Review: Performing together throughout the world since 1988, Vocolot takes its name from the English 'vocal' and the Hebrew word 'kolot,' meaning 'voices.' These six lovely women bring us a passionate celebration of women's voices and (non-vocal) percussion, with songs that affirm life and a vision of one world at peace. Original and traditional music, sung in English, Yiddish, Hebrew and Ladino. 15 songs: the title tune (an original by Linda Hirshhorn of the group, who also wrote 'Who Can You Lean On,' 'Full Circle,' 'For Talia, Born 9/11/85,' 'These Hands' and 'Sarah and Hagar.'), 'La Comida,' 'Zog Maran,' the exuberant'Elokim,' 'Guide Me,' 'Yesh Lanu Koach,' 'Ocho Kandelikas,' 'Los Bilbilicos,' 'Eretz Zavat Chalav U'Dvashand 'Pitchu Li/Effen Oyf.' Beautifully blended harmonies add to the deep feeling of these songs, from the pain and anger of the resistance song 'Zog Moran' to the celebration and joy of the Brazilian song 'Elokim.' A strong, special CD.

Songlist: HeartBeat, La Comida, Zog Maran, Elokim, Guide Me, Who Can You Lean On, Full Circle, Yesh Lanu Koach, For Talia: Born 9/11/85, hese Hands, Ocho Kandelikas, Los Bibilicos, Eretz Zavat Chalav U'Dvash, Sarah and Hagar, Pitchu Li/Effen Oyf

Review: Gorgeous a cappella English and Hebrew rounds and songs sung by Linda and Vocolot. A classic, it includes "Miriam's Slow Snake Dance by the Riverside" and "Ilu Finu", as well as "The Berry Song" and "The Full Moon Song" with their powerful affirmation of the bond between women and nature.

Songlist: Ilu Finu, Miriam's Slow Snake Dance, Ki Hem Chayenu, Blessing After the Meal, Chanukah/Solstice, Women Gathering Round, I Have A Million Nightingales, Ruth And Naomi, Yom Shabbaton, Ufarsu Lara'ev, The Full Moon Song, The Berry Song, Nigun

Review: This new release is by far the strongest recording put forth by this women's progressive Jewish vocal ensemble. Their firm, clear voices ring true on the 14 mostly original compositions. Many are Linda Hirschhorn's settings of traditional texts. The title song ("Hareh Aht/Hashmi'Rini" or Behold!) is a lovely piece using a text recited when exchanging rings along with a Song of Songs text. "Sham'Ra" (Hear and Rejoice) uses a psalm, while "Imri Na" (Sister) draws a story from Genesis. Others provide nice variety, especially "If You Can Walk," an original song "adapted from Zimbabwe folk wisdom," and the CARA-nominated contemporary Israeli love song "Eretz Shiv'Rat Haminim." Several of the pieces are lightly accompanied, but vocal harmony is always central.

Songlist: Lo Yisa Goy, Hareh Aht, Bird, Rosh Hodesh, Blessed is the Flame, Mayn Rue Platz, Sham'a, V'ayrastich Li, If You Can Walk, Imri Na, Camarada, Eretz Chiv'at Haminim, Eli Eli, Wings Span

Review: After you hear Roots & Wings it won't come as any surprise to find out that Linda Hirschhorn is the cantor at a major Temple in the San Francisco Bay Area. What you will hear is a number of rounds and chants which often are expansions on texts from the Old Testament and other sources of Jewish wisdom, when they have source other than the heart. For example "Not By Might" is adapted from Zachariah 4:6 while "Trees of the Wild" comes from Isaiah 55:12. These rounds are sung by as few as three of the six members of Vocolot, usually four or five. Amidst this setting of chants and rounds are four of Linda's original songs which are embellished by light instrumentation. "Homeless Blues" is just accompanied by a bass player. Our favorite is "Play On (For Tay Holden)" a lyrical memory of a departed dear musical friend, accompanied by guitar, bass, fiddle, drums and clarinet. The singing is beautiful. The songs are inspired.

Songlist: Roots & Wings, Not By Might, What Happened To The Dream?, If Not Now, Homeless Blues, Kahrev Yom, Mizmor Shir, But Ask Now The Beasts/ Trees Of The Wild, Waltzing In The Shadows, Stepping Lightly, Shifchi Ka-Ma'yim, Marbeh, Play On, Blessing For Children, Circle Chant