Montezuma's Revenge : In Pursuit Of Pleasure   

Hip Dutch group Montezuma's Revenge is back with this simply-produced contemporary recording. Allowing the songs and lead vocals center stage, the five men of Montezuma take on pop hits as well as lesser-known compositions from familiar artists, such as Prince's "Sometimes It Snows In April" and John Lennon's "Mother," in addition to self-penned originals (the sexy "I'm da 1-4-U"). "Plateau" has a hypnotic repeating minor-third accompaniment that drives the verse; the swirling descent of notes that are the setting of "Sometimes It Snows" are a modern tone-painting. The radio-friendly "Virtual Insanity" (Jamiroquai) lends itself well to this a cappella version; anyone who has heard the chorus once will recognize it instantly. This CD reveals more with each listen.

Songlist: In The House Of Stone And Light, Nightshift, Calling You, What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted, I'm Da 1-4-U, Plateau, Mother, Sometimes It Snows In April, No More I Love You's, Virtual Insanity, Decent And Distant

Mt. Sac's dynamic ensemble Singcopation, founded in 1997 by Director of Choral Activities Bruce Rogers, consists of 12 auditioned male and female student vocal jazz specialists. These exceptional singers have taken home a variety of trophies from vocal jazz competitions, been named "Most Outstanding College Vocal Jazz Group in the Country" by Downbeat. On the 14 generally accompanied (Piano, Drums & Bass) tunes of "Drive," Singcopation shows us a level of sophistication and polish rarely found at the college level. Particularly fine are Steve Allen's "This Could be the Start of Something Big," the scatty, salsa-flavored "Virou Areia," the sexy, silly, nearly a cappella "I Feel So Smoochie," a very cool arrangement of "Nature Boy," Bobby McFerrin's sweet a cappella (of course) title tune, a moody cover of Lennon/McCartney's "In My Life," John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice," a smooth, rhythmic cover of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Corcovado," and very nice vocal percussion on the a cappella "Virtual Insanity." We are big fans of Singcopation, and enjoyed every cut of "Drive!"

Songlist: This Could Be The Start Of Something Big, Minuano, Not Like This, Virou Areia, Don't Be On The Outside, I Feel So Smoochie, Nature Boy, Drive, In My Life, Moments' Notice, Corcovado, Snow Samba, Virtual Insanity, I Want You Back

Various Artists : Harmony Sweepstakes 1998   

We are fortunate indeed to have assembled such a truly talented group of finalists for the 1998 Harmony Sweeps. Winners Metropolis, the barbershop quartet from Southern California, sing "Some Lucky Day" and the entertaining "Yakko's World." Audience favorite (and second-place finishers) +4dB begin the festivities with "In A Mellow Tone" and also perform the Real Group's "Chile Con Carne." Other groups include Canadians the Heebee-jeebees, catalog favorites Blind Man's Bluff, Ball in the House and Acapelicans (from Australia), Cool Shooz and the third place winners, the Sweet Adelines' quartet City Lights. Bonus performance: An improvised jam by our evening's hosts, SoVoSo.

Songlist: In a Mellow Tone, Some Lucky Day, Good Lovin', The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, This Island Earth, That's How You Jazz (medley), Wake Up Call, Get It On, Virtual Insanity, Happy World, Maritime Folk Song, Chili Con Carne, Coronet Man, Yakko's World, Crawlin', Sign Your Name Across My Heart, Improvised Jam