The vocal jazz standard "Java Jive" gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings! The four brothers of the Woody Herman sax section achieved legendary status with the tune "Four Brothers"; later Lambert, Hendricks and Ross recorded a vocal version, followed by Manhattan Transfer's rendition. Paris Rutherford's setting simplifies the vocals slightly while retaining all the drive of the original. Awesome closer to any concert! "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track with its hip '40s lyrics. Four of Manhattan Transfer's signature songs are showcased here in a 6-minute mini-medley "Manhattan Transfer Swings!" that will totally energize your concert! Includes: Four Brothers, Route 66, That Cat Is High, Tuxedo Junction.

Songlist: Java Jive, Four Brothers, Operator, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Manhattan Transfer Swings!

Mac Huff's arrangement of Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover" is from the Manhattan Transfer's recording and "Choo Choo Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track! Hip '40s lyrics and the burnin'. "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" very deservedly won a Grammy for best vocal arrangement and here is a note-for-note arrangement that matches the original recording! "How High The Moon" is an up-tempo piece has exciting vocal writing. The vocal jazz standard "Java Jive" gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings!

Songlist: Java Jive, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Dream Lover

"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is a whimsical gem for female voices and will captivate your audiences. Kirby's exquisite arrangement of this classic song lets each section blossom with a turn at the melody. Mac Huff's arrangement of Bette Midler's #1 pop hit "From A Distance" has powerful lyrics and a timeless melody that will create an unforgettable concert moment. Magical! Michele Weir's arrangements of "Rock-A-Bye Baby" is a smooth jazz delight and the vocal jazz standard "Java Jive"gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings!

Songlist: I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, Java Jive, From a Distance, Rock-A-Bye Baby

Collection for Young Voices. Mancini, young singers will groove to these accessible charts, arranged specifically for young unison voices, with optional harmony for extra jive! The Piano/Vocal Collection offers fully accompanied songs, and the Singer Edition comes in handy paks of ten with vocal parts only. Jazz up your performance with professionally-produced recordings on a separate performance/accompaniment CD. Suggested for grades 4-8

Songlist: Basin Street Blues, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, I've Got The World On A String, Java Jive, The Pink Panther, Tuxedo Junction

"Birdland" - A jazz classic written by keyboardist Joe Zawinul with lyrics by Jon Hendricks now arranged for younger choirs. A perfect showcase for your beginning vocal jazz group! "Java Jive" - It's America's favorite beverage! This great standard from the '40s regained the spotlight in the Manhattan Transfer version from 1975. This well-crafted Discovery Series arrangement will showcase your young singers at their swingin' best!"Beyond the Sea" - Here is a swing treatment of the contemporary pop standard most famously recorded in a big band swing style by Bobby Darin in 1959. Great for learning vocal jazz technique."Tuxedo Junction" - From Glenn Miller to The Manhattan Transfer, this Discovery Series arrangement gives you an authentic setting for your younger choirs! Featuring the jazzy lead line supported by the ba-bop chorus and a written scat section, your singers will groove to this accessible chart!"Basin Street Blues" - Recorded by American jazz legend, Louis Armstrong, here is a great teaching tool for introducing blues styles to your younger choirs.

Songlist: Birdland, Java Jive, Beyond the Sea, Tuxedo Junction, Basin Street Blues

The 1978 movie Ice Castles featured a musical score by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager. This wonderful ballad, "Through The Eyes Of Love," lives on and has been recorded by artists the world over. Kirby Shaw uses his exceptional arranging skill to bring us this very special arrangement. Don't miss this one! Russell Robinson embraces all the beauty and sensitivity of this Errol Garner pop tune, "Misty," in a very simple setting that will add a touch of class to any choral concert. Also included in this package is "Java Jive" arranged by Kirby Shaw, and Jeff Funk's arrangement of "Blue Moon."

Songlist: Misty, Java Jive, , Blue Moon

Formed in New York in 1969, vocal quartet Manhattan Transfer was the first group to receive Grammy Awards in both the pop and jazz categories in the same year. This special second-edition songbook features their best-known songs performed in concert and on records, from Birdland to their show closer A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. 25 songs in all, including: Body and Soul, The Boy from New York City, Chanson D'Amour, Java Jive, Love for Sale, Operator, Poinciana, Route 66, Tuxedo Junction, You Can Depend on Me and more.

Songlist: Birdland, Blue Champagne, Body and Soul, Boy From New York City (piano/vocal/guitar), Candy, Chanson D'Amour, Four Brothers, A Gal In Calico, Gloria, Java Jive, Love For Sale, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, On A Little Street In Singapore, Operator, Poinciana, Popsicle Toes, Route 66, S.O.S., Scotch and Soda, That Cat Is High, Trickle, Trickle, Tuxedo Junction, Twilight Tone, You Can Depend On Me

It's time to jive, swing, scat and more with this great teaching tool for introducing vocal jazz to your younger choirs! This classy collection of jazz favorites features easy voice-leading and supportive accompaniments that make these well-crafted arrangements a breeze to learn. From American jazz legend Louis Armstrong's classic Basin Street Blues to the quirky, jazzy Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini, young singers will groove to these accessible charts, arranged specifically for young unison voices, with optional harmony for extra jive! The Piano/Vocal Collection offers fully accompanied songs, and the Singer Edition comes in handy paks of ten with vocal parts only. Jazz up your performance with professionally-produced recordings on a separate performance/accompaniment CD. Suggested for grades 4-8.

Songlist: Basin Street Blues, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, I've Got The World On A String, Java Jive, The Pink Panther, Tuxedo Junction

Bluegrass Student Union : Legacy   

This three-CD collection by the Bluegrass Student Union, with its stellar harmonies and faultless execution, is a must-have for any fan of barbershop and will earn many new devotees. BSU, a celebrated quartet formed in 1974 and winners of the 1978 SPEBSQSA Championship, has produced a treasure. A retrospective of their entire career, the collection includes barbershop favorites such as "Coney Island Baby" and "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm." the songs from Broadway's "The Music Man" that comprised their third recording, Gershwin classics such as "Our Love is Here to Stay" and "I've Got a Crush on You," and so much more! In addition, BSU has provided extensive liner notes that explain the group history and philosophy, and reveal the musical intelligence and knowledge that is evident in their work. Another bonus is the superior quality of the recording itself, which adds to the enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Songlist: I Told Them All About You Dear (Medley), I've Found My Sweetheart Sally, When It's Darkness On The Delta, Meet Me In Rosetime Rose, Midnight Rose, Girls Medley, The Auctioneer, Eyes Medley, Just One Of Those Things, This Little Piggy, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, It's Not Where You Start/ Rose Colored Glasses Medley, Hi Neighbor, The Old Songs Medley, Biff The Friendly Purple Bear, Java Jive, The Chordbusters' March, I'm Confessin' That I Love You, Sixteen Tons, Here's To The Winners, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, The Bluegrass Gospel Medley, The Wells Fargo Wagon, Iowa Stubborn, Ya Got Trouble, Good Night My Someone, Marian The Librarian, Pick-A-Little-Talk-Little and Good Night Ladies, Shipoopi, The Sadder but Wiser Girl, and more

Recorded live in - you guessed it - in Cambridge, this male quintet is a stylistic whisper away from the King's Singers, both in terms of sound and choice of material, though the influence of the Swingles can be felt as well ("The History of Western Music"). The selections on this CD encompass several centuries, beginning with William Byrd's "Deo Gratias." Embracing the British folk ballad (Morley and Henry the VIII), and the European classical form (Chopin), the group then travels forward in time to include period classics such as "Sentimental Journey" and "The Lambeth Walk," finishing up with the wholly appropos doo wop closer, "Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight."

Songlist: Deo Gratis, Fire, Fire my Heart, Weep, O Mine Eyes, Now Is The Month Of Maying, Myfanwy, The Wee Cooper O'Fife, Pastime With Good Company, The Minute Waltz, Java Jive, Mein Kleiner, Gruner Kaktus, The History Of Western Music, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Sentimental Journey, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, The Lambeth Walk, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

Mixed quintet (two men, three women) Encore! is acclaimed music educator/performer/arranger/director Kirby Shaw's baby, and is all those things for the group, which includes his wife, Markita, singing alto. 16 classic, somewhat incongruous songs: ("Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" segueways into "Sixteen Tons, for instance, and "Java Jive" into "The Rose"). But luckily, each song is a gem, for which Kirby's flawless arranging and directing is largely responsible. Other favorites: "Ain't Misbehavin'," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "Long Ago (And Far Away)," "The Boy From New York City," and "Without a Song." Kirby and company are having big fun here, and so are we!

Songlist: A Cappella, Ain't Misbehavin', Their Hearts Were Full of Spring, Sixteen Tons, If I Ever Would Leave You, Java Jive, The Rose, Shoo-fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy, Long Ago (And Far Away), The Boy from New York City, Johnny Has Gone for A Soldier, Rock Me in the Cradle of Love, Star Spangled Banner, Three Little Fishies, A Joyful Noise, Without A Song

The Holland-America Line (HAL) was originally a shipping company that maintained an ocean route between the Netherlands and the United States. Before the days of air travel, the Rotterdam-New York journey played an important role for emigrants from Europe to America. During the 1930s, thousands of Europeans departed on one of the HAL ships, traveling from the Wilhelmina dock in Rotterdam to the United States, in search of a better life or a safe refuge. Many left their native countries forever in order to escape the growing threat of the nazi regime. This was also the case for Erich Collin, Roman Cycowski, and Harry Frommermann, all of whom sang in the famous Comedian Harmonists, and all three of whom were Jewish. They fled from Germany after the Nazis had disbanded their ensemble; ultimately they emigrated to the USA. America was not just the land of the free; it was a world power in the music business. European musicians had already been drawing inspiration from American examples for many years; the Comedian Harmonists, first set up in Berlin by Harry Frommermann in emulation of the American Revelers, were no exception.

Songlist: It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), The flatter the plate, Bel me even op (7.7.7.7.7.), Java jive, Into each life some rain must fall, Liefde in rhythme, Daniel prayed, Bel ami, Jeepers creepers, Mijn broer maakt voor het hoorspel de geluiden, I'm making believe, Matrozenlied, Morgen vaar ik weg, Dry bones, Lou de ladenlichter, Veel mooier, Brother Noah, New York, New York, Does your heart beat for me

High Society : Celebrating High Society - A Musical Journey   

Legendary foursome High Society's (Connie Noble, Kim Hulbert, Sandy Shelver and Pat Vozza) being named Sweet Adelines International Quartet Champions in 1976 led to a long, wonderful career, with concerts all over North America, a USO Tour and four top-selling albums, "High Society," "On the Road Again," "By Design" and "Fascinatin'." For all their loyal fans over the years, and for those who have never had the chance to savor the buttery harmonies, sweet leads and ringing, hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck-tingling held chords of one of Sweet Adelines' all-time great champions, we would highly recommend "Celebrating High Society." A 2-CD collection of 51 tunes, "Celebrating" leaves none of the good stuff out, including every song on their four best-selling albums! All of our favorites, "Take Me to the Land of Jazz," "Get Happy," "Top Hat Medley," "Jump Shout Boogie," "Tin Roof Boogie," "Java Jive," "In My Life," "Crazy," "Fred Astaire Medley," "Lazy River," "Lullaby of Birdland"... they're all here. Treat yourself to a tasty banquet of very Sweet Adelines!

Songlist: Tree In The Meadow, Take Me To The Land Of Jazz, Jazz Baby, As Time Goes By, Jazz Came Up The River, I'll Always Be In Love With You, Someone To Watch Over Me, There's No Business Like Show Business, Didn't We, Get Happy, That Old Feeling, 42nd Street, Top Hat Medley, On the Road Again, How Could You Believe Me Medley, Everything Old Is New Again, Thank You World, Weekend In New England, I Don't Want To Walk Without You, Jump Shout Boogie, God Bless America, Here's To The Winners, I Got Rhythm Medley, Church Bells Are Ringing For Mary, Tin Roof Blues, London By Night, The Secret Of Christmas, Joshua Medley, On The Road Again, A Little Bit Of Happiness, and more

Along with the Mills Bros, the Ink Spots were the most popular black vocal group of the 1930's and 40's, though their careers spanned such duration, that groups are still performing under the Ink Spots name. Their trademark style, with a buttery tenor vibrato over spoken interludes by the bass vocalist, and elegant yet understated accompaniment, generated a spate of hits, including their first big chart appearance with "If I Didn't Care" in 1939. Having found their niche, a series of similarly-produced songs, including "The Gypsy," "Java Jive," "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" and "Prisoner of Love," capitalized on the record-buying public's attention. Though there were many subsequent personnel changes, the group sustained both artistic quality and popular success, and no music collection is complete without the Ink Spots.

Songlist: If I Didn't Care, My Prayer, Java Jive, I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You), I'm Making Believe, Into Each Life Some Rain Will Fall, The Gypsy, I'm Beginning to See the Light, Prisoner of Love, To Each His Own

Through changing pop styles the popularity of the Ink Spots remained strong. Across the globe, audiences flocked to hear their unique blend and fresh approach to the music. Spotlighted on this CD are some their greats, including "I Love You Truly," "My Wild Irish Rose" and "Shine On Harvest Moon." Not to be forgotten, closing the program is one of their most beloved hits from 1940, "Java Jive." No matter the changes in style, these songs will always be classics.

Songlist: I Love You Truly, Stars Fell On Alabama, My Wild Irish Rose, Just for A Thrill, Shine On Harvest Moon, It's Been A Long, Long Time, When You Were Sweet Sixteen, I've Got the World on a String, Address Unknown, In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree, Blueberry Hill, You Always Hurt the One You Love, In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town, Java Jive

Brittany, Tenor, age 14; Mary, Bass, age 15; Mia, Lead, age 14 and Caitlin, Baritone, age 17 are lovely, casually dressed and very young-looking (2 of them still have braces) in a photograph on the front of the one-page liner notes of their debut CD, "Moments to Remember." On the photo on the back, they look much more mature, nicely coifed and wearing matching gowns, earrings and, oh yeah, Sweet Adelines medals around their necks. On July 22nd Sweet Adelines held their 2005 "Rising Star Quartet Contest," for groups age 25 or younger, in Greenville, South Carolina, and Sunnyvale, CA's UnderAge took the Gold! "Moments" is an impressive first CD, with 11 excellent covers, some favorites: "Whatever Happened to the Old Songs," "Mister Sandman," "This Little Piggy Went to Market," the title tune, "One Fine Day," "Java Jive," "Sentimental Journey" and the final cut, Billy Joel's "And So It Goes." We think it's a very good move on Sweet Adelines' part to encourage younger singers, and we expect great things of UnderAge!

Songlist: Whatever Happened To The Old Songs, Will It Be Me This Time, Mister Sandman, This Little Piggy Went To The Market, The Moment I Saw Those Eyes, Moments To Remember, One Fine Day, Java Jive, When I'm Sixty-Four, Sentimental Journey, And So It Goes

A collection of both live and studio recordings covering the quartet's early years and all their classic hits with 40 songs in all.

Songlist: Boy From New York City, Java Jive, Gloria, Helpless, Tuxedo Junction, Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone, Ray's Rockhouse, Mystery, Smile Again, Birdland, Four Brothers, Rambo, Meet Benny Bailey, Airegin, To You, Sing Joy Spring, Move, That's Killer Joe, The Duke Of Dubuque, Gloria, On The Boulevard, Shaker Song, Ray's Rockhouse, Birdland, Route 66, Jeannine, Malaise En Malaisie, Trickle Trickle, Boy From New York City, This Independence, and more

The Manhattan Transfer : Manhattan Transfer   

The debut album recorded in 1975. Contains "Operator," the first Transfer song to garner the public's attention. It's an impressive opening gambit, and is still consistent with their style-be it on "Candy," "Tuxedo Junction" or "Java Jive." "You Can Depend On Me" is a fast sprint, "Blue Champagne" an elegant toast to the era of the speakeasy. "Occapella" is a bluesy uptempo tune that sounds a bit like early Bonnie Raitt. Also, an early version of "Heart's Desire," (later re-recorded on "Bop Doo Wopp." ) All songs are accompanied, with particular depth in the horn/reed sections.

Songlist: Tuxedo Junction, Sweet Talking Guy, Operator, 'Candy, Gloria, Clap Yo' Hands, That Cat Is High, You Can Depend On Me, Blue Champagne, Java Jive, Occapella, Heart's Desire

The Manhattan Transfer : Anthology: Down in Birdland   

Two CD's and a 52 page booklet: 39 songs of the best of vocal jazz' premier harmony group. A retrospective of their career up to and including cuts from "Brasil." Of course it includes all of the well-known Transfer hits-"Boy From New York City," "Operator" etc., but also standards such as their Grammy-winning "Route 66,' "Love For Sale" and "Body and Soul." The marvelous a cappella of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" and "Foreign Affair," (both arranged by Gene Puerling) are special highlights.

Songlist: Disc One, Trickle Trickle, Gloria, Operator, Helpless, Ray's Rockhouse, Heart's Desire (Live Version), Lindy Lou, Mystery, Baby Come Back To Me (The Morse Code of Love), Route 66, Java Jive, Chanson D'Amour, Foreign Affair (a cappella, arranged by Gene Puerling), Smile Again, Spice of Life, The Speak Up Mambo (Cuentame), Soul Food To Go (Sina), So You Say (Esquinas), Boy From New York City, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone, Disc Two, Four Brothers, Blee Blop Blues, Candy, A Gal In Calico, Love For Sale, On A Little Street In Singapore, Tuxedo Junction, That Cat Is High, and more

The Manhattan Transfer : Swing   

A study in the nature of swing, the Transfer have recorded a definitive musical treatise on the topic. Using their voices as instruments-specifically, the horn and reed sections-the group performs material that could be categorized broadly as either urban or rural swing. For example, on "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," (featuring Asleep At The Wheel) the instrumentation includes steel guitar and fiddles. "Java Jive" is performed at a more relaxed tempo and with a warmer feel. Long time Manhattan Transfer collaborator Jon Hendricks stepped up to write lyrics to Jelly Roll Morton's "King Porter Stomp" and Basie's "A Study In Brown." "Clouds" (music by Django Reinhardt) features a splendid violin solo by Stephane Grappelli and a breathy vocal solo passage that evokes the atmosphere of a smoky Paris nightclub. Wonderful listening.

Songlist: Stomp Of King Peter, Sing A Study In Brown, Sing Moten's Swing, A-Tisket, A-Tasket, I Know Why (And So Do You), Sing You Sinners, Java Jive, Down South Camp Mettin', Topsy, Clouds, Skyliner, It's Good Enough To Keep, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie

The Manhattan Transfer : Jukin'   

Where it all began-the group was then a five piece and contained only Tim Hauser, bass singer, from the subsequent line-up. The production values and the quality of the voices are all professional enough, but it bears as much resemblance to the later incarnation as an apple to an orange, and the material brings back memories of seventies lounge acts and television pop stars. "You're A Viper" and "Java Jive" are as close as you can get-the former a swinging horn workout and the latter a relatively subdued version of the a cappella standard. "Guided Missiles" harkens back to Tim's doo-wop roots-he began his career as a teenage doo wop singer in a group called the Criterions.

Songlist: Chicken Bone Bone, I Need A Man, You'se A Viper, Fair And Tender Ladies, Rosianna, Sunny Disposish, Java Jive, One More Time Around Rosie, Guided Missiles, Roll, Daddy, Roll

Few groups have a more distinguished pedigree than the Transfer. Since their formation in New York in 1972, these four voices (two male, two female) have notched up numerous gold and platinum albums, and accumulated a shelf full of Grammy's. Their performance of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" (included here) won a Grammy for its Gene Puerling arrangement. With collaborators Jon Hendricks and Richie Cole, they promulgated the use of the vocalese technique-singing lyrics over jazz solos. They had their biggest hit of their career, with "Boy From New York City," in 1981, when it went to number seven. "Route 66" and "Tuxedo Junction" were made famous by Nat King Cole and Glenn Miller respectively ("Route 66" won the group yet another Grammy in 1983). "Birdland" was originally recorded by Weather Report; with the addition of Jon Hendricks' lyrics, a Transfer classic was born. This is required listening for vocal jazz fans.

Songlist: Boy From New York City, Trickle Trickle, Gloria, Operator, Tuxedo Junction, Four Brothers, Ray's Rockhouse, Soul Food To Go (Sina), Spice Of Life, Baby Come Back To Me(The Morse Code Of Love), Candy, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, Birdland, Java Jive, Route 66, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone

The Manhattan Transfer : Boy From New York City   

A budget-priced collection of some of their early hits.

Songlist: Boy From New York City, Java Jive, Gloria, Helpless, Tuxedo Juction, Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone, Ray's Rockhouse, Mystery, Smile Again, Birdland

The Manhattan Transfer : Definitive Pop   

The ultimate Manhattan Transfer release! Here in this two CD collection are 30 of the fabulous vocal jazz quartet's best recordings spanning the 25 plus years they have been harmonizing together. All the greatest hits are here plus several of the group's personal favorite tracks. The release comes with a insert which includes photos and a history of the group. This is top-knotch four part vocal harmony!

Songlist: Tuxedo Junction, Java Jive, Candy, Gloria, Operator, Chanson D'Amour, The Speak Up Mambo, Four Brothers, Popsicle Toes, On A Little Street In Singapore, A Nightengale Sang In Berkeley Square, Until I Met You, Trickle Trickle, Twilight Zone, Bridland, Boy From New York City, Smile Again, Spice Of Life, Route 66, Mystery, Why Not! (Mahatten Carnival), Baby Come Back To Me (The Morse Code Of Love), Sing Joy Spring, Another Night In Tunesia, Soul Food To Go, So You Say, Stomp Of King Porter, Clouds, Nothing Could Be Hotter Than That, The Offbeat Of Avenues

The four man, one woman swing/jazz group The Modernaires, who rode their distinctive bright, jazzy vocal style from the big band era of the 40s, up into the vocal jazz nightclub sound of the 60s, are featured on another wonderful EMI compilation of two lps. The lps are a tribute to two of their Swing Era contemporaries, bandleaders Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller, giving us 24 wonderful jazz band-accompanied winners: "Tuxedo Junction," "A String of Pearls," "Sunrise Serenade," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "In The Mood," "Little Brown Jug," "Stardust," "Boogie Woogie," "Song of India," "Yes, Indeed," "I'll Never Smile Again"...we could go on and on, but let us just say that each song is a classic and a hit. The Modernaires had timeless class, style, humor and the kind of tight, sweet harmonies that put their own stamp on songs we thought we'd heard before. A great gift for two kinds of people: anyone who was lucky enough to have been there to listen and dance to this great music when it came out, and anyone who wasn't!

Songlist: There! I've Said it Again, Coffee Five, Doughnuts Five (Coffee and Doughnuts Ten), Jukebox Saturday Night, Salute to Glenn Miller, a. Moonlight Serenade, b. Elmer's Tune, c. Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me), d. Chattanooga Choo Choo, To Each His Own, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Pennies from Heaven, Margie, You Call it Madness (But I Call it Love), Ain't Misbehavin', Stardust, Bidin' My Time, My Friend Irma, On Accounta Because I Love You, Java Jive

Northbrook, IL's 95-strong NTC, founded in 1982 as a performance and competition chorus and the intention of becoming one of the best men's choruses in the world, reached that goal in 2001, when, after 8 years of second place medals, they won the coveted gold. Director and arranger Jay Giallombardo, who was a charter member of the group and a member of SPEBSQSA since 1968, has made his devotion to musical quality a guiding light for New Tradition since its inception. That smooth, powerful quality is clear on all of "Sentimental's" 13 classic cuts: "Big Band Days," "Tuxedo Junction," "Taking a Chance on Love," "Skylark," "Everything Old Is New Again," "Do Nothin' 'Till You Hear from Me," "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby," "Java Jive," a stunning "The White Cliffs of Dover" (recorded live at the 2001 SPEBSQSA Chorus Finals), a marvelous "Gershwin Medley," "Imagination," the lovely title tune, and a live bonus track, "dedicated to the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001." "Sentimental" is a nostalgic treat from start to finish by one of the best choruses on the planet.

Songlist: Big Band Days, Tuxedo Junction, Taking A Chance On Love, Skylark, Everything Old Is New Again, Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me, You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, Java Jive, The White Cliffs of Dover, Gershwin Medley, Imagination, Sentimental Journey

From the first strains of the opening track, "Sisters," it's clear that Betcha Bottom Dollar is not a typical debut album. But then the Puppini Sisters are not a typical pop act, at least not in the 21st century. Their close, three-part harmonies are reminiscent of the vocal groups of the 1930s and 1940s, and particularly the Andrews Sisters. But rather than sounding like an anachronism, the Puppini Sisters merely demonstrate the timelessness of some of these songs. Betcha Bottom Dollar is fresh, fun and vibrant, blowing the dust off of cobwebby classics like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Mr. Sandman". Elsewhere, they also put their own unique stamp on more recent hits, with varying results. While Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" fail to get things swinging, Blondie's "Heart of Glass" and the Smiths' "Panic" are both injected with a fresh new (old?) sound. Much credit must also be given to producer Benoit Charest, who manages to employ a whole host of instrumentation and orchestration, whilst never forgetting to put the voices of the Puppini Sisters front and centre. It might be easy to dismiss the Puppini Sisters' debut as another novelty album, but their intentions and love for the style--like their voices themselves--are crystal clear.

Songlist: Sisters, Mr.Sandman, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Java Jive, Bei Mir Bist Du Sehon, Wuthering Heights, Jeepers Creepers, I Will Survive, Tu Quo Fa L'americano, Heart Of Glass, Sway, Danie, Heebie Jeebies, In Mood

Tuxedo Junction : Tuxedo Junction   

Even if you don't give a fig about barbershop, you'll find yourself appreciating the warm and heartfelt performance of this foursome from Austin, Texas. Yes, it's four part harmony in the barbershop style, for certain, but their tastes are as sprawling as the great state they call home. Standards are the majority, with special kudos for a standout arrangement of "When I Fall In Love"; the luscious harmonic motion of the coda is pure honey. Other pleasures are "Peg O' My Heart," "It Had To Be You" and their namesake, "Tuxedo Junction," as well as the doo wop favorite, "Silhouettes," Larry Gatlin's "Alleluia," the Beach Boys' "In My Room" and our nomination for the most sylvan of melodies, "Lullaby."

Songlist: Tuxedo Junction, Java Jive, It Had To Be You, When I Fall In Love, Jeepers Creepers / Them There Eyes Medley, I Can Dream, Can't I?, Peg O' My Heart, Birth Of The Blues, Midnight Blues, Lida Rose / will I Ever Tell You?, In My Room, Silhouettes, Alleluia, Lullaby

Mandatory for fans of vintage vocal jazz, this delightful collection also documents the musical evolution of the genre with great groups such as the Mills Bros., Andrews Sisters and Dandridge Sisters, as well as many less famous but still important ensembles. "Caravan," "Tuxedo Junction," " Java Jive" and "Stormy Weather" are included, but it's equally a treat to hear "That's My Weakness Now," (The Rhythm Boys, who had Bing Crosby as a member) or the silly humor of "The Girl In the Little Green Hat." All tracks are accompanied.

Songlist: Breezin' Along With The Breeze, The Whisper Song, Too Busy!, Dear, On A Night Like This, That's My Weakness Now, The Girl In The Green Hat, At The Baby Parade, Sweet Jennie Lee!, Dinah, Oh! By Jingo, Stormy Weather, Cuban Tango, America Calling- Medley, Why Don't You Practice What You Preach, In The Shade Of The Old Apple-Tree, Caravan, Everybody Step!, Mandy, Bidin' My Time, Undecided, Tuxedo Junction, Shakespeare In Rhythm, Java Jive, Breathless, Auf Wiederseh'n, My Dear

Perfect Gentlemen : "Live" In Paradise   

The focus in the Barbershop world is excellence in live performance, and all of us in the audience of the 2002 Harmony Sweeps Finals were treated to one of the best, the set of LA's The Perfect Gentlemen. "Live" gives everyone else a chance to join the excited, appreciative audience enjoying the Gentlemen live in concert, at the historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu. (This would be a good time to warn purists that there is, not too surprisingly, some ukelele accompaniment in several of the songs). PG classics "Meanest Thing You Ever Did," "They Wrote 'Em in the Good Old Days," "Java Jive," "Room Service" and "I Want You to Be My Baby" all lead up to the Gents' hilarious masterpiece, "Salute to the 20th Century," with costumes, wigs, and musical renditions of "Shine On Harvest Moon" in everything from Barbershop and Dixieland to Blues, Big Band and Doo-Wop to Disco, Techno Punk and Rap. And believe us, you haven't lived until you've seen 4 kind of chubby barbershop guys in sunglasses, NFL jerseys and spats do a devastatingly funny takedown of Rap music. Great stuff!

Songlist: Meanest Thing You Ever Did, They Wrote 'Em In The Good Ol' Days, Java Jive, Room Service, I Want You To Be My Baby, Salute To The 20th Century, Ukulele Lady

The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame was created to honor the Greatest Vocal Groups of the World, to preserve their music at a world-class museum, to promote their music and memories throughout the world and to pay tribute to the inductees as National Music Treasures. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was designed to perpetuate the life long careers of the Inducted Artists, recognizing them as inventors and creators of the music that influenced today's pop culture, promoting their music to many fans, and bring to the attention of the world, their legacy for many generations to come. The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony honors these great groups and features their legendary music.

Songlist: White Christmas, Shout, Who Are We?/ Down By the Wayside, I'll Never Smile Again, Medley, Sunday Kind of Love, Devil or Angel, Maybe, Along Comes Mary, Windy, Charlie Brown, Standing on the Corner, Birdland, Trickle Trickle, America, The Beautiful, At the Hop, Baby Please Don't Go, In the Mood, I'm So Proud, One Less Bell To Answer, Aquarius/ Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures), Java Jive, Goody Goody, This Magic Moment, Come A Little Bit Closer, Dancing in the Streets, Since I Don't Have You, Reflections, America, The Beautiful