Based on the Nat "King" Cole classic big band recording, this arrangement of "Orange Colored Sky" stacks a swingin' close harmony quartet on a walking vocal bass with soprano lead (either section or solo). Plenty of syncopated rhythms and playful background lyrics make this very fun to sing. The center "instrumental" section allows you to feature a quartet of your most impressive part singers. The a cappella arrangement of "Come Fly With Me" takes the listener on a trip around the world on the wings of one of Frank Sinatra's most iconic songs. Walking bass and playful background parts support a swingin' solo. Vocal percussion optional. "Caravan" - imagine Duke Ellington taking a year's sabbatical in Morroco: A wordless, rhythmically complex Middle-eastern tinged arrangement that breaks into straight jazz in the B section. S, A and T split in half with one trio echoing the other's tight horn sectin-like voicings. Vocal or standad percussion works well here especially multiple percussionists. With "Sing, Sing, Sing" you'll swear you hear an entire big band coming out of your voices in this lyricless take on Benny Goodman's classic recording. Not so easy to sing, but very impressive when all put together and a huge crowd pleaser. No solo, melodic lines move from part to part. vocal percussion is optional.

Songlist: Sing, Sing, Sing, Come Fly With Me, Orange Colored Sky, Caravan

Sting's poignant song, 'Fragile,' expresses our vulnerability, and this sensitive arrangement will touch the hearts of singers and audiences alike. Written in the collegiate a cappella style but accessible to solid high school groups, this tune is timeless. 'Breakfast at TIffany's' is a perennial favorite of student a cappella groups since one-hit wonder Deep Blue Something charted in the 90s, this upbeat tune is finally available in published form. 'Brown Eyed Girl,' a Van Morrison classic is accessible for newly formed a cappella groups, and satisfying for more experienced ensembles. Popularized by Nat King Cole, the Great American Songbook tune, 'Orange Colored Sky,' provides an upbeat vehicle for either a baritone or alto soloist. If your singers are clamoring for an upbeat pop tune from this century, you can't go wrong with Maroon 5's megahit "This Love." Arranged in the collegiate a cappella style but not too difficult for high school groups.

Songlist: This Love, Orange Colored Sky, Brown Eyed Girl, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Fragile

Popularized by Nat King Cole, 'Orange Colored Sky,' from the Great American Songbook, provides an upbeat vehicle for either a baritone or alto soloist. Swing it! Popularized by Roberta Flack in the 1970s, updated by the Fugees and Lauryn Hill in the 90s, 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' connects with many generations. This arrangement provides a terrific vehicle to show off the talents of a sensitive female soloist. A perennial favorite of student a cappella groups since one-hit wonder Deep Blue Something charted in the 90s, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' is finally available in published form. ABBA is back, so get some dancing shoes for your choir! Upbeat, infectious and fun, 'Dancing Queen' will bring energy to singers and get audiences dancing in the aisles.

Songlist: Orange Colored Sky, Killing Me Softly with His Song, Dancing Queen, Breakfast at Tiffany's

Various : Jazz Junior

Alfred's top vocal jazz arrangers were called upon to contribute Great American Songbook arrangements designed to introduce beginners to the genre. And oh, how they delivered! This is an indispensable collection for young soloists or unison singers including reproducible student pages and a fabulous foreword (with developmental exercises) by Dr. Michele Weir. Enhance the jazzy vibe with full rhythm section accompaniments on the available audio. Teach swing, scat, jazz articulations, stylizations, and more! Recommended for grades four and up

Songlist: Bye Bye Blackbird, Duke's Place, Fascinating Rhythm, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)., Jeepers Creepers, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, Misty, Orange Colored Sky, Over the Rainbow, Straighten Up and Fly Right

Rewarding loyal fans after years of anticipation, Acoustix presents a cache of songs guaranteed to please a wide variety of listeners. Their opening statement, the title tune "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz," is performed in homage to the greats of the era: Nat, Benny, Frank, and of course, the Four Freshmen, to whom Acoustix pay tribute throughout this album. This is not music for barbershop fans only, though the characteristic purity of the voices and seventh chords endemic to the genre are still very much in evidence. Indeed, five of the songs feature orchestral accompaniment in the big band style: "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz," "Day by Day," "Poinciana," "Graduation Day/It's a Blue World" and "Route 66." Guest vocalists Jim Clancy, Greg Clancy and Wendy Wilson DeCrow (of Vocal Majority) augment the much-anticipated Gene Puerling arrangement of "Unforgetable" (Jim and Greg) and "The Nearness of You." (Other arrangements on the CD were done by the renowned Greg Volk.) The closing medley of Simon and Garfunkel hits reveals yet another side of this amazing quartet's range and prowess.

Songlist: Jazz, Jazz, Jazz, Shine on Your Shoes/Steppin' Out with My Baby Medley, Day by Day, Answer Me, My Love, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Orange Colored Sky, The Nearness of You, Pionciana, Unforgettable, Graduation Day/It's a Blue World Medley, All the Way, Route 66, Simon & Garfunkel Montage

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

The American Boychoir showcases its vocal versatility with world music, Americana and rare classical works.

Songlist: Dixit Dominus (Vespers), Kyrie Eleison (Missa St. Leopoldi), Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Missa St. Leopoldi), When Children Sing, O Sing Joyfully (Psalm 81 vv. 1-4), Oh, Had I Jubal's Lyre (Joshua), Hosanna to the Son of David, Hej, Igazitsad!, Fyer, Fyer!, The Willow Song, Still Wie Die Nacht (Calm as the Night), Niska Banja, Alister Mcalpine's Lament, The Paint Box, Four African Songs: Tshotsholoza / Siyahamba / Sivela / Farewell Song, Orange Colored Sky, George Gershwin Medley, Wade in the Water, Elijah Rock, When the Saints Go Marching In, America, The Beautiful

Classic fare from the Sweet Adelines' current Queens of Harmony, who wear their crown with assurance on this album. "The Way He Makes Me Feel" is a tour de force, a clear shimmering vocal with just the right amount of vibrato, poignantly rendered. "Hit Me With a Hot Note" is a belter, all sizzle. These ladies understand that less is more, and don't clutter their arrangements with unnecessary embellishments; the overall effect is tight and powerful. "Something Hot" is a wise selection for those stalwart Sweet Adelines aficionados and those who are new to the genre.

Songlist: When the Red, Red, Robin' Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along, Why Did I Choose You?, Jazz Me Blues, For Sale, Orange Colored Sky, The Way He Makes Me Feel, Who's Sorry Now?, All by Myself, Could I Have this Dance?, Hard Hearted Hannah, Sing Me a Song About Ireland, Hit Me With a Hot Note!

To say that Chris DeRosa, Tabby Miller, Milissa Carmack and Susie Bonds are Crystal Clear would be an understatement! These ladies can flat out sing a Sweet Adelines tune and bend, stretch, blend or belt a barbershop note with the best of them. The element often missing in Sweet Adelines groups, powerful bass, is here, and especially evident on "Our God, He Is Alive," performed with Showtime & Legacy. Great arrangements of classic tunes, most by the mysterious "Volk," create a wonderful structure for Crystal Clear to let their voices soar. "Ain't Misbehavin', "Chances Are," "Original Dixieland Love Song," "Just Another Song About Love," "Orange Colored Sky," our personal favorite, "I'm Gonna Live 'Til I Die," "For the Sake of Old Lang Syne," "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You," the moody "Misty," sung with Riptide-15 songs, all excellent. This is Crystal Clear's, and our, "Lucky Day!"

Songlist: Ain't Misbehavin', Chances Are, Original Dixieland One Step, Just Another Song About Love, Orange Colored Sky, I'm Gonna Live 'Til I Die, Our God, He Is Alive (with Showtime and Legacy), For the Sake of Auld Lang Syne, I'd Rather Be Blue Over You, Oh How I Miss You Tonight / When I Lost You Medley, You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You, I'll Never Pass This Way Again, When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along, Misty (with Riptide), Some Lucky Day

"The Beginning" is the Heart of Texas Chorus' first recording after their founding in 1994 by 20 men who wanted to form a quality barbershop chorus in the "Central Texas Corridor" from Georgetown to San Antonio. Their members ranged in age from 14 to 64, and they were lucky to have a director of the caliber of seasoned barbershop veteran Eddie Martinez, formerly of the Houston Tidelanders. The 31-strong group (at that time) started winning Barbershop Harmony regional competitions right away, and competing in the Ohio "Buckeye International" Contest. 14 songs, with guest performers Soundtrax, the top-ten Sweet Adelines quartet, who join the Chorus on "And So to Sleep Again," "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and "Orange Colored Sky." Other Barbershop standards show off the HOTC's smooth, dynamic sound: "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella," "Swinging on a Star," "Are You Lonesome Tonight," "In That Great Getting' Up Mornin'," "Smile," "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive" and "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die." Good early stuff from a powerful, dynamic chorus from Texas!

Songlist: Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella, Swinging On A Star, Are You Lonesome tonight, Lulu's Back In Town, Softly As I Leave You, In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin', Smile, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, And So To Sleep Again, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, Orange Colored Sky, The Lords Prayer, I'm Gonna Live Till I Die

The HOTC has grown in many ways since its founding in 1994, Ron Black now at the helm as Music Director, growing to 59-strong and recently placing 12th in the Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Competition in Salt Lake City. 17 classic tunes: "Smile, Darn Ya, Smile," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Always," "Goodbye, Dixie, Goodbye," "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "Dream," "Glow Worm," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Floatin' Down to Cotton Town," "If I Had My Way," "You Make Me Feel So Young," and "With A Song in My Heart." Sophisticated arrangements, smooth, ringing chords, feel-good selections-it adds up to great entertainment from a top-drawer men's chorus deep in the Heart of Texas!

Songlist: Smile, Darn Ya, Smile, Fly Me To The Moon, Old St. Louie, Amor, Always, Goodbye , Dixie, Goodbye, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, Dream, Glow Worm, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Floatin' Down To Cotton Town, Sam, The Accordion Man, If I Had My Way, Orange Colored Sky, You Gotta Have Skin, You Make Me Feel So Young, With A Song In My Heart

The current Sweet Adelines Chorus Champions, the Melodeers, directed by Jim Arns, have crafted a proficient recording of Sweet Adelines classics, standards and even the "Hallelujah Chorus." "The Auctioneer's Song" is a lively and comic tongue-twister; the understated introduction of "I Remember You" soon gives way to a brisk swing feel, while "Orange Colored Sky" practically gallops to the finish line. "Mamma Goes Where Papa Goes" features dramatic pitch deceleration in its opening verse-an attention-getting device used effectively here. The racuous "Blues Bros. Medley" (recorded live, as were several of the tracks) red-lines it throughout-The Melodeers have energy to spare and constitutions that thrive on very little oxygen! "Mission Accomplished" indeed!

Songlist: Floatin' Down to Cotton Town, Forgive Me, For Sentimental Reasons, The Auctioneer Song, You're the Spirit of Sweet Adelines, I Remember You, Orange Colored Sky, Mamma Goes Where Papa Goes, You Keep Coming Back Like a Song, Hallelujah Chorus, You Made Me Love You, Blues Brothers Medley

Beautiful, blonde Stacey, Jennifer, Gretchen and Amy, Moxie Ladies (we love that name!), won the Gold at the Sweet Adelines International Quartet Championship for 2009 in November 2008 in Honolulu Hawaii against very strong competition. This is their first album of 10 songs, which one critic described as "fun, fresh and exciting," and we can only add, "sweet harmonies, strong leads and ringing chords that make the hairs on the back of our neck stand up!" Some favorites are Barbershop standards "Top of the World," a live cut, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love/L-O-V-E Medley;" Hanley & Buck's "My Man," Paul Simon's "59th Street Bridge Song," and Delugg & Stein's "Orange-Colored Sky. We also loved Jim Connor's "Grandma's Feather Bed" and Dottie Rambo's "When I Lift Up My Head." This is great entertainment by one of Sweet Adelines' finest quartets!

Songlist: Top of the World, Birth of the Blues, I Can't Give You Anything But Love/L-O-V-E Medley, It's You, Grandma's Feather Bed, My Man, Midnight Seranade, Feelin' Groovy (The 59th Street Bridge Song), Orange Colored Sky, When I Lift Up My Head

My Three Sons : New Gang On The Corner   

This unique quartet has been making history for many years now. As members of the well-known Ditchfield Family Singers this father - Stephen Ditchfield - and his sons also perform as a barbershop quartet. Even when the boys were very young they started winning singing competitions and this recording marks their comeback as grown men who still retain their love of close harmony singing. Lots a great music here including some barbershop classics along with a variety of popular music from the '30's, '40's, and '50's.

Songlist: There's a Brand New Gang on the Corner, Orange Colored Sky, Wait Till the Sun Shines Nellie, Little Green Apples, Jeepers Creepers, The Story of the Rose, The River of no Return, I May Be Wrong, Irish Blessing, Singing with my Dad, Where Is Love?, You Rise me up, If Ever I Would Leave You

The best things in life are worth waiting for! After several delays the much anticipated new release from one of the top jazz vocal groups in the world is finally available and we couldn't be happier. Equally masterful at tight harmonies and individual solo flights vocalists Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader (who also blows a mean tenor sax) and Kim Nazarian have delivered their most swinging outing to date. All but one of the songs were arranged by the incredibly talented Meader whose fresh spin on these Swing Era classics are a joy to listen to. The vocals are also very strong, especially Kinhan and Kim, who must be some of the jazziest, sexiest female singers around. Accompanied mostly by a swinging big band the final song "I'll Be Seeing You", however, is a pure a cappella gem.

Songlist: Sing, Sing, Sing, I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me, Smack Dab in the Middle, Early Autumn, Bli Blip, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, Save Your Love For Me, Orange Colored Sky, Hallelujah, I Love Her So, Cloudburst, Stardust, Don't Be that Way, In a Mellow Tone, I'll Be Seeing You

Nexus Quartet : Nexus   

This Denver-based quartet has roots in the Denver A Cappella Project, and includes tenor George (of 1982 Gold Medal-winners Classic Collection), his son Mike, baritone, bass Mark and lead Ryan. At the 2007 Barbershop Harmony Society contest in Denver, Following the release of this, their debut recording, NeXus moved up from 27th place to 19th place in the elite top 20 in only their 3rd year of competition. We particularly appreciated the songlist in the liner notes, that included some of the group's influences: "Just A Gigolo," inspired by Classic Collection, "The Dock of the Bay" and "Stand By Me," inspired by Rockapella, and "Don't Worry Be Happy," inspired by the Blenders. Other favorites are "Orange Colored Sky," "Gospel Medley," a bluesy "Summertime," "Under the Boardwalk," and "Mean to Me." Great stuff from this popular, fast-rising, veteran quartet!

Songlist: Love Is Just Around The Corner, Just a Gigolo, The Dock Of The Bay, Fit As A Fiddle, If I Had You, Orange Colored Sky, These Foolish Things, Stand By Me, Gospel Medley, Summertime, Under the Boardwalk, Mean To Me, Don't Worry Be Happy

This CD is a compilation from Pacific Mozart ensemble's live performances up until 2000. This is a great way to hear what they sound like live. It's fun and energetic, and the singing is excellent! It includes lots of great arrangements from members of the group as well as arrangements from A Cappella luminaries Phil Mattson, Anders Edenroth, Gene Puerling and many more.

Songlist: Orange Colored Sky, Yesterday, Chili Con Carne, Waltz For Debby, I Can See For Miles, Sweet lorraine, Satin Summer Nights, Quality, I Can Cook, Too, That Lonesome Road, Im In a Hurry, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, I'd Give My All, Cottontail, Calling My Children Home, Full Moon, Full of Love, The Tracks of My Tears, Duke of Dubuque, Brahms' Lullaby, When God Dips His Pen, And So It Goes, Love Shack

Panache : Four Friends - Best of   

The Bad News is, the former Sweet Adelines Queens of Harmony, the four lovely, talented women of Panache, have disbanded and are no longer singing together as a group. The Good News is, they left us this wonderful 2-CD set to remember them by! We won't go into the individual titles, but suffice to say that there's a "whole bunch" of our favorites on these two CDs, including selections from discontinued Panache titles. These are the songs that took them to Sweet Adelines Gold, and that made them one of our best selling Barbershop titles. These four beloved entertainers are leaving exactly the way they came into our lives - with Panache. Enjoy!

Songlist: Who's Sorry Now?, If I Love Again, Swing Medley: Somebody Else Is Taking My Place / On A Slow Boat To China, When October Goes, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight, Sir Duke, Sweet Adeline, When the Red, Red Robin Goes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along, My Mother's Eyes, Someone That I Used to Love, Trickle, Trickle, That Old Feeling, Love In Any Language, Billy-A-Dick, Lullaby In Ragtime, The Very Thought of You, You Took Advantage of Me, Embraceable You, It Was Almost Like A Song, Show Introduction, It's A Good Day, Paintin' This Old Town Blue, And So To Sleep Again, If There's Anybody Here From Out of Town, Secret Love, For All the World, (Why Did I Tell You I Was Going to) Shanghai, More Than You Know, With One Look (from Sunset Boulevard), Orange Colored Sky, and more

Charlie Mead, director and composer/arranger, is at it again, dazzling us with his swinging musical stylings with the help of his eight talented singers. This time, the beautiful sounding octet takes on a vacation to various island getaways with four original compositions by Charlie, all giving you the feeling of being in the great outdoors. As they take us on this journey, they also satisfy our thirst for a few old classics with some unique arrangements of "On The Street Where You Live," "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square," and "I'm Beginning To See The Light." To end this fabulous CD, the top- notch performers sing Bach's "Goldberg Variations," a simplistic musical masterpiece who's instrumental orchestrations were most recently made famous by the Hannibal Lectar movies.

Songlist: It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Blue Meridian, Nice 'N Easy, Summer Dreamin', Some Other Time, On the Street Where You Live, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Walk Between Raindrops, Orange Colored Sky, Hook, Line and Sinker, Music of the Spheres (Gershwin Piano Prelude No. 1), Aria, Bach Goldberg Variations

The four Slamkas (brothers Mark and Mike, Dad Jack and cousin Don) have done right on this one. With ineffable musical taste, they have selected fabulous songs, such as "Polkadots and Moonbeams," "Heart" and "Swingin' On A Star," and arranged them with creativity and consummate finesse. Their "Orange Colored Sky" (arranged by Tom Gentry), is an exquisite balance of restraint and flash, as is "Operator," where they exploit the gospel flavor, while remaining within the barbershop boilerplate. Power Play (formed in 1988) has that extra special magic in their blend, that fortuitous combination of luck and genes, that gives their sound both sparkle and a smooth finish.

Songlist: Hey Look Me Over / If My Friends Could See Me Now, Polkadots and Moonbeams, Heart, The Little Boy, Swingin' On A Star, Rock-a-Bye Baby, I Love To Hear That Old Barbershop Style, Dream, The Best Man, Pal of My Dreams, Orange Colored Sky, I Know A Little Bit / I Don't Know Why, The Lord's Prayer, Operator

Stardust : All The Way   

This is the debut CD of Stardust, an all-male barbershop quartet from Las Vegas where "All The Way" was recorded. John, Larry, Buzz and Jim look very cool in their matching blue-flame sportcoats and sing some great harmonies in these 11 tunes. Favorites include the standards "Orange Colored Sky," "River Stay 'way From My Door," "A House With Love In It," "Margie," "Viva Las Vegas" (another clue!), "Edelweiss," "Sing, Sing, Sing (with a swing)," and "All The Way." Very good stuff, guys.

Songlist: Orange Colored Sky, I Don't Know Why I Should Cry Over You, River Stay 'way From My Door, A House With Love In It, 500 Guys, Margie, Viva Las Vegas, Edelweiss, Be My Life's Companion, Sing Sing Sing, All The Way