September 27, 2008

Take 6 - The Standard

All male sextet Take 6, one of the most innovative and influential Contemporary Christian a cappella groups of all time, was formed at Oakwood College in Alabama in the early 1980s. In 1988 they released "Take 6" nationally, and won Grammies for both best Jazz and best Gospel group. After 9 groundbreaking, critically acclaimed releases, this long-awaited recording, aptly named "the standard," returns to those jazz roots, covering standards like "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Straighten Up and Fly Right" (featuring George Benson), the scattish "Seven Steps to Heaven" (featuring Jon Hendricks, Al Jarreau and Till Bronner), the moody a cappella "Windmills of Your Mind," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "A Tisket A Tasket" (featuring a sample of the original recording by Ella Fitzgerald), the whimsical "Bein' Green" (with an unexpected Obama plug at the end), the a cappella "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" (featuring Aaron Neville and some great faux horns), and a jazzy a cappella cover of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" (featuring Brian McNight). Take 6's Contemporary Christian material is also included, the autobiographical "Back to You," a bluenote a cappella "Shall We Gather at the River" and the lovely, wordless, accompanied "Grace." Wow. This recording sets "the standard" for Vocal Jazz/Contemporary Christian CD of the year. Don't miss this one, it's a soulful treat from beginning to end! 2257 CD 17.95
Listen to "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans

Posted by acapnews at 12:00 AM

September 26, 2008

Cartoon Johnny - Power Up

Washington DC's 5-man, one woman a cappella sextet Cartoon Johnny, who impressed us with a strong set at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals, and who released an excellent debut CD, "Face the Music," bring us "Power Up!," which features a strong combination of original material and covers. The originals, "More Like You," "Rock Your Body," "Love Will Decide," "When Will You Come Home," "Walked Away" and "What I Want," showcase the talents of Baritone Mike Henderson, who also does most of the group's arranging, mixing and editing. Earth, Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove," Sting's "If You Love Somebody," Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and P. Collins' "Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning" are other favorites among these 11 cuts. Cartoon Johnny has a full, rich sound with wonderful vocal percussion, faux instruments and effects than make us check the liner notes for the reassuring "All sounds heard on this recording were generated by the human voice or body," which is of course there. Every cut here is a winner, and "Power Up!" is one of the best Contemporary recordings we've reviewed this year! 2509 CD 14.95
Listen to "Let's Groove

Posted by acapnews at 12:00 AM

September 25, 2008

Jackpot! - Can You Hear Me Now?

Kay, Gina, Joanie and Jan–Winter Park, Florida's Jackpot! Quartet, has been together for over 6 years now and are the 2008 Sweet Adelines International 2nd place finalists. These 12 rock-solid Sweet Adelines standards show us what was clear to the judges–this quartet has big voices, big harmonies and the kind of wonderful, ringing chords rarely heard in a Sweet Adelines group. Favorites are "Taking a Chance on Love," "Unforgettable," "For Once in My Life," "Almost Like Being in Love," "Easy Street," "Money Medley," "I'll Take Romance" and "How Deep is the Ocean." The debut CD "Can You Hear Me Now" has the good stuff, certainly one of the best Sweet Adelines recordings we've heard in a long time, by one of Sweet Adelines' top quartets! 5847 CD 14.95
Listen to "That's Life

Posted by acapnews at 12:08 AM