One of America's elite Collegiate Vocal Jazz ensembles, 9-strong, mixed-voice Afro Blue, under the direction of Connaitre Miller, has collected six DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards in their seven years of existence. These included 'Best College Vocal Jazz Ensemble in' in 2003 and 2009. Director Miller has arranged four of the 15 tunes here, which are almost all a cappella. Several favorites are a striking arrangement of 'The Star Spangled Banner,' Marvin Hamlisch & Alan & Marilyn Bergman's 'The Music of Being Free,' Luis Bonfa's lovely 'Gentle Rain,' Henry Warren & Mack Gordon's 'There Will Never Be Another You,' sublimely arranged by The Real Group's Anders Endenroth, a jazzy arrangement of Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,' Billy Taylor's title tune and James & John Johnson's 'Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing' (The Black National Anthem). Afro Blue is a poised, polished ensemble, with a clean, professional sound, cutting-edge arrangements and excellent song selection. Treat yourself to 'It's a Matter of Pride,' by one of the best Collegiate Vocal Jazz ensembles America has to offer, and enjoy!