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Swingle Singers : Story Of Christmas

Review: Primarily A Cappella is proud to be re-releasing the ever-popular Swingle Singers recording of "The Story Of Christmas". Formerly out of print, the continued demand for this recording is extraordinary, and a tribute to thjis English group about which the Los Angeles Times extolled "Everything about the Swingles is flawless". They take a collection of traditional carols and hymns ("The Boar's Head Carol, And Is It True?") and mix it with some modern songs (Jester Hairston's "Mary's Boy Child") to tell the story of Christmas. This is a well thought out arrangement of songs to tell the tale that we know so well with interesting and varied songs.

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est (Traditional), O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Traditional), Hymn To The Virgin (Britten), Gabriel's Message (Traditional), Mary's Boy Child (Rathbone), And Is It True? (Betjeman, Parry), Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (Traditional), Quem Pastores (Traditional), Shepherds' Farewell (Berlioz), We Three Kings (Hopkins), Coventry Carol (Traditional), Carol Medley (Traditional), The Oxen (Rathbone), The Boars Head Carol (Traditional), Christmas Song (Torme, Wells), Jingle Bells (Traditional), I Believe In Father Christmas (Sinfeld, Lake), White Christmas, The Twelve Days Of Christmas (Traditional), Silent Night (Gruber)

The Choral Project : Of Christmastide

Review: Though founded only in 1996 by Artistic Director Daniel Hughes, this ensemble of thirty voices has already begun to distinguish itself with an eclectic program. As part of their mission, the group seeks to unify diverse peoples, and the track list for "Of Christmastide" reflects this concern. Weighted somewhat towards the 20th century, with Williams, Tavener, Rutter, Holst and Lauridsen amongst the composers represented, the balance includes two Latvian carols, James McKelvey's arrangement of "Deck The Hall in 7/8" and the Nigerian "Betelehemu." Their sonority is broad and expansive, with an airy and open delivery. Some percussion and woodwinds on a few tracks.

Songlist: Hodie Christus natus est, Terly Terlow, Personent Hodie, Sweet Was the Song, Two Latvian Carols, THe Boar's Head Carol, Eso rigor e repente, Three Kings of Orient, Salvation Is Created, Carol From an Irish Cabin, A La Nanita Nana, Deck the Hall (in 7/8), O Magnum Mysterium, Wassil Song, Lo, How a Rose e're Blooming, Betelehemu, Silent Night

Throat : Throat

Review: We had the pleasure of hearing Mister Tim and his four other singers, Kate, Emily, Peter and Matt, onstage at the 2011 Harmony Sweeps Finals, where they performed a powerful set and won "Best Original Song" for "Monsters, Animals." Winning the Rocky Mountain Regional, Throat's Mister Tim, according to his website, is associated with a number of groups who have graced Harmony Sweepstakes stages, Mouth Beats, moosebutter (one of our favorite groups), and the 2010 Sweeps Champs Plumbers of Rome, two members of which joined Throat for their set at the Finals. The personnel changes are all pretty confusing, but the music, which reminds us a lot of another one of our longtime favorites The Bobs, is great! There are 12 songs here, the first five performed by Throat, and 6 through 12 performed by, who uses a repeat loop recording machine to sing leads and harmonies with himself. All songs are written by Mister Tim, with the exception of "Monsters, Animals, which was written by Emily Bedal. With a heavy, driving vocal percussion beat, lyrics that are funny, surreal and bizarre, great leads and background harmonies, Throat and Mister Tim kick butt and take no prisoners! Some other favorites are "ala Floyd," "On and On," "Softly," "Full Set of Heartbreaks," "Momma," "Bang on the Door," "Zombies" and "180." The songwriting is reminiscent of Bob Dylan crossed with Peter Gabriel, with a touch of a young Leonard Cohen. But don't take our word for it, have a listen-Mister Tim is a world-class poet and his Throat can sing their tails off and put Tim's lyrics out with style, power and attitude. And to us, and to the appreciative Sweeps Finals audience, that's entertainment!

Songlist: ala Floyd, Jeremiah Pollock, Monsters, Animals, On and On, Softly, Down and Down, Full Set of Heartbreaks, I Have Become, Momma, Bang on the Door, Zombies, 180

Tonic Sol-fa : By Request

Review: One of our favorite Contemporary groups, Greg, Shaun, Mark and Jared have been coming up with great CDs since 1996's "Left Turns"-particularly fine are 1997's Christmas album, "Carol," 2001's "Style," 2002's "Sugarue" and 2003's "Red Vinyl." We look at "By Request" as yet another showpiece of why Tonic is one of the most dynamic a cappella groups in the world, and why they need to be recognized as major stars! The 10-song songlist in the liner notes is presented as a Top 40 Radio Requests list, with five new songs, "Chances," Chips' "At The Dark End of the Street," "Until Forever's Gone," Josh Turner's "Long Black Train," and Willie Dixon's smoking "29 Ways to My Baby's Door." The guys simply nail "29," one of the best songs we've heard this year. The other five, Simon & Garfunkle's "Cecelia," Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," the manic country hit "Sold," Marty Robbins' western classic "El Paso," and "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?" have appeared on other CDs, but they are well-chosen hits, surely some of group's best stuff. Top-drawer arrangements, and a depth of sound amazing for a quartet-"By Request" is another impressive winner for Tonic Sol-Fa!

Songlist: 29 Ways to My Baby's Door, Cecilia, Brown Eyed Girl, Chances, At the Dark End of the Street, Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident), El Paso, Until Forever's Gone, Scooby Doo, Where Are You? (remix), Long Black Train

Undivided Musical Group : Amor Verdadero

Review: All male sextet Undivided draw their musical influences from Latin, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Reggae, Pop, R&B and Rock, and they showed off their powerful, rhythmic live show to us twice, at the 2003 and 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA. "Amor" is the group's second finely-crafted recording, their first being the excellent "A Cappella From The Soul." There are 10 cuts here, the salsa-flavored "Los Fariseos," and rhythmic gem "Amor Verdadero," both of which feature Undivided's trademark faux horns, and the soulful love song "Contigo Para Siempre;" "La Murga De Panama," "El Nazareno" (a song about Jesus), "Jala, Jala," "El Todopoderoso" and "Ahora Vengo Yo" (with more of those smokin' faux horns) will get you up dancing and ordering another round of Margaritas; while "Bello Amanecer" and "Amanda Mia" are slower, bluesy salsa-jazz. All songs, and the liner notes for that matter, are in Spanish. But don't let that stop you from enjoying this spirited, high-energy collection from one of SoCal's most dynamic a cappella groups!

Songlist: Los Fariseos, Amor Verdadero, Contigo Para Siempre, La Murga De Panama, El Nazareno, Bello Amanecer, Jala Jala, Amada Mia, El Todopoderoso, Ahora Vengo Yo

Undivided Musical Group : Conectate

Review: Released at the same time as "A capella from the Soul," "Conectate" includes many of those songs, sung in Spanish. "Dios tu Nombre Exaltare," for instance corresponds to the reggae Gospel tune "Lord I Lift Your Name On High," "Cuando Suene La Trompeta" is "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder," "Oh, que amigo nos es Cristo" is "Oh, What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Sublime Gracia" is "Amazing Grace," etc. "Jamappella," "Es Jesus" and "What's Going On" appear on both CDs. Two songs are new, the salsa romp "Dame una Sonrisa" and the breezy title tune. Undivided's pure vocal power and feeling is underscored on this wonderful, all-Spanish Contemporary Christian CD.

Songlist: Cuando Suene la Trompeta, Dame una Sonrisa, Junto a Cristo, Dios Tu Nombre Exaltare, No Hay Dios tan Grande Como Tu, Jamapella, Quiero Cambiar, Conectate, !Oh que Amigo Nos es Cristo, Sublime Gracia, Es Jesus, What's Going On?

Various Artists : A Cappella All-Stars - 1998 CARA's

Review: Produced by CASA, these compilation CDs are a great introduction to different genres of a cappella, and are particularly recommended to the novice listener. Including groups such as Penn off the Beat ("Fall from Grace") Heebee-jeebees ("Angels We Have Heard on High") Da Vinci's Notebook ("Liposuction") and the King's Singers ("Abendlied"), the proceeds benefit CASA and allow the organization to continue in its efforts to promote a cappella singing. Other groups featured are The Fairfield Four, Vox One and Rockapella.

Songlist: Lift Up, Chameleon, Tic Tic Boom, Hush, Fall From Grace, Sham'a, Swingers, Help For The Needy(Today), A Song From The Fifties, 'Round Midnight, 'Cross The Mason-Dixon Line, Mabel, Angels We have Heard On High, Liposuction, El Paisanito, Abendlied, Tonight, Eternity Alone, Hymn To The Mother Of God

Various Artists : A Cappella All-Stars - 2000 CARA's

Review: These awards are given by CASA, the Contemporary A Cappella Society, a non-profit organization promoting a cappella music. As the liner notes note, a cappella means literally "in the chapel style," but the 18 cuts prove it is closer to "in any style." Some of our favorites: Spiralmouth's "Nothing Is Written," Naturally Seven's powerful "Bless This House," Harmony Sweeps champs Toxic Audio's "Loving You," Ocume's "Guantanamera," Da Vinci's Notebook's "Ally McBeal," The Kinsey Sicks' hilarious "Gay Sera Sera," and m-pact's vocal-percussion jazz-pop gem, "Caroling, Caroling." CARA 2000 is a good sampler of how CASA sees today's a cappella music.

Various Artists : A Cappella Christmas Party

Review: Compilation release featuring the top names in a cappella, including the Persuasions, Real Group, Nylons, Bobs and Rockapella. Every track on this sixteen song CD is strong, encompassing the traditional (Blenders' "First Noel") to the novel (The Bobs' "Christmas In L.A."). World jazz group SoVoSo contributes the soulful original "Snowflakes," while French-Canadians La Bande Magnetik take on Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy" in an unconventional interpretation. Beachfront Property's "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and Vox One's "White Christmas" will thrill those who enjoy vocal jazz, as both are a virtual primer on the how-to's of the style. You will want to add this CD to your own holiday music collection, and it also makes a wonderful stocking stuffer or hostess gift!

Songlist: Jingle Bells, Rock Around the Christmas Tree, Here We Come A Caroling, The First Noel, Joy To The World, Nr Det Lider Mot Jul, The Holly And The Ivy, You're All I Want For Christmas, Snowflake, Saturnalia Smile, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Hold Out For Christmas, Christmas In LA, Casse Noissettes, Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas

Various Artists : A Voices Only Christmas

Review: Our own compilation, featuring a diverse line-up of artists. It's an original gift idea, particularly for those ears not yet familiar with a cappella. The track list includes the most popular, such as the contemporary Christian group Glad ("O Come All Ye Faithful"), the legendary doo-wop group the Persuasions ("Christmas Means Love") and The Swingle Singers ("Carol Medley"), whose vocal jazz technique is flawless. Several of the new and exciting vocal groups, such as Naturally Seven, m-pact, Go Fish and the Edlos are represented. All a cappella fans will appreciate Acoustix' "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (from their new "Cool Yule" CD), Just For Kick's "A Child is Born" and ReGeneration "Do You Hear What I Hear?". The Blenders "Christmas Song," from Nog (one of the greatest holiday CD's ever), Chanticleer's "In Dulci Jubilo," (Chanticleer's holiday concerts are a highlight of every season) and the Accidentals' signature "Rudiana" are also included. 17 tracks in all.

Songlist: Carol Medley, Do You Hear What I Hear, O Come, O Come Emanuel, The Christmas Song, Bless This House, Caroling, Caroling, Sim Shalom, I'm In The Mood For Joy, Rudiana, Your'e a Mean One Mr. Grinch, A Child Is Born, Charlie Brown Christmas, Away In a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, Stilla Natt (Silent Night), In Dulci Jubilo, Christmas Means Love

Various Artists : Barbershop's Best

Review: Hot off the presses from our own record label comes a great collection of some of the finest barbershop quartets aptly named "Barbershop's Best".This is the first recording to feature a wide selection of both champion male and female quartets and includes some of the finest groups to ever perform in the barbershop style. These studio tracks were in great part selected by the groups themselves and represents, in their opinion, some of their finest work. Featured are cuts from Platinum, Acoustix, Ambiance, Boston Common, Bluegrass Student Union, Panache, Fred and Rumors and more. 16 great tracks.

Songlist: This Is The Moment, Caroline, A Foggy Day (In London Town), Long Ago and Far Away, Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia, Royal Garden Blues, When October Goes, Jungle Book, Five-Oh-Two, Where Are You, Jeepers Creepers, What'll I Do, I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo, Feels Like Home, Eine Kleine NOT Music, I Will Never Pass This Way Again, Excerpts from "Rhapsody in Blue"

Various Artists : BOCA 2002

Review: Another BOCA collection of the best of the collegiate vocal groups never fails to impress us with the humor, arrangements and sheer talent of these young voices. 19 tracks, from UCLA Awaken's "Walk Like An Egyptian," and Indiana Straight No Chaser's "I Belong to You," to Duke Out of the Blue's "Eve" and Tufts Beelzebubs' "The Trial." As admirers of Michigan Amazin' Blue, who give us "She," we were pleased to note that two other Ann Arbor groups made the cut, Michigan Compulsive Lyres singing "Limp" and Michigan Dicks & Janes, with "Everything You Want." Other good stuff: U-Madison-Wisconsin's Tangled Up In Blue's "Breathless," Stanford Everyday People's "Billie Jean/No Diggity" and USC Sirens' "Beautiful." But it's all good, really-BOCA 2002 is a treat!

Songlist: Walk Like An Egyptian - UCLA Awaken, I Belong to You - Indiana University Straight No Chaser, Drive Me Crazy - USC Socal Vocals, Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover - Claremont College Shades, Beautiful - USC Sirens, I Was Brought to My Senses - University of Wisconsin Madison Madhatters, Here With Me - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Everything You Want - University of Michigan Dicks & Janes, Billie Jean / No Diggity (EP Remix) Everyday People (Stanford University), She - University of Michigan Amazin' Blue, Breathless - University of Wisconsin Madison Tangled Up in Blue, Fields of Gold, Limp - University of Michigan Compulsive Lyres, Father Figure - University of North Carolina Clef Hangers, Rhythm Nation - Washington University Mosaic Whispers, Eve - Duke University Out of the Blue, Alleluia - Northwest Missouri State University Millennium, The Trial - Tufts University Beelzebubs

Various Artists : CARA 2001

Review: This CASA Awards 2001 CD contains an eclectic mix of rock, classical, barbershop, doo-wop, R&B, close harmony, gospel, jazz, folk, pop, hip-hop, world music and more, including some favorites of ours: SoVoSo's "Charity," +4db's "I Burn For You," The Persuasions' "Black Muddy Water," Cadence's "I Wish," Gas House Gang's "Go Tell It On The Mountain," Real Group's "Thousand Things," The Magnets' "All The Wrong Reasons," Michigan Jake's "I'm Beginning to See the Light," Voice Male's "Light In Your Eyes," Artisan's "Dancing With Words" and Univ. of Michigan Amazin' Blues' "Millennium," among others. The best of the year 2001 in a cappella, from CASA's point of view.

Songlist: I Wish Cadence, All The Wrong Reasons The Magnets, Images Five O'Clock Shadow, Light In Your Eyes Voice Male, Millenium University Of Michigan Amazin' Blue, I'm Beginning to See the Light, That Great Day Jon McLemore, How Could You Say No Acappella, Go Tell It On The Mountain Gas House Gang, Charity SoVoSo', Thousand Things Real Group, I Burn For You +4db, We Have Standards The HeeBee-jeebees, Black Muddy Water Persuasions, Dancing With Words Artisan, Matona, Mia Cara (Di Lasso) Douglas Frank Chorale

Various Artists : Urban Harmony - R&B A Cappella

Review: The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) created the Urban Harmony Movement to bring music, via free materials, coaching, and concerts to public high schools in need. For more information call (415) 563-5224. In the mean time buy and listen to another outstanding compilation of 16 tracks sung by both well known groups and four of the best college a cappella groups, with whom CASA is uniquely connected. Other notable contributors are The House Jacks, Five Live, The Persuasions, Bobby McFerrin, Vox One, The Nylons and M-Pact.

Songlist: 'Cause We All Got A Mouth, Stay With Me Tonight, I Feel Good, Respect, Change In My Life, Drift Away, Papa Oow Mow Mow, Sister, Back II Life, The Way It Makes Me Feel, Yesterday, I'll Be Whatever You Want Me To Be, Always Be My Baby, 29 Ways, Ya Gotta Be, I'll Be There

Vesnivka : Vesnivka (Xop Bechibka)

Review: Established in Toronto, Canada in 1965 by founding conductor Halyna Kondracka, the award-winning, 50-member, all-female Vesnivka Choir is renowned for its musical excellence and quality repertoire. The Choir has performed its impressive repertoire of Ukrainian liturgical, classical and folk music, in full Ukrainian costume, on concert stages all over the world including Carnegie Hall, London's Royal Albert Hall and Rome's St. Peter's Basilica. Kondracka, a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Choral Society, has also received many personal honors for her work. 17 authentic songs, all sung in Ukrainian: "Springtime Dreams," "The Little Cuckoo Bird," "A Young Maiden's Garden," "The Parting," "The Little Mulberry," "The Maiden's Lament," "On Yonder Hill," "May I Go Dancing?," "The Sounds of the Karpaty," "Ivanchyku," "Springtime Showers" and "Verchovyno" are some favorites. These are deeply-felt songs that touch or break the heart, songs of lost love and desire, joy, memories, leaving and sorrow. A very special CD from Canada's wonderful, incongruous, authentic Ukrainian ensemble, the Vesnivka Choir!

Songlist: Springtime Dreams, The Little Cuckoo Bird, Memories, A Young Maiden's Garden, The Grey Cuckoo, The Parting, The Little Mulberry, The Maiden's Lament, On Yonder Hill, May I Go Dancing?, The Sorrowful Stork, On The Eve Of "Ivana Kupala", "Ivana Kupala", The Sounds of Karpaty, "Ivanchyku", Springtime Showers, Verchovyno

ViBaFemBa : Forsta

Review: This is one of the notable Swedish a cappella groups.They were formed in 1985 and, to date, have four cds on their discography. On this one, F-rsta, we find covers of Sweden's popular music, several originals and one tune we all know, the Beatles "Blackbird". Though we speak no Swedish there continuously snatches of melody which are tantalizing in their familiarity. "Asfaltvisan" is an obvious comedic tune, funny without knowing the language!These are very accomplished singers and worth it if your interest is in either contemporary or international music.

Songlist: Krakbegravningen, Makten at Skogen, Har du Kvar din Roda Cykel, Asfaltvisan, Valles Drom, Somliga Gar Med Trasiga Skor, Jag Sag, Fa Farre Farst, A Ente Flottar Ja Te Sjoss, Blackbird, Sudda Sudda, Jag Vill Ha En Hund En Bla

Vocal Six : Why Dance

Review: This 1994 recording shows the Swedish sextet developing their own writing skills, and singing in Swedish on five tracks. Their sound is a forceful melding of both jazz and contemporary, with neither idiom gaining the upper hand. "Sensuella Isabella" features an explosive vocal guitar, while actual guitar guests, along with harmonica, on the ambling, roadhouse "Tomma Ramar Blues." "Bohemian Rhapsody," augmented by the "Bohemian Choir," duplicates the original vocal arrangement closely, and maintains the song's energy capably throughout, with plump, thickly-textured chordal backing. Close, vertical harmonies dominate "The Way You Look Tonight' and "Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring," allowing the tonalities to blossom with rich color.

Songlist: Why Dance, The Way You Look Tonight, Alf Beror Pa Mej, Walk Between The Raindrops, Tomma Ramar Blues, Sensuella Isabella, Ta Mef Til Havet, Tvalen (En Blyg Mans Bekannelser), For Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring, Bohemian Rhapsody

Voces Sacrae : Edmund Rubbra

Review: A beautiful disc of (mostly) World Premiere recordings, this first-ever CD to be devoted solely to his choral music will act as a herald to next year's Rubbra centenary celebrations. The earliest are the Five Motets of 1934, settings of 16th century metaphysical poems. It was madrigalist Thomas Campion whose poems provided the basis for two delightful sets of Madrigals, and charming too are the group of four simple Carols. It is for his liturgical music that Rubbra is perhaps best known today, and the four substantial works included here demonstrate why. There is his largest a cappella piece, Lauda Sion, a magnificent Aquinas setting, plus his second setting of The Beatitudes. Two settings of the mass are featured, his third, written in medieval style, and his fifth. This is the focal point of the whole collection, the Mass in Honour of St Teresa of Avila of 1981 which was Rubbra's last major choral work, and summarises the composer's mature harmonic language.

Songlist: Five Motets, Eternitie, Vain wits and eyes, A Hymn to God the Father, The Search, A Song, Four Carols, Mary Mother, Op. 90, Entrez y tous, Op. 93, Star of the Mystic East, Op. 81, The Holy Dawn, Op. 135, Missa a3, Op. 98, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Lauda Sion, Op. 110 (1960), The Beatitudes, Op. 109, Five Madrigals, Op. 51, When to her lute Corinna sings, I care not for these ladies, Beauty is but a painted hell, It fell on a summer's day, Though you are young, Two Madrigals, Op. 52, Leave prolonging thy distress, So sweet is thy discourse, Mass in Honour of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)(1981), Kyrie, and more

Voena : Voices of the Seasons

Review: Voena's latest Holiday CD features a culmination of world flavors in a celebration of our cultural diversity. Hear Olivia Hurst (American Idol's season 2007 top 40 finalist), Tori Langfitt (purity to rouse the attention of Disney), Charlie Baggett (12-yr old "Josh Groban-like" sensation), & Aleza D'Agostino (daughter of world-famous Sicilian guitarist, Peppino D'Agostino). From our multiple performances for Presidents Clinton and Bush, including the 2003 & 2005 Pageants of Peace, to our Japan World Expo 2005 tour representing the United States on U.S. National Day, and the many stars gracing the stages with us, we bring the sounds of seasons past, present, and future; Seasons of wonder captured in the angelic voices of this unique and special group of children!

Songlist: When You Wish Upon A Star, Christmas Canon, Il Est Ne, African Noel, Dance For The Nations, O Holy Night, Christmas Star, Carol of the Bels, Vois Sur Ton Chemin, Al Shlosha D’varim, Ave Maria, Fum Fum Fum, A Child Is Born, Ancora Un Estante

Voices of Liberty : A Cappella Americana

Review: Derric Johnson is the director of the 'Voices Of Liberty,' the ten-voice ensemble that performs at Walt Disney World. This collection, featuring the Voices themselves, is as unabashedly and straightforwardly patriotic as it is possible to be, with songs such as 'This Land Is Your Land,' 'America, The Beautiful' and 'Battle Hymn Of The Republic' on the set list. The CD's opener, 'Golden Dream,' is the musical equivalent of a twelve-gun salute, if for nothing other than its finale, which climbs up the scale chromatically to dizzying heights. The challenging arrangements and the virtuosity of the performances - excellent across the board - are a complement to the sometimes grave lyrical content, which emphasizes all-American values with unmitigated confidence. Whatever one's opinions on that score, musically 'A Cappella Americana' is great.

Songlist: Golden Dream, Shenandoah, Railroad Medley, We, The People / America The Beautiful, The Star Spangled Banner, Songs Of The South (medley), This Land Is Your Land, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, Oh Susanna!, Black Is The Color of my True Love's Hair, The Penny / My Country 'tis of Thee

Vox Femina : Simply

Review: The 30 talented women of Vox Femina LA, directed by Dr. Iris S. Levine, went into the recording studio in July, 2002 to record repertoire from their first 5 seasons, showcasing two new commissions: "The Tolerance Project" and "Alarcon Madrigals, Book II." Founded in 1997, VFLA is a women's choral ensemble dedicated to the performance of quality choral literature with an emphasis on music by women composers. They are a family of diverse women who are lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual. This CD is in 3 parts, 8 songs from "Miniatures of Kin," 11 songs in "Alarcon Madrigals, Book II, and 3 from "The Tolerance Project," based on the poetry of LA high school students. All songs are lightly piano accompanied. Particularly nice are the opening cut, "The Gathering," the traditional "The Water is Wide," the Serbian folk tune "Niska Banja," "Wood River," "Both Page and Pen," "Another Language," "Totally Exposed," "Warrior," Holly Near's "Simply Love," "I Come From Good People," and "I Love A Rainbow." The extensive liner notes include all the touching, poignant and joyous lyrics. "Simply..." is a gift.

Songlist: (Miniatures of Kin), The Gathering, Sisters, Cousins, Parting, The Water is Wide, Niska Banja, The 23rd Psalm, Wood River, (Alarcon Madrigals, Book II), I Want to Stop Being an Endless Night, Wind, Bird, Both Page and Pen, Matriarch, Another Language, I Thank You God, Totally Exposed, Warrior, Simply Love, I Come from Good People, (The Tolerance Proect), Pendulum, Afraid, I Love a Rainbow

Vox Femina : Still I Rise

Review: Los Angeles' 31-strong women's ensemble Vox Femina blew us away with their 2002 debut album "Simply," and we have waited a long time to be able to hold CD #2 in our hot little hands. "Still I Rise," directed by Dr. Iris S. Levine and accompanied by Lisa Edwards on piano, celebrates Vox Femina's 10th anniversary season, highlighting the best of Vox's live performances. The 15 very different songs share fine arranging, flawless performances, and the exciting fact that they are live recordings. The rhythmic opening cut "Odi Odi," the spiritual "Deep River," Hildegard von Bingen and Roger Bourland's "O viridissima virga/Both Page and Pen;" Debussy's "Salut Printemps;" Ysaye M. Barnwell's lovely "Breaths;" Roy Brown's "Sky Dances;" Stuart Stotts' "Music in My Mother's House," Holly Near's "Imagine my Surprise;" Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's "At the Ballet" and the title tune by Rosephanye Powell are some favorites. But Vox is very special group of women, a bridge-building group, and each of these songs needs to be listened to, appreciated and savored. Besides piano, you might hear some flute, drums, bass, guitar, oboe and zils. Exquisite!

Songlist: Odi Odi, Ah! si mon moine voulait danser, Deep River, O viridissima virga /, Both Page and Pen, Salut Printemps, Ya Faraoule, Breaths, Yo le Canto Todo el Dia, Sky Dances, Sweet Woman, Music in My Mother's House, Imagine my Surprise, At the Ballet, Closer to Fine, Still I Rise

Vox Musica : Christmas Colours

Review: Vox Musica is a 13-strong, women's choral ensemble from Sacramento, CA, directed by Daniel Paulsen, and "Christmas Colours" was recorded in Sacramento's St. Paul's Episcopal Church. We could tell we were hearing something very special here with the first of 12 Christmas tunes, John Tavener's difficult, soaring and often dissonant "A Nativity" and Cesar Carrillo's "Ave Maria," which the group handled beautifully and easily. A very sweet 17th Century German Carol, "Es Sungen Drei Engel," the lilting, joyous "Gaudete, a 16th Century Finnish Carol, Franz Biebl's lovely "Zundet An Das Licht," Tavener's "The Lord's Prayer," the 16th Century Irish melody "Love Came Down At Christmas," Nancy Telfer's 4-part "Missa Brevis" and "Silent Night," nicely arranged by Paulsen, completed the album. Many of these songs are new to us, and we were surprised and delighted to hear them. Listen to the echoing, soaring song of angels, "Love Came Down At Christmas," and you will see what we mean!

Songlist: A Nativity, Ave Maria, Es Sungen Drei Engel, Gaudete, Zundet An Das Licht, The Lord's Prayer, Love Came Down At Christmas, Missa Brevis - Kyrie, Missa Brevis - Gloria, Missa Brevis - Sanctus, Missa Brevis - Agnus Dei, Silent Night

Voz en Punto : Canta A Cri Cri

Review: We were treated to the live show of mixed-voice (3 men, 3 women) a cappella Mexican Vocal Jazz sextet Voz en Punto at the 2010 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional, where their funny, sophisticated set drew a strong ovation and a third place finish. The ensemble has been singing together since 1990 when they were founded by director Jose Galvan. While still students, the group won some very important choral competitions, such as the Int. Choral Festival of Tamper (Finland) in 1991, and the Int. Choral Festival of the Netherlands in 1995. Since then the group has gained an international career with live performances in Europe, Egypt, Russia, Romania, Japan and the U.S., sharing the stage with a cappella legends Bobby McFerrin and the King's Singers. In 2010 "canta CRI CRI," the group's fifth CD, is nominated for a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award. The beautifully-designed, extensive, full-color liner notes of the album have a lovely photo and great graphics, but they are all in Spanish, as are the 15 song titles. We can pick a few favorites, such as "Negrito Bailarin," "La Merienda," "El Telefono," "Cucurumbe," "Mi Amigo Hans," "Di Por Que," the sassy "Metete Tete," "Mexico Canta Cri Cri" and "Tema De Cri Cri," but this is all wonderfully-crafted, upbeat, sometimes silly, entertaining stuff!

Songlist: Tema De Cri Cri, Negrito Bailarin, El Chorrito, La Merienda, El Telefono, Cucurumbe, El Comal y a Olla, Cochinitos Dormilones, Mi Amigo Hans, Di Por Que, Acuarela, Metete Tete, El Ropero, Mexico Canta Cri Cri, Tema de Cri Cri

WeBe3 : Live & Improvised

Review: Rhiannon, Joey Blake and David Worm are veterans of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra, and have been involved in the quest to determine how far the human voice can go, individually and with other voices. "World Tour 2007" is an amazing live recording of WeBe3's performance at the Vic in Santa Monica, with Rhiannon mostly singing the leads, Blake adding yummy deep bass lines and Worm making sounds very much like a man playing a drum set. There are 10 cuts, "The Wind," "Ascona Sky," the exotic "Istanbul Blue," "Zingahlae," with Joey taking the lead, the finger-snapping, stream-of-feline-consciousness "Dear Cats," "WeBe3," "Time Goes By," a worthy attempt to describe the experience of living in 3 minutes, "Spontaneous Swing," the crazed "Serbian Taxi Ride" and "Let It Be So." Each of these 3 to 7 minute pieces is at once funny, joyous, unexpected, liberating and amazing. "World Tour 2007" is a pair of top-drawer vocalists and a sublime vocal percussionist going off in the direction of the standing bass- and snare drum-accompanied beat poets at San Francisco coffee houses, but on a whole other level musically and improvisationally. "Live and Improvised" is surprising and delightful from the first cut to the last!

Songlist: The Wind, Ascona Sky, Istanbul Blue, Zingahlae, Dear Cats, WeBe3, Time Goes By, Spontaneous Swing, Serbian Taxi Ride, Let It Be So

West Side 5 : West Side 5

Review: West Side Five is a New York City-based vocal jazz mixed voice quintet (3 men, 2 women), with Real Group, Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices influences. They perform original interpretations of jazz, pop and bossa nova standards at venues in the New York/New Jersey area. They also recently appeared at the Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweeps Regional in Washington, DC, and won first place and a trip to the 2010 Sweeps Finals in San Rafael! "West Side Five" is a four song Sampler CD, featuring "Pure Imagination," "Lullaby of Birdland," the Real Group-arranged "Thousand Things," and "Lil' Darlin'." We were treated to all but "Lullaby" in their excellent set at the Finals, and John Shumway's spectacular faux trumpet solo onÊ"Lil' Darlin'" drew a huge ovation! The Five have a smooth, richly harmonic sound that compares with many of the elite vocal jazz groups, and we loved their live show. These four selections had us tapping our feet and wanting to hear more!

Songlist: Pure Imagination, Lullaby of Birdland, Thousand Things, Lil' Darlin

Western Wind : The Happy Journey

Review: A Delightful and moving compendium of early American song including Shaker Songs, New England Anthems' Folk-hymns and Fuging-Tunes by rough-hewn Yankee tunesmiths Billings, Ingalls, Jenks and Wood. Also featured are Southern Spirituals, both black and white, including the first published version of Amazing Grace (called New Britain) and the first piece of published music written by an American woman, The Promised Land by Miss M Durham.

Songlist: Shaker Songs, The Happy Journey, Now My Dear Companions, Funeral Hymn, Who Will Bow and Bend Like A Willow, From the Moon, New England Anthems, Folk-Hymns and Plain Tunes, Honor to the Hills, Brevity, Sorrow's Tear, Decay, Columbia, Lamentation, Evening Hymn, Complainer, Euroclydon, an Anthem, Southern Spirituals (Black and White), Wake Up, Musgrove, The Bower of Prayer, Weeping Mary, The Angels Done Bowed Down, Calvary, Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass, Wondrous Love, New Britain

Whiffenpoofs : Whiffs of 1992

Review: A collectors special.

Songlist: Aj Lucka Lucka, Too Darn Hot, September Song, Mack The Knife, When The Sun Comes Out, Twisted, Down By The Salley Gardens, On Broadway, Talk To Me, Time After Time, Toot-Toot Tootsie, Little Pony, I Cover The Waterfront, Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets), When Sunny Gets Blue, Everything Happens To Me, Home Cookin', Something Like The Blues, Midnight Train To Georgia, I'll Be Seeing You, Jingle Bell Rock, The Wiffenpoof Song

Women's Chorus of Dallas : Change of Heart

Review: Change of Heart" was recorded at Dallas' Meyerson Symphony Center in March, 1997 at the close of TWCD's eighth season, and it is a celebration of love in its many forms. In addition to Dr. Timothy Selig, director, and Anne Albritton, accompanist and composer/arranger, we have guest artist Holly Near. We are given 13 songs here (actually more than that, "Love Is...," for instance is a medley of 8 love songs), all accompanied and beautifully and richly sung by the over 100 TWCD members. As with all TWCD CDs, the liner notes are beautifully done, extensive and touching.

Songlist: Change of Heart, Love Is..., My Romance / What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, My True Love Has My Heart, I've Got You Under My Skin, The Sun Won't Stop, How To Handle A Woman, Heart We Will Forget Him, You'll Never Walk Alone, Love Changes Everything, Speak To the Child of Love, Great Peace March, Reprise: Change of Heart

Women's Chorus of Dallas : Our Turn

Review: The 90 singers of the WCD, ably directed since 1994 by Dr. Selig, present a subscription concert series in addition to touring nationally. "Our Turn" is a sampling from their 5th Anniversary concert in June of 1994 called "We're Five!" There are 16 songs, with some light accompaniment by piano and other instruments. "Echo Song," "Sound the Trumpet," Mozart's "Alleluia," Brahms' "Ave Maria" Arron Copland's joyous "Ching-A-Ring Chaw," John Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth," Rossini's "Duetto Buffo di due Gatti," "Women's Medley," featuring the title tune, Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" and David Shire's "I Want It All;" Suzanne Buhrer's hilarious "God Loves A Woman," Walter Hawkins' spiritual "I'm Goin' Up A Yonder," "Les Miserables" and Henley and Silbar's "Wind Beneath My Wings" are favorites. "Our Turn" is a strong collection of sweet sounds from the Lone Star State! Some light accompaniment.

Songlist: Echo Song, Sound the Trumpet!, Alleluia, Ave Maria, Come In, Ching-A-Ring Chaw, Nigra Sum, A Birthday, For The Beauty Of The Earth, Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti, Women's Medley, God Loves a Woman, I'm Goin' Up A Yonder, Les Miserables, Wind Beneath My Wings, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

WomenSing : Songs of Innocence and Experience

Review: Listen to rousing gospel songs, an eloquent arrangement of the hymn Amazing Grace by Ron Jeffers, Vivaldi's spirited Beatus Vir accompanied by the Jubilate Orchestra strings, contemporary works by composers such as Andrew Carter, Otmar Macha, and WomenSing's commissioned work by Libby Larsen. As its title suggests, the emotions portrayed will run the gamut as well: from the mystery of Annunciation to the menacing meandering of The Wendigo; from the full range experience of love fulfilled in the sensual Nigra Sum by Catalunyan composer Pau Casals, to the dreamy lilting of the Canadian folk tune Away From the Roll of the Sea.

Songlist: Nigra Sum, Beatus Vir, Kyrie, Sanctus Benedictus, Ave Maria, Annunciation, Ho-ja-ja, The Tyger, La Estrella, Of Being is a Bird, The Wendigo, Away from the Roll of the Sea, Amazing Grace, Thou My Everlasting Portion

Zulal : Zulal

Review: Armenian all-woman a cappella folk trio "Zulal," (meaning clarity) pays tribute to Armenia's folk roots while creating imaginative harmonies that add fresh energy to traditional repertoire. Writing its arrangements in an organic style and focusing on the simplicity of voice, Zulal captures the heart of Armenia's rural music. In less than 3 years, Zulal has had a successful coast-to-coast US tour, an audition for Cirque du Soleil and recently, nominations for "Best Folk/Wold Album at the 2005 CARA Awards, and winner of "Best Newcomer" and "Best Vocal Traditional Album" awards at the 2005 7th Annual Armenian Music Awards. 12 songs, filled with feeling, love, angst, longing, joy and celebration. All songs and song titles are in Armenian, but the English title translations and descriptions are in the liner notes. We particularly liked "Sari Siroon Yar" (Sweetheart of the Mountains), "Im Khorodig Yar" (My Sweet Beloved), "Gakav Tuhrav" (The Partridge Took Flight), the poignant "Sareri Hovin Mernem" (I'd Die for the Mountain Wind, the lilting "Vijag" (Fortune), the romantic, dreamy "Es Kisher" (This Night), the heart-tugging "Hars Em Gnoom" (I'm Going as a Bride), the spirited "Zinch oo Zinch Dam" (What Oh What Should I Give) and the lovely "Ororotsayin" (Lullaby).

Songlist: Sweetheart of the Mountains, My Sweet Beloved, Walking, Glistening, The Partridge Took Flight, I'd Die for the Mountain Wind, Fortune, Village of 1,001 Springs, Ghapama, A Squash Dish, This Night, I'm Going As A Bride, What Oh What Should I Give?, Lullaby (Come Hither, Nightingale)

Harvard Glee Club : A Spring Farewell

Review: This is a live, 2-CD set, recorded at a Celebration of the Career of Dr. Jameson Marvin (Director of Choral Activities at Harvard from 1978 to 2010) from April 30, 2010; featuring the Harvard Glee Club, the Radcliffe Choral Society and Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, all conducted by Dr. Marvin and Associate Conductor Kevin Leong. Disc 1 has 20 songs, some favorites are Palestrina's "Sicut cervus," Thomas Tomkins' "When David Heard," Schubert's "Nachthelle-Opus 134," Randall Thompson's "Stopping by Woods," Pablo Casals' "Nigra sum," Zoltan Kodaly's "Esti dal," Stravinsky's 4-part "Podbliudniye," the American Folk song "He's Gone Away," Conductor Marvin's "Each Future Song," Steven Sametz' "Munus," and Brahms' "Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk." Disc 2 features the World Premier of Robert Kyt's two-part "Song of Awakening;" Part I is "Lament-O Lord Hear My Cry," and Part II is "Psalm-Through God Within." Kyt's work was composed in honor of Dr. Marvin's retirement, and it is followed by remarks by Rev. Peter Gomes and Jack Megan. "A Spring Farewell" is a rich, moving collection by three of America's best collegiate choruses, to honor their great Director, Conductor, teacher and friend as he steps down from his work of molding and making them what they are today!

Songlist: Sicut Cervus, When David Heard, Gazapkhuli, Nachthelle- Opus 134, All Through the Night, Stopping By Woods, Nigra Sum, Tenebrae factae sunt, Esti dal, U Spasa f Chigisah (Near the Savior's Church in Chigisy), Ovsen, Shchuka (The Pike), Puzishche (Fatso), He's Gone Away, Laudate pueri Dominum, Alma redemptoris Mater, Each Future Song, Abendlied, Munus, Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk

Sirens : PreMusical Syndrome

Review: Not to be confused with the Collegiate ensemble USC Sirens, The Sirens were formed in New York City in the Fall of 2000, and are a Contemporary a cappella all-woman septet. "PreMusical Syndrome" is their debut CD, and it's an excellent one. 8 all-a cappella cover tunes, beginning with George Michael's "Freedom 90," Lenny Kravitz' "Fly Away," Radiohead's "High and Dry" and Amanda Marshall's "Sunday Morning After." Other winners are U2's "Pride," Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling" and a very nice "TV Medley" that pushes a bunch of our nostalgia buttons. The Sirens have a fresh, clean, fun sound, we enjoyed every of "Syndrome" and we're looking forward to hearing more.

Songlist: Freedom 90, Fly Away, High & Dry, Love Will Keep Us Together, Sunday Morning After, Hooked on a Feeling, Pride (In the Name of Love), TV Medley

Various Artists : Voices Only 2005

Review: "Voices" is a generous, 2-CD set of the best of the collegiate a cappella groups, a total of 30 songs. We're particularly pleased to see and hear groups we've never heard of before, such as "What It Feels Like For A Girl," by Boston Aural Fixation, "Into the Dark" by VT Juxtaposition, "The Late Great Planet Earth" by UT Ransom Notes, "Feel Good Time" by MIT Muses, "Missing" by UPenn Penny Loafers, "Collective Soul" by Colorado In The Buff, "Only In Dreams" by Wash U in St. Louis Mosaic Whispers, "Earth Song" by UCSB Naked Voices, and "Beauty of Grey" by St. Louis Bare Naked Statues. There are familiar and welcome names from the BOCA yearly compilations, such as "All Original" by the Stanford Fleet Street Singers, "Ask the Lonely" by the Dartmouth Aires, "When I Think About Angels" by the UVA Sil'hooettes, "Never There by the Clemson TIGEROAR, "Destiny/In The Waiting Line" by the USC Sirens, and "Nothing" by Northwestern Purple Haze. The brazen, refreshing ensemble names, like the Duke Pitchforks, Cornell Class Notes, Oregon Divisi and Elon Twisted Measure go well with their music, which features innovative arrangements, rich harmonies, genuinely funny material and always interesting entertainment. Want to hear what's up in collegiate a cappella? Settle back, put the 2 CDs of "Voices Only 2005" and enjoy!

Songlist: Stutter - UNCG Spartones, This Love - USC SoCal VoCal, Street Spirit - Northeastern Downbeats, Feel Good Time - MIT Muses, Cry Me A River - UVA Hullabahoos, Destinty In the Waiting Line - USC Sirens, Here We Go - Duke Pitchforks, Silence - Cornell Class Notes, When I Grow Up - Stanford Mixed Company, Into The Dark - VT Juxtaposition, The Late Great Planet Earth - UT Ransom Notes, Catch Me If You Can - Oregon Divisi, Nothing - Northwestern Purple Haze, Collective Soul - Colorado In The Buff, What It Feels Like for A Girl - Boston Aural Fixation, Carwash - Wisconsin Redefined, Never There - Clemson TIGEROAR, Missing - Upenn Penny Loafers, For Me This Is Heaven - Harvard Lowkeys, September - Northwestern Freshman 15, When I Think About Angels - UVA Sil'hooettes, Ask The Lonely - Dartmouth Aires, Lighted Up - USC Reverse Osmosis, Only In Dreams - Wash U in St.Louis Mosaic Whispers, Hit "Em Up Style - Elon Twisted Measure, Earth Song - UCSB Naked Voices, Beauty Of Grey - St.Louis Bare Naked Statues, ll Original - Stanford Fleet Street Singers, Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk - Wesleyan Spirits, Clocks - Stanford Counterpoint

Anonymous 4 : Secret Voices

Review: The women of Anonymous 4 revisit their favorite era with repertoire from the Codex Las Huelgas. Spanning the entire 13th century - from virtuosic motets and conductus to heartfelt laments, plainchants and sacred songs - this important manuscript was compiled for a convent of aristocratic Castilian women who (in spite of a rule forbidding Cistercian nuns from singing polyphony) sang the most beautiful and demanding music from all across Gothic-era Europe.

Songlist: Virgines egregie, Ave maris stella, Claustrum Pudicicie / Virgo Viget / Flos Filius, Fa fa mi / Ut re mi, O Maria Virgo / O Maria Maris Stella, Benedicamus domino: cum cantico, Salve porta / Salve salus / Salve sancta parens, Kirie: Rex virginum amator, Gloria: Spiritus et alme, Verbum bonum et suave, Salve Virgo Regia / Ave Gloriosa Mater, Sanctus & Benedictus, Gaude Virgo Nobilis / Verbum Caro Factum / Et Veritate, Agnus dei: Gloriosa spes reorum, O monialis conscio, Benedicamus domino: Belial vocatur, In virgulto gracie, Ave Regina Celorum / Alma Redemptoris Mater, Benedicamus domino a 3, Si vocatus ad nupcias, Mater patris et filia, Benedicamus domino a 2, Omnium in te christe