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Displaying 1-50 of 136 items.
All About Buford : Supercar  Review: Boston-based Contemporary a cappella mixed quartet (2 men, 2 women) All About Buford came onto our radar screen only recently, when they won the Harmony Sweeps Boston Regional. The group gave an excellent performance at the Sweeps Finals, and "Supercar" is a very good CD. There's a smoky, street-savvy, manic edge to all these songs (all arrangements by the group), a lot of it coming from brilliant vocal percussionist Adeel Pandith. The first cut is an amazing hardly-recognizable cover of Jonatha Brooke's "How Deep Is Your Love," the second is a cross between Don Henley's "Nobody Else In The World But You" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious," that totally works. "My Funny Valentine" is a moody, smoky gem, Patty Larkin's "Wolf at the Door" and Norman Whitfield's "Car Wash" fit nicely into the mix. Sean Altman does a quirky little intro to Buford's strong cover of Sean's and Billy Straus' "Falling Over You." Our favorite cuts are originals by group member Taunia Soderquist, "Supercar" and "Do You Trust Me" (from the first CD), songs of the street with roots in rap. As the live intro guy says at the beginning of the CD, "this group is right in the middle of the Boston a cappella club scene, and they're wicked hot!" Recommended. Songlist: Intro, How Deep Is Your Love?, Nobody Else in the World But You, My Funny Valentine, Supercar intro, Wolf at the Door, intro sung by Sean Altman, Fallin' Over You, Do You Trust Me?, Car Wash 
Review: The American Repertory Singers has got to be one of our very finest domestic choirs specializing in modern American music. The program's title piece is from James Hopkins whose smooth, dreamlike setting of "Come to Me in the Silence of Night" has enjoyed considerable success. Other discoveries include David Conte's feverish "Charm Me Asleep", a splendid setting of Elizabethan poet Robert Herrick's restless verse. Also new to me is Jane Marshall, who contributes a delightful pair of bookend madrigals. The contrast between the initial song's blithe and bouncy air and the warmly reminiscent comfort of its companion piece is very touching. Daniel Pinkham's "Love Can Be Still" is a cycle of four poems by Norma Farber, full of startling turns of musical pphrase, infusing Pinkham's unmistakable American idiom with some complex, late-Monteverdi tricks. Perhaps the best are from Nestor himself: the four sentiment-drenched setting of Four Part-songs from the "Highlands", including two traditional texts and two from Robert Burns. Three include lovely obbligatos for solo flute. "Ca' the Yowes" and "Will ye Go, Lassie, Go?" are especially haunting. Songlist: Come to Me in the Silence of the Night, Love Can Be Still, Take me walking in your mind, After the storm is over, Da Capo, Charm Me Asleep, Four Songs from the Highlands, Ca' the Yowes, O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?, Fareweel tae Tarwathie, Go, Lovely Rose, Campion Suite, There is a Garden in Her Face, Thrice Toss these Oaken Ashes, When to her Lute Corinna Sings, To Music Bent, Night was Well as Brightest Day, A Lover and his Lass, An Older Lover and His Lass, Reincarnations, Opus 6, The Coolin (The Fair Haired One), Love, bone-quiet, Mary Hines, Anthony O'Daly
Review: "Solstice!" is a live recording of a very special concert recorded on the winter's solstice, December 21, 2003. The women of Aurora , which means "new dawn," take us "deep into the heart of winter" and back into the light-a powerful journey into the land of the soul. The 100-strong women's chorus, founded in 1992 by David York and led by director and prolific composer Joan Symko since 1994, has created a new tradition of presenting truly inclusive holiday concerts that nurture and delight their audiences. There are 22 songs here, the first 16 from the "Solstice!" concert, and the final 6 "Winter Favorites," which are bonus tracks from past winter concerts. Favorites are Linda Hirschhorn's "Solstice/Chanukah Chant," Rick Hamouris' "We Are a Circle," Anne Bearheart's "Solstice Chant," Susan Osborn's "Take Back the Night," David York's "Solstice," Charlie Murphy's "Light is Returning," Dar Williams' "The Christians and the Pagans," the traditional South African tune "We've Got the Power," Betsy Rose's "Carry It Home," Judy Fjell's "In the Winter," Claudia Schmidt's "Rock that Sucker," Peter Schickele (PDQ Bach)'s "Good King Kong Looked Out," and (Peter, Paul & Mary's) Peter Yarrow's classic "Light One Candle." There is some light accompaniment of piano, guitar, flute, percussion and rhythm ensemble. These are all powerful tunes that move and inspire us-perfect for helping us in the transition from the dark of winter into the light! Songlist: Solstice/ Chanukah Chant, We Are A Circle, Benedicta Es, Lady of the Season's Laughter, Solstice Chant, Take Back The Night, Solstice, Kore Evohe, In Dulci Jubilo/ Pentatonic Alleluia, Light Is Returning, The Longest Night, The Christians and The Pagans, This Little Light of Mine, Return Again, We've Got The Power, Carry It Home, Red And Green, In The Winter, Rock That Sucker, Good King Kong Looked Out, Light One Candle, Auld Lang Syne
Avante : Mackie's Back Review: 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! Songlist: What Kind of Band, Feeling Good, When Sunny Gets Blue, Third Time Lucky, She's Always A Woman, When I Fall, Twisted, London By Night, Cells, Planets, Mack the Knife
Review: Their second Christmas CD featuring classics, forgotten carols, and some of their favorite soulful holiday tunes. Get down and get in the holiday spirit like you never have with this must have for the season!new sale Songlist: This Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, I'll Be Home For Christmas, O Holy Night, The Christmas Song, Balulalow, O Come All Ye Faithful, Happy Holidays To You
Review: BITH always put on a great show and do indeed, as the album name suggest, makes your body want to move. Their usual dynamic sound is in full force on this fabulous selection of pop cover songs. Songlist: This Is How We Do It, Happy, Get Lucky, Use Somebody, Treasure, Falling Slowly, Love Ya
Review: All male, Boston-based Contemporary a cappella quintet Ball in the House used their memorable appearance at the 1998 Harmony Sweeps Finals as a springboard to an amazing career of dynamic live shows (over 250 live performances a year) and excellent recordings ("One Night Only" will be their fifth hot-selling album in the Singers.com catalog). BITH's sound features solid, driving beatbox, hot arrangements, and sweet leads & harmonies. 18 covers, some of our favorites are a rap-flavored take on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," CSN&Y's "Love the One You're With," the Disco hits "Ladies Night" and "Oh What A Night;" the mainstream radio hits "Nothin' On You" and "Just the Way You Are;" the Motown standards "Ain't No Sunshine," and "That's the Way I Like It," the live cut "Waiting," Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" and "I Want You Back;" and the Seals & Crofts' 70s anthem "Summer Breeze." It warms our hearts to watch a top-drawer group from the Sweeps Finals grow into one of the top a cappella touring groups performing today. "One Night Only" is a party in a CD sleeve and we're invited! Songlist: I Don't Wanna Be, Superstition, Love The One You're With, Ladies Night, Think About It, Nothin' On You, Waiting, Beat Box Solo, Just The Way You Are, Let You Lead, Ain't No Sunshine, That's The Way (I Like It), Oh What A Night, I Want You Back, Billie Jean, Summer Breeze, Set The Mood, Falling Slowly, Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Blenders : Christmas Light  Review: Originally hailing from Fargo, ND, The Emmy-winning Blenders now call Minneapolis, MN their home, and this talented, pioneering all male a cappella quartet has been very busy since we first discovered them in 1992 with the first of their now 13 recordings, "Totally Whipped," "From the Mouth" (1994), and "The Blenders" (1995). Then came their instant Best Seller Christmas collection, "Nog," which filled the stockings of all our friends and family with creamy-smooth harmonies. 2002's "When It Snows" was supported by an enormously successful holiday tour and made the Billboard charts, and "The Blenders Holiday Best," (2004) and "Most Wonderful Time" (2005), live DVD "Christmas with the Blenders" (2007) and 2 CD set "The Blenders: Christmas Collection" (2007) helped make the Blenders' name synonymous with Christmas! "Christmas Light" has 11 songs, mostly accompanied. Our favorites are of course the cuts with little or no accompaniment, the fun, rhythmic "Sleigh Ride," richly harmonic "Some Children See Him," and bright, joyous "What Child is This." Among the accompanied tunes, the original "Where Are You Christmas," "Last Christmas," "Amen," "This Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy to the World" and bonus track "America" are standouts. But the highlight of all the Blenders recordings are the heavenly harmonies and great leads of these four talented men, often called "one of America's best-kept vocal secrets," who have been touring and delighting live audiences for decades with their signature sound. Songlist: This Christmas, Last Christmas, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Where Are You Christmas, Amen!, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Sleigh Ride, What Child Is This?, Some Children See Him, Joy to the World, America (bonus track)
Brass Farthing : More Songs About Dogs and Beer Review: All male a cappella octet Brass Farthing, "a group of stalwart lads brought together to sing songs, raise good cheer, and otherwise make merry in the company of friends both old and new." We had the good fortune to catch the live show of these 8 authentically costumed and propped male vocalists at the 2011 Bay Area Harmony Sweeps Regionals in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, where they easily won Audience Favorite and First Place, and have to say that these guys are amazing! Rory, Daniel, Chris, George (Director), Mark (Assistant Director) Jim, Tazz and Ben have found wonderful, hilarious, traditional English drinking songs like "Itches in Me Britches," "Bass Ale," "Dido Bendigo," "General Taylor," "The Crayfish," "Barbed Wire," the nearly bawdy, very funny "Brasso," "Gamble Gold and Robin Hood" and "Charlie Mopps." They've also unearthed such gems as Fred W. Leigh's (1911) "Mary Anne, She's After Me," C. Frank Horn's "Mrs. Fogarty's Christmas Cake," Paddy Ryan's (1938) "The Man That Waters the Worker's Beer" and Peter Bellamy's "Oak, Ash and Thorn," with lyrics by Rudyard Kipling. The boys have written a couple of their own: Daniel's "The Rope" and Rory's "I Love You More than Beer." Songlist: Itches in McBritches, Bass Ale, Dido Bendigo, General Taylor, The Crayfish, Mary Anne She's After Me, Barbed Wire, Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake, The Rope, The Man That Waters the Workers Beer, Brasso, Gamble Gold and Robin Hood, I Love You More Than Beer, Oak Ash and Thorn, Charlie Mopps
Review: Breath of Soul, David, Jesse, Tony and Jake, is an all-male a cappella contemporary quartet who bill themselves as "Nashville's Premier Vocal Band." "4 the record" is their 3rd album, following 2009's "Blue Christmas" and 2010's "Breath of Soul," to which we gave rave reviews on the Primarily A Cappella website, commenting, "to be this good early in their careers promises great things for BOS." "4" is the poised, finely-crafted album of a mature group who have paid their dues and are ready to join a handful of cappella's elite groups. Some of our favorites among the 10 cuts are beautifully arranged covers of Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks," Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance," a fine pair of originals by tenor & vocal percussionist Jake, "Bee" and "Give Yourself;" The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun," excellent takes on a pair by Cory Hosler, "Fix You, Fix Me" and "My Last Season;" an impressive, sweetly-segueing medley of "Michael Jackson vs. Queen," Adele's "Rollin' in the Deep," and a soulful, harmonic take on Jason Mraz's romantic anthem "I Won't Give Up." Don't miss this one--Breath of Soul is smokin' hot and "4" took our breath away! Songlist: Pumped Up Kicks, Bad Romance, Bee, House of the Rising Sun, Fix You, Fix Me, Michael Jackson vs Queen, Give Yourself, Rollin' in the Deep, My Last Season, I Won't Give Up
Review: David, Jesse, Tony and Jake of "Nashville's Premier Vocal Band" Breath of Soul bring us their impressive, soulful, self-titled debut CD, recorded in 2010. Singing together for just a few years, these four friends have the talent, poise, harmonies, leads and arrangements of a group with years more experience. All 13 songs were arranged by BOS baritone Jesse Upah, who wrote the short, sweet "It's Just An Intro," "Breath of Soul" and "To Be Continued" mixes a lot of fresh sounds like the faux kazoo on Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together" and the fiery, powerful vocal percussion on "Lost!," the digital wah-wah effects and rap talk on "Breath of Soul," gentle finger-snapping on the gentle "Nora," chirpy Doo-Woppy notes on R. Spektor's "On The Radio," butter-creamy harmonies on "The Doxology," deep-bass percussion on the inspirational "Freedom Song," crazed popcorn and funhouse rhythms on Neal Diamond's "Headed for the Future," Stephen Foster's still-relevant "Hard Times," S. Chapman's driving "Lord of the Dance," and a sweet, creepy take on Stevie Wonder's hit "Superstition." Every cut here is a finely crafted winner, as BOS shows off its impressive collection of non-instrumental sounds, yummy leads and harmonies. To be this good this early in their careers promises great things for Breath of Soul! Songlist: It's Just An Intro, Lost!, Breath of Soul, Nora, Come Together, On The Radio, The Doxology, Freedom Song, Headed For The Furure, Hard Times, Lord of the Dance, Superstition, The Be Continued
Review: In 1999 the BYU Singers, conducted by Ronald Staheli, performed two Whitacre pieces - "When David Heard" and "Water Night" - as part of their solo premier at New York's Carnegie Hall. The success of the BYU Singers: Live at Carnegie Hall recording, demand for more Whitacre music, and the fruitful partnership between the composer and BYU Singers led to Whitacre's request for the group to record his complete a cappella works in 2001. As a result of the enormous response to that album, the Singers are pleased to release a companion volume, Eric Whitacre 2. This CD was recorded in the spring of 2008, is essentially volume two of Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works. That recording, released by the BYU Singers, continues to be one of the best-selling choral CDs worldwide. This recording includes some of Whitacre's compositions for accompanied choir, but is mostly his a cappella pieces written since 2001. The varied nature of these pieces in this second compilation led to the Singers' collaboration with the BYU Concert Choir, conducted by Rosalind Hall, and the BYU Women's Chorus, conducted at the time by David Thomas. A very highly recommended release! Songlist: Little Birds, A Boy And A Girl, This Marriage, Her Sacred Spirit Soars, Tmuna, Larov, Eyze sheleg, Rakut, She Weeps Over Rahoon, Little Tree, The Panther, The Cow, The Firefly
Review: The Peace of Christ, envisioned as a follow-up to BYU Singers' first CD, We Sing of Christ, uses a wonderful mixture of new arrangements of hymns and anthems to speak directly to the depths of our hearts and souls. Join Ronald Staheli and the BYU Singers as they use music to express the peace that is offered to all of us by Christ. Songlist: Where Can I Turn For Peace/ Grant Us Thy Peace, O Peace Of Christ, Love Divine, I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, O Heart Subdued With Grieving, Nearer My God To Thee, My Heavenly Father Loves Me, Ave Verum Corpus, Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree, O Sing A Song Of Bethlehem, Lord, Accept Our True Devotion, Morning Has Broken, Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing, Abide With Me
Review: One of the UK's finest vocal groups, Bill, Paul, Mark and Michael of Cantabile, The London Quartet, have a unique and unmistakable sound and a reputation for originality and humor. Although the group was founded as a purely a cappella student group, the sixteen cuts of "A Tribute to Hollywood" are mostly accompanied, with the exception of two tunes, Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow" and the theme from the Streisand/Redford classic "The Way We Were." "As Time Goes By" and Stephen Sondheim's "Sooner or Later" are piano accompanied; and Herman Hupfeld's "Take My Breath Away" is accompanied by guitar. "Up Where We Belong," Sondheim/Bernstein's "Gee, Officer Krupke" from "West Side Story," the Gershwins' "I Got Rhythm," "Under the Sea" from "The Little Mermaid," and the classic "Lullaby of Broadway" are all orchestrally accompanied. That aside, we loved this dynamic, entertaining collection, with plenty of the sweet leads and harmonies, humor, eclecticism and big fun of Cantabile! Songlist: Up Where We Belong, As Time Goes By, Everybody's Talkin', Take My Breath Away, Evergreen, I Just Called To Say I Love You, 'Round Midnight, Iko Iko, Over The Rainbow, Gee, Officer Krupke, Cavatina, I Got Rhythm, Sooner or Later, Under The sea, The Way We Were, Lullaby of Broadway
Cantus : Live Vol. 1 Review: Hailing from Northfield MN's St Olaf College, 10-man a cappella group Cantus was founded by a few college friends in 1995, and since then has won recognition across the globe as one of America's finest all-male vocal ensembles. Boasting 13 (with "Live, Volume 1") excellent albums (and a pair of songbook collections) on Singers.com, and performing at more than 400 venues across the planet, Cantus' powerful, beautiful sound has gained them happy fans and much critical acclaim. "Live Volume 1" was recorded at the First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights, MN in 2004, and contains 18 selections, some favorites are Michael Head's "How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps," Francis Poulenc's "Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise," three "Psalms of Ascent" by Chester Alives, Benjamin Britten's "Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," Nick Cave's "The Mercy Seat," five "Songs of the Sea" by C. Villiers Stanford," and a pair from "The Art of the Ground Round" by P.D.Q. Bach, "Loving is as Easy" and "Please Kind Sir." Several songs are lightly accompanied by piano or guitar. Settle back and experience the excitement of this wonderful, spirited live performance by versatile Cantus! Songlist: How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps, Part I: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Part II: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Part III: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Part IV: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Unto the Lord in my distresse: Psalms of Ascent, I to the hills lift up mine eyes: Psalms of Ascent, O all yee servants of the Lord: Psalms of Ascent, Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard, The Mercy Seat, Drake's Drum: Songs of the Sea, Outward Bound: Songs of the Sea, Devon, O Devon in wind and rain: Songs of the Sea, Homeward Bound: Songs of the Sea, The Old Superb: Songs of the Sea, Loving is as Easy: The Art of the Ground Round, Please, Kind Sir: The Art of the Ground Round, Dalvi duoddar luohti- Talvitunturin joikha
Review: Founded by Alfred Burt's daughter Diane, The Caroling Company makes everyday Christmas! This highly in-demand eight-voice a cappella ensemble has had numerous television appearances including ABC's "Good Morning America and "The Home Show" and will appear later this year in the Brian Setzer Big Band Christmas CD. With a reputation for excellence and creative arrangements of traditional favorites and jazz standards, they have an enthusiastic following and possess that indescribable quality that identifies them as The Carolling Company. Songlist: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / I'll Be HOme for Christmas (Medley), Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, The Holly and the Ivy, What Child Is This?, I Saw Three, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, O Holy Night, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Silver Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Merry Christmas, Darling, Caroling, Caroling, We'll Dress the House, Some Children See Him, This Is Christmas, The Star Carol, Come, Dear Children, Jesu Parvule, O Hearken Ye, Silent Night
Chanticleer : Chanticleer Takes You Out Of This World Review: The sun, the moon, the stars and the planets, the universe beyond them - composers have always been fascinated by their seductive power. Our newest explorations will be from Berkeley-based Composer-DJ Mason Bates in a world premiere about transmissions from outer space and "Cells Planets" by Erica Lloyd of Little Grey Girlfriend in a new arrangement especially for Chanticleer. Fantastic early works by Monteverdi, Marenzio and Palestrina and romantic works by Schumann ("An die Sterne") and Mahler ("Ich bin der welt") will join music of 20th century composers Britten, Mechem, Hopkins ("Past Life Melodies") Gershwin and others. Come with us - out of this world! Songlist: Assumpta est Maria in caelum a 5, Ave regina caelorum, Sfogava con le stelle, Ecco mormorar l'onde, Hymn to St. Cecilia, Island in Space, Past Life Melodies, Out of This World, Change The World, Stelle, vostra merce l'eccelse sfere, Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen, Observer in the Magellanic Cloud, Cells Planets
Review: On Beyond All Mortal Dreams, Stephen Layton and his acclaimed Trinity College Choir perform a magnificent selection of American a cappella choral works. The recording is a showcase of little-known American composers unearthed by Layton during his travels. These distinctive and luminous compositions illustrate the context in which better-known composers such as Lauridsen and Whitacre - already championed by Layton - learned their craft. The choir is in perfect voice here, and their purity of tone, flawless intonation and depth of feeling are truly exceptional. This wonderful disc is a must for all choral music fans. Songlist: Tonight eternity alone, O admirable commercium, O sacrum convivium, O vos omnes, Sanctus, O vis aeiternitatis, Caritas abundat, O virtus sapientiae, Lux aeterna, Fair in face, I beheld her, beautiful as a dove, Rise up, my love, my fair one, How they so softly rest, The day is done, Pilgrims' Hymn, Hymn to the Eternal Flame, Mosella, Te vigilans oculis, Phoenix
Clockwork : Tesseract Review: Bay Area favorite, 4-man, 1-woman vocal jazz group Clockwork surprised a strong field with a win in the 2004 Bay Area Regional, then went on to place 2nd in the National Finals, making many friends and new fans along the way. "Teseract" is Clockwork's debut CD (on PAC Records), produced by The Bobs' Richard Bob Greene. There are 11 songs, all with cutting-edge arrangements, particularly by group member Stephen Saxon (also including Greene and group members Angie Doctor and Jim Hale). Herbie Hancock's sassy "And (So) What If I Don't," (There's some nice alto sax on this one, otherwise "Teseract" is all a cappella), a cool, jazzy "My Baby Just Cares For Me," Lennon/McCartney's classic "Blackbird" (with actual Red-winged Blackbird sounds), and a rainy-day bluesy "DC Farewell." "Donna Lee" segues perfectly from the laid-back "Back Home Indiana" to Charley Parker's scattish, driving jazz standard, Radiohead's "Creep" runs the gamut from quiet to crazed, and jazz standard "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" features a bright, upbeat lead by Doctor. Clockwork nails John Coltrane's frantic, driving "Moment's Notice," slowing down with perfect control for Richard Rogers' moody "Little Girl Blue," and then taking off on some very nice vocal riffs on "Variation #1 on (J. Williams') 'Nightwatch" and finishing up with the con man's anthem, a bluesy, appropriately smarmy original by Jim Hale, "Big Cash Deal." We loved Clockwork live, and "Teseract" is poised, confident proof of their readiness to join a cappella's vocal jazz elite! Songlist: And (So) What If I Don't?, My Baby Just Cares For Me, Blackbird, D.C. Farewell, Donna Lee, Creep, Rhode Island Is Famous For You, Moment's Notice, Little Girl Blues, Variations #1 on "Nightwatch", Big Cash Deal
Review: Cabaret Quartet was born when Pam, Holly and Donna performed together as part of two special public relations tours to China in 2002 and 2003. Returning home, they contacted Patty, a world-renowned Sweet Adelines tenor, and Cabaret was born. Recently the group placed 8th at the 2007 Internationals in Calgary. "Happy Hour" is a strong collection of mostly romance-related tunes like "Cornet Man," "Don't Take Your Love From Me," "Mr. Hooper's Fin-It-In-A-Minute Book," "The Man That Got Away," "Meet Me Where They Play the Blues," "You Turned the Tables on Me," "Young and Foolish," "As Long As You're Not In Love With Anyone Else/Undecided" and "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens." With their beautiful, spirited harmonies and lyrics that can as easily lift up your heart or break it, Cabaret has broken into the top ten in the Sweet Adelines world, so we raise our glasses to these rising stars! Songlist: Intro, Cornet Man, Don't Take Your Love From Me, Mr. Hopper's Find-It-In-A-Minute Book, I'll Always Be In Love With You, Some Lucky Day, The Man That Got Away, Meet Me Where They Play The Blues, Sophisticated Lady, You Turned The Tables On Me, Young and Foolish, As Long As You're Not In Love With Anyone Else/ Undecided, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
Coats : The Boys Are Back Review: One of the Pacific Northwest's best vocal harmony quartet, in our opinion, 1994 Harmony Sweeps winners The Coats are back with their eighth CD, an energetic, powerful collection of original materials and freshly-arranged covers. Doug Wisness, baritone, Jamie Dieveney, tenor II, Kerry Dahlen, bass and Keith Anderson, tenor I, start us off with the title tune, a driving, deep-bassed rhythmic toe-tapper. Then come a couple of originals by Dieveney, Dahlen and producer Bill Gibson, "She's Got That Thing" and "Walk Away." Other originals by them, "Let's Be Crazy," "Running After Time," "Slow Ride" and "Together Through It All" are interspersed with marvelous covers of Michael Jackson's "Shake Your Body," John Fogerty's "Down On The Corner," and the classic tunes "She Blinded Me With Science," "Stand By Me" and "Sunglasses At Night." Besides being well-chosen and beautifully arranged (by Dieveney and Gibson), and absolutely nailed by the group, these covers show that the Coats' vocal pyrotechnics are right up there with such performers as Michael Jackson when he recorded "Thriller." This is one of the strongest contemporary CDs of the year. The Coats should be stars, they know it, their fans know it, and hopefully "The Boys" will let a whole lot more people know it! Songlist: The Boys Are Back, She's Got That Thing, Walk Away, Shake Your Body, Let's Be Crazy, She Blinded Me With Science, Running After Time, Down on the Corner, Stand By Me, Sunglasses At Night, Slow Ride, Together Through It All
Review: Conductor Rene Clausen is very well known to us for the work he has done with Moorhead MN's Concordia Choir, as Artistic Director of the Emmy-winning Concordia Christmas Concerts, and for over 100 of his own compositions for choirs at all levels. "Beauty in the World" features 13 songs, from the powerful Swahili folk tune "Wana Baraka," Ysaye M. Barnwell's lovely, haunting "Wanting Memories" the powerful Folk song "Dulaman" and the accompanied Irish Folk song "The Little Beggarman" to the accompanied, Clausen-arranged Civil War camp song "Tenting on the Old Campground," the powerful percussion-accompanied Kitana Folk song "Noel," Herbert Mahelona's lovely "No Ka Beauty O Hohokohau," Juris Karlsons' "Rotala" and the F. Melius Christiansen-arranged "Praise to the Lord," each of these songs is a choral masterwork, a vocal symphony if you will. The Choir has deep, powerful harmonies, soaring leads and tremendous feeling and spirit. Don't miss this collection! Songlist: Wana Baraka, Wanting Memories, Dulaman, The Little Beggarman, John Saw Duh Numbuh, When Jesus Wept, Tenting On The Old Campground, Noel, No Ka Beauty O Honokohau, The King of Love, Danny Boy, Rotala, Praise to the Lord
Concordia Choir : The Choral Music of Rene Clausen Review: Rene Clausen is one of America's leading choral composers. Discover the variety of his compositions as performed by these quality ensembles. This recording features his latest extended work "Crying For A Dream" which is based on Native American texts. Songlist: *The Concordia Choir*, Crying For A Dream, I. Hear Me, I Will Live!, II. War Song, III. How Can You Buy The Sky?, Three Whitman Settings, I. A Noiseless Patient Spider, II. Quicksand Years, III. The Last Invocation, Tonight, Eternity Alone, Magnificat, Deep River, O Vos Omnes, Seek The Lord, *The Dale Warland Singers*, Set Me As A Seal, *Manitou Singers of St. Olaf College*, Psalm 100
Review: Included in this live recording from the 78th annual Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) Christmas Concert, "The Lord is My Shepherd," inspired by Psalm 23. Over 500 musicians, including the Concordia Choir, directed by Rene Clausen, Concordia College Orchestra, Bel Canto, Chapel Choir, Kantorei, Tintinnabula and Cantabile, tell the story of Christmas in song, segued by a spoken narrative. 22 songs, from Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze,' and Paul Manz' "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" to Mary Caldwell's "A Lute Caroll" and Rene Clausen's beautiful "Psalm 23." Mostly orchestrally-accompanied. Wonderful, inspirational music from a fantastic annual event! Songlist: Sheep May Safely Graze, Shepherd Me, O God, From Shepherding of Stars, The Lord's My Shepherd, Chichester Psalms, movement II, E'en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Our Father, A Lute Caroll, Go, Pretty Child, Hacia Belen Va Un Borrrico, The Godly Stranger, Sir Chistemas, Noel, African Noel, Angels' Carol, Ukranian Bell Carol, The First Noel, Ding Dong Merrily On High, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Psalm 23, Stay With Us, Compline
Coro Hispano de San Francisco : Ramillete Review: If "Mexican Baroque" has caught your ear, this wide-ranging anthology of choral music from Mexico, Central and South America is a must; it's got Latin American Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic and folk-originate works in a rich array of textures, styles and sonorities, from chorus-orchestra down to voice-and-guitar, all performed to the nines by the nation's premiere ensemble dedicated to this repertory: Coro Hispano de San Francisco. Brilliant vocal solos and on-target instrumental work by some of the West Coast's leading names in early music combine with foot-stomping Veracruz zapateados and robust, ranchera-style singing in this sampler from a half-dozen different concert programs. Latin America's choral music is a little-known treasure that's been quietly awaiting rediscovery for decades (or centuries- depending on how far back you want to go). Leading the way in its interpretation is the Coro Hispano de San Francisco, which has been exploring and performing this repertory exclusively since its first concert in 1975. On this disc-its third CD release- the nation's premiere Hispanic chorus turns in an amazingly varied sampling of music for voices and instruments from the cathedrals of Puebla, Lima and Sevilla, the ranchos of Early California, the plazas of Veracruz, all the way to the rain-forest missions of Paraguay and the mountain villages of Nigeria. Songlist: Te Deum in C, Fecit Potenciam, Laudate Dominum, Cantico del Alba, Gloria, Agnus Dei, Virgen Sancta, Plaza, Plaza!, Las Mananitas Guadalupanas, Los Coflades de la Estleya, Keresimesi odu de o, O Quam Suavis, Digan, Digan, El Tilingo-lingo, La Golondrina, Cuando Uno Quiere a Una, Te Quiero Porque Te Quiero, Es Bueno Darte Gracias, Senor
Cuesta College Chamber Singers : Incantations Review: Songlist: Adam Lay Abounden, Go, Lovely Rose, Charm Me Asleep, Lobet den Hernn, Musica animam tangens, Mata del anima sola, Country Dances, Ave Maria, Esto les digo, Elijah Rock, O Shenandoah, Rede, Madchen, Am Gesteine Rauscht die Flut, O Die Frauen, Wie des Abends Schone Rote, Ein Kleiner, Hubscher Vogel, Wohl Schon Bewandt war es, Wenn So Lind Dein Auge Mir, Vogelein Durchrauscht die Luft, Sieh, wie is die Welle klar, Ein Dunkeler Schacht is Liebe, Nicht Wandle, Mein Licht, Es Bebet das Gestrauche, Beati quorum via, Leonardo Dreams
Cuesta College Chamber Singers : L'amour de moi Review: Songlist: L'amour de moi, With A Lily in Your Hand, Shenandoah, Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord, In Time of Daffodils, Wade in the Water, Water Night, Nelly Bly, At the River, Five Hebrew Love Songs, I've Been In the Storm So Long, Witness
Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix : Put on a Happy Face Review: Dick Van Dyke, who all of us loved in "The Dick Van Dyke Show," Disney's "Mary Poppins" "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and many others, ordered some a cappella CDs from us awhile back and we mentioned the fact on the acappellanews.com news blog. Mike Mendyke, formerly of Five O'Clock Shadow, read this and soon thereafter happened to run into Dick in a Starbucks. One thing lead to another and soon they formed a quartet that would sing on the set of "Diagnosis: Murder". We love stories like this, and Dick Van Dyke looks and sounds great on these 14 cuts! "Put On A Happy Face" from Bye Bye Birdie, Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Baby of Mine" from Dumbo, "High Hopes," "Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book, "Pick Yourself Up," "A Lover's Wuestion," "It's Not Easy Green," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive," and the heartwarming "Theme from Dick Van Dyke Show," with unpublished lyrics attributed to Morey Amsterdam. Two bonus cuts are Dick reciting "A Visit from St. Nicolas" (Twas the Night Before Christmas) and "Old Fashioned Christmas" a nice original by Bryan and Michael. Dick Van Dyke is as funny, personable and entertaining as ever, and Eric, Michael and Bryan, the Vantastix, provide great backup vocals, solos, harmonies and stellar arrangements for all the songs. "Put on a Happy Face," obviously a labor of love for Van Dyke, did exactly that for us, and we're sure this gem will be loved by children and fans of all ages! Songlist: Put On A Happy Face, You've Got A Friend In Me, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Baby Of Mine, High Hopes, The Bare Necessities, Pick Yourself Up, A Lover's Question, It's Not Easy Being Green, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, Theme From DickVan Dyke Show, A Visit From St. Nicholas (Twas The Night Before Christmas), Old Fashioned Christmas
Review: For Phillip, Ryan, Tim and Joey, sweet-singing members of Deer Lodge, TN's Emmanuel Quartet, their ministry is simple-its all right there in 1 Chronicles: "Sing to the Lord, aall the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." The 11-title songlist on "Feeling Good" speaks (or in fact sings) for itself: "Children's Medley, "Mighty is the Word," "If We Miss Heaven," "What More Could He Do?," "Give In To the Lord," "The Ballad of Elisha's Bones," "My Savior First of All," "Peaceful Side of Jordan," "A New Day," "We Shall Wear A Crown" and "Twenty Three." Ryan's rich deep bass, Tim's solid baritone, Phillip's fine tenor and Joey's soaring leads make each of these songs a joyous, inspirational winner. Don't miss "Feeling Good!" Songlist: Children's Medley, Mighty is the Word, If We Miss Heaven, What More Could He Do?, Give In To The Lord, The Ballad of Elisha's Bones, My Savior First Of All, Peaceful Side of Jordan, A New Day, We Shall Wear a Crown, Twenty-Three
Review: Seven member, all male classic a cappella rockers The Exboyfriends were the classic "small NYC clubs to Sweepstakes" story, starting out in the former in 1993 and working their way up to the latter, winning Audience Favorite at the 2000 Harmony Sweeps National Finals in San Rafael, CA. Along their journey they appeared on VH1, Nickelodeon, NBC's Today show, the Howard Stern Show and many others. They also opened for groups like the Marshall Tucker Band and the Edgar Winter Group. "A Cappella's Dead," their 1999 debut CD, won rave reviews from us and was called the "classic rock album a cappella has been waiting for" by RARB. Their follow up "Karaoke Bar Brawl" won even more praise, being nominated for two CARA awards, and was one of RARB's "Picks of 2003" for album of the year. At the time of their "farewell" 2008 show, "Happy Ending" lay unfinished in digital purgatory, but after a long break from performing and recording the 7 guys got together to finish the album with producer Ed Chung, and staged a reunion concert in their hometown in May of 2013. After all that background, we'll be brief: we loved the ExBs at the 2000 Finals, and "Happy Ending" is a beautiful, powerful a cappella cover album of 10 songs, one of the best we've heard this year! Beside the hauntingly surreal Pink Floyd anthem "In The Flesh," some of our favorites are The Eagles' "Hotel California," which segues into a manic salsa-flavored party with body percussion and faux trumpets; U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and B. Brown's "Teenage Dirtbag," which necessitated a Parental Advisory on the album cover ("We Curse A Lot"). J. Walsh's classic "Life's Been Good" and M. Jones' "Feels Like the First Time" are stone winners, as is D. Roeser's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and the top-40 hits "Dirty Work" and "Hunger Strike." It's been a long wait to hear more sweetly arranged, top-tier a cappella from the Exboyfriends, but after listening to "Happy Endings" we, and a lot of their fans, are wishing they had never left! Songlist: In The Flesh, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Dirty Work, (Don't Fear) The Reaper, In The End, Feels Like The First Time, Hunger Strike, Hotel California, Teenage Dirtbag, Life's Been Good
Review: The North Carolina-based a cappella quartet Fleur-de-Lisa, Sarah, Deborah, Andie and Sylvie, has been writing music based on poetry and poetic themes since 2008. The 20 ethereal songs in this collection, all written by Sarah Shunk and Sylvia Freeman, represent one complete life cycle, from its spring-like beginnings of the first flowers and budding romance all the way through to the winter of life. In the Spring/Summer group are "Crocuses," "Fireflies," "Me and Frog," "White Feather" and "Old Pond;" in Relationship Songs are "Slowly," "She Reads Her Letter," "Early Spring," "A Thousand Half Loves," "Wild Rose," "Unworn Necklace," "Wild Lupine," "Rainy Season," "Slicing" and "Sound of the Name;" and in Autumn/Winter are "Dog's Day Off," "One Leaf," "One Moon," "Rumors" and "Time to Go." These are sometimes playful, sometimes poignant vocal poems that touch and move us, leaving us always wanting to hear more. Just beautiful! Songlist: Crocuses, Fireflies, Me and Frog, White Feather, Old Pond, Slowly, She Reads Her Letter, Early Spring, A Thousand Half Loves, Wild Rose, Unworn Necklace, Wild Lupine, Rainy Season, Slicing, Sound of the Name, Dog's Day Off, One Leaf, One Moon, Rumors, Time to Go
Review: Formed over 30 years ago and one of the very early contemporary a cappella The Flying Pickets are still going strong today and continue to tour extensively across Europe. The group members have changed over the years but the level of excellence has stayed consistent and it easy to tell listening to this fine recording why they have remained popular for all these years. Each one of these Christmas tunes is creatively arranged along with the strong voices makes for a delightful holiday treat. This recording deserves to be in your collection. Songlist: 2000 Miles, Ding Ding Merrily On High, Shine, Little Drummer Boy, I Believe In Father Christmas, Christmas Present, Very Good King, In The Bleak Mid Winter, Christmas Lullaby, Alleujah, Silent Night, Frosty The Snowman, Only You (And You Alone)
Review: The 37-strong, a cappella Grand Rapids (MI) Women's Chorus is led by Artistic Director Lori Tennenhouse and Small Ensemble Director Martha VanderEyk, and "Celebrating Time Together" is a "best of" 15-song collection from the founding of the group in 1996 to 2006. Some favorites are four songs commissioned by the GRWC: Diane Benjamin's lightly accompanied "Miracle," Libby Larsen & Mary Oliver's string quartet accompanied "The Summer Day," Ysaye M. Barnwell & Audrey Lorde's "Memorial 1," and Marjan Helms' piano and percussion-accompanied "Rainsong;" and a pair performed by the 8-voice Small Ensemble, "My Love Walks in Velvet" and "A Red, Red Rose. Other favorites are Antonin Dvorak's lovely "Largo" (from Song of Survival, Vol.1), the powerful, drum-accompanied Akan Playground Song "Sansa Kroma," Alan E. Naplan's "Al Shlosha D'Varim," Zap Mama's rhythmic gem "Guzophela" and Eric Whitacre's "Sleep." The GRWC has a beautiful, sweet sound, strong covers and excellent new material. There's a lot to like on "Celebrating Time Together!" Songlist: Set Me As A Seal, Sisters, Sansa Kroma, Tres Cantos Nativos, Largo, Guzophela, Miracle, The Summer Day, My Love Walks In Velvet, A Red, Red Rose, Al Shlosha D'Varim, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Memorial 1, Rainsong, Sleep
Review: America's oldest collegiate men's chorus, the 60-strong Harvard Glee Club, under the storied direction of Jameson Marvin since 1978, celebrates its 150th Anniversary with a live concert. There are 17 cuts here, some of them piano accompanied. Three of them, "I. The Shepherd of King Admetus," II. The Voiceless" and III. "Fata Morgana," are from Dominick Argento's "Apollo in Cambridge," written especially for the Glee Club and premiered here. Other favorites are Michael Praetorius' "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming," a pair by Josquin des Prez, "Kyrie" and "Agnus Dei I, II, III;" conductor Marvin's "Cantantes Licet," Benjamin Britten's "The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie," a very funny rendition of the American Folk song "Sacramento," the 18th century Welsh Folk song "All through the night" and a piano-accompanied medley of traditional "Harvard Football Songs." This is a beautiful, spirited, joyous collection from one of America's great collegiate men's choruses, the Harvard Glee Club! Songlist: Apollo in Cambridge, A Harvard Triptych: I. The Shepherd of King Admetus, A Harvard Triptych: II. The Voiceless, A Harvard Triptych: III. Fata Morgana, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Kyrie, Agnus Dei I, II, III, Cantantes Licet Usque Eamus, Slava v Vishnih Bogu, The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Bernard, Gentle Annie, Airang, Sacramento, Lowlands, All Through The Night, Glorious Apollo, Harvard Football Songs, Fair Harvard
Review: Singing out in America's Heartland since 1986, Kansas City's 135-voice gay men's chorus aptly brings us a collection of 13 songs related to the struggle for freedom. The collection is drawn from the story of America, the music ranging from religious hymns and spirituals to folk songs and patriotic anthems. Freedom also includes five new commissioned works from composers Mark Hayes and Greg Gilpin, "Freedom Suite: A Medley of Spirituals" and "I Will Stand With You" by Hayes and "Skip to My Lou," "O Shenandoah" and "The Crawdad Song," arranged by Gilpin. Other favorites are a pair of spirituals arranged by Moses Hogan, "This Little Light of Mine" and "Hold On," U2's "MLK," Stephen Sondheim's "Children Will Listen," the Alice Parker-arranged "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal," Frank Wildhorn's touching, piano & violin-accompanied "Tell My Father," and the final cut, "My Country 'Tis of Thee," accompanied by a quote from Randy Hite, "As a gay man, I claim ALL of America's freedoms as mine. That includes the freedom to marry. Liberty and Justice for ALL includes ME! Let Freedom ring!" "Freedom" is a beautiful, powerful collection from Heartland Men's Chorus! Songlist: Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal, Children Will Listen, Tell My Father, Freedom Suite: A Medley of Spirituals, MLK, This Little Light of Mine, Hold On, Skip to my Lou, O Shedandoah, The Crawdad Song, I Will Stand With You, We Will Overcome, My Country 'Tis of Thee
Review: HMC's most ambitious and most hauntingly beautiful CD is here! Quest Unending includes unforgettable selections from the concerts Global Destinations and Exile: The Journey Home. Recorded at Bales Recital Hall and Visitation Church, this recording truly captures the sound of HMC at its very best. Music possesses the unique ability to communicate and connect people despite physical, cultural and language barriers. Quest Unending, the ninth recording by Heartland Men's Chorus, looks at our diverse world through music with a sense of "home." Stephen Paulus reminds us in The Road Home that no matter how far we travel or how difficult our journeys may be, "there is no such beauty as where you belong." As you share this quest unending, may you find the true beauty of belonging. Songlist: The Quest Unending, The Stars Are With the Voyager, The Road Home, Avinu Malkeinu, A Vuccella, Dulaman, Spaseniye Sodelal, Khorumi, Last Letter Home, Home on the Range, Make Me a Kite, Dies Irae, Amen, Here's Where I Stand, Live Your Dream
Hover Chamber Choir : Armenian Voices Review: In Armenian, Hover (Hoh-ver) evokes the image on song soaring on the wind, and it's also the name of one of the most beautiful Armenian folk songs by Komitas vardapet, a revered name in Armenian folk and sacred music, also part of Hover's repertoire. The 24-strong mixed-voice Choir came together in Yerevan in 1992 as a volunteer performing arts group, mostly students and graduates of the Komitas National Conservatory; led by founder and artistic director Sona Hovhannisyan. There are 21 folk and sacred songs here, particularly nice are Kodaly's "Esti Dal" (Evening Song), Britten's "Carol" and "Ye that Pasen By," Poulenc's "Timor et Tremor," Ravel's "Nicolette," and a number of wonderful tunes by Armenia's Komitas: "Ode," "Threshing Song," "Ploughing Song of Lori," "A Pumpkin Grows on the Garden Wall," and "Greeting The Morning," Gershwin's "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and Lennon/McCartney's "Michelle." A joyful, well-chosen mix, beautifully performed by this fine mixed Choir. The extensive, colorful liner notes tell us about the music and lyrics. Songlist: Esti Dal (Evening Song), Carol, Ye that Pasen by, Remember not, Lord, Our Offences, Crucifixus, Timor et Tremor, Nicolette, Lenten is Come, A Hymn to the Virgin, Ode (Sirt im sasani), Threshing Song, Ploughing Song of Lori, A Pumpkin Grows on the Garden Wall (Baghi pate ddum a) (Komitas), Greeting the Morning (Aravotun bari luys), Cloudy Skies (Ampel a kamar-kamar) (Komitas), Dance-songs, Secretary to God, A Quiet Place, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Michelle, Scherzo
Hyannis Sound : Annual Bootleg Vol 1 Review: "Annual Bootleg Volume 1" is of course a live CD in a simple cardboard sleeve that has a songlist printed on it and very little else. It assumes we know that THS is a Cape Cod-based a cappella vocal group of between 10 and 14 young men, and luckily, we do. 16 songs, some favorites are the Beatles' "Drive My Car, "Bring It To Me," "Remedy," "Just My Imagination," "Signed Sealed Delivered," Huey Lewis & the News' "If This Is It," Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," "Love Train" and closing with their trademark "Irish Parting Blessing." Recorded at First Baptist Church, Hyannis in August of 2003 before an enthusiastic audience. Good stuff! Songlist: Drive My Car, Bring It to Me (arr: Ian Varley), I Wish (arr: Ed Boyer), On and On (arr: Townsend Belisle), Remedy (arr: Eric Fosbury), Still Fighting It (arr: Ed Boyer), Baba O'Riley (arr: Victor Sandman), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (arr. Deke Sharon), If This is It (arr: Eric Fosbury), Don't Cry (arr: Aithan Shapira), L-Y (arr: Townsend Belisle), Big Yellow Taxi (arr: Samrat Chakrabarti), The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing (Jim Barrington), Love Train (arr: Ed Boyer), Irish Blessing
Inner Voices : Prairie Jazz Review: Manhattan Transfer meets the Sons Of The Pioneers!! The incomparable Morgan Ames had produced, arranged and recorded the selections which she describes as "a group of a cappella cowboy and mountain songs based on pure historical American, plus a few strays, filtered through my jazz-based sense of harmony and four city singers." She goes on to add... "I grew up looking for home on the range, pretending to be Annie Oakley on rented horses at the Burbank Stables. But singing this music, our shared American heritage, was a gift and that's how we offer it to you." Now, all isn't just tradition as occasionally a new lyic or two is added, but the singers Shelby Flint, Morgan, Melissa Mackay and Michael Mishaw manage to maintain a sensibility of tradition while creating an entirely new feel, exactly as Morgan describes in her quoted comments above. Real traditional tunes such as "Home on the Range," "Old Diamond Joe," (a multi-track overdubbed recording sung entirely by Michael) and "Old Chisholm Trail" are mixed in with a leavening of newer tunes such as "Witchi Tai To," "My Real Home," and "Springtime in the Rockies." The only difficulty we face in reviewing a recording of this calibre is expressing our enthusiasm without going overboard! Songlist: Old Chisholm Trail, Witch Tai To, Goodbye Old Paint, The Cuckoo, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, My Real Home, Old Diamond Joe, Where Am I Going, Home On The Range, There's A Star On The Horizon, Springtime In The Rockies, Unused To Lovers, Cielito Lindo, The Water Is Wide/Oh Winding River, I Wonder As I Wander
Review: The core blend of three soulful women (Gwen, Linda and Renee) of the soulful Bay Area a cappella ensemble The Irrationals has been singing together for over 15 years. This funky, diverse group has an eclectic, African American-based repertoire that explores life, love and politics. There are 11 songs here, which feature soaring leads, strong vocal percussion and background vocals. Favorites are "Train in Vain," the title tune, "Something to Talk About," the powerful stream-of-consciousness two originals by Susan Anders, "Living on the Edge" and "Trouble Now," the stark "Everything and Nothing," the bluesy "Microwave Life," the jazzy "Mighty Long Way" and the poignant "Love Me Still." This is surprising, entertaining, thought-provoking stuff from The Irrationals! Songlist: Train In Vain, Done Waiting, Something to Talk About, Living on the Edge, Everything and Nothing, Microwave Life, Mighty Long Way, Love Me Still, Key Largo, Trouble Now, Happy Birthday
Review: Legendary, Grammy-winning arranger/conductor Johnny Mann and his prolific Singers apply their bright, smooth, spirited Sixties sound to this excellent Christmas collection. Traditional carols like "As Lately We Watched," "Lo How a Rose," "Deck the Halls," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Christmas Tree," "The First Noel," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" of course are here, wonderful and sincere; but we especially liked lesser known tunes like "Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In," "Sleep, Sleep Jesus, Sleep" and the lovely "Susan Belle." The kind of Christmas album they just don't make any more, and the kind that will be enjoyed again, year after year! Some light accompaniment, but mostly a cappella. Songlist: Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In, Sleep, Sweet Jesus, Sleep, As Lately Watched, Susan Belle, Lo How A Rose, Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Go Tell It On A Mountain, O Christmas Tree, The First Noel, We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Just 4 Kicks : All In Good Time Review: The four players in Just 4 Kicks are only four of the most respected (and frequently employed) arrangers and educators in the music industry. Their talent is only surpassed by their prodigious accomplishments, the results of which are ours to appreciate. Obviously influenced by the brilliant vocal jazz groups of the '50's and '60's, most notably the Four Freshmen and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, "All In Good Time" is adventurous and exuberant. Billy Strayhorn's comically ironic "Everything But You" is one of the great swing tunes in the lexicon, and Just 4 Kicks stands in for an entire jazz combo, tossing off brass solos and a drum breakdown. The arrangement of "Alice In Wonderland" frequently voices the harmony, including the enticing ninth chords, by implying the root, rather than stating it overtly. "I'm Walkin'," popularized by "Fats" Domino and arranged here by Kirby Shaw, retains the boogie-woogie party mood of the original and kicks it up a notch - now that's impressive. Many of the songs feature furious scatting, all done live. Don Shelton of the Hi-Lo's guests on "Green Dolphin Street," and the Bobs' Joe Finetti stops by to supply vocal percussion on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." Songlist: I'm Walkin', Everything But You, Alice In Wonderland, Black Orpheus, On Green Dolphin Street, Her Bright Smile, Poppity-Pop, All Blues, Superstition, Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye, Blizzard Of Lies, Take the 'A' Train, A Quiet Place
Review: Talented, highly-respected music industry educators and arrangers Kirby Shaw, Randy Crenshaw, Kirk Marcy and Vijay Singh were asked by a dear friend, the minister of music at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem, OR, if Just 4 Kicks would perform at an upcoming concert and service at St. Paul's. His parameters were simple: "It needs to be all sacred music, but it needs to be Just 4 Kicks!" The group decided to accept the opportunity as a chance for rejuvenation that it needed, and immediately the creative juices started flowing within the quartet. The event was a huge success, and soon the group found itself in the studio, recording a fresh new book of tunes. We can see from the song list, there's a lot of diversity in these 11 tunes, from the jazzy "Sermonette," scattish "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and "Come Sunday," to a Reggae-flavored, manic "Jesus Loves Me;" to a couple of Bob Dylan tunes, the bluesy "Gotta Serve Somebody" and the Reggae-arranged "Man Gave Names To All The Animals," there's lots of fun stuff here. Other favorites are a hip, finger-popping "Daniel in the Lion's Den," bluenote "A Child is Born," a foot-tapping Bluegrass take on "Walk On" and a hauntingly harmonic "A Quiet Place." We've always loved Just 4 Kicks, and we love this album-it's a great new direction for these talented men, and we look forward to hearing more inspirational, upbeat material like "Joyful Noise" from them! Songlist: Sermonette, Gotta Serve Somebody, Jesus Loves Me, Come Thou, Almighty King, Jesus Loves the Little Children, Come Sunday, Man Gave Names to all the Animals, Daniel In the Lion's Den, A Child is Born, Walk On, A Quiet Place
Konevets Quartet : Russian Folk SongsReview: Music Conservatoire in July 1992. The Quartet takes its name from the Konevets Island and Monastery, some 160 kilometers northeast of St. Petersburg, on Lake Ladoga. It was there, over 600 years ago, that St. Arseny Konevsky founded a cloister in the honour of the birth of Mary, Mother of God. The repertoire on this, their sixth recording is comprised of Russian folk songs based on ballads, dances and regimental songs and marches of the Tsarist armies, and from the old military academies, forbidden during Communist times. If you have ever been moved by the glorious, robust singing of the Russian peoples, this is a chance to experience the same music polished to perfection by a concert trained quartet. Wonderful! Songlist: In the Dark Forest, Oh the Field, Steppe all around, Prince Oleg, I Walk the Lonely Road, We are Factory Lads, Garden Gate, Nighingale, Twelve Robbers, Seven Sons-In-Law, Black Raven, Night Was Dark, Evening Bells, Wicker-Shoes, Hey, Ookhnem, Through Vague and Obscure Taiga, Road, Brooms, Troyka Bell, Young Maid Was Walking in the Grove, Barynia
Laurels : Keeping Tradition Review: Harmony is a universal urge, and when it accompanies a love theme, it's the pinnacle of music-making. The Laurels first sought that peak in 1959, harmonizing at sock hops and at the studio. Forty years later, original member Dick Muse and four others took their places around the mike to record 16 classic and "should-have-been-classic" doo-wop tunes. "Please Mr. Sun," "Ball & Chain," "Everyone's Laughing," the top-40 hit "Barefootin'," "Willette," "Cold Feet," "For Your Love," "Something's Got A Hold On Me," "Lundy Dundy," "Time Can Make You Change" and "Sweet Was The Wine" and others. All a cappella except for the final cut, "Rhythm." These are authentic, gravelly-bass, soaring tenor, sweet harmony doo-wop, the kind we love to hear. "Keeping" is a keeper! Songlist: Please Mr Sun, Ball & Chain, Everyone's Laughing, My Mothers Eyes, Barefootin', Heart & Soul, Willette, The Sun, Cold Feet, For Your Love, Something's Got A Hold On Me, Truthfully, Lundy Dundy, Time Can Make You Change, Crying In The Chapel, Sweet Was The Wine, Rhythm
Review: First formed in 1979, Libana, focuses on researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, particularly music written for, by and about women. "Turning" is the group's 7th excellent album, some of the 17 songs accompanied by its members playing their own instruments, including clarinet, djembe, djun djun, bells, frame drum, kalimba, shekere, soprano recorder, accordion, hammered dulcimer, ipu, piano and agogo bell. Some of our favorites are the a cappella tunes "I Arise Facing East" by Deborah Lanstaff, the Japanese Folk tune "Hotaru Koi," "Con el Viento," a lovely round from Renaissance Spain, the powerful Bulgarian Folk tune "Planino Peren," Linda Hischhorn's soaring "Sin Shalom" and Melchior Franck's 16th Century round "Da Pacem." We also particularly loved the percussion-accompanied South African tune "Babe Thandaza/Sin Djen," the live Hawai'ian song "E Pele E Pele/E Pele I Hawai'i" and the greeting and blessing for peace, "Salaam Aleikhum." Libana's music is always a treat to us, authentic and new to our ears; and performed beautifully with reverence and spirit! Songlist: I Arise Facing East, Thugamar Fein an Samradh Linn, Hotaru Koi, Con El Viento, Jubilate Gaia, Pele Hula, Planino Peren, Babe Thandaza/ Sin Djen, Afunga Alafia, Kalimba Invocation, Spinning Song, Midnight Meditation, Ma Navu, Salaam Aleikhum, Sim Shalom, Da Pacem, Out Beyond
Listen Up! : Jewphoria Review: Although Listen Up! has two excellent recordings, "Shimu Na" and "Al Hanisim," in our catalog, we're happy to welcome their latest CD, "Jewphoria," to the Primarily A Cappella label. Listen Up! is Rebecca Singer, Moshe Mann, Michael Mendelson and Steve Singer. Here are 12 fresh and appealing, often funny, mostly Jewish doo-wop songs: "Oy Mamme Bin Ich Farliebt," "Etz Chayim," "Tzena," "Yom Shabbaton," "Al Kol Eileh," "Tzaddik Katamar" (w/violin accompaniment), "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen," "Under the Chuppah" (a takeoff on "Under The Boardwalk"), "Hineh Ba Hashalom," "Tum Balalaika," "Nisayon" and "Hatikvah." What comes across in all songs is a love for singing, a lot of talent and a sense of fun & celebration - an im-pressive third CD. Listen Up! - we want to hear more! Songlist: Oy Mame Bin Ich Farliebt, Etz Chayim, Tzena, Yom Shabbaton, al Kol Eileh, Tzaddik Katamar, Bei Mir Bist du Schoen, Under The Chuppah, Hineh Ba HaShalom, Tum Balalaika, Nisayon, Hatikvah
Los Angeles Chamber Singers : Romancero Gitano Review: The Castelnuovo-Tedesco work comes as one of my bigger surprises of recent times: written in 1951 upon powerful and emotional texts by Garcia Lorca (translations included in the CD booklet) Romancero Gitano, op. 152 proves to be genuinely attractive work, its wide guitaristic range well essayed by Gregory Newton, whose style suits well the composer's familiar refinement and musical craftsmanship. Is this song accompaniment? Or is it a concerto with voices instead of instruments? Whichever way you look at it, here is an interesting and substantial piece by one of the guitar's 20th century luminaries. Newton is to be congratulated on this revelation (for me, at least), his accomplished playing complementing a fine choir and thus providing a most listenable and substantial item with a real difference. A fascinating timelessness pervades Morten Lauridsen's purely vocal Chansons based on poems by Rilke: simply put, they are quite beautiful in both construction and execution, the eventual arrival of the piano in the fifth (and last) a miniature masterstroke. The Samuel Barber work is as rich as it is brief, while the set of madrigals by Halsey Stevens reveals a fine sonority, as does the group of odes by Randall Thompson: the notes mention that he felt that "a composer's first responsibility is... to write music that will reach and move the hearts of his listeners in his own day." A not unworthy aspiration, and with composition of this ilk it is easy to see how he could justifiably have had the confidence to utter such words. John Chorbajian's Bitter for Sweet, a setting of a Christina Rossetti poem, concludes and - like the music throughout this disc - was all the more touching for its stringency, quite delightful. So, there's only guitar on the Castelnuovo-Tedesco, but that in itself is worth the admission fee: elsewhere the felicitous blend of fine music and equally fine singing makes this CD a pleasing surprise, one to recommend wholeheartedly. Songlist: Baladilla de los tres rios, La Guitarra, Punal, Procesion - Paso - Saeta, Memento, Baile, Crotalo, En Une Seule Fleur, Contre Qui, Rose, De Ton Reve Trop Plein, La Rose Complete, Dirait-On, Sure On this Shinging Night Op. 12, No. 3, Weepe, o mine eyes, Like as the culver on the bared bough, Go. Lovely rose, Vitas hinnuleo, Felices ter, O fons bandusia, Bitter for Sweet
Los Angeles Children's Chorus : Soundscapes Review: Founded in 1986, LACC has over 240 choristers in 5 choirs: Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Intermediate, Apprentice and Preparatory Choirs. Their repertoire includes classical works, gospel, spiritual and folk songs, jazz pieces and pieces commissioned for the Chorus. They have sung with the LA Philharmonic, LA Master Chorale, LA Chamber Orchestra and LA Opera, and have toured extensively in the US, Canada, Europe and South America. This collection of 19 songs features all but the Preparatory Choir variously in 4 "Sounds of" groups: "Joy and Love," "Many Lands and People," "Praise" and "Celebrations." Monteverdi's "Chioma d'oro," the Israeli folksong "Dodi-Li," the French folksong "Une Poule Blanc," Bencini's "Alleluia, Ascendit Deus," the spiritual "My Lord, What a Morning," Bach's "Bereite dich, Zion," and Debussy's "Noel des enfants" are among many favorites. "Soundscapes" is a poised, masterful collection by one of America's finest childrens' choruses. All songs are accompanied, at least lightly. Songlist: Sound the Trumpet (Henry Purcell), Chioma d'oro (Claudio Monteverdi), El Desdichado (Camille Saint Saens), Dodi-Li (Israeli folksong, arr. Raso), Revontulet (Pekka Kostianen), The Loving Mother (Dimitri Shostakovich), Une Poule Blanche (French Folksong), Un Canadien Errant (French-Canadian folksong), Allein Gott (German Chorale, Decius), Alleluia, Ascendit Deus (Pietro Bencini), Lift Thine Eyes (Felix Mendelssohn), Canticle to the Spirit (Eleanor Daley), Each Life That Touches Ours (Paul Gibson), My Lord, What a Mornin', Long Ago in Bethlehem (Moravian Carol), Tyrley, Tyrlow (Mark Sirett), Bereite dich, Zion (J.S. Bach), Noel des enfants (Claude Debussy), Christ is Here (Ruth Watson Henderson)
Review: The acclaimed Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon, brings us the music of Phillip Glass and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Featured is Itaipu by Glass, an ecstatic piece framing the ancient folklore of South America's Guarani Indians against a massive hydroelectric dam at Itaipu on the Brazil/Paraguay border. "Itaipu" is divided into four parts, "Mato Grosso," "The Lake," "The Dam" and "To The Sea." Also featured is the world premiere recording of Salonen's "Two Songs to Poems of Ann Jaderlund." The composer's vision of love as described in these poems is dynamic, richly romantic and enthralling - a tour de force of the sonic capabilities of the 111-strong chorus. Cutting-edge choral music, orchestrally accompanied, stunning and magnificent. Songlist: Itaipu (1989):, Mato Grosso, The Lake, The Dam, To the Sea, Two Songs to Poems of Ann Jaderlund (2000), -Djupt i rummet, -Kyss min mun |
