In this 50th Anniversary year of The King's Singers there is much celebrating to be done. A 3 disc CD has been recorded by the current members of the group and from that new recording, the most popular songs have been selected for this collection. Known for their consummate artistry in all genres and styles, their interpretations of pop and folk music are legendary. Songs include: And I Love Her - And So It Goes - Danny Boy - Down by the Riverside - Down with Love - I'll Follow the Sun - Loch Lomond - Love Is Here to Stay - MLK - Quand Tu Dors Pres De Moi - That Lonesome Road

Songlist: MLK, Danny Boy, And I Love Her, And So It Goes, Down By The Riverside, Loch Lomond, Down With Love, That Lonesome Road, Quand Tu Dors Pres De Moi, I'll Follow The Sun, Love Is Here To Stay

The six Englishmen known as the King'singers enjoy the distinction of consistently being one of the world's most sought-after and highly-acclaimed musical ensembles, due to their imaginative programming, remarkable musicianship, and flawless technique. To mark their Silver Jubilee, the King'singers have brought together a collection of some of the best-loved arrangements written for them over the last 25 years. Of the songs most often requested, here are twelve which adapt most easily for mixed choirs.

Songlist: I'm A Train, You Are The New Day, Can't Buy Me Love, Short People, Le Baylere, Musik Der Nacht, Greensleeves, Loch Lomond, Eriskay Love Lilt, That Lonesome Road, And So It Goes, Shenandoah

"Sweet Baby James" is from James Taylor's first U.S. album, this gentle acoustic lullaby has a sweet country feel to it. Extended accompanying vocal harmonies support the solo melodic line of the verse which unfolds into a rich homophonic chorus, serving to highlight the poetry of the lyrics. "That Lonesome Road" - James Taylor's beautiful ballad gains new life in this simply stated a cappella setting by arranger Kirby Shaw. Sensible voice leading makes chords easy to tune, uncomplicated rhythms allow the text to speak. Awesome, accessible writing in every edition. "Your Smiling Face" - A show stopper, for sure! Arranged in a collegiate, street-corner a cappella-style, with a featured Tenor solo. A fantastic change of pace.

Songlist: Sweet Baby James, That Lonesome Road, Your Smiling Face

The idea here is to help coordinate the pickers so you all have solos to play and they can be played in the same key. What a concept - a "Band in the Book". Within these pages you will find solos for the entire band: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and bass. The mandolin and fiddle share the same tunings so their solos are just written once for both. If you are just starting out and you are having difficulty-finding solos for your level - look no more. These solos are written for the beginner level student assuming you can already play a few simple solos or lead breaks. This series will help you to learn solos on multiple instruments, help organize ensemble play, help develop a steady sense of timing and give you hours of enjoyment as well.

Songlist: Introduction to the Band in a Book, Understanding the Tablature, Banjo Chords and Tips, Guitar Chords and Tips, Mandolin Chords and Tips, Performance Notes, Banks of the Ohio, Footprints in the Snow (Banjo, Lead Guitar, and Rhythm Guitar), Footprints in the Snow (Mandolin/ Fiddle and Bass), John Hardy, John Henry, That Lonesome Road, That Lonesome Road, New River Train (Banjo, Lead Guitar, and Rhythm Guitar), New River Train (Mandolin/ Fiddle and Bass), Roll On Buddy, Roll On (Banjo, Lead Guitar, and Rhythm Guitar), Roll On Buddy, Roll On (Mandolin/ Fiddle and Bass), Sitting On Top of the World, Tom Dooley, Way Downtown (Banjo, Lead Guitar, and Rhythm Guitar), Way Downtown (Mandolin/ Fiddle and Bass), Worried Man Blues (Banjo, Lead Guitar, and Rhythm Guitar), Worried Man Blues (Mandolin/ Fiddle and Bass), Steve Kaufman's Instructional Materials, Steve Kaufman's Listening Materials, Some of Steve's Goodies, About the Author

Review pending

Songlist: Is This Just Another Song About Love, The Key To Success With The Beautiful Girls, Something To Write The Folks About, That Lonesome Road, What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor, Mr. Touchdown, Brother, Can You Spare A Dime, Good Ol' A Cappella, That's A Plenty, The Pirate Song, Ave Maria

An Octave Above : An Octave Above   

The 4 men and 4 women of An Octave Above, (named 1st runner-up at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Chicago Regional) are a group of professional vocalists, together for only 3 years, whose repertoire includes doo-wop, jazz, standards and madrigals. This is the group's impressive debut CD of 13 songs, beginning with a jazzy, light "Chile Con Carne," a sweet Ward Swingle-arranged "All the Things You Are," and a ringingly harmonic cover of James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road." Doo-Wop classics "Come Go With Me" and "In the Still of the Night" segue nicely into Billy Joel's anthem "And So It Goes," a bluenote "There Will Never Be Another You" grows upbeat and scattish, "Tico Tico" puts a margarita in our hand and pulls us onto the dance floor, and finally we have Ward Swingle's sparkling arrangement of "Country Dances." Excellent stuff from this fast-rising Chicago octet, who we will be expecting to see at the '06 Sweeps Finals!

Songlist: Chili Con Carne, When I'm Sixty-Four, All the Things You Are, Come Go With Me, That Lonesome Road, I'm With You, In the Still of the Night, And So It Goes, There Will Never Be Another You, Scat Blues, Tico Tico, A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, Country Dances

The Cracker Jills were superstars! There, we've said it. There have been a few others in the Sweet Adelines of similar stature but since they won the Sweet Adeline International Championship in 1957 (now the winners are called Queens of Harmony) and went on to sing together for another twenty years they have been considered the most influential group in defining the world of women in barbershop singing. Most prominent in this influence is their arranger and lead singer, Renee Craig whose name you will see in the arranger's credits on almost every Sweet Adeline album. She has also been the director of the Ramapo Valley Sweet Adeline Chorus which won four Championships and now is the director of the Westchester Chordsmen. But, you ask, how about the music? Here are historic recordings of 26 of the best tunes you'll ever hear!

Songlist: Narration, This Could Be the Start of Something Big, That Tumbled Down Shack in Athlone, Baby, Oh Where Can You Be, The Masquerade Is Over, You Can't Take Dixie From Me, Lover, Come Back to Me, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, That Lonesome Road, The Trolley Song, Scarlet Ribbons, Royal Garden Blues, When You Wish Upon a Star, Judy at the Palace, South, In San Francisco, I Stayed Too Long at the Fair, Where the Black-Eyed Susans Grow, Till There Was You, My Coloring Book, I'll Never Say 'Never Again' Again, Goodbye, O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, Kerry Dance, Floatin' Down to Cotton Town, I'll Be Seeing You

Former choristers from Bach's own church make up this German version of The King's Singers. This contemporary a cappella program ranges from Billy Joel to Supertramp to a Cuban love song, and a superb cover of Sinead O'Connor's "In This Heart". These are great male choral interpretations of popular songs that are sure to delight.

Songlist: The Longest Time, New York, New York, Breakfast In America, Blackbird, Juramento, In This Heart, Somebody To Love, Only You (And You Alone), Hit The Road Jack, Rain In May, Since You Went Away, Can't Buy Me Love, Strangers In The Night, Good Vibrations, That Lonesome Road, And So It Goes

It was the mid-1950s, the early days of Rock and Roll, Bill Haley & the Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis were exploding on the charts. The Fontane Sisters, backed by a skilled combo of rock musicians led by Billy Vaughn, was one of the few acts to transition successfully into the new energy-charged medium. First singing backup with Perry Como on a number of popular hits, were offered their own contract with RCA based on that success. In the early 50s they recorded some novelty songs like "If I knew you were comin' I'd've Baked A Cake," and country songs like "The Tennessee Waltz," "Walkin' The Floor Over You," "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Handsome Stranger" with the Sons of the Pioneers. "Till Then" in 1954 was their last recording for RCA, and they really hit their stride on Dot Records, with a cover of The Charms' "Hearts of Stone," which was #1 on the charts for 3 weeks. A succession of major hit records, many of them covers from the rhythm and blues charts dominated the airwaves and jukeboxes throughout the remainder of the 50s, the Sisters fading from view in the new decade. Some more favorites are "Mexican Joe," "Mississippi Mud," "Makin' Like a Train," "the Popcorn Song" (featuring Howdy Doody), "Alabama Jubilee," "The Cinderella Work Song," "The Fortune Teller Song," "The Bumpity Bus," "Down Home Rag," "The Turtle Song" "I Get the Blues When It Rains," and "Rhumba Boogie," but we could go on. There are 60, all band-accompanied songs on this 2 CD set, silly, schmaltzy, country, rock, pop, blues-it all adds up to tremendous fun stuff from the crazy 1950s! Extensive, interesting liner notes with pix and history.

Songlist: Till Then, The Baion, Cold, Cold, Heart, Handsome Stranger, Grasshopper Heart, Can't We Talk It Over, Three Little Rings, Down Home Rag, The Turtle Song, I'm A Little Cuckoo, Moon - June - Spoon, If You Would Only Be Mine, Rhumba Boogie, Silver Bells, Jing - A - Ling Jing - A - Ling, I Guess I'll Have To Dream The Rest, The Fifth Wheel On The Wagon, The Fortune Teller Song, There's Doubt I My Mind, Winter's Here Again, That Lonesome Road, I Didn't Know What Time It Was, Kissing Bridge, Makin' Like A Train, What Did I Do, Bouncy Bouncy Bally, Hurry Home To Me, Walkin' The Floor Over You, Grand Central Station, I Grabbed For The Engine, and more

In the late 40s and early 50s the style of Black vocal groups as major hit-making groups influenced by the Ink Spots and The Mills Brothers lost ground to the more teenage oriented groups like The Orioles and The Ravens. The Four Tunes, holdovers from an earlier era, were able to score two hits that were able to cross over from the race charts to the pop charts in 1953 and 1954, "Marie" and "I Understand (Just How You Feel). These songs enjoyed cover versions and revivals in the ensuing decades, by British groups in the Beat Boom, specifically The Bachelors, The G-Clefs and Freddie and the Dreamers. "Wrapped Up In Dream" is a wonderful collection on the Jasmine label of vintage R&B, Soul and Pop in two discs, all accompanied, 28 songs on one and 29 on the other, all featuring the soulful, exciting harmonies of these four talented men. It's hard to pick favorites from so many winners, but we'll give you a handful besides the two stellar hits and the title tune: "Little Jane," "Confess," "You're Heartless," "Careless Love," "The Prisoners Song," "I Gambled With Love," "Sugar Lump," "Do Do Do It Again," "Don't Cry Darling," "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," "Brooklyn Bridge," "Three Little Chickens," "At The Steamboat River Ball," "Rock and Roll Call," "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes" and "Ballad of James Dean." Most of these tunes are new to us, and it's a kick to hear them, as if we've tuned in to a very hip radio station in the south from 60 years ago! We love this collection and bet you will too!

Songlist: Where Is Love?, Wrapped Up In A Dream, I Found My Love When I Found You, All My Dreams, Little Jane, Someday, Confess, Karen Lynn, Take My Lonely Heart, You're Heartless, Careless Love, That Lonesome Road, There Goes My Heart, Kentucky Babe, Old Fashioned Love, Carry Me Back To The Lone Prairie, May That Day Never Come, The Last Round Up, The Prisoners Song, I Married An Angel, My Buddy, I'll See You In My Dreams, Come What May, The Greatest Song I Ever Heard, Lets Give Love Another Chance, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Marie, I Gambled With Love, I Understand, Sugar Lump, and more

Fretless : All The Things We Are   

Fretless chose its name to represent the freedom, and challenge, of making music with a fretless instrument, the human voice. These five (3 men, 2 women) multitalented singers sharpened their chops performing with many other jazz and classical groups, particularly those performing in the Boston area; they began singing together in 1999. "All the Things" is a finely-crafted, varied collection of 18 covers ranging from the classical and sacred (Palestrina's "Exultate Deo," Debussy's "Dieu! Ou'il La Fait Bon Regarder!," Durufle's "Ubi Caritas" and "Brahms' Lullaby") and rock (Loggins & Messina's "Your Mama Don't Dance" and the LaBelle hit "Lady Marmalade," to pop and R&B ("James Taylor's "Lonesome Road," Randy Newman's "Short People" and Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears") reggae (Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross") show tunes (Hammerstein's "All the Things You Are" and Gene Krupa's "Some Like It Hot", arranged by Mel Torme) and jazzy blues (the Lambert/Hendricks/Ross arranged "Moanin'"). We particularly enjoyed soprano Anna Choi's solos on "I Can't Make You Love Me," "Tracks of My Tears," "Many Rivers to Cross" and "Lady Marmalade." An impressive, very entertaining debut CD from talented Fretless!

Songlist: All The Things You Are, Your Mama Don't Dance, I Can't Make You Love Me, Exultate Deo, Brahams' Lullaby, Short People, It Must Be Me, Tracks Of My Tears, O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, Dieu! Qu'il La Fait Bon Regarder, Some Like It Hot, Let Them In, Peter, That Lonesome Road, Cry Me A River, Many Rivers To Cross, Ubi Caritas, Moanin', Lady Marmalade

A four piece mixed group from Australia, "The Idea of North" has compiled an eclectic mix of songs, performed and arranged in an accessible contemporary jazz style. About half are accompanied; the melody line on "My Funny Valentine" is played by a flugelhorn, and there is bass and percussion on several other songs (bassist Duncan Brown plays in the snappin' and poppin' style of the "Seinfeld" theme). "The 23rd Psalm" (arranged by McFerrin) and "Irish Blessing" reveals a traditional side, and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" has a gospel inflection and ragtime vocal horn solo. James Taylor's "Shed a Little Light" and "That Lonesome Road" are included, as is Harry Connick's "Trouble." This is a "crossover" record: it could qualify in either the contemporary or jazz categories. The second CD.has guest artists, James Morrison on Trombone on "Mas Que Nada," and "Fragile," the only two very lightly accompanied songs. This is an impressive, confident CD, reminiscent of the Real Group, and all the tunes are so beautifully arranged, selected and performed, it's hard to pick favorites - so we just sat back and enjoyed the sweet jazzy ride. The full color, beautifully photographed liner notes are a perfect complement to the music. Recommended!

Songlist: Sweet, Sweet Spirit, Fragile, Triste, Takes My Breath Away, Amazing Grace, Trouble, Shed A Little Light/The Gulf War Song, Sitting In Limbo, My Funny Valentine, The 23rd Psalm, You've Got What It Takes, That Lonesome Road, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, The Irish Blessing, My Foolish Heart, Straight To My Heart, It's Alright With Me, Mas Que Nada, Neat Surprise, Singin' A Cappella, Gotta Move On, Two Sides to the Story, Fragile, Abide With Me

The Indiana University Children's Choir comprises six choirs for children from kindergarten through high school. All children can find a place in one of those choirs regardless of training. Three choirs are represented here, the Treble Choir has the bright sound of girls 9 and 10 years old, the Chamber Choir, for older girls and boys with unchanged voices, and the Youth Chorale, a mixed group of high school singers with voices moving into adulthood. There are 22 songs here, we particularly enjoyed four movements by Brahms, "Liebeslied No.'s 8, 10, 13 and 18," Cobb's "Cantate Domino," Sprenkle's "For a Dewdrop," the moody "Erev Shel Shoshanim," Hatfield's "La Lluvia" and "Fair Phyllis I Saw," the folk spinning song "Sarasponda," Morley's "Sing We and Chant It," Franck's "Da Pacem Domine," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road," and the Wm. Dawson spiritual "Soon Ah Will Be Done." Some light piano accompaniment. "Seasons" is a varied, spirited and enjoyable collection by this fine Midwestern children's choir.

Songlist: Cantate Domino, Libertango, Erev Shel Shoshanim, White, For a Dewdrop, La Lluvia, Sarasponda, Sing We and Chant It, Fair Phyllis I saw, Bist du bel mir, Da Pacem, Domine, Long, Long Ago, Just One Planet, Liebeslied No. 8, Liebeslied No. 10, Liebeslied No. 13, Liebeslied No. 18, Verano porteno, That Lonesome Road, Soon Ah Will Be Done, Invierno porteno, Thuma Mina

"Promised Land" gives the 12 leading choral directors who form M.E.N. a chance to get their musical teeth into some of the great songs in American history. They are divided into groups: Hymns, such as "Promised Land" and "Rise Up, O Men of God," Spirituals, such as "The Gift To Be Simple" and "Joshua," Songs of the Civil War, "Waiting for the Dawn of Peace (Tenting Tonight)," Songs of the West, such as "Streets of Laredo" and "Colorado Trail," Songs of the Sea, such as "Blow the Candles Out" and "Mary Ann," and American Television Themes, "Television Medley" and "Lonesome Road." 20 songs in all. A powerful, moving collection of the best of our musical heritage!

Songlist: Promised Land, Be Thou My Vision, O Thou in Whose Presence, Rise Up, O Men of God, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, The Gift To Be Simple, Somebody's Calling My Name, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Joshua, I Can't Tarry, Waitin' for the Dawn of Peace, The Streets of Laredo, The Colorado Trail, Down in the Valley, Shenandoah, Blow the Candles Out, Mary Ann, A-Roving, Television Medley (Gilligan's Island / Car 54 Where Are You? / Petticoat Junction / Rawhide / The Brady Bunch / Mr. Ed /Mickey Mouse Club / Green Acres / The Beverly Hillbillies / The ROy Rogers Show), That Lonesome Road

The eight young male members of Octappella, in the first year and a half since they got together, have worked to establish, of course, their own group character and image, but most of all their uniqueness as a group specializing in vocal instrumentation and complex, tight harmonies. Their first CD, "Motion,"and now "The Voice"are proof of how much they have succeeded. There are 14 surprising, harmonic gems on "The Voice,"covers of: "Make Me Lose Control,""Time of Your Life,""Earth Angel/Silhouettes,""Light In Your Eyes,""Greatest American Hero,""That Lonesome Road,""Oh, L'Amour,""Lobster,""Kiss The Girl,""Wildflowers,""Grow Old With Me,""That's What Friends Are For,"the title tune and "Trashin' The Camp."In the areas of artistic interpretation, vocal ability, arrangements and performance personality, Octappella is pushing the a cappella envelope. Listen to "The Voice"and see if you don't agree with us that these eight guys are going places-fast!

Songlist: Make Me Lose Control, Time Of Your Life, Earth Angel / Silhouettes, Light In Your Eyes, Greatest American Hero, That Lonesome Road, Oh L'Amour, Lobster, Kiss The Girl, Wildflowers, Grow Old With Me, That's What Friends Are For, The Voice, Trashin' The Camp

"Carry On" is an impressive, generous CD from four very talented women, Colleen, Krisann, Barb and Joanne. They do Doo-Wop and Soul tunes "Treat Her Like A Lady," "You've Been In Love Too Long," "Yes We Can Can"), Gospel (the spiritual "Walkin' in Jerusalem," the upbeat "Angels" "Light At The End Of The Tunnel,"), Folk/Traditional (the jazzy 1920s British pop tune "Seaside Rendezvous " and the sweet traditional "That Lonesome Road" ), Country ("V.F.D."), Latin/Salsa (the silly "Oreo" and "South Of The Border,"), World ("Hate Kills," "Breaths" and "Yakkity Yak,") Swing ("Call Me"), and Contemporary ("Remember That," "Let's Pretend"). There's some non-vocal percussion (doumbek) and a little kazoo. Our attempts to find our more about them on the web and liner notes came up empty, but we do know that they've been together for about 10 years, they share a strong, positive feminist viewpoint, a great sense of humor, and they sing together with strength and spirit. Good stuff!

Songlist: Yakkity Yak, Treat Her Like A Lady, Walkin' In Jerusalem, Seaside Rendezvous, You've Been In Love Too Long, That Lonesome Road, Oreo, V.F.D., Remember That, Angels, Light At The End Of The Tunnel, South Of The Border, Hate Kills, Call Me, Let's Pretend, Breaths, Yes We Can Can

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

The "Better Than That" collection follows the CD compilation of the two "Best of the Pilgrim Travelers" and the first release by the PT in the Legends of Gospel series, "Walking Rhythm;" and it focuses the early to mid-Fifties heyday of this talented all-male quintet. At that time, they were a top draw on the Gospel circuit, booked all over the country. Art Rupe of Specialty Records issued more PT singles over their 10-year relationship than any other group, gospel or pop. "Better" is a generous, comprehensive CD of 28 cuts, including 13 never-before-released cuts. Beginning with their a cappella roots, the group gradually became more accompanied, by organ, piano, guitar, bass, saxophone and drums. Our favorites, of course, are the a cappella numbers: "Please Watch Over Me," "Long Ago (Wooden Church)," "I Never Knew Joy Before," "Leaning On The Everlasting Arm," "I'm Going Through," "How About You?," "I'll Be There (In That Number)," "All The Way (I'm Willing To Run)" and "Your Mother Is Your Friend." This is a great collection by one of the most popular Gospel groups of all time, in their prime!

Songlist: I Could Do Better Than That, Please Watch over Me, Long Ago (Wooden Church), I Never Knew Joy Before, Leaning on the Everlasting Arm, I'm Going Through, How About You?, I'll Be There (In That Number), All the Way (I'm Willing to Run), Your Mother Is Your Friens, Gonna Walk Right Out, Move up to Heaven, What a Friend We Have in Jesus , A Hard Road to Travel, That Lonesome Road, Go Ahead , In My Heart, I Love Jesus , He's My Friend, The Life You Save May Be Your Own (The Salety Song), Troubled in My Home Will Have to End , Every Prayer Will Find Its Answer, Close to Thee, Troubled in Mind, Bless Us Today, Hold On, After While, I Could Do Better Than That

St. Mary's Children's Choir has been providing performing experiences for youth in southwestern Ontario, Canada since 1981. The 139 choristers of SMCC range in age from 6 to 20 years, and are divided into 4 choirs. These 33 beautiful, upbeat songs, some piano accompanied, are also divided into four groups, "Praise," "Nursery Rhymes," "Around the World" and "The Music In Us." Favorites are Eleanor Daly's "Rise Up, My Love" and "Canticle to the Spirit," the Jutland folk hymn "When the Stars Fall," the spiritual "Ride The Chariot," "Grand Old Duke of York," Ralph Hunter's "Humpty Dumpty," "Little Bo Peep"and "Old King Cole," the traditional Scottish "Loch Lomond," Japanese children's song "Hotaru Koi," the French Canadian folk song "Vive la Canadienne," "Homeward Bound," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road," the spiritual "Let It Shine," and Berthold Carriere's "Butterfly Dreams," "Important to Me" and "The Music in Me." A feel-good, fun, joyous collection from one of Canada's most talented, entertaining children's choirs!

Songlist: Little Wheel Spiritual, The Children's Friend, Children Blessed of the Lord, Rise Up, my Love, Canticle to the Spirit, When the Stars Fall, The Word was God, A Celtic prayer, Cantate Domino, Ride the Chariot, Sing A Song Of Sixpence, Grand Old Duke of York, Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo-Peep, Little Jack Horner, Old King Cole, White Paternoster, Bless You, Ein hennlein Weiss (A Little White Hen), Loch Lomond, Braul amestecat (Mixed Brau Dance), Watane, Hotaru Koi, Vive la Candienne (Long Live the Canadian Girl), The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Homeward Bound, That Lonesome Road, Say, Love, Eletelephony, Let It Shine, and more

Various Artists : Harmony Sweepstakes 1993   

Songlist: Stay With Me Tonight, Summertime, Sign Your Name, Marooned in a Blizzard of Lies, That Lonesome Road, St. Elsewhere Theme, Kiss, Johnny, Shamalama Ding Dong, Jeepers Creepers, Wonderwoman, Whiter Shade of Pale, Big and Stupid, Stand By Me/On Broadway Medley

Time is Now, the successor of their first album Nordic Voices, contains a broad spectrum of favorites from the choir's repertoire. The time span is huge, covering music from the Renaissance to the present day, with compositions by Francisco Guerrero, Josef Rheinberger, James Taylor, Olle Lindberg, Susanne Rosenberg, among others. The conductor and artistic leader, Lone Larsen, has contributed with the title track Time is Now and also with some of the arrangements. The variety in the repertoire is a clear signum of Voces Nordicae. Voces Nordicae has gained an international reputation as one of the most prominent choirs in Sweden. Part of this reputation is due to their successful appearances at special performances abroad and a number of awards at international choir festivals. As one of the foremost representatives of Swedish choral singing, Nordic Voices was invited to the ACDA's (American Choral Directors Association) national meeting in Miami, in Mars 2007. This is an honor that previously has been given to only three Swedish choirs, among these the Swedish Radio Choir and The Real Group.

Songlist: Ave MAria, Pater Noster, Hymn To The Creator Of Light, Time is Now, Danse, Ikke Grate Na, Pust, Be Of Love, That Lonesome Road, Sun On The Moon, Det Er Den Storste Darlightet, Sonnet No. 76, Kyrie, Gloria, Kyrie

Voice Male : Six   

The contemporary group Voice Male is Richard McAllister, tenor, Mike Bearden, tenor, John Huff, Baritone, Phil Kesler, baritone, Mike Willson, bass and John Luthy, vocal percussion and bass. "6" refers to the fact that this is their 6th CD, and probably also to the 6 years that these very talented men have been singing and performing together. We think this will be a breakthrough CD for them, for "6" is a joy from start to finish! Comparisons with Rockapella, the House Jacks and the Beach Boys come to mind as VM hands us one powerful cover after another, held together by John's rock-solid vocal percussion. Much of the excellent arranging is by group members, and the guys take turns singing lead, showing off their vocal talents. 14 well-chosen songs here: a fun "Brown Eyed Girl," "A Million Ways," U2's "Pride" (In the Name of Love), "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," "My Maria," "The Shadow of Your Smile," great vocal "horns" on "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road" and "Sun on the Moon," "In The Still of the Night," "Loch Lomond," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Celebration." Fun stuff-highly recommended!

Songlist: Brown Eyed Girl, A Million Ways, Pride (In The Name of Love), It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, My Maria, The Shadow of Your Smile, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Sam You Made The Pants Too Long, That Lonesome Road, In The Still Of The Night, Sun On The Moon, Loch Lommond, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Celebration

Voicebox : No Net   

Priding itself on freedom from stylistic barriers, Voicebox is eight men and women that has chosen to stray from all stereotypes and produce an effort that proves strength with diversity. The voices are powerful and incredibly controlled. To have the versatility of voice and style is a true gift, protocol for the Voicebox musical mission. Prepare for a trip down memory lane as Voicebox reflects the songs of radio, television, widescreen, days in the Golden Gate and summertime in England. It is likely that each song will remind you of special times with special people. No Net features "My Romance", "Moondance", "You Are The New Day" (a personal favorite), "Skylark", "Guinnevere", "That Lonesome Road", and Lennon-McCartney lullaby "Good Night".

Songlist: Don't Stop, My Romance, Moondance, Won't You Be My Neighbor?, Dixie Storms, You Are The New Day, Over the Rainbow, Fowles in the Frith, Skylark, In This Heart, Babethandaza, Guinnevere, She's Not There, RIdin' the Rails, That Lonesome Road, Pink Cadillac / Greased LIghtnin', Better Be Home Soon, Good Night

Protogees of Phil Mattson, Voices Iowa are students at the prestigious School For Music Vocations/Southwestern Community College. Under such tutelage, one recognizes a burgeoning talent that will be the vocal jazz sound of tomorrow. Indeed, Bobby McFerrin's "Jubilee" is an athletic workout requiring stamina and fortitude, while, on the opposite end of the spectrum, "Body and Soul" demands an equal measure of control and abandon (the latter a Grammy nominated arrangement originally written for the Manhattan Transfer, and complimented by Richie Cole's saxophone). Cole Porter's "Love For Sale" (a cappella) is anchored by a finger-snapping rhythm and connected by walking bass notes, and finishes with an aexhilarating vocal glissando, a veritable firecracker.

Songlist: Since All is Passing, I Hear Music, How Do You Keep The Music Playing, Jubilee, Body And Soul, Yag Vet In Delig Rosa, Love For Sale, Embraceable You, Yours In My Heart Alone, Dancing In The Dark, Bons Amigos, That Lonesome Road

The members of Western Wind, four men and two women, share an incredible depth of experience and scholarship. Combine that a musical sensitivity that embraces almost any genre, and the result is a "musical history tour." Beginning with the medieval, the group includes Rennaissance polyphony, African-American spirituals and Duke Ellington swing on their journey. "Dolcissimo Uscignolo" and "L'Amfiparnaso" border on the operatic. Philip Glass' "Vessels" (Glass is a contemporary composer of some repute) takes as a central concept a repetitive series of intervals, minor second, major second, minor third, though not in that order, juxtaposed against an arpeggiated scale or repeated tone, conveying a marvelous sense of energy, upward movement and growth. Fifties doo-wop takes a turn with "Sh'boom, Life Could Be A Dream," though the vocal style is much too refined to resemble the original version(s). Four tracks have minimal accompaniment.

Songlist: Introduction:, O Western Wind, Medieval:, Sumer is Icumen In, Flos Regalis, Se d'Amer Me Repentoie, Irme Quiero Madre, Renaissance:, Ay Luna, Miraculous Love's Wounding, L'Amfiparnaso, Act I, Scene I, Dolcissimo Uscignolo, Contemporary:, Vessels, Zango, Mexico Fellaheen, Spirituals:, Amazing Grace / The Promised Land, I Believe This Is Jesus, Folk, Pop, & Jazz, I'm too Tired to Tell You That I Love You, 'Round Midnight, I'm Beginning to See the Light, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Sh'boom, Life Could Be a Dream, Canary in a Coal Mine, Wimowen, That Lonesome Road