It's a heartwarming story, Ray Barnett's trip to Uganda to try to do something about the thousands of orphans dying of starvation in a bloody civil war. Much prayer and help from church groups later, the first ACC was selected and brought back to the US. Thus the world got to see actual beautiful, bright, singing African children, which in turn has led to thousands being helped and saved. In "Village" we are delighted by the smiling voices of these remarkable children on 25 lightly accompanied traditional African folk songs, and African-American spirituals. Traditional African songs like "Parapanda," "Abataka," "Jabulani Africa," "Mujje," "Ensi Zonna," "Bolingo" and "Kinakyo" blend well with songs in English like "From a Distance," "It Takes A Whole Village," "Because You Loved Me," "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" and "Seed to Sow." In case we haven't been clear, we'll just come out and say it: this is a feel-good CD, from the buying of it (which supports the ACC's good work), to the reading about these kids on the liner notes, to listening to every cut of this wonderful music! 

Songlist: Parapanda, Abataka, Jabulani Africa, Natamaba, It Takes A Whole Village, Mujje, Ensi Zonna, From A Distance, Kamuwe Ekirabo, O Happy Day, Bolingo, Kinakyo, O Sifuni Mungu, Ndyahimbisa, Eggulu Lyajjula Ettendo, Because You Loved Me, Betelehemu, Chwinywa, Seed to Sow, Let There Be Peace, Generation Song, Nagirira

The Ambassadors of Harmony is Barbershop in grand form. Boasting premier talent, great versatility, and proven diligence, they shine as brightly as their medals won from numerous International Chorus competitions. This particular effort titled "Sing Sing Sing", the Louis Prima title track, is seasoned with Traditionals of the Jazz, Americana, English and Folk kind. Upon hearing, it is very easy to detect how much fun these guys are having. Sometimes certain music is best seen live, and it is roaringly apparent that this group is an incredible sight to see. These men sing with so much expression, you might feel you are right there in the audience. "That Old Black Magic," made famous by the Suntones, "The Heather on the Hill" by Loerner and Lowe, "Hard Times Come Again No More", by Stephen Foster are songs included in this new release. Directed by David Wright and Gas House Gang's Jim Henry.

Songlist: That Old Black Magic, Sing, Sing, Sing, The Heather On The Hill, What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wonderful One, Royal Garden Blues, South Rampart Street Parade, Orange Colored Sky, Mississippi Mud, Hard Times Come Again No More, When I Lift Up My Head, Betelehemu

It's the night before Christmas and all through the world people gather to share stories, poems and music of this wondrous night. Thus the narrator of A Child's Christmas in Bethlehem draws us into a magical recording that includes carols spanning seven centuries and five languages as well as poems and stories that take us from Bethlehem in the Holy Land where we are present at the birth of Jesus as seen through a child's eyes, to diverse Christmas traditions of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the present day.

Songlist: The Three Kings, The gift carol, Of the Father's love begotten, Noel nouvelet, Long Ago in Bethlehem, Dormi, dormi bambin, Ding Dong! Merrily on high, Betelehemu, A la nanita nana, Carol, God Moves in a Mysterious Way, What Sweeter Music, The Angel Gabriel, Sleep Well Thou Child of God

Tantara Records is pleased to reintroduce the best seller that marked the emergence of the BYU Men's Chorus as a recording ensemble under the baton of then conductor Mack Wilberg (now director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). Rousing hymns ("Redeemer of Israel," "Lead Kindly Light," and more) and folk songs from around the world ("Whoa, Haw, Buck and Jerry Boy" from early Utah, the immensely popular television favorite "Betelehemu" from Nigeria, and more) characterize this wonderful collection, which is newly available after a long hiatus in its new, digitally remastered form.

Songlist: Brothers, Sing On, Redeemer of Israel, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Lead, Kindly Light, The Morning Trumpet, Dry Bones, If I Got My Ticket, Can I Ride?, Child of God, Three Welsh Songs, The Yellow Sheepskin, Fair Lisa, Once a Farmer and His Wife, Tahiti, Hej, Dziny, Dziny, Dom, Blow Ye Winds Westerly, Cindy, Titery-Irie-Aye, Whoa, Haw, Buck, and Jerry Boy, Odun De, Betelehemu, We'll Shout and Give Him Glory, Battle Hymn of the Republic

Seen nationally on PBS since it was first broadcast in 1993, A Celebration of Christmas embraces the spiritual, traditional, and international spirit of Christmas. You and your family will enjoy this program for many years to come. Available on CD, video, or on a newly remastered DVD.

Songlist: I Saw Three Ships, Away In A Manger, Make We Merry on This Fest, Make We Merry on This Fest, Sing We Now of Christmas, Deck the Hall, Wondrous Night, Carol of the Drum, Betelehemu, Puer Nobis, Nowel, Austrian Yodel Carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Need A Little Christmas, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Troika, from Lieutenant Kije Suite, op. 60, The Sycamore Tree, He Is the Root and the Offspring of David, from The Redeemer, Angels We Have Heard on High

The re-imagined Christmas story takes viewers and audience members on a musical "Journey to Bethlehem," combining the pageantry of opera and the grandeur of choral orchestral masterworks. Composer Dr. Rene Clausen weaves sonorous and celebratory Christmas music throughout the concert.

Songlist: Fantasia O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, O Holy Night, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, E'n So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, What Child, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, Silent Night, Sanctus, Betelehemu, Estampie Natalis, Dansaron: E La Don Don, Gloria, O Little Town of Bethlehem, We Three Kings of Orient Are, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Praise To the Lord, Stay With Us, Compline

The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Counterpoint Christmas -- a fanciful journey around the world during the holiday season. Selections include familiar and less-familiar melodies and carols from around the world ending with the splendid suite of Argentinean Carols, Navidad Nuestra, by Ariel Ramirez. This beautifully-produced CD will put you in the spirit of the season while presenting a unique collection of exciting Christmas music. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, a Counterpoint Christmas will be a great selection.

Songlist: Navidad Nuestra, Ritsch Ratsch Filibom, Away In A Manger, A Wealden Trio, The Souling Song, Christmas Song, Christmas In The Southwest, La Trulla, Betelehemu

Richard Larsen and his choir Kantorei have been garnering great acclaim in recent years and their latest release shows why. The lovely name of the recording "Small Blue Marble" refers to the world as it showcases choral music from around the globe including songs from Thailand, South Africa, Nigeria, Spain, Scotland, Cuba, Israel and many others. Larsen has selected some intriguing compositions that celebrates the unity and diversity of cultures thru choral music and the choir singing is top-notch even when challenged to imitate a variety of Latin American percussions instruments while navigating dense choral structures.

Songlist: Betelehemu, Cuncti Simus, Sugismaastikud, On Hilissuvi, Ule Taeva Jooksevad Pilvad, Kanarbik, Keine Feuer Keine Kohle Kann Brennen So Heiss, The Fields Of Corn Are Gone, Past Life Melodies, Ngam Sang Duan, Diu Diu Deng, La Villanella, Himne - Temmingh, Horizons, Vamuvamba, Loch Lomond, Barbara Allen, El Guayboso, Sim Shalom (Prayer For Peace)erg, Zum Gali, This Little Light Of Mine

Not surprisingly, on most of their excellent CDs the Nordic Choir focuses on selections of Christian sacred and spiritual music. In a dramatic change of direction that highlights the Choir's versatility, "Horses" is a collection of World music, beginning with the thundering drums of David Fanshawe's "African Sanctus" and the gentle guitar riffs of "A La Nanita Nana" by Roger Folstrom, the CD continually surprises us. The powerful "Betelehemu" is a "bring the house down" piece in concert, "Prayer of the Children," brings tears remembering children caught in bloodshed and ethnic conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1970, and the Chinese "Usuli Boat Song," celebrates finding ways to be happy. The final cut, the title tune, a Mongolian song actually called "Naiman Sharag," gives the feeling of horses running, the song ends quietly, as if the horses are in the far distance. Some strong percussion and light accompaniment. A wonderful, powerful CD!

Songlist: African Sanctus, A La Nanita nana, Betelehemu, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Prayer of the Children, Hacia Belen va un borrico, Cantos Sagrados, African Noel, Song of Cherubim, Usuli Boat Song, Noel Ayisyen (Haitian Noel), Shut de Do, Naiman Sharag (The Eight Chestnut Horses)

200 young voices raised in harmony, committed to musical excellence in rehearsals, performances, at festivals and on tour all over the globe-this is what the SCC is all about. "Voices" is a best-of Christmas collection of 20 songs, recorded from 2001 to 2004, by the elite smaller groups within the Chorus, Arioso, Intermezza, Camerata, and the combined Choruses. Favorites, hard to pick, are the sweet "Petit Enfant" and the lilting "Noel Nouvelet" by Arioso, "Ho Ro Ho Ro," "Arise Now, You Shepherds" and "Christmas Time is Here" by Intermezzo, Camerata's "O Magnum Mysterium," "Betelehemu" and the nice medley "Christmas Pudding," and "The Lamb" and "Hodie Christus Natus Est" by the combined Choirs. There is something wonderfully right and appropriate about a talented children's choir singing classic Christmas music! All tracks are lightly accompanied.

Songlist: Arioso:, Magnificat, Petit Enfant, Noel Nouvelet, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Intermezzo:, He Shall Feed His Flock, How Far is it to Bethelem?, Ho Ro Ho Ro, Arise Now, You Shepherds, Christmas Time is Here, Combined Choruses:, The Lamb, Arioso:, Come, Dear Children, Ziemas svetki sabraukusi, Gloria from Mass No. 6, Camerata:, Gloria, O Magnum Mysterium, Betelehemu, Christmas Pudding, Gloria, Combined Choruses, Hodie Christus Natus Est, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Denver Mile High, CO's The Sound of the Rockies chorus have placed in the top ten of SPEBSQSA's International Chorus competition 5 times, including a 6th place at the 2006 competition in Indianapolis. "Goodness and Light" is the group's very special Christmas CD, which highlights its depth of sound, musical diversity and heartfelt performances. 14 songs, "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season" medley, a lively arrangement and strong solo (and vocal percussion) on "Holly and the Ivy," a lovely "Ave Maria," the spiritual "Mary Had a Baby" with guest artist "Ignition!," a spirited "The First Hanukkah," "I Wonder as I Wander," a silly "50 Kilowatt Tree," a powerful "This Christmas Day Medley," "O Holy Night," a sumptuous "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" "Let It Snow" with Guest Artist Denver A Cappella Project" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" are some favorites. One of the most talented choruses in the world brings us a rich Christmas collection that is indeed all "Goodness & Light!"

Songlist: Happy Holiday/Holiday Season, The Holly & The Ivy, Ave Maria, Betelehemu, Mary Had A BAby, The First Hanukkah, I Wonder As I Wander, 50 Kilowatt Tree, This Christmas Day, O Holy Night, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Let It Snow, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Do You Hear What I Hear?

Sound Of The Rockies : Sing We Noel   

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

This is a 2-CD set of one of the largest and most magnificent Christmas events, the 95th annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, featuring the St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Cantorei, Manitou Singers, Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus, performing both as individual groups and a massed ensemble. In reviews of previous festivals, we often wondered if anything had to be left on the cutting room floor, but with this 2-CD set removes all such thoughts. John Steiner's "God So Loved the World," Caroline Jennings' "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain," "Christ is Alive," Founder F. Melius Christiansen's "Lost in the Night," John Ferguson's "Isaiah's Voice" and "Mary's Story and The Magnificat," Paul Webber's "Arise, Shine," Rosephayne Powell's "The Word Was God," Miles Lane's "All Hail the Power," Benjamin Britten's "The Spirit of the Lord"... these beautiful songs are interspersed with narration about the story of Christmas. If you have heard one or more of these collections, you will know how wonderful and inspiring they are. If you haven't, prepare yourself for a sumptuous Christmas treat!

Songlist: Lo, How A Rose e'er Blooming, God So Loved The World, Climb To The Top Of The Highest Mountain, Christ Is Alive, Christus Paradox, Lost In The Night, Isaiah's Voice, A Spotless Rose, Mary's Story And The Magnificat, The Road Ahead, Arise Shine, And The Glory Of The Lord, Joy To The World, The Word Was God, Karin Boye's Evening Pyayer, Out Of Your Sleep Arise, Gloria, The Godly Stranger, Go Where I Send Thee, O How Beautiful The Sky, Pat-A-Pan, Betelehemu, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Praise To The Lord, The Spirit Of The Lord, All Hail The Power, Beautiful Savior

Dr. Christopher Aspaas, assistant professor of choral/vocal music at Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College directs the Viking Chorus, a group of more than 80 first-year student men who have been organized to sing the highest quality literature. Their repertoire includes motets, cantata movements and anthems, contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, folksongs, and music traditionally associated with men's singing groups. There are 17 songs here, some favorites are the Moses Hogan spiritual "Plenty Good Room," the African song "One by One," from "Rhythm of the Pridelands," "The Water is Wide/Blow Ye Winds" medley, the profound "This is My Song" by Jean Sibelius, the rhythmic gem (with non-vocal percussion) "Betelehemu," the powerful spiritual "Rainbow Round My Shoulder," Ludovico Viadana's "Exsultate Justi," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," Eric Sayre's "Agnus Dei," and the traditional songs "Danny Boy," "Byker Hill," "Loch Lomond" and "Shine on Me." There is some light accompaniment (such as organ, piano and percussion). "Repertoire" is a strong collection, sung with a masculine, soulful spirit that touches and moves us!

Songlist: One By One, Exsultate Justi, Barechu, The Word Was God, Ave Maria, Agnus Dei, Lost In The Night, Betelehemu, O God, Our Help In Ages Past, This Is My Song, Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder, The Water Is Wide/Blow Ye Winds, Danny Boy, Byker Hill, Loch Lomond, Plenty Good Room, Shine On Me

The Choral Project : Of Christmastide   

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

Vocal Majority : Believe   

It's not very often that one can say with certainty in the music business that any particular group is the very best of its type in the world. Yet we can say as much with this barbershop chorus as they have 11 gold medals to prove it - more than any other chorus in history. We therefore always have high hopes of their new recordings and expect something close to perfection. Well once again they surpass themselves on this holiday gem. One of the things that always impress is how such a sweet, sometimes so gentle; sound can come from such a large chorus of male only voices. Director (and arranger of many of the songs) Jim Clancy truly has a talent for coaxing the very purest of sound from a chorus. There is the occasional accompanied Christmas ornamentation and some very strong solosby Jay Dennis, Steve DeCrow and Jeff Oxley but it's the harmony that counts, and this recording has some of the best!

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Believe, Mary's Boy Child, What Child is This?, My Grown-Up Christmas List, Christmas Time Is Here, Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells, That's What I Want for Christmas, Christmas Lullaby, Betelehemu, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, Birthday of a King

A delightful Christmas disc, sung by a medium-sized men's choir under the baton of their new director, Frank Albinder (formerly of Chanticleer). Daniel Pinkham's popular Christmas Cantata is the centerpiece of this program, in a rarely heard (original) arrangement for men's voices and brass.

Songlist: Benedicamus Domino, Noel!, O Come, O Come, Emanuel, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Holy Child, The Chanticleer's Carol, Of The Father's Love Begotten, Deck The Hall, Christmas Cantata: Maestoso, Christmas Cantata: Adagio, Christmas Cantata: Allegro, Little Lamb, Coventry Carol, Betelehemu, Of The Father's Love Begotten, A Stable-Lamp Is Lighted, The First Nowell, In Dulci Jubilo, The Glory Manger, Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes

The re-imagined Christmas story takes viewers and audience members on a musical "Journey to Bethlehem," combining the pageantry of opera and the grandeur of choral orchestral masterworks. Composer Dr. Rene Clausen weaves sonorous and celebratory Christmas music throughout the concert.

Songlist: There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, E'n So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Silent Night, Sanctus, Betelehemu, Mannerchor, Estampie Natalis, Veni Sancte Spiritus, I Wonder As I Wander, Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Praise To The Lord, Stay With Us, Compline

The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Counterpoint Christmas -- a fanciful journey around the world during the holiday season. Selections include familiar and less-familiar melodies and carols from around the world ending with the splendid suite of Argentinean Carols, Navidad Nuestra, by Ariel Ramirez. This beautifully-produced DVD will put you in the spirit of the season while presenting a unique collection of exciting Christmas music. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, a Counterpoint Christmas will be a great selection. If you are a teacher needing an activity for a substitute to use, this is a worthwhile way for your singers to spend a class period!

Songlist: One Horse Open Sleigh, Ritsch, Ratsch, Filbom, Christmas In The Southwest, Oh, Mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A La Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana sobre Campana, El Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirrquitin, El Rorro, Away In A Manger, The Wealden Trio, The Souling Song, Navidad Nuestra, Betelehemu