Come on, admit it. You love that barbershop sound. There's nothing like a locked chord and a hanging-in-the-air tag to make the air ring. Add in Christmas music and you've got everything you need. Many internationals-winning choruses and quartets have gone on to put out holiday CDs, and we don't need to tell you what combining a group that's taken home the gold with holiday music sounds like = spectacular! And we even have songbooks that allow you to sing the holiday classics in that barbershop style yourself!
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Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming |
This is the 2005 version of the Alexandria (VA) Harmonizers, one of the great SPEBSQSA male choruses of all time, boasting 4 International Golds and more than a double handful of silvers and bronzes. "Comfort" of course is a Christmas album, and Musical Director Richard Lewellen leads his 200+ singers in 14 classic tunes. The pictures on the liner notes are of a concert performance with the Harmonizers dressed as carolers, and then as elves in Santa's workshop. All our favorites are here: "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Mr. Grinch" (featuring Four Aces), "Silent Night," "I Wonder What You're Doing for Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (featuring Four Aces), and "Auld Lang Syne." These songs are as filled with harmony and spirit as you can imagine, as if you've invited a couple hundred of the best carolers in the world to your house for the holidays, without having to feed them!
Listen to "It Came Across A Midnight Clear" in Real Audio.
| 5766 CD $14.95 |
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It Came Across A Midnight Clear |
Pride of St. Charles, MO, 160-strong Ambassadors of Harmony, who won SPEBSQSA International Chorus Gold in July, 2004 in Louisville, KY, bring us a richly-textured, powerful Christmas collection, joined by '04 Collegiate Quartet winners Vocal Spectrum and AOH offshoot Gas House Gang. The really top-drawer barbershop groups have the great arrangements to go with the ringing harmonies, and "Holidays" earns high marks in this department. "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "Do You Hear What I Hear," "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," "Hanukkah Medley," "The Little Drummer Boy," "Mary Had A Baby," the Nigerian Christmas Song "Betelehemu" and Handel's magnificent "Hallelujah Chorus"…each song is a flawless gem. What could be better for the holidays?
Listen to "It Came Across A Midnight Clear" in Real Audio.
| 5701 CD $14.98 |
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Cool Yule |
Acoustix are one of the most consistently impressive barbershop groups performing today. "Cool Yule," their first holiday-themed recording, will add to their legend. Greg Volk arranged several songs, including "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," (sung by bass Joel Rutherford, who also contributed two arrangements). Two Beach Boys scores, "Auld Lang Syne" and "Little Saint Nick," and a Mervyn Warren (of Take 6) chart, "The First Noel," show the quartet's burgeoning versatility, and it sounds great. For those listeners who prefer Acoustix to stay close to their barbershop origins, the locked-in chords of "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "Mary Had A Baby" will be a treat. About half accompanied in swinging big band style.
Listen to Silver Bells in Real Audio.
| 5328 CD $14.98 |
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We Need A Little Christmas - arr. Clay Hine |
Formed in 1986 by a group of guys who got together to sing barbershop in somebody's basement, the BCC has now grown to over 100 members, the largest barbershop chorus in the Southeast. The group has medaled in SPEBSQSA'S International Chorus Competition, placing as high as 3rd in 1999. They are joined by barbershop stars Fred, Riptide, Atlanta Power Company, Scruffy Murphy's and Mary Selano. 11 songs, from the title tune, "Silent Night" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town;" to "Beautiful Savior," "Sleigh Ride," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/First Noel/Joy To The World Medley" and "May The Good Lord Bless You and Keep You." The addition of the guest artists allows many solos and delightful variations in the sound of these classic Christmas tunes. We also liked the cover art of Santa's sleigh being pulled by eight extra-large chickens ... "We Need" is one of the best choral Christmas CDs we've heard!
| 5368 CD $14.98 |
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Caroling, Caroling |
TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING!!! Perfection achieved!! Enough hyperbole already, you think to yourself? Not a chance...where's the thesaurus. Ok, we'll rein in our enthusiasm and resort to merely telling you about a Christmas album sung by one of the greatest barbershop quartets of our time. On this recording we listen to a quartet who achieves the tightest harmonies humanly possible apply those talents to traditional Christmas music. It's funny but as they aren't specifically singing barbershop chording, it is only occasionally that we remember just what tradition this fabulous singing springs from. Touches of jazz, elements of gospel reverence, and moments of almost operatic virtuosity abound throughout and all come together with vocal percussionist Jeff Thatcher of Rockapella adding his talents on "Go Tell It On the Mountain." We were also struck momentarily speechless when we found that, for the first time in quite a while, we actually enjoyed "The Little Drummer Boy" once more. The Gang rescues that song from the Christmas cul-de-sac of fruit-cake jokes with a beautiful rendition. What a tenor lead! You'll hear a fabulous Gregorianesque intro to "O Come Emanuel" which sounds as though it is emerging from a heavenly cathedral. The song list meanders through all of the Christmas spirit to arrive at the title track, "Some Children See Him." This is a wonderful message on which to leave, each child who sees Christ, sees Him in their own image.
Listen to "The Little Drummer Boy" in Real Audio.
| 5412 CD $14.98 |
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Deck The Halls Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming Coventry Carol While By My Sheep Birthday Of A King Christmas Medley Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/ Silent Night Away In A Manger Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head Angels We Have Heard On High When Christ Was Born Of Mary Free Mary's Little Boy Child I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day Bring A Torch Jeannette Isabella God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Here We Come A-Wassailing O Holy Night We Wish You A Merry Christmas |
Twenty holiday favorites sung by this Christian barbershop group. The four members of Good News! bring auspicious credentials, having belonged to quartets such as Happiness Emporium and the Regents (lead, Joe Mazzone), among others. Uniting in common purpose - a purpose particularly suited to this holiday season - the quartet has a smooth and traditional barbershop sound, with generally close voicings and conservative with their embellishments. The arrangements, while sung with block harmony, are otherwise very close to the original holiday versions, though a few, such as the "Christmas Medley" and "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day," have the can't-miss sevenths distributed more liberally. Occasionally accompanied by keyboard.
Listen to "Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head" in Real Audio.
| 5308 CD $9.98 |
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas / Pine Cones and Holly Berries Star of Bethlehem Coventry Carol Prepare Ye Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming Gift of Alleluia Away in a Manger Advent Meditation Carol of the Bells Ave Maria Holiday Medley It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / Silent Night We Need A Little Christmas Jingle Bell Rock The Straw Carol Alleluia We Wish You A Merry Christmas Joy to the World |
A pair of elite choruses, all-female City of Lakes Chorus, led for 35 years by honored director Mary Dick; and the Great Northern Union Chorus, directed by the widely respected Roger Williams bring us a fine live Christmas CD, recorded live at performances at Lutheran Churches in Golden Valley, MN and Apple Valley, MN. There are 19 Christmas standards here, with occasional light accompaniment by piano and flute. GNUC begins with "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," and City of Lakes does a nice medley, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas/Pine Cones and Holly Berries" and "Star of Bethlehem." The groups alternate throughout, GNUC's "Coventry Carol," CLC's "Prepare Ye," "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming," and they sometimes sing together, as on "Gift of Alleluia," "Away in a Manger" and the lovely "Advent Meditation." "Ave Maria," "Holiday Medley," "The Straw Carol" (featuring International Champion Quartet 4-Star Collection), "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Joy to the World" are some favorites. "Celebrate" is a joyous, beautifully-sung Christmas CD by two outstanding choruses!
Listen to "Holiday Medley" in Real Audio
| 5686 CD $14.98 |
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Do You Hear What I Hear? |
The Heart of Texas Chorus, from San Marcos, TX, is directed by Ron Black, who has huge Barbershop Harmony credentials as a singer, judge, vocal coach and director. "Sing A Joyous Christmas" features a well-chosen collection of 15 classic carols, classical pieces and pop Christmas songs. Also included is a wonderful Plainchant, "Let All Mortal Flesh Be Silent." Other favorites are "Do You Hear What I Hear," Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," "Some Children See Him," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Little Drummer Boy," "Winter Wonderland," "O Holy Night," "Mrs. Santa Claus" (the first time we've heard this), and "Joy To The World." Powerful harmonies, richly-sung bass parts, soaring leads and fine arrangements make "Sing A Joyous Christmas" a winner that you can enjoy for years to come!
Listen to "Jingle Bell Rock" in Real Audio
| 5859 CD $14.95 |
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Joy To the World |
The 45-strong all-male Heart of Texas Chorus has been directed by International Barbershop Harmony Society veteran Eddie Martinez to District Championships and IBHS international chorus competitions. They bring us 12 classic Christmas songs, performed with buttery harmonies and ringing held chords. Our favorites are the medleys, "Away In A Manger/O Little Town of Bethlehem," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/Silent Night," "Angels From The Realms of Glory/While By My Sheep (Echo Carol)," and "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season Medley," but it's hard to choose. A strong, beautiful second CD for the Heart of Texas.
Listen to "Away In A Manger/O Little Town of Bethlehem" in Real Audio
| 5374 CD $14.98 |
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It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year |
The 93-strong Houston Tidelanders, with special guest performers The Houston Horizon Chorus, Symmetry and Presto!, bring us a fine, generous helping of Christmas classics just in time for the holidays! The 2001 SPEBSQSA Southwestern District Champs, the Tidelanders have been winning SPEBSQSA trophies since 1969, and it shows. 14 songs here, some of our favorites are the title tune, "Carol of the Drum," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Christmas Spiritual Medley," "Jingle Bell Rock," "Winter Swing Medley" and "O Holy Night." The rich, full sound of the Tidelanders contrasts nicely with the soloists and guest artists. Merry Christmas from Texas!
Listen to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" in Real Audio
| 5349 CD $14.98 |
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White Christmas |
This fun-loving group of over 130 women, the oldest active competing chorus in Sweet Adelines, who have ranked in the top ten each time they have competed in International competition, bring us a lovely Christmas album. There several well-known carols and popular songs among these 12 songs, like "White Christmas," a funny shopping-related parody of "Jingle Bells" appropriately called "Jingle All The Way," "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas," "Carol Of The Bells," "Pretty Little Jesus," "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Mary Did You Know." The KCC joins with the Children's Chorus to sing a very fine "Peace, Peace/Silent Night" medley. There are also some very nice songs that are new to us, a narrated song that tells the story of the "Little Gray Donkey," the beautiful "When a Child is Born" and "Christmas Was Meant for Children." "Have Yourself A Kansas City Christmas" is a fun, spirited Christmas Winner from the KCC!
Listen to "Christmas Was Meant for Children" in Real Audio
| 5884 CD $14.95 |
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Fum, Fum, Fum - arr. Robert Shaw / Alice Parker |
Coppell, Texas-based mixed Christian barbershop quartet (2 men and two women) Kindred Spirits bring us eight finely-crafted Christmas tunes: "Fum, Fum Fum," "I Wonder What You¼re Doing for Christmas," the sweet, soulful "What Can I Give Him," the inspirational "I Have Been Revived," "Mary Did You Know?", "It Is Well With My Soul," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Auld Lang Syne." Kindred Spirits sings with a lot of warmth, and there are a lot of wonderful harmonies in this CD ... and good feeling for the blessed event that is the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
| 5377 CD $11.98 |
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It's Christmas Time |
A feel-good Christmas CD is the latest from the multiple gold medal-winning chorus Masters of Harmony. Besides the title tune, some of our favorites: "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," "Some Children See Him," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," "Angels We Have Heard On High," and a triumphant "Joy To The World." But all 14 songs are winners. Purist's warning: some light accompaniment and sound effects.
Listen to " Christmas Eve In My Home Town" in Real Audio
| 5497 CD $14.98 |
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Caroling, Caroling |
This multiple gold-medal award winning chorus is consistently delightful. Directed by Dr. Greg Lyne, their sound is immense, yet compact. With marvelous adaptations of favorites such as "Joy To The World" (where the use of dynamics, stepwise motion and rhythmic variation between voice-parts creates a surprising excitement), or the "Christmas Waltz Medley" (featuring "My Favorite Things"), the Masters of Harmony are never predictable. The "Gift Carol," a Catalonian folk carol with a delicate and exquisitely harmonized melody in 3/4, is a highlight.
Listen to "Feast Of Lights" in Real Audio
| 5121 CD $14.98 |
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Jingle Bell Rock |
Since their formation in 1960, the Melodeers, a 125-member Sweet Adelines Chorus, have won the International Championship twice in succession (1997, 1998). Their energetic and vivacious style must also be credited to their redoubtable director, Jim Arns, who also wrote some of the arrangements. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" offers every imaginable variation (echo, contrast motion, swipes, modulation) of the familiar refrain, and sets up the grand finale with a turnaround, pushing the phrasing to make room for a zestful seventh chord and another key change. "Psalm 98/Shalom" begins on a long open note, gradually converging to the dominant; the subsequent section is a rapid fire allegro, broken by a repetitive adagio two-part interlude. Sound unconventional? It is. "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" are among the many traditionals. The Chorus lets loose on "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer."
Listen to "The Christmas Song" in Real Audio
| 5549 CD $14.98 |
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I'll Be Home For Christmas |
Founded in 1988, the 58-strong MVE has a decade-long run as Wisconsin's only Barbershop Harmony Society top-ten men's a cappella chorus, capturing a trio of medals. Directed by Grant Wilson and featuring guest artists Jana Peterson, the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, barbershop quartet Voices Only and mixed quartet Heart to Heart (who wowed us at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals). Favorites among these 12 songs are "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Deck the Halls," "Jamaican Noel," "Santa Baby" (featuring Jana Petersen, Voices Only's live cut "Mary Did You Know," Heart to Heart's "Carol of the Bells," and the live grand finale, "O Come All Ye Faithful," featuring MVE with guest artists. This is a sumptuous feast of Christmas goodies, sent to you Express from the Midwest!
| 5850 CD $14.95 |
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Friends |
A nice assortment of Christmas songs from this Sweet Adelines chorus, who medaled at last year's international competition, under the direction of Shirley Kout. The group, who was founded in 1958, offers a nice barbershop rendition "Good King Wenceslas"; they toy with the familiar refrain and resolve it in an unexpected way. Other songs include "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," "Dormi, Dormi" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
| 5291 CD $14.98 |
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Come and See What's Happenin Festive Carol Medley Over the River and Through the Woods Here We Come A Wassailing Boar's Head Carol Deck The Halls I'll Be Home for Christmas / Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas The Christmas Rag Away In a Manger / Amazing Grace For All Your Miracles The Christ Child Medley Lo How A Rose E're Blooming The Holly and the Ivy Coventry Carol The First Noel Feast of Lights Have You Seen the Child Bell Carol Medley Ding Dong Merrily on High I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Carol of the Bells Jingle Bells More Than Enough |
After winning 13 consecutive medals in as many years, the New Tradition ChorusÊwas crowned International Chorus Champion of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2001. In this their third holiday recording, the New Tradition combines their warm, rich sound with exquisite arrangements by director Jay Giallombardo. Their recordings just keep getting better and better but this one clearly reaches a new high standard.ÊThe album includesÊfavorites like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and more contemporary titles like "Come and See What's HappeninÕ in the Barn". Jay's arrangement of "Away in the Manger / Amazing Grace" is as soft and gentle as a newborn baby and "Christmas Rag" is just plain fun. When you hear this inspiring collection, you'll want to make this recording a permanent part of your holiday celebration.
Listen to " For All Your Miracles" in Real Audio
| 5621 CD $14.98 |
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In The First Light What Child Is This? Hark The Herald/Angels We Have Heard On High It Came On a A Midnight Clear Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy Silent Night O Holy Night O Little Town of Bethlehem I Have Seen The Light Deck The Halls Silver Bells Let It Snow March Of The Wooden Soldiers Light The Legend Sing A Song Of Hannukah The Prayer |
And now, ladies and gentlemen, up on the stage, resplendent in their "76 trombones" uniforms, the pride of Northbrook, Illinois, directed by Jay Giallombardo, current SPEBSQSA Chorus Champions New Tradition are here with a very strong new Christmas CD! Christmas being all about tradition, nostalgia, spirit and sweet singing, "A Holiday Tradition!" is a winner on all counts. Enough said, except hereÕs the songlist: "In The First Light," "What Child Is This?," "Hark the Herald/Angels We Have Heard On High," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy," "Silent Night," "O Holy Night," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "I Have Seen The Light," "Deck The Halls," "Silver Bells," "Let It Snow," "March Of The Wooden Soldiers," "Light The Legend," "Sing A Song Of Hannukah" and "The Prayer." Enjoy!
Listen to "O Little Town of Bethlehem" in Real Audio
| 5492 CD $14.98 |
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White Christmas - arr. Tom Gentry |
This Northern California-based barbershop men's chorus, noted for its wonderful, rich sound, offers you "Season's Greetings," a big collection of Christmas favorites that will warm your hearth and become a part of your holiday tradition. We are talking classic Christmas music here, and Pot O'Gold does it justice. We should all be so lucky to go caroling with such a talented and spirited group ... and now we can! Put Season's Greetings on the cd player, and you may find yourself in the kitchen, covered with flour and cookie cutter in hand, singing lustily along, hopefully in harmony!
| 5467 CD $12.98 |
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Happy Holidays/Winter Wonderland |
New York City's Sweet Adelines favorite Ramapo Valley Spotlight Chorus, who tell us they're based only 45 minutes from Broadway, bring that Broadway magic and panache to an ambitious, energetic Christmas CD. First we have "Happy Holidays/Winter Wonderland," "Deck the Halls/Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Toyland," "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," "Jingle Bell Rock," "I Wonder As I Wander," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Christmas Was Meant For Children" and "Hanukkah." Then comes "A Child Is Born" and a dramatic and touching Christmas narrative/medley, narrated by Renee Craig, "A Gift of Love." Included are "Gloria," "A Child Is Born in Bethlehem," "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow," "A Baby In A Cradle" and five others. There is some light flute, guitar and piano accompaniment on some songs. This CD might have been titled "Christmas on Broadway" ... we like the spirit of RVSC, and we enjoyed "A Gift of Love!"
Listen to "I'll Be Home For Christmas" in Real Audio
| 5379 CD $14.95 |
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Sleigh Ride |
Under the direction of Dale Syverson this top-notch chorus has earned a reputation for excellence and this wonderful holiday recording is a great example of their craft. The combined voices of these talented singers shine on these great arrangements and are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to the listener. Special guest quartet Kindred Spirit featuring Brain and Holly Beck is an additional treat.
Listen to "Star Carol" in Real Audio.
| 5751 CD $14.98 |
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Sing We Noel |
The Rich-Tone Chorus are no strangers to awards ceremonies at Sweet Adelines' International Chorus competitions, winning the gold in 1992, 1996 and 1999. "Wrapped" is a generous Christmas album, featuring three original tunes by Chorus members, "You're All I Want For Christmas," "Hush Little Children, Do," and "Christmas Shopping Blues." Included are guest appearances by Rumors, Rhythmix, Kindred Spirits, The Gina Williams Trio and The Texas Girl Choir. There are 16 tunes, familiar songs like "Sing We Noel," "Patapan," "Happy Holidays," "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Feast of Lights," "Joy to the World" and "Auld Lang Syne," And lesser known ones like "Old Man's Back In Town," "Jingle Bell Jazz," "Mary Did You Know," "One Small Child" and the hilarious (if in questionable taste) "Pretty Dolly." There's a nice variety in the mix of the powerful chorus, the smaller quartets and soloists here. Some light accompaniment on a few cuts.
Listen to "Jingle Bell Jazz" in Real Audio.
| 5348 CD $14.98 |
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Happy Holiday/Holiday Season |
Denver Mile High, CO's The Sound of the Rockies chorus have placed in the top ten of SPEBSQSA's International Chorus competition 5 times, including a 6th place at the 2006 competition in Indianapolis. "Goodness and Light" is the group's very special Christmas CD, which highlights its depth of sound, musical diversity and heartfelt performances. 14 songs, "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season" medley, a lively arrangement and strong solo (and vocal percussion) on "Holly and the Ivy," a lovely "Ave Maria," the spiritual "Mary Had a Baby" with guest artist "Ignition!," a spirited "The First Hanukkah," "I Wonder as I Wander," a silly "50 Kilowatt Tree," a powerful "This Christmas Day Medley," "O Holy Night," a sumptuous "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" "Let It Snow" with Guest Artist Denver A Cappella Project" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" are some favorites. One of the most talented choruses in the world brings us a rich Christmas collection that is indeed all "Goodness & Light!"
Listen to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen in Real Audio.
| 5719 CD $14.98 |
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Mr. Grinch Spaseniye Sodelal One More Sleep Till Christmas Santa Medley Mary Had A Baby The Christmas Song Birthday Of A King Rockin' Christmas Medley Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer That's What I Want For Christmas Betelehemu My Birthday Comes On Christmas/Diddly Squat Feliz Navidad The Holly And The Ivy It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Silent Night Happy Holiday/Holiday Season |
Colorado's Premier Men's A Cappella Chorus, which won the 3rd Place Medal at the Barbershop Harmony International convention at Denver in 2007, is directed by Darin Down, head of vocal music at Grandview High School in Aurora, CO. "Sing We Noel" was recorded and broadcast live Dec. 8, 2007 from the Univ. of Denver Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Featured on these 18 songs are guest quartets Nexus, singing "Mr. Grinch" and "That's What I Want for Christmas," Fastlane, singing "One More Sleep Until Christmas," Ignition, singing "Mary Had a Baby" and "The Holy & The Ivy," Kowalski Twins, singing "My Birthday Comes On Christmas/Diddly Squat," and the sextet Blenders Ensemble, who sing "The Christmas Song." Guest artists The Blenders also sing wonderful solos on "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." More Christmas winners are "Sing Ye Noel," "Santa Medley," "Rockin' Christmas Medley," "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Silent Night" and "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season," featuring the powerful, rich harmonies of the whole chorus. A feel-good, live collection that will surely bring you big-time Christmas cheer!
| 5848 CD $14.95 |
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Though considered a barbershop group for the most part, some of the fourteen carols on this CD are sung in the traditional manner. Their enchanting "Gaudete" features the pipe organ from their local church, and is magnificent (two other tracks are also accompanied). Guest soprano Kathrin Koenig takes the lead on "Christmas Time is Here" (a number of other vocalists make appearances as well). The robust "Jingle Bells" and merry "Let's Have An Old Fashioned Christmas" reveal the group's barbershop orientation and skill. The close harmonies of "Jingle Bell Rock" will have you prancing around the tree until the ringing of the closing chord!
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Caroling, Caroling |
It’s not very often that one can say with certainty in the music business that any particular group is the very best of its type in the world. Yet we can say as much with this barbershop chorus as they have 11 gold medals to prove it – more than any other chorus in history. We therefore always have high hopes of their new recordings and expect something close to perfection. Well once again they surpass themselves on this holiday gem. One of the things that always impress is how such a sweet, sometimes so gentle; sound can come from such a large chorus of male only voices. Director (and arranger of many of the songs) Jim Clancy truly has a talent for coaxing the very purest of sound from a chorus. There is the occasional accompanied Christmas ornamentation and some very strong solosby Jay Dennis, Steve DeCrow and Jeff Oxley but it’s the harmony that counts, and this recording has some of the best!
Listen to "Birthday of a King" in RealAudio.
| 5823 CD $14.95 |
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Winter Wonderland |
SPEBSQSA's current International Gold Medalists, their ninth such title since their founding in 1972, The Vocal Majority have the numbers and the talent and aren't afraid to use them! On their brand new "Twelve Days of Christmas" you may be taken aback to hear what the liner notes call "magnificent orchestral accompaniment" on the first two songs, "Winter Wonderland"and "Do You Hear What I Hear."Beautiful, but it's almost like whipped cream on frosting, because the VM hardly need violins, having already cornered the magnificence market. The proof is in the a cappella numbers, especially "Songs of Christmas Medley," a wonderful "Carol of theBells," "The Christmas Song," an incredible "Jingle Bells/Sleigh RideMedley," the title tune, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," and a "Little Drummer Boy" to remember. Lush and rich as Christmas eggnog with rum and nutmeg, incredibly arranged, effortlessly, perfectly performed, what more could we ask? "Twelve Days" is a treasured gift to yourself or anyone you love at Christmas.
Listen to Carol Of The Bells in Real Audio.
| 5474 CD $14.98 |
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White Christmas |
This celebrated chorus' third Christmas CD - eight time Society Champions, directed by Jim Clancy. Half-accompanied, we have to admit the a cappella tracks are our favorites: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (The Blenders' arrangement!), "What Child Is This," "Auld Lang Syne" and "Toyland." The Vocal Majority's power is such that they are most affecting as voices only - the tag of "Auld Lang Syne" is proof of that. Guest vocalists Steve and Wendy DeCrow warm up "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and Rumor's tenor, Charla Clare, graces "Ave Maria." Bob Chilcott of the King's Singers' "I Wander As I Wander" has a gorgeous string and woodwind score, and features Jeff Oxley.
Listen to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in Real Audio.
| 5327 CD $14.98 |
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O Come All Ye Faithful |
The Vocal Majority, along with the Masters of Harmony, are considered to be the best amongst barbershop choruses. Directed by Jim Clancy, these over one-hundred-fifty Texans' golden voices, complimented by guest vocalists or the occasional guitar or keyboard - such as on "Away In A Manger," or the languid stroll of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" - are perfectly synthesized. Their phrasing, enunciation and dynamics are beyond reproach, and their arrangements, many written by the aforementioned Clancy, emphasize tone color and quality, rather than a panoply of contrasting voice parts or acrobatic feats. Grace and beauty characterize the performance of the Vocal Majority.
Listen to "I Wonder What You're Doing For Christmas" in Real Audio.
| 5104 CD $14.98 |
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Title/Time/Arranger: Songs Of Christmas Medley 6:30 Jim Clancy |
Hall-of-Fame Men's Chorus champions Vocal Majority, who have come to define the best in the business, offer their second Christmas record. Beginning with a Christmas Medley, which wraps up every familiar carol in a glorious bow, and proceeding to the dulcet tones of "Alleluia," the grandeur of these holiday masterpieces is complemented by the virtuosity of the performances, which are of the highest standard. The organ-accompanied "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah" is a stirring finale.
Listen to "Carol Of The Bells" in Real Audio.
| 5119 CD $14.98 |
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Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Carold of the Bells Happy Holidays - Its the Holiday Season The Christmas Song Jingle Bells White Christmas The Twelve Days of Christmas The First Noel - Angels We Have Heard on High - Joy to the World Hanukkah Medley (featuring Vocal Spectrum) Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O Come Emmanuel) It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Do You Hear What I Hear O Holy Night (featuring Vocal Spectrum) Alleluia Betelehemu Little Drummer Boy Hallelujah Chorus Amen (featuring RD Mathey) Silent Night |
2007 International Silver medalist Chorus (and 2004 International Champions) The Ambassadors of Harmony are an extremely talented 160 voice chorus who really shine under the direction the the very highly regarded director Jim Henry, the bass singers of the International Champion quartet The Gas House Gang. Here we see them perform one of their entertaining live Christmas concerts which was filmed in Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis. A well-produced film which captures the spirit of the season along with both the power and gentleness of such a large male chorus. Includes a special guest appearance from Vocal Spectrum. Recommended.
| 5768 DVD $19.95 |
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I'll Be Home For Christmas Caroling, Caroling Winter Wonderland (with Jeff Oxley, bass) White Christmas You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch (performed by Acoustix) Toyland Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow Christmas Time Is Here (with Steve DeCrow, tenor) I'll Be Home for Christmas O Come, All Ye Faithful Do You Hear What I Hear? Little Drummer Boy What Child Is This? O Holy Night Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah The Secret of Christmas I'll Be Home for Christmas (reprise) |
Experience the Vocal Majority Chorus, directed by Jim Clancy and Greg Clancy, in this hour-long DVD produced from live performances of their acclaimed Christmas concerts at the Dallas Convention Center. Acoustix and soloists Steve DeCrow and Jeff Oxley join the Chorus in a program destined to become a holiday favorite. Seventeen songs, some favorites: "Winter Wonderland" (with Jeff Oxley, bass), "YouÕre A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (with Acoustix), "Christmas Time is Here" (with Steve DeCrow, tenor), "IÕll Be Home for Christmas," "Do You Hear What I Hear?," "Little Drummer Boy," "Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah," and "The Secret of Christmas." Now you can see as well as hear the best barbershop chorus in the world.
| 5606 DVD $19.98 |
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Angels From The Realms Of Glory |
It's a barbershop Christmas! All your favorite carols and fun songs have been arranged with fun and Holiday spirit and those great barbershop chords. With a Children's Medley, "O Holy Night," "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and others, 19 in all.
| 5847 SONGBOOK $5.95 |
A great aide for most quartets are these part CDs (Lead, Bari, Bass or Tenor) that accompany the popular songbook of the same name. Buy individually or as a set.
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5847 |
SET of TTBB
$34.98 |
LEAD
$9.98 |
TENOR
$9.98 |
BARITONE
$9.98 |
BASS
$9.98 |
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Deck The Halls
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The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...) - Joe Liles |
Joe Liles' 'Christmas Song' is a fun and exciting arrangement. Great harmonies and a beautiful, optional intro. 'Deck the Halls' is similar to the original 4 part arrangement, but its made even better with that special barbershop sound. Greg Backwell's 'Twelve Days of Christmas' is a fun arrangement with new lyrics meant just for barbershop singers. The song starts with the second tenors singing alone. Each verse brings in a new voice until the fourth verse when you those beautiful ringing chords that only four-part male harmony can achieve. 'Jingle Bell Rock' starts out with a rockin' bass line, then adds some fun bell-sound imitations until the chorus, when we hear that trademark barbershop sound... sure to be a crowd pleaser! The sweet ballad 'White Christmas' is made just that much better with its new barbershop sound. 'Silver Bells has lots of opportunities for the tenors and basses to shine separately, this is not your typical Barbershop arrangement, but will add great variety to your Holiday program. 'Winter Wonderland' opens with the verse rather than the typical chorus opening that we hear in most versions of this classic today. The close harmony throughout makes this fun tune a joy to sing.
| 9587 SHEET MUSIC $9.95 |
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Feliz Navidad - Briner / Gentry |
A great intro starts 'Jingle Bells' off with a bang! This Holiday Barbershop tune will be fun to sing and hear! 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' will be a fun and easy addition to your concert. 'Let it Snow...' is chock-full of large portions of harmony-goodness! 'The Little Boy that Santa Forgot' is a beautiful, but sad, tune. 'I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas' is a great closer for your show. 'The Santa Claus Express' brings out the magic that is that famous Father Christmas, with great barbershop harmonies. While Feliz Navidad may not be your typical Barbershop arrangement (it adds percussion instruments), its a fun piece that will add variety to your program.
| 9588 SHEET MUSIC $9.95 |
One of the most famous Christmas songs of all time this barbershop arrangement will cheer your audiences and performers alike. A Holiday winner! Includes 4 copies of the sheet music and a learning CD which is recorded as a a "part-predominant" recording. This is where one voice part (tenor, lead, baritone or bass) is featured louder (or predominantly) in one channel (either left or right), to make learning that part easier for the singer. There is also a regular “reference” version of the song as well. Helpful for all quartet members who can rehearse separately from the others. (in the car..)
| 50001 CD & SHEET MUSIC $19.95
4 Copies and 1 Parts CD |
| 50001 CD $13.95
Parts CD Only |
There's nothing finer than singing harmony with friends around the holidays and this barbershop arrangement by Russ Foris is bound to please. Includes 4 copies of the sheet music and a learning CD which is recorded as a a "part-predominant" recording. This is where one voice part (tenor, lead, baritone or bass) is featured louder (or predominantly) in one channel (either left or right), to make learning that part easier for the singer. There is also a regular “reference” version of the song as well. Helpful for all quartet members who can rehearse separately from the others. (in the car..)
| 50002 CD & SHEET MUSIC $19.95
4 Copies and 1 Parts CD |
| 50002 CD $13.95
Parts CD Only |
The song 'Feliz Navidad' is one of the most popular and often-heard songs of the Christmas season. It was written and recorded by the Puerto Rican artist Jose Feliciano in 1970. The spanish words are derived from a common holiday greeting 'Feliz navidad, prospero ano y felicidad' meaning 'prosperous year and happiness.' The percussion parts can be played by the choral musicians, or assigned to a small group of percussionist. In either case, the pulse and tempo should remain steady and constant. If you are performing this song in a chorus rather than a quartet, you could try having some of the singers create the percussion parts using vocal percussion or body percussion by imitating the sounds of the maracas, tambourine, cowbell and woodblock.
| 9537 CD $19.95
4 Copies and Parts CD |
| 9537 CD $14.95
Parts CD Only |
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