The 138-strong, white-uniformed New Tradition Chorus was formed in 1982 as a performance and competition chorus, directed by Jay Giallombardo (who also does most of their arrangements), with the goal of becoming the best male chorus in the world. Beginning in 1987, when they placed 4th in SPEBSQSA's International Chorus competition, they medaled every year since then, including winning the gold medal in Nashville in 2001. So here we have the best male chorus in the world, nailing arguably some of the best songs in the world (most recorded live): "The Star-Spangled Banner," "This Is My Country," "America the Beautiful," "God Bless the USA," "There Is Something About a Soldier," "White Cliffs of Dover," "Cities of America Medley" (which includes "Chicago, My Kind of Town," "Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis," "Gary, Indiana," "Mention My Name in Sheboygan," "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" and "New York, New York"), "God Bless America," "Tribute to World Peace" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (piano accompanied and sung with the Northbrook Melodeers women's chorus). "Powerful" can only begin to describe the NTC, their music and this inspiring CD! |