Singing clubs of one kind or another played a small but key role in the history of English convivial music. Bustling 17th-century coffee house and taverns were venues for the singing of rounds and catches. Not particularly sophisticated, but many composers, Purcell the most prominent, created a series of miniatures whose wit and melodic invention have rarely been equaled. Acclaimed all-male septet The Hilliard Ensemble, directed by Paul Hillier, divides 'The Singing Club' in two parts, beginning with 'The Catch Club,' Thomas Ravenscroft's 'A Round of three country dances in one' and 'There were three ravens,' John Hilton's 'Call George again, boys,' William Lawes' 'Drink tonight of the moonshine bright,' 'Dainty fine aniseed water fine' and 'Gather your rosebuds while you may,' John Wilson's 'Where the bee sucks, there suck I,' Purcell's 'Tis woman makes us love' and 'Sir Walter enjoying his damsel,' Thomas Arne's title tune and others. The second part, 'The Glee Club,' features the upbeat 'Foresters sound the cheerful horn' by Henry Bishop, Thomas Arne's 'Sigh no more, ladies,' John Smith's 'The Anacreontick Song,' Robert Pearsall's 'There is a paradise on earth,' and Joseph Bamby's 'Sweet and low.' 21 spirited, lilting, romantic a cappella songs that touch and cheer us on many levels-a beautiful, joyous CD!