Sweet Adelines 2012 International Quartet Champions, also known as "Queens of Harmony" Martini is actually an international voices across the border phenomenon, with Bass Shannon Harris and tenor Corinna Garriock hailing from Canada, and lead Michelle Shoemaker and baritone DeAnne Haugen from the United States. The group first got together in 2007 with a different tenor and lead, and placed 8th in the world 2008 in Honolulu. Michelle joined the group in early 2010, and Martini placed 5th in Seattle after just a few months of rehearsal. Then in January 2011, Corinna joined the group, and 6 rehearsals later, created magic in Houston, being crowned Queens! "Shaken, Stirred & Crowned" is a 13-song "best-of" collection that celebrates Martini's remarkable rise. Favorites are a pair of live standards, "How Are Things In Glocca Morra" and "My Baby Just Cares For Me" (with some very funny asides); a nice arrangement of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," the Mancini brothers' "Sometimes," M. James' pop hit "Hooked On A Feeling," C. McVie's "Songbird," Lerner & Lowe's "If Ever I Would Leave You," George Gershwin's "Somebody Loves Me," a nice cover of J. Lynne's "Mr. Blue Sky," R. Gaylord's "I Will Never Pass This Way Again" and the lovely traditional tune "The Parting Glass." Martini has the song selection, tight harmonies, sweet leads, powerful stage presence and ringing chords of which champions are made. Don't miss this "best-of" by Sweet Adelines' Best! |
