/earlymusicchristmas/

Review: This second volume moves us chronologically into the 1930's, a time when slicker, smoother, more polished and sophisticated vocal groups were gaining ascendancy in pop quarters. The groups included here show some of the barbershop stylings and imitations of instruments made popular at the time by groups such as the Mills Brothers. These groups were capturing the imaginations of popular fans and Harlem hipsters alike with their smooth, sweet and sometimes swinging harmonies.

Songlist: My Little Dixie Home - Red Cap Quartet, They Kicked The Devil Out Of Heaven - Red Cap Quartet, Mammy Lou - Four Southern Singers, Be Ready - Four Southern Singers, Hambone Am Sweet - Four Southern Singers, You're Sweet To Your Mammy/Mudder Knows - Four Southern Singers, Old Man Harlem - Four Southern Singers, Careless Love - Four Southern Singers, Take My Seat And Sit Down - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Bring It On Home To Grandma - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Let's Go To Dinner - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Don't 'Low No Quartet Singin' In Here - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Moonglow - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Tiger Rag - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Cushion Foot - Five Jinks, Za Zu Swing - Five Jinks, I' m Moaning All Day For You - Five Jinks, There Goes My Headache - Five Jinks, Found A Baby Down Dixie Way - Five Jinks, Dirt-Dishing Daisy - Five Jinks, Just Dream Of You - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Shim Sham Shimmie At The Cricket's Ball - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Mama Don't Allow It - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Ol' Man Mose - Norfolk Jazz Quartet

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: These are some of the very earliest recordings Black vocal groups and is an outstanding example of the genre including vaudeville, blues and spirituals sung in both the "old style" with its integrated parts blending smoothly as if sung by one person, and the "new" with its foregrounding of wailing, blue notes and syncopation. The most well known groups here come from the incredibly fertile area of Norfolk Virginia, known for its astonishing number of vocal quartets in the 1920's and 30's. In all there is plenty of top-notch material here for lovers of pre-war vocal groups, with some churning quartet blues recordings that are irresistible.

Songlist: Aunt Hagar's Children Blues - Black Devil Four, Miss Annabelle Lee - Variety Four, I'm Coming, Virginia - Variety Four, Every Time I Feel The Spirit - Pulman Porters Quartette, Good News Chariot's Coming - Pulman Porters Quartette, Jog-A-Long Boys - Pulman Porters Quartette, Won't Be Worried No More - Starlight Quartette, Oh, You Better Mind - Starlight Quartette, Monkey Man Blues - Starlight Quartette, Gone Jazz Crazy - Starlight Quartette, Doodlin' Back - Triangle Quartette, She Done Quit Me Blues - Triangle Quartette, Queen Street Rag - Triangle Quartette, What's The Matter Now? - Quartette of Norfolk, Just Too Late - Quartette of Norfolk, Pleading Blues - Quartette of Norfolk, Four Or Five Times - Quartette of Norfolk, When I Was A Moaner - Quartette of Norfolk, King Jesus, Stand By Me - Quartette of Norfolk, When Death Shall Shake This Frame - Quartette of Norfolk, Somebody's Wrong - Quartette of Norfolk, Pullman Passenger Train - Quartette of Norfolk, Ain't Got No Mama Now - Quartette of Norfolk, Somebody's Always Talking About Me - Quartette of Norfolk, I Ain't Got Nobody (And Nobody Cares For Me) - Quartette of Norfolk

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

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

Voicing: cds/harmony-sweepstakes/

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

Voicing: cds/harmony-sweepstakes/

Review: This two CD collection is a great value, containing over 50 tracks from the top vocal groups of the 1940's. Some rare tracks here as well including The Stardusters, Snowflakes and The Song Spinners along with many of the big hits of the era. This is a well-put together compilation and listeners well really get the feel for this great period for vocal harmony groups.

Songlist: Disc One:, Cheek to Cheek (Boswell Sisters), Rock and Roll (Boswell Sisters), You Always Hurt The One You Love (Mills Brothers), Across The Alley From The Alamo (Mills Brothers), Paper Doll (Mills Brothers), Dream (Pied Piper), My Happiness (Pied Piper), There Are Such Things (Pied Piper), Brazil (Dinning Sisters), Buttons and Bows (Dinning Sisters), Once In A While (Dinning Sisters), You'll Never Know (Song Spinners), Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer (Song Spinners), On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Clark Sisters), On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe (Clark Sisters), Tuxedo Junction (Four Freshman), There's A Small Hotel (The Snowflakes), Little White Lies (Four Hits & A Miss), The Honeydripper (Delta Rhythm Boys), You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Six Hits & A Miss), Lullaby of Broadway (The Skylines), Guilty (The Mel-Tones), What Is This Thing Called Love?, If This Isn't Love (The Sportsmen), Great Day (The Sportsmen), Love For Sale (The Smoothies), Disc Two:, Java Jive (The Ink Spots), If I Didn't Care (The Ink Spots), We Three (The Ink Spots), Shoo Shoo Baby (Andrew Sisters), I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time (Andrew Sisters), Rumours Are Flying (Andrew Sisters), Mairzy Doats And Dozy Doats (Merry Macs), Jingle, Jangle, Jingle (Merry Macs), Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition (Merry Macs), Jersey Bounce (King Sisters), Ferry Boat Serenade (King Sisters), In The Mood (King Sisters), People Like You And Me (The Stardusters), Make Believe Ballroom (The Modernaires), I Guess I'll Have To Dream The Rest (The Modernaires), Stompin' At The Savoy (The Modernaires), Managua, Nicaragua (The Campus Kids), Love On A Greyhound Bus (The Campus Kids), Undecided (Ames Brothers), Rag Mop (Ames Brothers), On Top Of Old Smokey (The Weavers), Goodnight, Irene (The Weavers), Tumbling Tumbleweeds (Sons Of The Pioneers), Oh! Lady Be Good (The Foursome), Tell Me Why (The Foursome), Does Your Heart Beat For Me (Fontane Sisters)

Voicing: jazz/vintage/cds-mixed-voice-groups/

Review: Since its debut in 1998, the Pacific International Children's Choir Festival has established itself as one of the finest events of its kind in the US. This is a double CD set, featuring a collection of performances fom festival years 1998 through 2001 on Disc 1 and highlights from PICCFEST 2002 on Disc 2. There are 19 live, accompanied, wonderful, spirited songs on Disc 1, by some of the best children's choirs we've heard: from "Panis Angelicus," by the Phoenix Boys Choir and "Jabberwocky," by the Seattle Children's Chorus, to "On suuri sun rantas autius" by the Surrey Children's Choir and "It Don't Mean a Thing" by the Youth Choir of Central Oregon--it's all pure, sweet stuff. Disc 2, from 2002, features 13 live cuts by 13 different groups, from Indianapolis Children's Choir Kantorei, Northwest Girlchoir Vivace Choir and Pacific Chorale Children's Chorus to the Piedmont Choirs Concert Choir, the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir (one of our favorites), and Young Voices of Colorado--there's not a bad cut here. This is a real feel-good CD on many levels. Though all accompanied, the focus is on the voices of the children, which are incredible! Recommended.

Songlist: PICCFEST 1998, Panis Angelicus (Phoenix Boys Choir), Beauty of the Trees (Coastal Sound Music Academy), I's the B'y (Die Meistersinger Children's Chorus), 1998 Festival Chorus:, Laudamus Te, Mayim, Mayim, Children, Go When I Send Thee, PICCFEST 1999, Niska Banja (Campbell River Children's Choir), Jabberwocky (Seattle Children's Choir), 1999 Festival Chorus:, Ave Verum Corpus, Lord, Bow Thine Ear, Alleluia, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, PICCFEST 2000, On suuri sun rantas autius (Surrey Children's Choir), Duet - Cantata No. 9 (Temple University Children's Choir), 2000 Festival Chorus:, Laudate Dominum, PICCFEST 2001, 2001 Festival Chorus:, Bist Du Bei Mir, For In His Own Hand, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), PICCFEST 2002, Untraveled Worlds (Alaska Children's Choir), Weep No More (Oregone Festival Chois Forza), Rise Up My Love (Seattle Children's Chorus), Magnificat (Seattle Children's Chorus), Psalm of Life (Seattle Children's Chorus), Festival Chorus:, Ode to Music, The World is Full of Poetry, As the Moon, Domine Deus, Laudate Pueri, Psalm 92, Inscription of Hope, Thou My Everlasting Portion

Voicing: cds/mixed-voice-childrens-choir-recordings/

Review: Billed as the choral event of the Century, this CD brings together five midwestern Lutheran colleges in a concert celebrating the 125th Anniversary of F. Melius Christiansen's birth. Features Concordia Choir, Luther College Nordic Choir, St Olaf Choir, The Festival Choir and The Augberg Choir.

Songlist: Disk 1, Come, Let Us Worship, Fuerchtet Euch Nicht, From Grief To Glory, Amazing Day, Cantate Domino, Totus Tuus, Exultate Deo, Sanctus, Wake, Awake, Nu Ar En Dag Framilden, Mighty River, Mighty Fire, Praise To The Lord, Disk 2, Be Not Afraid, Lost In The Stars, Prayer Of The Children, And I Heard A Great Voice Paul Christiansen, Nun Danket Alle Gott, How Great Are Thy Wonders, Sigalagala, O Day Full Of Grace, Psalm 50 Mvmts. II & III, O Bread Of Life From Heaven, Beautiful Savior

Review: The 6th World Symposium on Choral Music took place in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, in August of 2002, hosted by the American Choral Director's Association. The Symposium takes place every 3 years and features prominent choral specialists and choirs from around the world in lectures and concerts. This 2-CD set features live recordings of 27 choirs from around the world, beginning with Chanticleer's "I Dream of Jeannie," and ending with the combined choirs singing "What A Mighty God." Representing the US, besides Chanticleer, are AmericaFest, singing "One By One (from the Lion King)," Michigan State U. Children's Choir, singing "My Lord, What a Morning" and "Billy and Ming do the Be-Bop Thing," the St. Olaf Choir, singing the Moses Hogan-arranged "This Little Light of Mine," Dale Warland Singers, with "Snow (The King's Trumpeter)", and VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, singing "Antiphon for the Virgin." There is so much amazing music on this CD, we will mention a handful of other favorites: Cantoria de Merida of Venezuela's "El Gavan," Univ. of Pretoria Concert Choir's "A Selection of Traditional African Folk Music," Garganta Profunda of Brazil's jazzy "O pato," National Youth Choir of Namibia's "Sangena" and The Norweigian Soloists Choir's "Mon Dieu, mon adore." But if you are interested in the best of Contemporary Choral music, "Choral Highlights" is for you! Some light accompaniment, beautiful, extensive liner notes.

Songlist: Chanticleer, -I Dream of Jeannie, Little Singers of Armenia, -Light of Glory, -Middle Song, -Autumn Song, Cantoria de Merida, -El Gavan, -Aires de Golpe Tuyero, St. Jacob's Chamber Choir, -Coelos ascendit hodie, -Credo Part I, -Credo Part VI, -Du som ar over oss, Chamber Choir off the Moscow state conservatory, -Concerto for choir- "The Book of Mournful Chants", University of Pretoria Concert Choir, -Psalm 103, Horizons, -A Selection of Traditional African Folk Music, Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir, -Sunset, -Song of Praise, Vienna Chamber Choir, -Kyrie, -Brauner Bursche Fuhrt Zum Tanze, -Kommt Dir Manchmal In den Sinn, Riga Dom Boys Choir, -My Marysiu, Love Me, AmericaFest, -One By One, Red leaf Children's Choir, -Title unknown, -Question and Answer, National Folkdance Enssemble of Croatia, LADO, -Dobar Vecer Dobri Ljudi, -Igrajte Nam Muzikasi, Elmer Iseler Singers:, -Rise Up, my Love, -Ave Maria, Choeur de Chambre de Namur, -In devotione, -Sanctus, Amabile Boys Choirs: Primus, -Exultate, Michigan State University Children's Choir, My Lord, What a Mornin', -Billy and Ming do the Be-Bop Thing, Garganta Profunda, -O pato, Ansan City Choir, -Chungsanri Byukesu, -Ongheya, Adelaide Chamber Singers, -Inang, -Kondalilla, Okubo Mixed Choir, -Title unkown, World Youth Choir, -...Which was the Son of..., Okubo Mixed Choir, -Uta-Sakura, -Title unkown, Namibia National Youth Choir, -Goa gare !Khubare, -Sangena, The Norwegian Soloists Choir, -Mon Dieu, mon adore, -I Himmelen, The St. Olaf Choir, -This Little Light of Mine, Dale Warland Singers, -Snow, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, -Antiphon for the Virgin, Combined Choirs, -What a Mighty God

Review: Enjoy the sound of Wales with this extensive collection performed by some of the country's most cherished choirs. Featuring traditional Welsh songs, West End musical classics and popular standards this collection is full of spirit and charm. A beautifully packaged 2 CD set.

Songlist: Love Changes Everything, Take Me Home, Sailing, Lily of the Valley, Do You Hear the People Sing?, The Sound Of Silence, Gloria, I Have a Dream, With a Voice of Singing, The Wonder of You, Solitare, There's A Valley Called the Rhondda, Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Lost Chord, Where Shall I Be?, Abide With Me, Passing By, Love Could I Only Tell The, Sunrise Sunset, Amen, The Crusaders, Pilgrims Chorus, Softly As I Leave You, Rhythm of Life, Myfanwy, Deryn Y Bwn o'r Banna, Speed Your Journey, Beautiful Dreamer, Calm is the Sea, Amazing Grace, Y Goedwig Werdd, The Lord's Prayer, Deep Harmony, Surge Illuminare, Christus Redemptor, Now the Day is Over

Voicing: choral/wales/

Review: This is a 2-CD set, the Best of Collegiate A Cappella Volumes I and II. There are 19 songs on Vol. I, and 15 on Vol. II, each by a different school's chorus or choir. It's very hard to pick some favorites here, so we'll just toss out a few: "Everything She Wants" by the Wesleyan Spirits, "This Woman's Work by the Tufts Jackson Jills, "In Your Eyes" by the Brown Derbies, "The Weakness in Me" by Colgate Swingin' Gates, and Sting's "Englishman in New York" by Michigan Amazin' Blue, but they're all great. Enjoy!

Songlist: Everything She Wants - The Wesleyan Spirits, Soul To Squeeze - The University of Pennsylvanian Off the Beat, This Woman's Work - The Tufts Jackson Jills, In Your Eyes - The Brown Derbies, Crazy - The Connecticut College Co Co Beaux, Breathe - The Harvard-Radcliffe Opportunes, Boogie Down - The Princeton Footnotes, Hey You - The Tufts Beelzebubs, Nick of Time - Duke Out of the Blue, I've Got A Right - The University of Pennsylvania Counterparts, Grandma's Hands - Everyday People of Stanford University, Ship of Fools - Virginia Gentlemen, Eli's Comin' - The Yale Whiffenpoofs, Englishman in New York - Michigan Amazin' Blue, The Weakness In Me - The Colgate Swingin' Gates, 7 - The Brown Jabberwocks, Galileo - The Yale Whim 'n Rhythm, Save the Best for Last - The University of North Carolina Loreleis, Ave Maria - Stanford Fleet Street Singers, Possession - The U. Penn Off the Beat, Insomniac - The Virginia Gentlemen, Calling You - The Yale Red Hot and Blue, New Age Girl - Pennsylvania Six-5000, Kyrie - The Michigan Amazin' Blue, Mercy Street - Duke Out of the Blue, Picture Perfect - The University of Illinois Xtension Chords, 'Round Midnight - The Princeton Katzenjammers, Maryanne - The Columbia Kingsmen, Dreams - The University of North Carolina Loreleis, Got To Be Real - UC Berkeley Artists in Resonance, Walkin' On Broken Glass - The Maryland Treble Makers, Prayer for the Dying - The University of Illinois Other Guys, Fortress Around Your Heart - The Washington University Pikers, Everywhere - The Boston University Terpsichore, Rock With You - The Amherst Zumbyes, I Alone - The Tufts Jackson Jills, Dancing Queen - Stanford Street Fleet Singers

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: "Voices" is a generous, 2-CD set of the best of the collegiate a cappella groups, a total of 30 songs. We're particularly pleased to see and hear groups we've never heard of before, such as "What It Feels Like For A Girl," by Boston Aural Fixation, "Into the Dark" by VT Juxtaposition, "The Late Great Planet Earth" by UT Ransom Notes, "Feel Good Time" by MIT Muses, "Missing" by UPenn Penny Loafers, "Collective Soul" by Colorado In The Buff, "Only In Dreams" by Wash U in St. Louis Mosaic Whispers, "Earth Song" by UCSB Naked Voices, and "Beauty of Grey" by St. Louis Bare Naked Statues. There are familiar and welcome names from the BOCA yearly compilations, such as "All Original" by the Stanford Fleet Street Singers, "Ask the Lonely" by the Dartmouth Aires, "When I Think About Angels" by the UVA Sil'hooettes, "Never There by the Clemson TIGEROAR, "Destiny/In The Waiting Line" by the USC Sirens, and "Nothing" by Northwestern Purple Haze. The brazen, refreshing ensemble names, like the Duke Pitchforks, Cornell Class Notes, Oregon Divisi and Elon Twisted Measure go well with their music, which features innovative arrangements, rich harmonies, genuinely funny material and always interesting entertainment. Want to hear what's up in collegiate a cappella? Settle back, put the 2 CDs of "Voices Only 2005" and enjoy!

Songlist: Stutter - UNCG Spartones, This Love - USC SoCal VoCal, Street Spirit - Northeastern Downbeats, Feel Good Time - MIT Muses, Cry Me A River - UVA Hullabahoos, Destinty In the Waiting Line - USC Sirens, Here We Go - Duke Pitchforks, Silence - Cornell Class Notes, When I Grow Up - Stanford Mixed Company, Into The Dark - VT Juxtaposition, The Late Great Planet Earth - UT Ransom Notes, Catch Me If You Can - Oregon Divisi, Nothing - Northwestern Purple Haze, Collective Soul - Colorado In The Buff, What It Feels Like for A Girl - Boston Aural Fixation, Carwash - Wisconsin Redefined, Never There - Clemson TIGEROAR, Missing - Upenn Penny Loafers, For Me This Is Heaven - Harvard Lowkeys, September - Northwestern Freshman 15, When I Think About Angels - UVA Sil'hooettes, Ask The Lonely - Dartmouth Aires, Lighted Up - USC Reverse Osmosis, Only In Dreams - Wash U in St.Louis Mosaic Whispers, Hit "Em Up Style - Elon Twisted Measure, Earth Song - UCSB Naked Voices, Beauty Of Grey - St.Louis Bare Naked Statues, ll Original - Stanford Fleet Street Singers, Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk - Wesleyan Spirits, Clocks - Stanford Counterpoint

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: This is an impressive two-CD set of some of the finest a cappella groups in Africa, including Ladysmith, Baswa Ba Tumelo (South African Zionist Church Choir), Zyac Choir (Zulu Church group), Maogane A Tumelo (N. Sotho Zion Church choir), Majalefa A Morena (South Sotho Choir), and ten others, including the Zulu a cappella group The King Star Brothers. There are 30 authentic tunes here, 15 on each side, sung by groups that are, individually, and collectively, the heart and soul of Africa. This is an important collection on many levels, and enjoyable for the listener fairly new to African music as well as to say, a Ladysmith fan who wants to hear some of the lesser-known, but often equally amazing, voices from Africa.

Songlist: Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Isigcino, Baswa Ba Tumelo - Mmele Pelo Le Moya, Zyac Choir - Ujesu Uyinkosi, Msogane A Tumelo - Orata Boetapele, Majalefa A Morena - Sengiyezwa, Simon Ngobeni Na Vatsonga Sisters - Masasani, Ngxalothi No Masevela - Uyadela, Church of Christ - Ngangiboshiwe, Amanxusa Ka Jesu - Ujesu Yedwa Nje, Zamo No Senta - Igobondela, Isabelo - Isithembiso, Laduma - Mehleng, Ntu Bhekani Brothers - Igazi, Masibuyele Kujehova Choir - E Getsemane, The King Star Brothers - Kwapminda Kwenzeka, Abafana Beseluleko - Ubani Ongasebenze Usathane, Isithembiso - Ubothandaza, Ubuhle Bezi Ntombi - Kushothina, Pietersberg Top Ten - Mmapule, Amahlokoloko - Ningakhali, Dilika - Abafana Bedilik, Genesisi Endlu Nkulu - Dwala Lami, MzikayifaniButhelezi - Ungizondelani, Pat Mabasa Na Shikange Sisters - Jelasi, Ivangelani Loxolo - Izwi Legazi, Izingame Zoma - Giyamthakatmi, Amaduduzo/Ronnie Bodibe - Intombi, Derrick Ndzimande - Vus'umoya Wami, Johnny Dimba - Baleka Tshwala

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: A set of two CDs featuring piano accompaniments to the pieces in the folio of the same name (HL00740148) by Laura Ward.

Songlist: La Partida (ALVAREZ), Cancion de cuna (Anon), De que me sirve (BARBIERI), Cancion Andaluza: el Pan de Ronda (DE FALLA), Preludios (DE FALLA), Dios mio, que solos se quedan los muertos (DE FALLA), Olas gigantes (DE FALLA), Oracion de las madres que tienen a sus hijos en brazos (DE FALLA), El pano moruno (de Falla), Seguidilla murciana (DE FALLA), Asturiana (de Falla), Jota (DE FALLA), Nana (DE FALLA), Cancion (DE FALLA), Polo (DE FALLA), Amor y odio (GRANADOS), Callejeo (GRANADOS), La maja de Goya (GRANADOS), La maja dolorosa No. 1 (Granados), La maja dolorosa No. 2 (GRANADOS), La maja dolorosa NO. 3 (GRANADOS), El majo discreto (Granados), El majo olvidado (GRANADOS), El majo timido (GRANADOS), El mirar de la maja (GRANADOS), El tra la y el punteado (GRANADOS), La calle de la paloma (KILENYI), Encantadora Maria (KILENYI), El galan incognito (KILNEYI), Mi sueno (arr. KILENYI), Noche serena (KILENYI), La paloma blanca (arr. KILENYI), Preguntale a les estrellas (KILENYI), La sena (KILENYI), El trobador (KILENYI), Lagrimas mias (MARQUES), Seguidilla dolorosa de una enamorado (MISON), Al amor (OBRADORS), Chiquitita la novia (OBRADORS), Con amores, la mi madre (OBRADORS), Corazon, por que pasais (OBRADORS), Del cabello más sutil (Obradors), El majo celoso (OBRADORS), La mi sola, Laureola (Obradors), Amor bendito (OVALLE), Cancion picaresca (PALOMINO), Seguidillas religiosa (PLA), Cancion contra las madamitas gorgoriteadoras (ROSALES), Rima (TURINA), Cancion de timida (LA CALLE VALLEDOR)

Style: Low

Review: This ambitious 3-CD A Cappella Gospel set is produced, recorded and mixed by Steve Ivey of Nashville, TN's IMI Productions. Steve also sings duets with artists such as Laura Jewel, Maryline Blackburn, Jesse Lee Campbell Taryn Trexler, Steve Carpenter, G. Crew and Daniel J. Groups include The Jordanaires, and New Bethel; solo artists are Gianna Jessen, Lisa Bevril, Morgan Cryar, George McCullum, Rickey Payton, Rick Cua, Ferrell & Ferrell and others. Some favorites of the 50 are "Dig A Little Deeper," "Angel Band," "Nothing But The Blood," When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" and "Rock of Ages" by the Jordannaires; Gianna Jessen's "It Is Well," Maryling Blackburn & Steve Ivey's "Mercy Me," "When It's Over," "Trust" and "Loose My Chains;" New Bethel's "Go Tell It On The Mountain," Take Me To The Water," "There Is a Balm in Gilead" and "Everytime I Feel The Spirit;" "Brethren We Have Met to Worship" by Morgan Cryar and Jesse Lee Campbell's "Doxology;" and Laura Jewel & Steve Ivey's "For The Beauty of the Earth," "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and "I Need Thee Every Hour. But there really isn't a weak cut here. Ivey has assembled a talented, deeply spiritual and spirited group here, and the result is wonderful heartfelt Gospel songs from the beginning of disc 1 to the end of disc 3!

Songlist: Jesus Loves Me - Urban Nation, Holy Holy Holy - Steve Ivey and Laura Jewel, Dig A Little Deeper, Softly And Tenderly - The Jordanaires, Somebody's Knockin' At Your Door - New Bethel, Water In The Well - Maryline Blackburn and Steve Ivey, Si Ya Hamba - Urban Nation, It Is Well - Gianna Jessen, Mercy Me - MAryline Blacjburn and Steve Ivey, Oh How I Love Jesus - Jesse Lee Campbell and Steve Ivey, Standin' In The Need Of Prayer - New Bethel, Diggin' - Daniel J. and Steve Ivey, Go Tell It On The Mountain - New Bethel, When It's Over - New Bethel, Amazing Grace - Maryline Blackburn and Steve Ivey, For The Beauty Of The Earth - The Jordanaires, Hold On - New Bethel, Love LineDoxology - Daniel J. and Steve Ivey, Take Me To The Water - Jesse Lee Campbell, Who's Gonna Tell 'Em - New Bethel, Sweet Hour Of Prayer - Daniel J. and Steve Ivey, Brethren We Have Met To Worship - Morgan Cryar, Be Thou My Vision - Taryn Trxler and Steve Ivey, Trust - Maryline Blackburn and Steve Ivey, Go Down Moses, Oh Freedom - Rickey Payton, Loose My Chains - Maryline Blackburn and Steve Ivey, Walk With Me - George Mccullum, Nothing But The Blood - The Jordanaires, There Is A Balm In Gilead - New Bethel, Jesus Is Mine - Maryline Blackburn, Ring Them Bells - New Bethel, Everytime I Feel The Spirit - New Bethel, I Need Thee Every Hour - Laura Jewel and Steve Ivey, When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder - The Jordanaires, Yes God - Maryline Blackburn, The Solid Rock - Rick Cua, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Now We Have Love - Maryline Blackburn and Steve Ivey, When The Saint's Go Marching In - New Bethel, Let The Water Rise - Daniel J. and Steve Ivey, Rock Of Ages - The Jordanaires, Old Time Religon - New Bethel, In Tune - Steve Ivey, Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Farrell and Farrell, Ezekial Saw The Wheel - New Bethel, Just A Closer Walk - The Jordanaires, Kum Ba Ya - New Bethel

Voicing: gospel/contemporary-christian-cds/

Review: Toronto, Canada was the host for the 2013 convention which was also the 75th Anniversary of the event. The home group Toronto Northern Lights won gold, Westminster Chorus took silver and the Alexandria Harmonizers won bronze. Let's look forward to another 75 years.

Songlist: Veggie Medley, If I Can Dream, Get Your Happy Days on Medley, All The Things You Are, Anything Goes, You'll Never Walk Alone, Steppin' Out With My Baby, Join The Circus Medley, Smile, Love Letters, When You Wish Upon A Star, I've Got No Strings, Somebody Loves Me, That Lucky Old Sun, New York Medley, The Way, The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, The Joint is Jumpin, Over The Rainbow, Medley of the Singing Monks, Put Your Head on my Shoulder, Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue, Swanee River, River Stay 'way From My Door, Maybe This Time, As Long As We're Cookin' Medley, Nobody Knows What A Red-Headed Mama Can Do, I'll Be Seeing You, You Tell Me Your Dream, I'll Tell You Mine, Gotta A Lot of Rhythm in my Soul, I Want You Back, What Kind Of Fool Am I?, Yesterday I Heard The Rain, L-O-V-E, Early American Uptempo Medley, Tomorrow Is Promised To No One, Putting It Together

Voicing: barbershop/chorus-cds/

Review: Indianapolis, IN welcomed the 2004 Sweet Adelines' convention to their beautiful city, where talented, massive choruses belted out the harmonies with gold, silver and bronze on the line. We have here the top ten choruses. In 5th place was "San Diego Chorus", in 4th the "Ronninge Show Chorus," 3rd, "Gem City Chorus," 2nd, "Skyline Chorus," and the Gold Medal winners, "Harborlights Chorus." There are four songs by The Harborlights Chorus, "The Joint Is Jumpin', "When Day Is Done," "Roses of Yesterday," and "My Honey's Lovin' Arms." Skyline Chorus performs 3 songs, Gem City, three, Ronninge Show Chorus 3 and San Diego chorus 3. The 6th through 10th place groups perform 2 songs each. Powerful, spirited harmonies, a "best of" CD for lovers of Sweet Adelines Chorus music.

Songlist: From The First Hello To The Lost Goodbye - Channelaire Chorus, Mamma Goes Where Papa Goes - Spirit of the Gulf Chorus, (Here Am I) Brokenhearted - City of Lakes Church, If I Give My Heart To You - City of Lakes Church, Medley: Alabamy Bound; Alabama Jubilee - Pride of Portland Chorus, Love Me and the World is Mine - Pride of Portland Chorus, Original Dixieland One Step - Pacific Sound Chorus, It's Time To Sing Sweet Adeline Again - Pacific Sound Chorus, There Goes My heart - San Diego Chorus, Medley: I Love Jazz; At The Jazz Band Ball - San Diego Chorus, Young And Foolish - San Diego Chorus, Medley: Deed I Do; Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey - Ronninge Show Chorus, Heart of A Clown - Ronninge Show Chorus, Medley: I'm The Last of the Red Hot Mamas; You've Gotta See Mama Every Night; Nobody Knows What A Redhead Mama Can Do - Ronninge Show Chorus, What'll I Do? - Gem City Chorus, Medley: Roll On Mississippi; On The Mississippi; Daddy I'm Saying Goodbye - Gem City Chorus, Medley: I Used To Call Him Baby; Yes Sir, That's My Baby; Baby Face; I Want A Girl - Skyline Chorus, If You Love Me - Skyline Chorus, Medley: I'm The Last of the Red Hot Mamas; Nobody Knows What A Redhead Mama - Skyline Chorus, Can Do; You've Gotta See Mama Every Night - Skyline Chorus, Joint is Jumpin - Harborlites Chorus, When Day Is Done - Harborlites Chorus, Roses of Yesterday - Harborlites Chorus, My Honey's Lovin' Arms - Harborlites Chorus

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: Looking at the wonderful pix of the top 10 Choruses at the International Chorus Finals in October 2005 in Detroit, we totally want to be there. Incredible costumes, joyous faces-dozens of beaming, beautiful women having big fun singing their hearts out, going for the Gold. That honor went to Scottsdale (AZ) Chorus, so consistently fine that they have entered 13 International competitions since 1976 and have placed no lower than 3rd, winning it all 4 times! Silver went to Pride of Baltimore Chorus, 3rd to Kansas City (MO) Chorus and 4th to Coastline Show Chorus of Providence, RI. This "best-of" compilation features 2 songs each for the 5th to 10th place finishers, beginning with Greater Nassau Chorus's "At A Georgia Camp Meeting," 3 songs each for 5th through 2nd place groups, and 4 songs for the Champs, as it should be! Favorites among these 26 tunes are Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," by Scottsdale Chorus, Berlin's "How Deep Is the Ocean," by Pride of Baltimore, "Runnin' Wild," by Kansas City Chorus and "The Joint Is Jumpin'" by Coastline Show Chorus. Powerful harmonies, hitting on all cylinders from the Motor City!

Songlist: At A Georgia Camp Meeting, The Masquerade Is Over, If I Give My Heart To You, No No Nora, You Keep Coming Back Like A Song, How Many Hearts Have You Broken, Brokenhearted, After My Laughter Came Tears, Auld Lang Syne, Climb Every Mountain, Charleston, The Joint Is Jumpin', If The Rest Of The World Don't Want You, Mistakes, I'll Never Say Never Again, Runnin Wild, From The First Hello To The Last Goodbye, How Deep Is The Ocean, Once Upon a Time, Original Dixieland One, What'll I Do, If You Love Me, Really Love Me, Swanee, There'll Be Some Changes Made, Going, Going, Gone

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: Once again, another fine year for the Sweet Adelines International Chorus competition, not to mention the fact that it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year we have North Metro Chorus in 3rd place, the Melodeers in 2nd, and champions this year were the Rich Tone Chorus, of Richardson, Texas. Some of today's, and yesterday's, finest songs were transformed into tight barbershop arrangements and sung with gusto by these choruses, who were all very deserving of their spot in the top 10.

Songlist: Runnin Wild - Velvet Hills, I I Ruled The World - Velvet Hills, Fugue In D Minor - Velvet Hills, One - Velvet Hills, You Tookk Advantage Of Me - Channelaire, My Honey's Lovin' Arms - Channelaire, The First Hello To The Last Goodbye - Channelaire, Tuxedo Junction - Channelaire, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone - Pacific Sound, I've Got The Sun In The Morning - Pacific Sound, I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Pacific Sound, I Get The Blues When It Rains - Pacific Sound, The First Hello To The Last Goodbye - Spirit Of The Gulf, I'll Never Say Never Again - Spirit Of The Gulf, You Can't Stop The Beat - San Diego Chorus, You Keep Coming Back Like A Song - San Diego Chorus, When My Baby Smiles - San Diego Chorus, Listen To My Heart - San Diego Chorus, Great Come And Get It Day - Gem City, What'll I Do - Gem City, Swanee - Gem City, When I Lift Up My Head - Gem City, Cinderella - Skyline, Step Sisters' Lament - Skyline, My Romance - Skyline, Hey Good Lookin' - Skyline, We Are The People Of The Street - North Metro, At The End Of The Day - North Metro, Powder Your Face - North Metro, Into The Fire - North Metro, Trumpet Voluntary - Melodeers, Bridal Chorus - Melodeers, Let Me Call You Sweetheart - Melodeers, Celebration - Melodeers, Hava Nagilah - Melodeers, Hokey Pokey - Melodeers, Shout - Melodeers, Yes Sir That's My Baby - Rich-Tones, I'm Alone Because I Love You - Rich-Tones, New Attitude - Rich-Tones, Man Of La Mancha - Rich-Tones

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: The competition was tough at the 2010 competition held in Seattle and the ladies were in full voice. The judge's finally decided on the Scottsdale Chorus as winners of the coveted gold medal with the Harborlites taking Silver and North Metro won silver. This is another wonderful collection for all fans of Sweet Adeline singing.

Songlist: The Joint is Jumpin', Time After Time, Sonny Boy, Waitin' For The Robert E. Lee, If I Give My Heart to You, When The Red, Red Robin, Yesterday I Heard The Rain, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Five Minutes More, Sweet Adeline, If I Loved You, Goodbye Broadway, If You Love Me Really Love Me, If I Had My Way, Ain't She (He) Sweet, Over The Rainbow, Its A Great Day for the Irish, Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Rah, Ring Ring the Banjo, A Bundle of Old Love Letters, Sweet Georgia Brown, Danny Boy, All Aboard for Dixieland, What'll I Do?, How Deep Is The Ocean?, Put Your Arms Around Me

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: It was another great year of top notch harmony singing at the International Competition held this year in Houston. The Melodeers took the gold, Ronninge Chorus (from Sweden) was second and Lions Gate Chorus (from Canada) won bronze.

Songlist: Once Upon a Time, Bg Bad Bill, At Last, Toot, Toot, Tootsie, When You Wish Upon A Star, Powder Yourself With Sunshine, Superstition, The Wonder Tag, Boy From New York City, Deed I Do, Time After Time, Dancing Queen, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight, Cry Baby Intro;, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, Nothing Can Stop Us Now, Gotta Know How To Dance, If I Had My Way, I Wanna Be A Star, A Bundle Of Old Love Letters, Holding Out For A Hero, A Piece of Sky, Great Day, If We Can't BeThe Same Old Sweethearts, I Love Jazz, Testify To Love, Hard-Hearted Hannah, The Way You Look Tonight, When The Red, Red Robin Goes Bob Bobbin' Along, When I Fall In Love, I Got Rhythm, Bye Bye Blackbird, A Little Less Conversation, Love Letters Straight From your Heart, I'm Looking at The World Through Rose Colored Glasses, In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Everything Old is New Again, You Must've Been a Beautiful Baby

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: Now you can enjoy both the top quartets and choruses as this year both are on the always fabulous Sweet Adelines International National Finals competition. Held this year in Nashville you can relive the experience on the great collection of the best of the best.

Songlist: Taking A Chance On Love, Over The Rainbow, I've Got The Will, Zing, Went The Strings of My Heart, What'll I Do?, Love of My Life, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Don't Break The Heart That Loves You, All The Way, That's Life, Something Stupid, Nine to Five, If I Had My Way, Mama Mia, Fit as a Fiddle, I'll Never Stop Loving You, Yes Sir, That's My Baby, Powder Your Face With Sunshine/ Smile, Dam Ya, Smile, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, I Love Jazz/ Take Me To The Land Of Jazz, If I Had My Way, Nothing Can Stop Me Now, Feelin' Good, The Way You Look Tonight, The Old Piano Roll Blues, When the Red, Red Robin, If I Loved You, I'm Nobody's Baby, Facade, If I Give My Heart to You, After You've Gone, Thriller, Great Day, If We Can't Be The Same Old Sweethearts, I Love Jazz, I'm A Women

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: In 2004, Indianapolis, IN played gracious host to the 2004 Sweet Adelines' convention, and some names familiar to us and our readers rose to the top of the heap. In 5th place was "Remix," 4th was "Salt," 3rd, "Spotlight," Second, "Razzcals", and in first, "The Buzz." We are treated to four songs by "The Buzz:" "No, No, Nora (Norman)," Irving Berlin's "How Deep is the Ocean," Hammerstein's "Because of You," and "You Turned the Tables on Me." The Razzcals have 3 cuts, Salt has 3, Spotlight 3, "Remix" 3, and "Unplugged" and the remainder of the 10 groups, 2 each. This is great stuff from an epic competition, the mother lode for lovers of Sweet Adelines!

Songlist: The Old Piano Roll Blues - Crystal Clear, You Are my Sunshine - Crystal Clear, May I Never Love Again - Capri, I'm Gonna Lock My Heart - Capri, Child In Me - Capri, Red Hot! - Heatwave, The Little (Child) Boy - Heatwave, Sisters - Heatwave, Hit Me With A Hot Note - Heatwave, We'll Sing All We Know (Brand New Day) - Four Bettys, Georgia Medley - Four Bettys, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight - Four Bettys, One Fine Today - Four Bettys, Yes Sir, That's My Baby - Unplugged, Once Upon a Time, Gold - Unplugged, Always - Remix, My Honey's Lovin' Arms - Remix, Swing Medley - Remix

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: The first week of October, 2005 saw dozens of the best Sweet Adelines Quartets gather in Detroit, MI to compete for the coveted Gold Medals (and, we might add, really cool crowns) that are awarded to the best quartet in the known world! One of our favorite groups, Roseville, CA's Razzcals, took 4th, Elmhurst, IL's Four Bettys were 3rd, Huddinge, Sweden's Salt took the Silver, and four hometown girls, China, MI's Spotlight won it all! This CD features at least 2 songs each by the top 10 finishers, (#10 being Vox from Jarfalla, Sweden, one of 3 Swedish groups in the top 10), 3 songs each by #'s 4, 3 and 2, and 4 tunes by the Champs. Favorites among the 26 cuts are "My Foolish Heart" by Spotlight, "If I Were the Only Girl in the World" by Salt, "Kiss Me One More Time" by Four Bettys, and "Love Medley" by Razzcals. Nice color pix of the 10 groups in the liner notes.

Songlist: The Jazz Me Blues, A Nightingale Sang, How Deep Is The Ocean, I'm Sittin' On The Top Of The World, Roses Of Yesterday, Yes Sir, That's My Baby, I Never Meant To Fall In Fall, Over The Rainbow, Taking A Chance On Love, If I Had My Way, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, What'll I Do, Tears For Souvenirs, When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam', Oh How I Miss You Tonight, Kiss Me One More Time, Who'll Take My Place When I'm Gone, If I Were The Only Girl In The World, If We Can't Be The Same Old Sweethearts, My Foolish Heart, All Bound Round

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/

Review: Another great Sweet Adelines International convention took place this year, and this one was especially exciting as it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada! The Bay Area favorite, the Razzcals did quite well this year, taking 3rd Place. Four Betty's, who also put on a great show at our 2005 Harmony Sweepstakes, Chicago Regional, grabbed 2nd place. This year's Queens, SALT, stole the show, reminding us once again, so many great performers/musicians have come out of Sweden. This CD features two tracks from the quartets placing 4th - 10th, three tracks from Four Bettys and the Razzcals, and we get to hear four tracks from SALT! If you're looking for the best in Sweet Adelines' recordings, this collection definitely delivers!

Songlist: Jazz Me Bllues - Ice, Moon River - Ice, Gospel Medley - Ice, Orange Colored Sky - Moxie Ladies Quartet, I'm Dancing This Dance In The Wrong Romance - Moxie Ladies Quartet, That's My Weakness Now - Moxie Ladies, Birth Of The Blues - Moxie Ladies, This Could Be The Start Of Something Big - Capri, Little Lady Make Believe - Capri, She's Gonna Fly - Capri, Oh You Beautiful Doll - Jukebox, When You Wish Upon A Star - Jukebox, Lady Madonna, Hallelujah Barbershop - Jukebox, Great Day - Xtreme, Ballin' The Jack - Xtreme, In His Eyes - Xtreme, Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart - Zing, If You Love Me Really Love Me - Zing, There Goes My Heart - Zing, The Very Thought Of You - Zing, With Plenty Of Money And You - Jackpot, Come Take Your Place In Your Heart - Jackpot, That's Life - Jackpot, Roses Of Yesterday - Razzcal, Flirty Eyes - Razzcals, There Goes My Heart - Razzcals, Put Your Arms Around Me Honey - Four Bettys, I'm Alone Because I Love You - Four Bettys, If I Love Again - Four Bettys, Great Day - Four Bettys, When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin Along - Salt, If You Were The Only Girl In The World - Salt, We Are Family - Salt, Cowboy Yodel Song - Salt

Voicing: barbershop/dvds/