|
Displaying 51-100 of 136 items.
Luther College Nordic Choir : I Will Sing To The Lord  Review: Westin Noble, director of music activities at Luther College, is an internationally known conductor and clinician. He has served as guest conductor for more than 775 music festivals in the U.S. and abroad. The 68-strong, mixed voice Nordic Choir tours annually through the US in such venues as the Lincoln Center in New York, Kennedy Center, Washington DC, and the Mormon Tabernacle. "I Will Sing" is a joyous collection of Christian sacred music (with the exception of "Eight Chestnut Horses," a Mongolian song). 13 songs, all dramatically and beautifully performed: "Song of Praise," "Sicut Cervus," "Lobet Den Herrn, Alle Heiden," "Christus Natus Est," "Our Father," "Lullaby On Christmas Eve," "Why Rage Fiercely the Heathen," "Dona Nobis Pacem, "Song for Athene,""Done Written Down My Name," "O Lord God" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Inspirational, powerful and lovely. Songlist: Song of Praise, Sicut Servis, Lobet den Herrn, Alle Heiden, Cristus Natus Est, Our Father, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, Why Rage Fiercly the Heathen, Dona Nobis Pacem, Song for Athene, Eight Chestnut Horses, Done Written Down My Name, O Lord God, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross 
Review: Certainly considered to be one of the great American choral conductors Weston Noble last concert tour is represented on this fine recording. After 57 years at the helm of this top-notch choir Weston Noble certainly knows how to get the very best out of both the material and the singers and this recording is a cumulation of those many years of talent and ability. Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" is performed to perfection as are all these a cappella pieces. Songlist: Be Not Fraid, Gloria A 7 Voci, Who Is This?, Hodie, Christus Natus Est, Drop Drop Slow Tears, Alelouya (Haitian Easter), I Heard A Great A Great Voice, O Clap Your Handds All Ye People, Amore De Mi Alma, Gloria, Lux Aurumque, He'll Make A Way, O Lord God, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Review: Singing is a very big part of the campus of Luther College by being alive with the sound of its seven choirs. Music is considered to be an integral part of the community of faith and learning at the College and ever since it's founding Christmas has always been a very special time of year. The Christmas concerts are legendary and in 2006 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the combined musical ensembles including the Nordic Choir, Cantorei, the Norsemen and the Symphony Orchestra. Songlist: I Wonder as I Wander, Fantasia on "Greensleeves", Processional: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light (from the Christmas Oratorio), Glory Be to God, There is No Rose, Out of the Orient Crystal Skies, On Christmas Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Fanfare for a New Millennium, Quoniam tu solus sanctus (from Mass in C majjjor), Love Came Down at Christmas, A Child, My Choice, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, O Day Full of Grace, Silent Night, Carillon (from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1), The Little Drummer Boy, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), Noel: Votre Bonte Grand Dieu, Narration, The Many Moods of Christmas (Suite Three)
Review: Luther College's rich heritage of singing grew out of Scandinavian and German Lutheran congregations singing hymns. Founded in its present form in 1981, Norsemen is exclusively for men in their first year at Luther College and boasts a membership of 80-90 singers under the direction of Dr. Timothy Peter. 18 songs are here, from the title tune, Bach's "Come Holy Ghost," Pavel Chesnokov's "Bladoslovi, dushe moya, Ghospoda," the Kirby Shaw-arranged "Down By the Riverside," G.B. Martini's "In Mounte Oliveti," Harry Simeone's "Little Drummer Boy," the spirituals "My Lord, What a Mornin'" and "De' Mornin' Come, Cole Porter's "Blow, Gabriel, Blow!" and Michael Smith's lovely "All is Well." There is some light accompaniment. Rich harmonies, spirited leads and the aptly-named Norsemen's rich, deep sound add greatly to our enjoyment and appreciation of each of these tunes. Great stuff! Songlist: Oh Sing Jubilee, O Vos Omnes, Come Holy Ghost, The King Of Love, Blagagoslovi Dushe Moya Ghospoda, Silent Noon, All That Hath Life And Breath, Down By The Riverside, In Monte Oliveti, Fergus Molly, Little Drummer Boy, My Lord, What a Mornin', Gaudeamus Igitur, Blow Gabriel Blow, Adiemus, Lily's Eyes, De' Mornin' Come, All Is Well
m-pact : Carol Commission Review: The Seattle quintet m-pact is just one of the best - and hippest - contemporary groups on the scene today. With unerring musical discernment, they drafted some of the most savvy arrangers to collaborate with them on "A Carol Commission": Randy Crenshaw, Michelle Weir, Yumiko Matsuoka-Young, Morgan Ames, Cedric Dent (of Take 6) et cetera. This marriage of technique and talent has propagated a fusion sound: the harmonic nucleus of jazz, but with so much more. Of the six tracks available for preview at presstime, the standouts are the "Little Drummer Boy," arranged by m-pact's own Matthew Selby; marked with vocal percussion, it has a retro seventies funk feel, a feel associated with the seventh and major/minor third of the blues pentatonic scale, which can be readily heard in the Motown-influenced bass line. "Caroling, Caroling," arranged by Randy Crenshaw, toys with meter amongst the parts, moving in and out of straight time and varying the rhythmic accents in unexpected places, like the handclap on the four, not the one of the beat. "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" is incredible: a hip-hop jazz interpretation of this classical standard. "A Carol Commission" is an audacious project of most challenging musical caliber! Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, Christmas Time Is Here, Little Drummer Boy, Jingle Bells, Snowfall, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Do You Hear What I Hear?, De King Is Born Today, As December Fades Away, Away In A Manger
Review: "The World's best beatboxing and singing group" is a very bold statement, and it's right there on The Magnets' website! Sure, the UK's Nic, Steve, Michael, James, Fraser and rock-solid percussionist Andy "Ice Man" Frost won the 2001 CARA for Best Pop/Rock Original Song, "All the Wrong Reasons" from their excellent debut CD "Giving It All That." And sure, their tours of Austria, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Hungary, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK were a huge success, and they received reviews like "A cappella singing straight from the Gods"-Edinburgh Evening News, "Talent in abundance and a highly original, note-perfect act"-Metro, and "Glorious a cappella - these are top-class professional vocalists"-Die Welt. And on "Gobsmacked" (also the name of their current 26-song live show), the guys give 11 iconic songs an all-vocal reinvention, including Blondie's "Call Me," a sultry version of "Poker Face" by Lady GaGa, a stunning Bossa Nova remake of Bon Jovi's "Living On a Prayer," a funky celebration of the Scissor Sisters' "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," a breezy, pop hit on David Bowie's "Let's Dance"-in fact, this is one of the best albums we've heard in a long time! Check it out, great leads, creative, surprising arrangements, flawless vocal percussion, stellar backup harmonies, big Fun-The Magnets are the real deal! Songlist: Call Me, I Don't Feel Like Dancin', Livin' On A Prayer, Dog Days Are Over, Drum Solo, Are You Gonna Go My Way?, Girls & Boys, Sweet Dreams, The Model, Let's Dance, Poker Face
Manitou Singers of St. Olaf College : ChristmasReview: Sigrid Johnson conducts the Manitou Singers, comprised of 95 first-year female students at Northfield, Minnesota's St. Olaf College. The Singers have delighted audiences over the years with their beautiful and striking interpretations of treble choral literature. Included are Clausen's "Make a Joyful Noise," Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" and "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue," Jackson Berkey's "Gloria," "Sanctus," "Make We Joy," "Sing A New Noel;" 17 songs in total. Orchestral accompaniment on most songs, but the beautiful voices of the young women are on center stage. Lovely and intricate music for Christmas! Songlist: Make A Joyful Noise, Candlelight Carol, The Road Ahead, Gloria, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, I Sing of a Maiden, Sleep, O Lovely One, Sanctus (from Missa Hosanna), Make We Joy, The Journey of Mary, Sing a New Noel, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, A la nanita nana, Lullaby (from Hodie), Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
ManSound : Slavic Roots Review: Formed five years ago in Kiev, the six men who make up the Ukrainian group Man Sound have recorded three compact discs and toured extensively in Europe. In their early years, the group gave dozens of gospel concerts in six western U.S. states. Most recently they were invited to the U of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival by Hampton himself. The group's repertoire includes famous jazz compositions and Ukraine folk songs as well as traditional and modern gospel music. "Slavic Roots" are Ukrainian folk songs, all a cappella except for some light guitar on "Under the Cloud." Included are two medleys, "Triptych" and "Diptych," "Polechko-Pole," "Under the Cloud," "Hey, Let's Hoot," "There You, Wide Steppe" and "White Swallow." The group's powerful, fine-tuned ensemble sound derives from their individual talents as soloists. Adding scat jazz riffs to a "Volga Boatmen" base is the kind of fresh vocal surprise Man Sound is becoming well known for. Excellent and recommended! Songlist: Triptych, Polechko-Pole, Under the Cloud, Hey, Let's Hoot, There You, Wide Steppe, Qiptych, White Swallow
Review: Since their formation in 2001, combining 3 gold medal-winning veterans, Paul, Dale and Mark, with newcomer bass Brian O'Dell, MatriX began their steady climb up the elite Barbershop Quartet ladder with a 19th place finish at the 2002 convention. 2003 saw the group add another newcomer, lead Jeff Wallace, who led MatriX to a 12th place finish at the Montreal convention, and in the 2006 Indianapolis competition broke into the top 10, placing 9th. Their new self-titled release really shows off the talents of this fast-rising group. 12 songs, beginning with the powerful "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die," "Look Me Up When You're in Dixie," the heart-tugging standards "Georgia On My Mind," "If You Had All The World And Its Gold," "Distant Melody," and Billy Joel's wonderful "Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)." Paul Simon's "59th St. Bridge song (Feelin' Groovy)" has a carefree arrangement, there's a strong live cut from Montreal in 2003, "Black Eyed Susan Brown," the poignant "Garden in the Rain" (which segues into "Over the Rainbow") and the final tune, "Some Lucky Day," are all winners. Great arrangements, ringing harmonies and sheer love of singing add up to a great collection of barbershop and pop from fast-rising MatriX! Songlist: I'm Gonna Live Till I Die, The Song Is You, Look Me Up When You're In Dixie, Georgia On My Mind, Black Eyed Susan Brown (Live), If You Had All The World And It's Gold, Feelin' Groovy (The 59th Street Bridge Song), Distant Melody, You Took Advantage Of Me, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), A Garden In The Rain, Some Lucky Day
Review: The Musicians of Melodious Accord are a 16-voice professional chorus in New York City, offering recordings and concerts of many styles. Their conductor, Alice Parker, is internationally known as a composer, arranger, conductor and teacher, with a passion for true folksongs. "Take Me to the Water" is the command, request and plea (founded on John 4:14) made by those who seek the "well of water springing up into everlasting life." It serves as a unifying phrase for the powerful African-American spiritual songs in this collection, which come from the mid-19th century and earlier, from such sources as "Slave Songs," published in NY in 1867. 13 a cappella songs, sung with tremendous feeling, strength and sweetness by the MMA, from "I Know the Lord," "Come On Up to Bright Glory" and "Hush! Hush!" to "Free at Last," the title tune, and "Who'll Be a Witness." "Take Me" is a beautiful, inspirational collection! Songlist: I Know the Lord, Stayed on Jesus, Come On Up to Bright Glory, Don't Be Weary, Traveler, Hush! Hush!, We WIll March Through the Valley, He Is King of Kings, Let Us Break Bread Together, Is There Anybody Here, Free At Last, Take Me to the Water, Cert'nly, Lord, Who'll Be A Witness
Memory Lane : Acappella Ave Review: Though we have scant information on this sextet, save that they come from Pennsylvania, we can say that their sound was obviously inspired by the great doo-wop groups like the Spaniels and Moonglows. This is a 1999 release, but, as their name implies, the singers of Memory Lane aren't about today. Their arrangements really capture the flavor of the genuine article, the performances have punch and authority, and the blend is earthy, thick and resonant. Favorite cuts include 'California Dreamin',' 'Mio Amore' and 'I Like It Like That.' Songlist: Tell Me Today, Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go, A Quiet Place, Ready For Your Love, Don't Say Goodbye, California Dreamin', Save the Last Dance for Me, Mio Amore, Da Doo Ron Ron, Please Stay, I Like It Like That, Never Never, Drip Drop, False Love, So Fine
Mighty Echoes : A Cappella Cool  Review: We will freely admit to loving LA's four Echoes, "Brothers in Harmony" Charlie, Harvey, John and Jon at first listen, almost 20 years ago. Many audience-pleasing live performances and three great CDs haven't changed our feelings as we joyously tear the annoying plastic wrap off "Cool" and treat our boombox to the Echoes' 4th collection of 15 Doo-Wop winners. Some of our favorites include an exquisitely meandering "I Only Have Eyes for You," a complex, soaring arrangement of Brian Wilson's "Good Vibrations" (that few groups would even attempt, much less nail), a rock-solid, soulful "Lean On Me," a silly, tough-talking "Daddy Cool," a richly harmonic cover of Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," a powerful "Duke of Earl," a luscious "In The Still of the Night," an incongruous but marvelous "White Christmas," and the final tune, a foot-stomping "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." The Echoes have the tight arrangements, perfect pitch, soaring leads, deep basslines and love of singing that make "Cool" one of the best Doo Wop recordings of the year! Songlist: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, I Only Have Eyes For You, Return To Sender, Good Vibrations, Lean On Me, Daddy Cool, Wonderful Tonight, With This Ring, Duke of Earl, Whispering Bells, In The Still Of The Night, Chapel of Love, Up On The Roof, White Christmas, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
Review: This beautifully recorded studio album from Millikin's flagship mixed choir covers a stunning diversity of moods and landscapes. The challenging program and virtuosic performance make for a compelling and rewarding listening experience. Songlist: A Choral Fanfare, Cantus Gloriosus, Kyrie (from Mass in G Minor), O Lord God, Lucis Creator Optime, Sanctus (from Mass in E Major), Christus Vincit, Praise to the Lord, Verbum Caro Factum Est, Sure On This Shining Night, See Dat Babe, Idumea, Till Minne, Wade in de Water, Abide With Me
Minnesota Boychoir : 35th Anniversary Review: The 35th Anniversary Concert of the Minnesota Boychoir was recorded in Benson Great Hall in St. Paul and includes a wide variety of music sung by the Concert Choir, Training Choir and Alumni Choir. The songs range from world folk songs to pieces by Brahms, Britten and even Billy Joel. The twenty six tracks display a breadth of repertoire, interesting arrangements and performed by one of the nation's top boychoirs. Songlist: Musiken Klang, Ave Maria, Le Sommeil De L'Enfant Jesus, Agnus Dei (from Missa Brevis), Let the Nations Sing, Innoria, Land of the Silver Birch, Nodle Kangbyon, Al Shlosha D'Varim, Gloria Tibi (from Mass), Go Where I Send Thee!, Lone Dog, There Was a Man of Newington, Some One, Bumblebee, Summer Song, Blustery Day, The Longest Time, We Shall Not Give Up the Fight, Old King Cole, Pala Pala, A-Tisket, A-Tasket, I Give You Thanks, Never Tell Thy Love, He Never Failed Me Yet, Blessing
Minnesota Boychoir : Until We Meet Again Review: Until We Meet Again, by the Minnesota Boychoir, contains folk songs from around the world, including many from South Africa. Also included are several hymns such as "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time" and Beautiful Savoir. This highly regarded group is led by Mark Johnson. Songlist: Siyahamba, Thuma Mina, Niska Banja, Bashana Haba-A, from Three Hungarian Folk Songs:, The Handsome Butcher, The Old Woman, Freedom is Coming, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Non Nobis, Domine, Da Pacem, Domine, And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time, Sound the Trumpet, Al HaNissim, Revelations, Beautiful Savior, Haleluya!Pelo Tsa Rona, I Hear America Singing, Who Can Sail, O Sifuni Mungu, Blessing
Mirinesse : Hope Sings Eternal Review: Co-Conductors Beth Ann Bonnecroy and Rebecca Rottsolk specialize in healthy singing and development of singers' personal vocal technique, and this contributes to the free, beautiful sound their choirs achieve. Seattle's Mirinesse Women's Choir, founded in 2006, has thrilled audiences in and around northwest Washington with the lovely sound of healthy, classically-trained women's voices, singing a challenging and diverse repertoire of historic and contemporary tunes from around the world. "Hope Sings Eternal" is the fourth excellent CD by Mirinesse, an auditioned group of women, ages 21 to 70, who were honored to perform at ACDA Conventions in Oklahoma City and Seattle, and at the 2012 Elektra Women's Tapestry Festival in 2012. There is a generous collection of 16 cuts here, some favorites are Eleanor Daly's "A Hymn for St. Cecilia," the traditional "Peace Like a River," Jaakko Mantyjarvi's lively "Pseudo-Yoik Lite," Nicola Porpora's "Lauda Jerusalem," "Chant for Great Compassion" by Abbie Betinis, Antonio Sacchini's sweet, violin-accompanied "Te Dum Laudamus, mvt 3," Eric Whitacre's violin-accompanied "She Weeps Over Rahoon," Joan Szymko's "The Peace of Wild Things," David Sasso's flute and piano-accompanied "Night" and a live cut, the clarinet and piano-accompanied Yiddish Folksong "Ale Brider." Most of the songs are lightly accompanied by piano and/or other instruments. "Hope Sings Eternal" is a feel-good, soaring collection of perfectly sung tunes, and like us, we think you'll love Mirinesse! Songlist: A Hymn for St. Cecilia, Da Pacem, Peace Like a River, Ritmo, Pseudo-Yoik Lite, Lauda Jerusalem, Tundra, A Witness to Majesty, Chant for Great Compassion, Heleluyan, Te Deum Laudamus, Magnificat, She Weeps Over Rahoon, The Peace of Wild Things, Night, Ale Brider
Review: Moira, Jessica B., Jessica C. and Christine pulled off their unexpected win at the 2007 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael by digging into old Americana and Eastern European roots. The live, eight-song EP "circle square diamond and flag" includes some songs from that magic night, "Carolina Pines," and "Bring Me Little Water, Silvie." The remaining songs are all "Shape Note" hymns, which flourished in late 18th century-early 19th century New England, where hymn books would fill with these uniquely modal, contrapuntal songs. "Garden Hymn" is a traditional Shape Note song, as are "Parting Friends" and "Wondrous Love." "Return My Soul," written and composed by Moira, the traditional Appalachian song "The Cuckoo" and Wm. Billings' "Africa" round out the songlist. A beautiful, touching collection from Moira and VOCO! Songlist: Carolina Pines, Bring Me Little Water, Silvy, Garden Hymn, Return My Soul, The Cuckoo, Parting Friends, Wondrous Love, Africa
MUSE - Cincinnati's Women's Choir : Sing to the Universe Who We Are Review: These selections are as distinct as the members of MUSE. The traditional Zulu song "Babethandaza," "Let Us Now Hold Hands," by Jennifer E. Stasack and Pat Mora, and "La Andina - Woman of the Andes," by Libby Harding and "Mountain Songs" by Holly Near are among many which are sure to become favorites. This recording reflects MUSE's commitment to a diverse, exciting repertoire, musical excellence and social change. Songlist: Babethandaza, Change of Heart, Miss Celie's Blues, We Are, Les Sirenes, On Children, Take Back the Guns, Shir Lashalom, Let Us Now Hold Hands, Seven Principles, A Small But Fateful Victory, Simply Love, Everything Possible, To Be Strong, Wade in the Watah
National Lutheran Choir : I Sing Of Thy Mercies Review: Founded in 1986 by Dr. Larry L. Fleming, and now directed by Dr. David Cherwien, the Minneapolis-based, mixed-voice NLC is comprised of professional choral musicians. "I Sing" is a limited edition CD, celebrating the Choir's 2003 West Coast Tour. Included are 9 songs, the spirituals "Ain'a That Good News" and "Tell 'em I'm Gone," the title tune, M.A. Blakireff's "Send Out Thy Light," Urmas Sisask's "Oremus," "Prayer for Peace" (by director Cherwein), Barber's "Lamb of God" and Tavener's "Song for Athene." Beautiful and inspirational. Songlist: Ain't That Good News, I Sing of Thy Mercies, Send Out Thy Light, Tell 'em I'm Gone, Lord God, You Have Called You Servants, Oremus (XXII from Gloria Patri), Prayer for Peace, Lamb of God, Song for Athene
Review: Beyond" is No Limits' second wonderful CD, released two years after their excellent debut album "Dare to Dream." Now a mixed sextet, these beautiful young singers have the joy, the spirit, the love and the talent to make "Beyond" a very special Contemporary Christian CD. Once again led by composer/arranger and group member Kgomotso Moshugi, whose originals ("Perfect Redeemer," "Ngoba Wena umuhle" (Because You Are Beautiful), "We Believe," "O mpone ke le hole" (I was far and you saw me) and "Seeing Jesus") are only matched by songs he arranges, like "Eya tsholoha" (It's running over) and "Jesus is a Rock." There is some light accompaniment, but this is unimportant-we loved "Dare to Dream," and "Beyond Measure" is even better. Moshugi's poised, powerful words and music are the perfect complement to these spirited, joyful voices. Two stone winners in a row from No Limits! Songlist: Perfect Redeemer, Bayethe, Phumula mphefumio wam, Ngoba wena umuhle, We Believe, Long As I Live, O mpone ke le hole, I Wanna Know, Jesus Is a Rock, Eya Tsholoha, Seeing Jesus
Review: No Limits is a South African Contemporary Christian mixed septet, who bring us 16 mostly original songs on "Dare to Dream," their debut release from 2004. Most of the songs are written and/or arranged by group member Kgomotso Moshugi. Some songs are accompanied, but all have the fresh, rhythmic, harmonic sound we love from groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Moshugi originals like "Working in the Fields," "In My Dreams," "Shed Your Light," the anthem against AIDS, "Long as We Stand Together," "Nako e sile," "Sing Unto the Lord," "Sheba o bone," "Akekh' ofana nawe" and "The Lord my Provider" are very fine. Also favorites are Moshugi-arranged traditionals like "Mhlobo wami" "Puleng" and "In A Little While." We love the joyous sound of this album, the pure celebration of it, the strong, confident leads and supporting harmonies. We'd love to tell you more about the group, but going to their website address strangely takes us to "No Limits Sports Supplements" from Pretoria. No matter--"Dare to Dream" is fresh, juicy, original Contemporary Christian stuff, and we bet you'll love it! Songlist: Coming Again, Working in the Fields, Ye, kishlobo, Mhlobo wami, In My Dreams, Puleng, Shed Your Light, Dumisa Yena, Long As We Stand, In a Little While, Nako e Site, Sing Unto The Lord, Sheba o Bone, Just to Know You Are Here, Akekh' ofana nawe, The Lord My Provider
Nylons : The Fabric Of Life Review: After fifteen years with Scotti Brothers and Attic Records, the Nylons continued their recording career on Primarily A Cappella with a collection of tunes superbly produced by Ian Prince who also wrote six of the songs, three in collaboration with Garth Mosbaugh. The heavily R&B album even treats the covers of "Ruby Baby," "Let It Be," "Ain't No Sunshine" and Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That" to an R&B make over. Don't get caught by by the orchestration which sounds synthesized until a great fiddle break on "I Can't Go For That." Surprise! Canada's The Nylons cover the classic Bill Withers song and make it unmistakeably their own, showing the confidence and assurance that has brought them success since their formation in 1979. The arrangement, built upon an mesmerizing repeating bass figure, sets the pulse for one of the most satisfying cuts from their latest CD, "Fabric of Life." Songlist: Ruby Baby, Ain't No Sunshine, I Can't Go For That, Nobody Knows, Comfort & Joy (I), Let It Be, Monkey, Go With It, Comfort & Joy (II), Back On Track, Al No Corrida, Consider
Review: The Berkeley, CA-based PME has just been getting better and more innovative since its founding 20 years ago. This rich, powerful, live collection of 23 authentic Spirituals is their 3rd winning recording in the Primarily A Cappella catalog. Some songs are recorded at the Green Room in San Francisco, and the rest at the Oakland Museum. All of our favorites are here, with fresh new arrangements: "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel," "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel," "His Name So Sweet," "Freedom Train," the heartbreaking "Steal Away," "Do Lord, Remember Me," "Elijah Rock," "The Battle of Jericho," "Amazing Grace," "Mary Had a Baby" and many others. Every song a gem, soaring solos, great music, live performance excitement-what could be better? We loved "A Story of Freedom!" Songlist: Lord I Want To Be A Christian, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Ain't That Good News, His Name So Sweet, Freedom Train, Steal Away, Soon And Very Soon, Deep River, Do Lord Remember Me, Great Day, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Chile, Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen, Abide With Me, Elijah Rock, I'm Gonna Sing 'til The Spirit Moves In My Heart, The Battle Of Jericho, Down By The Riverside, Who Is Dat A Yonder, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Amazing Grace, Behold A Star, Mary Had A Baby
Review: Since its founding twenty years ago, Berkeley-based PME has grown to fill an important role in the cultural life of the Bay Area, presenting courageous and innovative programs of many works that have never been performed in concert settings. PME provides the opportunity for composers to collaborate with a professional chorus in performances of new or experimental work. In addition, PME stages live performances of works previously heard only on recordings. Founding director Richard Grant has directed the Ensemble in more than 200 concerts, and led the Ensemble on three European concert tours, presenting innovative programs from all periods and styles of music. Grant has has established a reputation for programming the current work of the most important contemporary composers, such as John Adams, Meredith Monk, David Lang and Philip Glass. But their repertoire also includes, of course, Christian sacred works by Mozart, Poulenc and Stravinsky. "Classics Live" focuses on this music. The first nine songs are a cappella, and this is a live recording. Barber's "Agnus Dei," "Ave Marias" by Biebl, Bruckner and Stravinski, Stravinski's "Pater Noster" and "Credo," Lotti's "Crucifixus," Durufle's "Tota Pulchra Es" and Poulenc's "Quatre Petites Prieres De Francois D'Assisse, No. 3." The last eight movements are parts of Durufle's moving "Requiem," accompanied by organ and cello. The soaring voices of this 64-strong mixed chorus take us to another time and space, a place of worship and angels. Truly beautiful. Songlist: Agnus Dei, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Pater Noster, Credo, Ave Maria, Crucifixus, Tota Pulchra Es, Quatre Petites De St. Francois d'Assise, Requiem, Introit & Kyrie, Domine Jesu, Sanctus, Pie Jesu, Agnus Dei, Lux aeterna, Linera me, In Paradisum
Review: On this recording, the PWC celebrates a close relationship with prominent Estonian composer, Veljo Tormis. Influenced by his deep conviction that ancient song traditions reflect a close connection to nature, the prolific Tormis gives us the four seasons in 36 miniatures of intense choral imagery in his evocative song cycles, Looduspildid (Nature Pictures). We are proud to present the first American recording of this cycle! This eclectic recording continues the theme with Karl Korte's "Spring", Chen Yi's "Looking at the Sea" and Samuel Barber's "To be Sung on the Water." Also included are Edward Elgar's "The Snow" and Kenneth Leslie's lovely "Cape Breton Lullaby," a PWC favorite. Songlist: Day Break, On Hilissuvi (It is Late Summer) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Ule Taeva Jooksevad Pilved ( Clouds Are Racing) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kahvatu (Pale Light) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Valusalt Punased Lehed (Painfully Red Are The Leaves) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Tuul Konnumaa Kohal ( Wind Over the Barrens) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kulm Sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kanarbik (Heather) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), The Snow, In Meeres Mitten, Talvehommik (Winter Morning) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Kulm (Cold) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Tuisk (Blizzard) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Virmalised (Northern Lights) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Spring, Miniwanka, Looking at the Sea, Kevadtuul (Spring Wind) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Lehtivad Pungad ( Flowering Blossoms) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Ohtune Taevas (Evening Sky) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Toominga All (Under the Bird-Cherry Tree) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Kollane Leek (Yellow Flame) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Hiliskevad (In Late Spring) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), La Ruisseau, To Be Sung On The Water, Pauailm (Dry Weather) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Aike (Thunderstorm) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Suveoo (Summer Night) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Cape Breton Lullaby
Penny Loafers : Prophets and Pawns Review: The '06-'07 Penny Loafers are the University of Pennsylvania's 14-strong mixed-voice a cappella rock and pop group, and "Prophets" is their third release since their founding in 1986, following the excellent "Side A" and "Quicksound." This is a fine collection of 13 covers, some favorites are Sublime's "Waiting For My Ruca," Jamie Cullum's "All At Sea," the Yeah Yeah Yeah's powerful "Gold Lion," Evanescence's surreal "Lithium," Etta James' classic blues tune "At Last," Regina Spektor's soaring "Samson," Remy Zero's "Fair," Christine Aguilera's "Hurt," Matchbox Twenty's "Bed of Lies" and Sufjan Stevens' breathtaking "The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us." Strong, innovative vocal percussion, strong, spirited female and male leads, tight arrangements-this is fun stuff from one of our favorite Collegiate groups! Songlist: Waiting for My Ruca, All at Sea, Gold Lion, This Modern Love, Lithium, How to Save a Life, At Last, Trains to Brazil, Samson, Fair, Hurt, Bed of Lies, The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!
Penny Loafers : Side A Review: The U of Pennsylvania's mixed-voice, 14-strong a cappella rock and pop group has been sharpening its vocal chops in various incarnations for over 20 years now, and it shows. We raved over their previous CD, "Quicksound," and it's clear from the first notes of Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," Dido's "Don't Leave Home," Guster's "Careful" and Nelly Furtado's "Try" that the '04-'05 Loafers have a rich sound and confident professionalism far beyond their years. Strong covers of The Indigo Girls' "Mystery," Rachel Yamagata's "Worn Me Down," Coldplay's "Warning Signs," The Strokes' "12:51" and Vanessa Carlton's "White Houses" feature solid vocal percussion, sweet leads and nice background vocals. 14 songs in total, without a single weak cut. A beautiful, spirited set from one of our favorite collegiate ensembles! Songlist: Boulecard Of Broken Dreams, Don't Leave Home, Careful, Try, Take Me Away, Take Me Out, Mystery, Worn Me Down, Warning Signs, Another White Dash, 12.51, Collide, White Houses, Such Great Heights
Review: Now entering its third decade, ably led by Co-Conductors Roberta Q. Jackson and Debra R. Burgess, the award-winning PSG is taking its place among the finest children's choral ensembles in the country. Over 1,000 young women ages 5 to 18, who love to sing, have come together through the years to create the distinct voice of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, and the 100+-strong ensemble joins the 33-strong, "20th Anniversary Alums & Mums Choir" for 17 piano-accompanied, selected live cuts, recorded from 2008 to 2010. Favorites are a pair by Duke Ellington," "It Don't Mean A Thing" and "Mood Indigo," Charles Collins' "Mary Had A Little Blues," Bill Perison's "Naughty Four O'Clocks," "Gershwin for Girls," Moses Hogan's "Ride On, King Jesus," Charles Collins' "The Star," Stephen Hatfield's "Living In a Holy City," "Deep Peace, a Gaelic Blessing" and David Brunner's "A Song to End All Wars." We love the sweet, spirited sound of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, one of the best in the world! Songlist: Give Us Hope, Music Is Indeed, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Mood Indigo, Mary Had A Little Blues, Naughty Four O'Clocks, Gershwin For Girls, Birth Of The Blues, Bye Bye Blackbird, Living In A Holy City, Ride On, King Jesus, My Lord, What a Mornin', The Storm Is Passing Over, Deep Peace, A Gaelic Blessing, The Star, She Shall Have Music, A Song To End All Wars
Postyr Project : Postyr Project Review: Postyr Project is a mixed-voice (two women, three men) quintet out of Denmark, and on their debut album the five singers "strive to explore the border land between the natural softness and vitality of the human voice and the uncompromising and merciless roughness of electronic instruments." There are 13 tunes here, all sung in English, some such as "Interlude" are obviously accompanied; others like "Veins," "Go! Don't Stop!," "A Wave," "In Vernalis," " Elps (Breath)," "Broken," "An Open Chapter," "OMG," "RunRunRun" and "Walking" are more ambiguous and mostly focus on some wonderful, mysterious vocals. The last two cuts are an "Electrocrank Remix of Go! Don't Stop!," and a "SWAB Remix of Breath." There are some sweet leads, ethereal harmonies, haunting arrangements and lyrics here that touched and moved us, although some lyrics here are not for children or the easily-offended. That said, Postyr Project has a tremendous amount of vocal talent, and their self-titled debut CD is an impressive winner! Songlist: Veins, Go! Don't Stop!, Interlude, A Wave, In Vernalis, Elpa (Breath), Broken, An Open Chapter, Omg, RunRunRun, Walking, Go! Don't Stop!, Breath
Review: "Pust" means breath in Norwegian. It also means to take a break, to breathe. Pust is Oslo-based, comprised of three men and three women singers with lots of vocal experience in various ensembles, who find their musical inspiration somewhere between Folk, Jazz and Ethnic vocal music. The 12 songs on "kry" include songs composed by members of the group, and all the lyrics are in Norwegian. Some favorites are "Lukk meg inn," the delicate "Innunder blae himmelrand," the spirited folk song "En reell halling," the gentle "Gate," the dramatic "Kolera-vise," the melodic "Farao pa ferie," the sweet "Trassvisa hennes Tora" and others. Beautiful sounds from Norway's best! Songlist: En reell halling, Gate, Kolera-vise, Det bor en gamel baker, Lukk meg inn, Farao pa ferie, Innunder blae himmelrand, Trassvisa hennes Tora, Hade'godt, Fram dansar ein haugkall, Usynlig, Eg kan ro
Review: 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. Some light accompaniment. We like the chosen purpose of this talented ensemble, and we love their music! Songlist: Heavenly Crystal, Scarborough Fair, All The Pretty Horses, All I Ask Of You, Fine, Shape Of My Heart, The Coolin', Migilidi Magildi, There Were No Mirrors In My Nana's House, Children Will Listen
Review: Berkeley, CA's three man, three woman a cappella jazz ensemble Ro Sham Bo, who impressed us with a strong set at the '06 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional (winning Best Original Arrangement and 2nd place overall), bring us this impressive debut CD of 12 songs. The salsa favorite "Mas Que Nada" starts the program, the brilliantly arranged "Nature Boy," the silly "Barney is the Devil," jazzy "Why Haven't I Heard From You," "Greasy Granny" and "It's Over," the bluenote, scattish "Anthopology," the Blues standard "God Bless the Child," the moody "Interlude" and the striking bluenote arrangement of "Ballgame," which was a special request that the group sang only one time, are favorites. "It's not over" is a beautifully selected, arranged and performed debut by this talented mixed Bay Area sextet! Songlist: Mas Que Nada, Baghdad Cafe, Barney Is The Devil, Why Haven't I Heard From You, God Bless The Child, Greasy Granny, Nature Boy, Simple House, It's Over, Anthropology, Interlude, Ballgame
Review: The SFCA has been delighting Bay Area audiences since 1985 with their perfectly-balanced blend of 24 voices, fresh and unusual song selection and elegant presentation of choral classics and new music by contemporary composers. Magen Solomon has been Music Director of the group since 1995, and she also directs the Oakland Symphony Chorus. "Music Among Friends" celebrates the ties of this chamber ensemble with the "lively community of local composers who have generously shared their wonderful music with us." 16 of these 22 works, chosen from live performances of the last 5 years, are by Bay Area composers, many are world premieres and several others have never been commercially recorded. Some of our favorites are a pair by Russell Burnham, "The Dance" and "Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones," Paul Chihara's "Lie Lightly, Gentle Earth," Allen Shearer's dissonant gem "The Marriage," John Kelley's poignant "When You Are Old," Paul Crabtree's "First and Last Kiss," Wm. Hawley's soaring "Vita de la mia vita," Robert Starey's surprising, powerful "It Is an Easy Thing," Kirke Mechem's beautiful "Loveliest of Trees," Halsey Stevens' "Go, Lovely Rose," Conrad Susa's "The Gallant One" and "The Kings of the Deck" and the lovely hymn, "In the Valley." There is occasional accompaniment, but mostly wonderful a cappella harmonies from this polished, talented ensemble. We loved every cut of "Music Among Friends!" Songlist: The Dance, Salve Regina, Charm Me Asleep, Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones, Lolas Epitaph, Lie Lightly Gentle Earth, Sound Of The Sea, The Marriage, Vita De La Mia Vita, When You Are Old, First And Last Kiss, It Is An Easy Thing, A Critical Success, Go Lovely Rose, Lovliest Of Trees, The Gallant One, The Kings Of The Deck, Landscape, O Little Town, In The Valley, Awit Sa Panginoon, Coventry Carol
Review: "A Celebration of Song" is the 13- to 14-voice SFWE's fourth CD under the direction of Dr. Linda Raney, released in honor of their 30th Anniversary Season. Featured are live pieces from Christmas and Spring Offering concerts from 2007 to 2010, including songs performed in Tuscany and Umbria during their 2008 tour of Italy. The repertoire varies from contemporary and commissioned works to folk songs and carols. There are 21 cuts here, and some of our favorites are commissioned works like Samuel Gordon's "As I Lay Upon a Night" and "Gaude virgo gratiosa," Kinley Lange's "Esto Les Digo" and Linda Rice Beck's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo;" Bob Chilcott's "Sanctus from A Little Jazz Mass," the Korean folk/work song "K'wae-jina Ching-ching Nah-neh," Eleanor Daley's "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," Kenneth Jennings' "Willows by the Water Side," and traditional songs "Rouse Good Folk" and "Watching at Night," arranged by Katherine Davis. There is some light piano and flute accompaniment. A beautiful live collection from the talented Santa Fe Women's Ensemble! Songlist: Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes, Dona Nobis Pacem, As I Lay Upon a Night, Antiphon, Gaude Virgo Gratiosa, On the Eve of the Wedding, Esto Les Digo, He Came Down, Sanctus from A Little Jazz Mass, Benedictus from A Little Jazz Mass, K'wae-jina Ching-ching Nah-neh, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Willows by the Water Side, Echoes of Assisi, Ding Dong Merrily On High, How Far Is It To Bethlehem?, Rouse Good Folk, Watching At Night, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, In Dulci Jubilo, O Magnum Mysterium
Review: Santa Fe Women's Ensemble has been singing together for New Mexico audiences since 1981, and has performed all its Christmas concerts in the acoustically magnificent Loretta Chapel in Santa Fe. The 14-voice group performs seldom-heard and challenging music from all periods, and has commissioned 22 new works. The pieces on this Christmas album are from Christmas and Spring Offering concerts from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Linda Raney has directed the SFWE since 1988 and is director of music and organist at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe. There are 24 songs, some lightly accompanied, in this generous, eclectic collection. Jim Leininger's soaring "Deo Gracias," Karl Henning's "Alleluia in D," William Byrd's "Non Nobis, Domaine," Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "What Can Lambkins Do," Daniel Gawthrop's dissonant "There Is Sweet Music," Pavel Chesnokov's "Otche nash" and Stuart McIntosh's "Baloo Baleerie" are lovely, rarely-heard, unexpected selections for a Christmas album, but they work. Michael Larkin's "Ave Maria," "Carol of the Drum," Palestrina's "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "Four Noels," "Il est ne, le divin Enfant," "Polish Christmas Carols" and Handl's "O magnum mysterium" are more familiar and no less enjoyable. "When the Savior Christ is born," "He is sleeping in a manger," "Sleep Thou, my Jewel," Keith Christopher's "Beyond Winter," Naomi Stephan's "Hodie" and Uzee Brown Jr.'s "Oh, the Savior's Comin, Hallelu" are all relatively new to us, lovely and fine. A beautiful, impressive, eclectic holiday collection from one of New Mexico's finest women's ensembles! Songlist: Deo Gracias, 'Tis a Gift, Alleluia in D, Non Nobis, Domine, What Can Lambkins Do?, There Is Sweet Music, Kdyby tu Nic Nebylo, Otche nash, Baloo Baleerie, Ave Maria, Carol of the Drum, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Four Noels, Venez divin Messie, Il Es Ne le Divin Enfant, Dans Cette Etable, On ne Craint Plus Dans l'Univers, Polish Christmas Carols, When the Saviour Christ is Born, He is Sleeping in a Manger, Sleep, Thou, My Jewel, Hodie, Beyond Winter, Magnificat, O Magnum Mysterium, Oh, the Savior's Comin, Hallelu
Seattle Pro Musica : Alnight by the Rose Review: Featuring Morten Lauridsen's stunning Madrigali: Six Firesongs on Italian Renaissance Poetry and pieces by Italian Renaissance composers Claudio Monteverdi and Carlo Gesualdo. The works of Monteverdi and Gesualdo inspired Lauridsen to write his Madrigali. Also includes Arvo Part's beautiful Magnificat and Karen P. Thomas' Medieval Lyrics, as well as works by Hildegard von Bingen, Frank Ferko and Guillaume Dufay. Songlist: Ave Regina caelorum, Gedeanis area, O cruor sanguinis, O successores, O verbum Patris, O splendidissima gemma, Laus Trinitati, Magnificat, Medieval Lyrics, To Mistress Margaret Hussey, Alright by the Rose, Dolcissima miaw vita, Si, ch'io vorrei morire, Madrigali: Six "Fire Songs", Ov'e, Lass', Il Bel Viso, Quando Son Piu Lontan, Amor, io sento l'amlma, Lo piango, Luci Serene E Chiare, Se Per Havervi, Oi
Review: From 1880 to 1917 was a renaissance in Russian choral music, a great outpouring of sacred compositions by major composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Chesnokov and Kastalsky. While Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) only wrote a few choral works, they are among the crowning achievements of Russian choral music. "Vsenoshchnoye Bdeniye Op. 37 (Vespers)" encompasses a wealth of moods and emotion, ranging from meditative introspection to praise and proclamation. The 76-strong, award-winning Seattle Pro Musica is the perfect ensemble for this material, dramatically powerful on a piece like "Priidite, poklonimsya," (Come Let Us Worship), sweetly meditative on songs like "Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda" and "Shestopsalmiye: Slava v vyshnikh bogu" (The Six Psalms: Glory Be to God in the Highest), filled with wonder on "Tropar: Dnes spasneniye" (The Troparion: Thou didst Rise from the Tomb), and joyfully triumphant on "Vzbrannoy voyevode" (To Thee, the Victorious Leader). Truly wonderful, rarely-heard sacred music from one of great composers of all time. Songlist: Priidite, polonimsya (Come, Let Us Worship), Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda (Bless the Lord, O My Soul), Blazhen muzh (Blessed is the Man), Svete tikhyi (Gladsome Light), Nyne otpushchayeshi (Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart), Bogoroditse Devo (Rejoice, O Virgin), Shestopsalmiye: Slava v vyshnikh Bogu (The Six Psalms: Glory to God in the Highest), Khvalite imya Gospodne (Praise the Name of the Lord), Blagosloven yesi, Gospodi (Blessed Art Thou, O Lord), Voskreseniye Khristovo videvshe (Having Beheld the Resurrection of Christ), Velichit dusha moya Gospoda (My Soul Magnifies the Lord), Slavosloviye velikoye (The Great Doxology: Glory to God in the Highest, Tropar: Dnes spaseniye (The Troparion: Today Salvation Has Come), Tropar: Voskres iz groba (The Troparion: Thou didst Rise from the Tomb), Vzbrannoy voyevode (To Thee, the Victorious leader)
Sistrum : Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn Review: Lansing, MI's award-winning, 30-strong women's chorus Sistrum's vision is "to provide a musical haven where women may find their voices and enjoy the camaraderie offered by the Sistrum community." They further endeavor "to create a choral instrument by which our members can use their voices to raise beautiful music and powerful energy." This CD was inspired by Sistrum's first commissioned work, the 3-part "Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn," with words by Kris Radish and music by Jenni Brandon. There are 15 songs here, a World tour, if you will, beginning with the piano-accompanied French tune "Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser," a lighthearted piece about a girl trying to get a monk to dance with her by bribing him with material possessions; two chants; with roots in the Celtic pagan culture, "Full Moonlight Dance" and "Everything She Touches;" "Koowu" is directly translated as "strength" and incorporates Middle Eastern scales; Stephen Hatfield's "Camino Caminante" is inspired by the swirling mix of cultures in Miami; and the lightly percussioned, Tamil-based "Odi Odi" urges us to look internally for inspiration and empowerment. Randi Driscoll's powerful "What Matters," the traditional Spiritual "Balm in Gilead," Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow," the 3-part, piano-accompanied title tune, and "Still I Rise," an ode to survival regardless of the challenge or obstacle, complete our list of favorites. "Dancing" is a beautiful, inspirational collection from talented Sistrum! Songlist: Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser, Full Moonlight Dance, Everything She Touches, Koowu, My Love Walks in Velvet, Both Page and Pen, Camino Caminante, Odi Odi, What Matters, Balm in Gilead, Over the Rainbow, The Dark Line, Morning Prayer, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, Still I Rise
Review: 17-strong, Boulder, CO-based Sound Circle was first formed in 1994 by founding Artistic Director Sue Coffee, who is also founding Artistic Director of the 125-voice Resonance Women's Chorus and has won numerous awards. This statement from their website tells us a lot about them: "The women of Sound Circle, an a cappella women's vocal ensemble, have come together to experience the deep joy of making music and to share that joy with our audiences. The music we sing connects us to the voices, sounds and rhythms of our own lives. We seek out music that speaks of women's experiences and music by women composers." Here are the titles of the 12 beautiful songs of "Finding the Flow:" "Kinder," by Alyx Autuori of Copper Wimmin, "Woodsmoke and Oranges" by Ian Tamblyn, "Under Heaven, Under the Sun" by Malcolm Dalglish, "I am into to your fire" by Craig Carnahan and James Broughton, "Sweet Darkness" by Terry Schlenker, "Stay" by Carol Maillard, Richard Shindell's poignant ballad "Last Fare of the Day," Linda Webber's "Silence of Our Dreams," Kimmerjae Johnson's "Float Down the River," Sue Johnson's "Sister, My Sister," the Kirby Shaw-arranged traditional tune "Down by the Riverside" and Tom Kimmel's "Never Saw Blue Like That." "Finding the Flow" is powerful, deeply-felt music that touches and moves us. Great stuff from Sound Circle! Songlist: Kinder, Woodsmoke and Oranges, Under Heaven, Under the Sun, I Am Into Your Fire, Sweet Darkness, Stay, Last Fare Of The Day, Silence Of Our Dreams, Float Down The River, Sister My Sister, Down By The Riverside, Never Saw Blue Like That
Review: Colorado's Premier Men's A Cappella Chorus, which won the 3rd Place Medal at the Barbershop Harmony International convention at Denver in 2007, is directed by Darin Down, head of vocal music at Grandview High School in Aurora, CO. "Sing We Noel" was recorded and broadcast live Dec. 8, 2007 from the Univ. of Denver Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Featured on these 18 songs are guest quartets Nexus, singing "Mr. Grinch" and "That's What I Want for Christmas," Fastlane, singing "One More Sleep Until Christmas," Ignition, singing "Mary Had a Baby" and "The Holy & The Ivy," Kowalski Twins, singing "My Birthday Comes On Christmas/Diddly Squat," and the sextet Blenders Ensemble, who sing "The Christmas Song." Guest artists The Blenders also sing wonderful solos on "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." More Christmas winners are "Sing Ye Noel," "Santa Medley," "Rockin' Christmas Medley," "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Silent Night" and "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season," featuring the powerful, rich harmonies of the whole chorus. A feel-good, live collection that will surely bring you big-time Christmas cheer! Songlist: Mr. Grinch, Spaseniye Sodelal, One More Sleep Till Christmas, Santa Medley, Mary Had A Baby, The Christmas Song, Birthday Of A King, Rockin' Christmas Medley, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, That's What I Want For Christmas, Betelehemu, My Birthday Comes On Christmas/Diddly Squat, Feliz Navidad, The Holly And The Ivy, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Silent Night, Happy Holiday/Holiday Season
Sound Stage 7 : Scroobylicious Review: The live performances Boston's Soundstage 7, Liz, Hyoun, Andrea, Mike, Maddie and Greg, feature whatever music takes their fancy, and ours, as long as it's "fun, crazy, energetic, hip or just plain groovy, baby!" They dig '80s and '90s pop tunes, but their repertoire also includes soul, funk, Latin, folk and more. 12 tunes, some favorites are Sting's "All Four Seasons," The Cure's "The Lovecats," The Story's "Fatso," Ricky Martin's "Shake Your Bon Bon," Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music," Suzanne Vega's "Calypso," and an apparent live parody of Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time," that has the audience roaring with laughter. Soundstage 7 has the kind of spirit, panache and vocal talent and sense of humor that a cappella stars are made of. They have a fresh, professional sound that invites us to join in the fun. An impressive debut CD from these fast-rising a cappella stars! Songlist: All Four Seasons, Dela, The Lovecats, Fatso, Pikachu (I Choose You), Shake Your Bon-Bon, Summer Moved On, Play That Funky Music, In These Shoes, Calypso, ...Baby One More Time
SoVoSo : Bridges Review: Serengeti rhythms, New Orleans style funk, Jamaican reggae dubs...SoVoSo's brand new release, entitled Bridges, spans the musical globe, transporting the listener across traditional cultures to a contemporary, one-village world of human harmony. You'll be dancing to a tribal beat one minute and closing your eyes to take in a soulful ballad the next. With titles like "Big Family," "Precious," "For I Am TheMoon," "New Groove," "Charity," "Build A Bridge," and "Say," (a remix),this all-original, genre-blending collection includes gospel-flavored R&B, rock and soul ballads, jazz riffs and spoken word poetry over African rhythms. SoVoSo forges thoughtful lyrical territory, from love songs to anthems calling us toward our universal humanity, all rendered in superlative musicianship through the fundamentally human instrument -the voice. Bridges clearly places SoVoSo on the map at the cutting edge of world-soul-beat music. Don't miss the latest from one of the most innovative a cappella groups on the planet. Songlist: Boom Baby!, For I Am The Moon, Charity, New Groove, Build a Bridge, Big Family, Listen To The Rain, Say, We Will Rise, Precious
SoVoSo : Seasonings Review: Anyone who lights up their days of the Holiday Season with vocal music (and especially those who saw the group at the West Coast Summit and Sweeps Finals) must have SoVoSo's latest release, "Seasonings." This world-renowned ensemble has mixed together a wonderful recipe of songs that span their diverse cultural and rhythmic background, from a jazzy swing version of "Drummer Boy," a worldly chant of "O Come Emmanuel," and a classic and soaring "O Holy Night" with original songs that include Joey Blake's infectious "Holiday Season" and Sunshine Becker's portrait of the holiday Southwest style in "Christmas in Questa." The magic and light of the holidays are truly captured on this special and much awaited CD. Songlist: Holiday Season, Christmas in Questa, Oh Holy Night, Someday, Little Drummer Boy, 'Tis Winter, Emmanuel
Review: Formed in 1961 and pride of St. Louis, MO, the St. Louis Harmony Chorus is an award-winning 90-voice a cappella women's chorus and member of Sweet Adelines International. Sandi Wright directs her powerful, veteran chorus in this generous, rich-harmonied collection. Equally included are favorite carols like "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Carol of the Bells," "Caroling, Caroling," "Coventry Carol," "Go Tell it On the Mountain," "Silent Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas;" and popular Christmas songs like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Let It Snow,"CHRISTmas," "Winter Wonderland" and "White Christmas." This is a fun, entertaining album from one of Sweet Adelines' finest choruses, the SLHC! Songlist: Angels We Have Heard on High, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Caroling, Caroling (Ambiance), I'll Be Home for Christmas, Coventry Carol, Let it Snow, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Secret of Christmas, CHRISTmas, Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Silent Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Stanford Mixed Company : One Light On Review: The 13 young men and women of Mixed Company bring us 14 songs on an impressive, energetic CD. Strong, contemporary selections: Tom Petty's "American Girl," Dido's "Hunter," "Goodbye," "Selling The Drama," 10,000 Maniacs' "Jezebel," U2's "Sweetest Thing," LeAnn Rimes' "Can't Fight The Moonlight," "Torn," "Here's To The Night," "Perfect Day," Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Walk on the Ocean," Vertical Horizon's "Best I Ever Had," Garbage's "Special" and Counting Crows' "A Long December." Strong, consistent vocal percussion, sweet, clear solos, driving background vocals, there's a lot of talent here, and it all adds up to a winning CD and, we're certain, a great live show. Songlist: American Girl, Hunter, Goodbye, Selling the Drama, Jezebel, Sweetest Thing, Can't Fight the Moonlight, Torn, Here's to the Night, Perfect Day, Walk on the Ocean, Best I Ever Had, Special, A Long December
Stella : Different Skies Review: Different Skies is the second release from 7-woman Durham, NC-based a cappella group Stella, the first being the excellent "Gimme Stella." This is a sumptuous, gorgeous collection of 15 tunes, some of which are lightly accompanied by bass, guitar and even a Moroccan riq on the lovely opening cut, "Before This Time Another Year." These 7 women share a love of good stories, eclectic tastes and music from different cultures. Two originals, "Cave Ranger," which reflects on the sexy possibilities of a date with a cave ranger, and "Teenage Girls.," tells the tragic tale of the death of a beloved teenage friend, are marvelous. Other favorites are the sweetly rhythmic "Be Mine (Little Baby)," "Satellites," "My Babe," "I'll Never Leave You Baby," the bluesy "Blue and Lonesome," the stark anti-war song "No More To The Dance," shape-note tune "Wondrous Love," "Shto Si Goro," a gospel tune from the Georgia Sea Islands, the powerful "Kappee," a Finnish folk tale, the poignant ballad "Teenage Girls" and the wonderful American shape note song, "Long Time Traveller." Since first getting together in 1998 to harmonize favorite tunes with each other, the group took the name Stella in 2000 and began to perform publicly in venues such as the NC Museum of Art, Festival for the Eno, Artsplosure, Light Up Durham and Black Mountain, NC's LEAF Festival. Possibly because of this, their sound as a group has taken a huge leap forward-every cut on "Different Skies" is a richly harmonic delight! Songlist: Before This Time Another Year, Be Mine (Little Baby), Satellites, Northern Cross, My Babe, Cave Ranger, I'll Never Leave You Baby, Blue And Lonesome, Wondrous Love, Shto Si Goro, No More To The Dance, Stretched On Your Grave, Kappee, Teenage Girls, Long Time Traveller
Suspicious Cheese Lords : Maestro di Capella - Music of Elzear Genet (Carpentras) Review: Elzear Genet (c. 1470-1548) sang in the papal chapel under Pope Julius II, and thereafter in the court of the French king Louis XII. On November 5, 1513, he became the first composer to be named Master of the Papal Chapel. Working for Pope Leo X, who, in the Medici tradition, was a lavish patron of the arts, Genet's musical output became exclusively sacred. Although Genet was the first composer to publish his collected works, his music has unjustly fallen into near-oblivion. By the late 16th century, Genet's works had been replaced with newer settings by Palestrina and other composers. Sadly, there are no documented performances of his music again until the early 19th century. Songlist: Gabriel angelus, Tibi Christe, Virgo prudentissima, Jubilate Deo, Crucem tuam adoramus, Magnificat, Haec est illa dulcis rosa, Missa "Se mieulx ne vient", Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnes Dei, Pange lingua
Suspicious Cheese Lords : Missa L'homme arme - Sacred Music of Ludwig Senfl Review: Missa L'homme Arme: Sacred Music of Ludwig Senfl is the Cheese Lords' second CD, and a world premeire recording of the music of Ludwig Senfl (1486-1543). Senfl was born in Basel, Switzerland around 1486. At an early age he joined the court chapel of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilain I, as a choirboy. In Maximilian's chapel, Senfl met and studied with the court composer Henrich Isaac, and after a brief time away from the chapel, returned as an adult singer and Isaac's principle assistant. After Maximilan's death in 1519, his chapel was disbanded and Senfl's history is less clear. Eventually, he joined the chapel of Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria, where he remained until his death in 1542 or 1543. Senfl was a prolific composer with an output of over 100 mass settings, 50 vespers settings, and over 100 sacred motets. The vast majority of Senfl's music is unrecorded. The Cheese Lords are proud to present this selection of Senfl's sacred work, featuring a mass based on the popular French tune L'homme arme. Songlist: Te Deum, Miserere mei Deus, Virgo prudentissima / Fortuna desperata, Quid vitam sine te, L'homme arme, Missa "L'homme arme", Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei
Review: The Swingles, the mixed-voice world-class, multiple Grammy-winning, legendary a cappella octet from London and one of our favorite Vocal Jazz groups of all time, originally broke into the Jazz scene of 1963 because of Ward Swingle's innovation. He handed his group of session singers charts for an instrumental, Bach's "Well-Tempered Clavier," which led to their double Grammy hit album "Bach's Greatest Hits." There is this kind of innovation and artistry on "Ferris Wheels," which comes from the Joni Mitchell hit "Both Sides Now" ("Moons and Junes and Ferris Wheels, the dizzy, dancing way you feel"), the second of 12 wonderfully crafted songs on the album. The ethereal "Unravel," James Taylor's lazy-day, bluesy "On the 4th of July," the exquisite French adaption of the theme from "Summer of '42," "L'Ete 42," Nick Drake's stunning bluenote "River Man," Sting's powerful, waltzlike "Until," and a symphonic arrangement of Lennon/McCartney's "Eleanor Rigby" by group member Kevin Fox (who also sings lead on it). David Freeman and Joseph Hughs' "No More I Love Yous," Stevie Wonder's "Summer Soft," Billy Joel's "Goodnight My Angel" and Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows" are all beautifully arranged and performed. "Ferris Wheels" is a masterpiece by the Swingles that touches and satisfies on many levels. One of the best Jazz/Pop albums of the year and highly recommended! Songlist: Unravel, Both Sides Now, On the 4th of July, L'ete 42, River Man, Until (A Matter of Moments), Elanor Rigby, No More "I Love You's", Flying High/ Wake Me Up When September Ends, Summer Soft, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), God Only Knows
Swingle Singers : Live In Japan Review: The Swingle Singers, Ann De Renais, soprano 1, Joanna Forbes, soprano 2, Sarah Simmonds, Alto 1, Wendy Nieper, alto 2, Andrew Gray, Tenor 1, Richard Eteson, Tenor 2, Jeremy Sadler, Bass 1 and Patrick Ardagh-Walter, Bass 2, and this is another of their very popular live albums. We can feel ourselves in the audience in December 2000, the elusive "tingle factor" in the air, as the group takes 21 classic tunes and proceeds to nail them, as only the Swingles can, one by one: "September Song," "Alabama Song," "Mack The Knife," "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat," "Largo," "Badinerie," "Air on the G String," "Ticket to Ride," Procul Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale," "Ave Maria," "The Fool on the Hill," Queen's amazing "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Little Drummer Boy," "Away in a Manger," "Christmas Medley," "Amazing Grace," "White Christmas," "Intro to 1812 Overture," "1812 Overture," "September Song," "Thank You" and "Theme from Mission Impossible." Great music, incomparable singing! Songlist: September Song (Weil - Anderson), Alabama Song (Weil - Brecht), Mack The Knife (Weil - Brecht), Largo, Badinerie (Bach), Air On The G String (Bach), Ticket To Ride, A Whiter Shade Of Pale (Procul Harum), Ave Maria (Gounod - Bach), The Fool On The Hill, Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury), Little Drummer Boy (Davis), Away In A Manger (Traditional), Christmas Medley (Smith - Gillespie), Amazing Grace (Traditional), White Christmas, Introduction To 1812 Overture (, 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky), Thank you, Theme From Mission Impossible (Schifrin), Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat |
