The nine mixed-voice members of Avante put it right out there in the liner notes, next to the listing and credits for the 10 cuts on their new CD: "Mackie's Back is both a debut, and a tribute, to the towering vocal ensembles who have shaped who we are. From Gene Puerling, to Chanticleer, to The Manhattan Transfer, to The Swingle Singers, Avante's influences are clear." Founded in Raleigh, NC in 2010 with the objective of fusing Contemporary A Cappella with the art form of Vocal Jazz, the five men and four women singers of Avante's repertoire ranges from Contemporary Choral works to cutting edge jazz with a modern flair. Avante tours the United States, in concert, corporate venues and on college campuses, usually drawing high praise for its high standard of musicianship and unique arrangements. Two nationally regarded clinicians in the group join in the group's educational outreach, providing workshops to students of all ages. Our favorites among the 10 excellent cuts are an original, "What Kind of Band," by group member Kevin, who also arranged "Feeling Good," "Third Time Lucky," Billy Joel's "Always a Woman" and "When I Fall." Group member William arranged "When Sunny Gets Blue" and the manic jazz standard "Twisted;" we also particularly loved the Puerling-arranged "London By Night," E. Lloyd's "Cells, Planets" and Brecht and Weill's deathless, chilling ballad "Mack The Knife," to which the title lyric refers. There's a tremendous amount of vocal talent here--Avante has a confident, fresh sound, surprising arrangements and a love of creating beautiful harmonies that shows. An impressive debut album from fast-rising Avante!