Original member Norm Silver, aided and abetted by Jackie Farrell and Rita Dean, who also appeared on the All Stars last recording, "True Colors," are joined by three new members (including a vocal percussionist), though their musical journey in fact began much earlier - they won the Harmony Sweepstakes in 1993! The six members of this mixed group recently won the Denver regional competition of the Harmony Sweepstakes. Therefore their sound has evolved as well, and though their warm blend and soulful performances have not changed, depending on whom is assigned the lead vocal duties, a variety of impressions emerge. The earthy "Walking In Memphis," for example, is balanced by the eighties sheen of "Don't Stop Believin'." Superior clarity and a spacious mix helps to open up the ears for this tuneful new incarnation.

Songlist: Don't Stop Believin', I Wish, Walking In Memphis, I'm On Fire, Seesaw, God Shuffled His Feet, All Kinds Of People, My Child, You Don't Treat Me No Good, That's The Way Of The World, September

Pride of Denver, CO, and 1993 Harmony Sweeps champs 17th Avenue All-Stars have given us 5 excellent Contemporary CDs, and their 6th, "Blend" is their best yet. One of Colorado's best-loved musical acts, the Stars are real audience-pleasers, whether performing their award-winning Pop Music Show, Dance Party or Doo Wop Show. Formerly a 4 man, one woman quintet, they are now an all male act, adding soulful Jimi Alexander. Blend features 12 finely-crafted covers, some favorites are Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind," one of the best covers we've heard of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," great falsetto leads on Earth Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove Tonight," a fun, seedy take on the Cars' "My Best Friend's Girl," Mr. Mister's "Kyrie Eleison," Richard Marx's "Should've Known Better," Paul Simon's hit "You Can Call Me Al," America's "You Can Do Magic," and Lionel Richie's "All Night Long." Tight vocal percussion, sweet leads and the Stars' shear ability to entertain make Blend a joy to listen to, and another winner for one of our favorite Sweeps champions!

Songlist: Something About You, Ride Like The Wind, Good Vibrations, Let's Groove Tonight, My Best Friend's Girl, Heaven, Kyrie Eleson, Beautiful Soul, Should've Known Better, You Can Call Me Al, You Can Do Magic, All Night Long

The four men and one woman of the Colorado-based 17th Avenue Allstars have been singing sweet Pop harmonies together for over a decade since their beginnings in Denver CO, and are no strangers to Harmony Sweepstakes audiences--they have won the Western Regional 3 times, and the whole enchilada, the National Championship, in 1993. Their repertoire includes 5 decades of popular music: 40's Swing, 50's Rock and Roll, 60's and 70's R&B and 80's and 90's Pop. "Doo Wop Gold," their fifth excellent CD, includes 12 classic, beautifully-arranged Doo Wop hits that would certainly rank in our top 20 of all time: "Remember When/I Wonder Why," "Sh-Boom," "I Only Have Eyes For You," "Blue Moon," "Rockin' Robin," "Come Go With Me," "Lonely Teardrops," "In The Still Of The Night," "Morse Code Of Love," "Get A Job" and "Trickle Trickle;" finishing with a tasty "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Consummate entertainers whether they are performing their award-winning show at a family concert, large scale music festival or corporate party, "Gold" is ample proof that the Allstars are still one of the best Doo Wop groups we've ever had the pleasure to hear.

Songlist: Remember Then - I Wonder Why, Sh-Boom, I Only Have Eyes for You, Blue Moon, Rockin' Robin, Come Go With Me, Lonely Teardrops, In the Still of the Night, Morse Code of Love, Get A Job, Trickle Trickle, The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Songlist: Uptown Funk, Take Me To Church, Free Fallin' / Free Bird, Human, I Choose You, 25 or 6 To 4, Moves Like Jagger, Dear Future Husband / Run Around Sue

Released in the same year as their triumphant success in the Harmony Sweepstakes, Simplicity is the defining moment of the early All Stars with Robert Johnson joining the group and La Tanya Hall considered a member of the group rather than guest artist. On this release there are mostly originals, wonderful originals at that, such as "Johnny" by Jeff Harris which has been covered enough to become a standard. A similar mix of musical styles as the first release graces this recording but the group has matured tremendously.

Songlist: Sly Medley, When I Think Of You, Power Of The Holy Ghost, He's Back & I'm Blue, Simplicity, One Way Or Another, Johnny, If You Love Somebody, Love And Joy, You Are The One, All I Have Is Me, Stay With Me Tonight

17th Avenue All-Stars : Talkin' Acappella   

Here's history for you. In 1991 just as the a cappella resurgence was beginning the All Stars began singing their mix of doo wop, soul, rock, and gospel which were to propel them to national prominence in 1993 as the winners of the Harmony Sweepstakes. In addition to originals by Robert Anderson, Jeff Harris and Norm Silver, the recording includes mostly covers arranged by Robert Anderson, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", "Try A Little Tenderness", "You Talk Too Much", "Wonderful Tonight" and "Fire" among others...

Songlist: Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Second Chance, Try a Little Tenderness, On, the Americas, The Letter, You Talk Too Much, Swing Down, Chariot, Forbidden Love, Wonderful Tonight, Fire, Minute by Minute, Ywa (Yuppie with Attitude)

The departure of La Tanya Hall to a solo career and untimely death of Jeff Harris left Robert Johnson and Norm Silver to rebuild the group with arranging assistance by founder Robert Anderson. New members Jacquelyn Farrell, Rita Dean and Evan Blackstone continue the standard of vocal excellence. The ten songs include only one original by Robert Johnson who was busy with production as well. Included are "Sweet Dreams", "Stand By Me" and "Working In A Coal Mine" in addition to the beautiful title track "True Colors"..

Songlist: Sweet Dreams, Drive My Car, Sixteen Tons, Yes We Can, Stand By Me, True Colors, Working In The Coal Mine, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Brother John, Some Kind Of Wonderful