The title says it all - this is a cheerful and buoyant CD, one that speaks to the simple pleasures of summer.  As chief writer Scott Leonard says in "Smile In My Heart": "no more dark days, only summer always."  Rockapella's polished harmonies and solidly-crafted arrangements have always conveyed a fundamental stability - no unexpected dissonance, no gratuitous notes or an intonation falling short.  Here, with the addition of new bass vocalist George Baldi, who takes over for the much loved Barry Carl (the two share the bass registers on this CD), the band consolidates their quintessential American appeal with songs such as "Shambala," "Dance With Me," "Summertime Blues" and "Surfin' Safari."  Two slower numbers, "Lazy River" and Elliott Kerman's "No Doubt At All,"  conjure up reminiscences of lazy hot evenings, the relaxed swing feel a gentle reminder of generations past.  So leave your cares behind with Rockapella and smile!

Listen to Shambala in RealAudio.