St. Paul, MN-based 3-woman, 2-man jazz quintet Voice Trek has a rich, clean, poised sound, and arrangements that can turn very familiar tunes like the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," Dave Brubeck's jazz anthem "Take Five," Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and Michel LeGrand's "Windmills of Your Mind" and turn them into new songs, unexpectedly tasty musical treats. There's a spirited, sassy cover of Rossini's "William Tell Overture" that would have the Swingles looking over their shoulders, Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon" becomes a (lightly accompanied) scattish, salsa romp, and Toto's "Rosanna" is a finger-snapping winner, as is Brazilian composer Manfredo Fest's energetic "That's What She Says." A bonus track, "America the Beautiful," was included "after the tremendous response from the a cappella community when they performed it at the West Coast Summit!" 11 songs, each a many-faceted gem. "An A cappella Trek," Voice Trek's 5th recording, is a joy from beginning to end, one of the best Vocal Jazz CDs we've heard this year!

Songlist: That's What She Says, Ticket To Ride, Take Five, Both Sides Now, The William Tell Overture, A Little Luck, Fly Me to the Moon, The Windmills of Your Mind, Rosanna, America, The Beautiful

Voice Trek established their reputation as one of the premiere vocal groups through the release of three seasonal albums (Christmas). For years they have been implored by fans to record a jazz record to which their lush harmonies are so suited. Thus, after 10 years of singing together, they recorded At Last. Three sisters, Shelley, Vicki, and Rae, are complemented by tenor Denis Alaire, and baritone Howard Hilde in this primarily accompanied selection of 9 songs which are each long enough for thorough expression.Though accompaniment includes a piano/bass/drum combo and midi, rich vocals toward the easy listening end of the jazz spectrum are substance of this recording.

Songlist: Yesterdays, Nina, Jamaica Farewell, Not Like This, La Fiesta, Mickey's Diner, You're Everything, Peace, At Last

Songlist: To Be Sung Of A Summer Night On The Water, The Lords Prayer, Cavatina, Adoro Te Devote, An Angels Song, Sanctus, For The Beauty Of The Earth, Gymnopedie, Ubi Caritus, Clair De Lune, The Lord Bless You And Keep You

Twenty-strong, mixed-voice RSVP was founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Julie Adams, with the purpose of bringing people together through the arts and giving back to the community. They have presented uplifting and powerful live performances, donating all proceeds to to 15 local charities. RSVP's concerts have supported programs for the elderly, the abused, the neglected, the hungry, the poor, the illiterate and the homeless. We like the chosen purpose of this talented ensemble, and we love their music!

Songlist: The Swan, Ave Maria, Agnus Dei, In Paradisum, All Things Bright And Beautiful, Reverie, Pange Lingua (Chant), Tantum Ergo, Panis Angelicus, Beati Quorum Via, Pavane, Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace)

It's a contemporary jazz Christmas with bright, talented Voice Trek, Shelley Plaster, Vicki Plaster, Rae Plaster, Denis Allaire and Kevin Smith. There's only one a cappella cut on this CD, "Coventry Carol"- that said, the jazz accompaniment is hot, and this CD cooks! This is a great CD to heat up the crowd at your Christmas party. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" grabs you and slaps an eggnog in your hand. Just listen to the scat singing on "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." 12 songs, mostly of brilliantly arranged carols you may or may not recognize. Look out, Old Santa's back!

Songlist: It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Coventry Carol, Do Your Hear What I Hear?, Snowfall, Happy Holidays / The Holiday Season, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Let It Snow, Silent Night, Go Tell It To The Mountain, Hallelujah!

Songlist: The Lord's Prayer, Adoro Te Devote, Agnus Dei, Sanctus, Pange Lingue, Tantum Ergo, Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria, Ubi Caritas, In Paradisum, The Lord Bless You & Keep You

Three sisters - Rae, Vicki and Shelley - are the core of this mixed group's clean and contemporary jazz sound. About half accompanied, the CD begins with a Gene Puerling arrangement of "The Christmas Song" (a second Puerling chart, "Deck The Halls," is a cappella). Michele Weir's version of "A Child Is Born" (certainly one of the loveliest of Christmas carols) includes a vocal trombone solo by Denis Allaire. Phil Mattson's a cappella "Here We Come A Caroling" offsets the first verse with a delightful four-bar countermelody; it's these little touches that elevate a song from the pedestrian to the remarkable.

Songlist: The Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentelmen, Here We Come a Caroling, Mary's Lullaby, Deck the Halls, Sleigh Ride, A Child is Born, Ah Bleak & Chill the Wintery Mind, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

An American six-piece ensemble featuring three sisters, Voice Trek has a fluid sound as smooth and light as just-fallen snow. The CD is mostly accompanied by piano and a restrained orchestra, and also combines elements of nature, such as birds chirping, church bells and valley streams. These added elements are pleasant and are used harmoniously, as in the gusts of wintery wind that introduce "The First Noel." "O Come, O Come Emanuel," "Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming" and "The Coventry Carol" are strictly a cappella.

Songlist: The First Noel, Sussex Carol, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming, O Holy Night!, I Wonder As I Wander, Coventry Carol, What Child Is This?, Still, Still, Still, Silent Night, The Wexford Carol, Ave Maria