Men's Barbershop Chorus Recordings
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Alexandria Harmonizers Welcome Song Gospel Medley Blue Velvet Kiss the girl I'll Walk With God Putting on the Ritz / Slumming on Park Ave If you Were the Only Girl in the World Alexander's Rag Time Band Moments to Remember Medley Hooked on Classics Medley When You Wish Upon a Star Old st. Louie Greg Hoeltzel Battle Hymn of the republic In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning / Always Stepping Out Medley |
Founded in Alexandria, VA in 1948, the 200+ male members of this great chorus have a proud tradition, having won the International Chorus Championship Gold four times, and have been finalists 13 times, including 11 silver and bronze medals. Musical Director Scott Werner spent 38 years as a chorus member and almost 30 as their Director. "Wee Small Hours" is a delightful, spirited 17-song collection of live performances, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "If You Were the Only Girl in the World" were recorded at the SPEBSQSA International competition in Nashville. Favorites are a very funny rendition of "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid, Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz/Slummin' on Park Ave" and "Steppin' Out Medley," "Old St. Louie," "Blue Velvet" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." The guys are having great fun performing their richly harmonied, perfectly arranged nostalgic hits for us, and we get to let this wall of exquisite sound wash over us, and applaud!
Listen to "Blue Velvet" in Real Audio.
| 5765 CD $14.95 |
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That Old Black Magic Sing, Sing, Sing The Heather On The Hill What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor? Let's Get Away From It All My Wonderful One Royal Garden Blues Silly Songs Medley South Rampart Street Parade Orange Colored Sky Mississippi Mud Hard Times Come Again No More When I Lift Up My Head Betelehemu |
The Ambassadors of Harmony is Barbershop in grand form. Boasting premier talent, great versatility, and proven diligence, they shine as brightly as their medals won from numerous International Chorus competitions. This particular effort titled "Sing Sing Sing", the Louis Prima title track, is seasoned with Traditionals of the Jazz, Americana, English and Folk kind. Upon hearing, it is very easy to detect how much fun these guys are having. Sometimes certain music is best seen live, and it is roaringly apparent that this group is an incredible sight to see. These men sing with so much expression, you might feel you are right there in the audience. "That Old Black Magic," made famous by the Suntones, "The Heather on the Hill" by Loerner and Lowe, "Hard Times Come Again No More", by Stephen Foster are songs included in this new release. Directed by David Wright and Gas House Gang's Jim Henry.
| 5964 CD $14.98 |
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This is the AOH's third spirited recording, and the fun, excitement and feelings of love and nostalgia that come though it are part of the group's tradition. Included is the "Toy Set" that wowed the audience at the 2001 international competition in Nashville. The centerfold of the liner notes is a full-color shot of the 115-strong group on stage in complete "Toyland" costumes, from clowns and roman soldiers to pandas, cats, sailors, space cadets, Spiderman-you name it. It all says "fun," loud and clear, and that's how the group sings. 12 songs are here: "Applause," "I'm Beginning to See the Light," "Through the Years," "My Honey's Lovin' Arms," the Turtles' "Happy Together," "The Music of the Night," "Toy Song," "Toyland," "Short People," "One Alone," "Tonight" and "Friends." That must have been an unforgettable performance at SPEBSQSA Nashville, and this is an unforgettable CD on many levels-most of all the pure, sweet barbershop harmony that flows throughout.
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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.
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Review pending
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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!
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Mother-In-Law Medley Blue Velvet Just A Cottage Small Here's That Rainy Day Sunday Medley All the Things You Are Blue Shadows on the Trail Today (While the Blossoms Still Cling to the Vine) Running Scared I Wish You Love My Girl Skye Boat Song Last Laugh Medley |
"Moves" is the second CD by 1999-2000 champion British Barbershop chorus CCC, and it gets off on the right foot with a hilarious "Mother-In-Law Medley" that puts new words and meanings to "Yes Sir, That's My Baby," "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and "Hello Mother, Hello Father." 13 winning tunes follow, some favorites: the classic "Blue Velvet," "Just A Cottage Small," "Here's That Rainy Day," "Sunday Medley," "All the Things You Are," "Blue Shadows on the Trail," the folk hit "Today" (While the Blossoms Still Cling to the Vine), "I Wish You Love," the Motown hit "My Girl," and "Last Laugh Medley." We like to think of CCC as the "Little David" chorus, 40 guys outsinging choruses 2 or 3 times their size. "Moves" is great entertainment by a very special Barbershop chorus from Britain! Songlist
| 5407 CD $14.98 |
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40-strong, all male Cambridge Chord Company (CCC), the 1999-2000 champion British Barbershop chorus, has probably won more awards than any other chorus of its kind since it sang its first harmonies 12 years ago. In 1994 CCC became the first small chorus ever to win the Silver Medal at the British Association of Barbershop Singers' (BABS) annual convention. Often competing against choirs four or five times their size, CCC were BABS silver medalists three times, BABS Chorus Champions in 1999 and 2002, Millennium Joint Barbershop Harmony Chorus Champions 2000 and European Champions in 2001. In July 2003 CCC placed 11th in the International Barbershop Competition in Montreal, the highest place a British Chorus has ever achieved! Here are 13 spirited songs from the group's repertoire?some nice medleys, including "Sweet Sixteen Medley," "Button Up Medley" and "Tramp Medley." "Roses of Picardy," "Do I Love You?," an impressive "My Funny Valentine," a very funny "Welsh Rhapsody," "Raining In My Heart," "My Ship," "Ol' Man River," "Shangri-La" and the title tune, "Teddy Bear's Picnic." This is powerful, ringing, funny?the stuff great live performances are made of. British Barbershop is coming! Songlist
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It's a Grand Night for Singing Pure Imagination Happy Together My Funny Valentine (I've Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo Annie's Song That Lonesome Road Ob La Di Beautiful Savior Goodbye, World, Goodbye Young and Foolish When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam' e Loch Lomond Traditional Scottish What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor |
Since their forming in 1985, Hilltop, MN's male performing chorus has qualified for the Barbershop Harmony Society Internationals 19 years in a row, earning 7 medals. The 14 cuts on "It's A Grand Night for Singing" show off the rich harmonies, innovative arrangements, and pure entertainment of the GNUC, one of the finest mens' choruses in the Midwest. Hard to pick favorites, but Oscar Hammerstein's title tune, Richard Rodgers' "My Funny Valentine," the upbeat Barbershop chestnut "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo," John Denver's "Annie's Song," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road," Lennon/McCartney's "Ob La Di," the heart-tugging "Young and Foolish," Irving Berlin's "When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam'," the traditional Scottish "Loch Lomond" and the raucous English sea shanty "What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor" will suffice. A fourth powerful, winning collection from one of SPEBSQSA's best!
Listen to "Annie's Song" in Real Audio.
| 5824 CD $14.95 |
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Twin-Cities-based Great Northern Union, directed since 2002 by Peter Benson, is one of the midwest's most versatile choral groups. Surrounded by musical excellence, the group has a broad repertoire and a beautiful sound, and they add visual presentation to complete the package. "Bound for Glory" is "Gnu's" fourth recording, a special selection of sacred works. 11 songs, "Great Day," Thomas Tallis' "If Ye Love Me," "In This Very Room," "Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot," "God is My Rock," "Nearer My God to Thee/I Need Thee Every Hour," "When I Lift Up My Head," "This Train/When the Saints Go Marching In" and special bonus cut, Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria" are particularly nice. An inspirational, beautifully arranged and sung collection from the talented, dynamic Great Northern Union Chorus.
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For 15 years running, the pride of Hilltop, MN has taken the stage at the International Championships at the Barbershop Harmony Society, more appearances than any other chorus. "Evolution" is a live "best-of" CD of 17 songs that traces the group's progress through the years, beginning with brash enthusiasm and a clean, aggressive sound like 1989's "I Was Married Medley," 1991's "Rose Colored Glasses" and the wonderful ballad "Forgive Me" (1990). 1992-94 saw a new director and a bigger sound, highlighted by 1993's "Broadway Star Medley." Comedy was the focus from 1995-96, drawing standing ovations for "Forgive Me Parody," "How Could You Believe Me When You Know I've Been A Lawyer All My Life" (1995) and "Politicians Medley" (1996). 1997-2001 featured soulful ballads, "There Goes My Heart" (2000), driving uptunes, "Changes Medley" (2000), and swing numbers like "Paper Doll" (1999). Most of these favorite performances resulted in medals for the GNUC. A dynamic, powerful collection from one of America's best male chorus, recorded live in International competition!
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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!
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"Love Songs" is for, by and about lovers. The Hartsmen come from the "Heartland of America," Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio; and all have vocations other than singing. They also share a love of singing good choral harmony, which is clear from the first sumptuous notes to the last ringing barbershop chord. All the songs are good, especially "Ten Girls Ago," "Always," "Little Things Mean A Lot," "Don't Wait Too Long," "See You in September," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "There Goes My Heart" and "Where Is Love?" Whatever the aptly-named Hartsmen do for a living I would give them my business, because they're clearly pros. Their music is finely crafted and filled with feeling-they respect the memories and nostalgia these songs evoke in people. And I firmly believe in supporting other lovers! Songlist Listen to "Ten Girls Ago" in Real Audio.
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The first song on this recording, "Shenandoah," will tell you that this is a uniquely talented male chorus with some incredible soloists. The Hartsmen, based in Michigan City, Indiana, have given us a real feel-good tape, with soaring leads, rich flowing harmonies, and arrangements that turn a pop song such as "Happy Heart" into something akin to a symphony. Other favorites: "For The Good Times," "She Touched Me," and "Early In The Morning." Give it a listen, you’ll probably find that it’s Love at..well, First Sound!
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There's A Meetin' Here Tonight Operator Gospel Medley All Rise Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus Battle Hymn of the Republic Let There Be Peace On Earth He's Got The Whole World in His Hands Swing Down Chariot When There's Love At Home Ain't A That Good News Sweet Hour of Prayer I Woke Up This Mornin' Feelin' Fine The Lord's Prayer God Bless The USA Auld Lang Syne Armed Forces Medley Mississippi Squirrel Revival |
Cindy Hansen had been coaching men's and women's choruses and quartets since 1981 when she was a student at Western Michigan University. In 1983 she was asked to coach the West Towns Chorus, who went on to be International Champs. She now has a "who's who" list of gold medal-winning quartets and choruses on her resume. The changes she institutes range from sound and arrangements to creating "visual packages" for the group in performance, and the Heart of Texas Chorus has received many of her "enhansenments." The result is a spirit, a sound, a "juice" that is pure entertainment, but don't take our word for it—listen to the HOTC on these 20 songs: "There's a Meeting Here Tonight," "Operator," Saturday Evening Post's "Gospel Medley," an unbelievable arrangement of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," a dynamic "All Rise," Hot Pursuit's arrangement of "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands," Vanguard's "When There's Love at Home," HOT Lite's "Ain't a That Good News"… we could go on and on, but we trust that excellence rises to the top in the Barbershop world, so just listen to "Inspiration from the Heart," and become a believer in Cindy Hansen and the men of the Heart of Texas Chorus. One more thing, don't miss bonus tracks "Yes, Sir, That's My Baby" and "I'll Be Seeing You!"
| 5687 CD $14.98 |
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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.
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"The Beginning" is the Heart of Texas Chorus' first recording after their founding in 1994 by 20 men who wanted to form a quality barbershop chorus in the "Central Texas Corridor" from Georgetown to San Antonio. Their members ranged in age from 14 to 64, and they were lucky to have a director of the caliber of seasoned barbershop veteran Eddie Martinez, formerly of the Houston Tidelanders. The 31-strong group (at that time) started winning Barbershop Harmony regional competitions right away, and competing in the Ohio "Buckeye International" Contest. 14 songs, with guest performers Soundtrax, the top-ten Sweet Adelines quartet, who join the Chorus on "And So to Sleep Again," "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and "Orange Colored Sky." Other Barbershop standards show off the HOTC's smooth, dynamic sound: "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella," "Swinging on a Star," "Are You Lonesome Tonight," "In That Great Getting' Up Mornin'," "Smile," "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive" and "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die." Good early stuff from a powerful, dynamic chorus from Texas!
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The HOTC has grown in many ways since its founding in 1994, Ron Black now at the helm as Music Director, growing to 59-strong and recently placing 12th in the Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Competition in Salt Lake City. 17 classic tunes: "Smile, Darn Ya, Smile," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Always," "Goodbye, Dixie, Goodbye," "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," "Dream," "Glow Worm," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Floatin' Down to Cotton Town," "If I Had My Way," "You Make Me Feel So Young," and "With A Song in My Heart." Sophisticated arrangements, smooth, ringing chords, feel-good selections—it adds up to great entertainment from a top-drawer men's chorus deep in the Heart of Texas!
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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
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California, Here I Come Witchcraft All The Way The Birth Of The Blues (Nightlife) Song Of The South Here Comes The Showboat This Ole House (Revival) Singin' In The Rain Medley Make 'Em Laugh That's How Rhythm Was Born (Michigan Jake) The Way We Were What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? Battle Hymn Of The Republic (Gotcha!) The Stars And Stripes Forever |
For the 15 years of its existence, The Masters of Harmony has been the toast of the barbershop chorus world, winning the coveted SPEBSQSA gold medal five times—whoops, make that six with their 2005 triumph in Salt Lake City! This, and "The Way We Were" are proof that the best keep getting better. A walk down memory lane from their winning performances under 3 directors, Mark Hale, Jeff Oxley and Brett Littlefield, this collection of 14 winners also includes signature songs from the Masters' four international champion quartets, Nightlife, Revival, Michigan Jake and Gotcha!, all with close ties to the group. Al Jolson's "California, Here I Come" tops the bill and begins like a train getting up to steam, Sammy Cahn's "All the Way" segues into a Southern trilogy, "The Birth of the Blues," "Song of the South" and a wonderful "Here Comes the Showboat;" "Singin' In the Rain Medley," "Make 'Em Laugh," "That's How Rhythm Was Born," the heart-tugging title tune, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" (surprisingly with orchestra, saxophone and piano)--the hits just keep on coming. The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever" end this powerful collection on just the right note. Our congrats to the M of H for their recent win at SLC, and for bringing us this "best of the best" CD!
Listen to Singin' In The Rain Medley in Real Audio
| 5679 CD $14.98 |
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A masterpiece is a work which proves beyond doubt the mastery of a certain discipline. This recording is no exception for those of us who weren't fortunate to be present when The Masters of Harmony, under the direction of Dr. Greg Lyne, won the gold medal and were acclaimed International Chorus Champions in both l990 and l993. Masterpiece begins with a long fascinating medley of nine Jerome Kern songs with an announcer giving brief historical notes in between the excerpts. This is a great recording. "Puttin' On The Ritz" and "Ya Got Trouble" are likely to become standards by which other choruses measure their progress, in fact this whole album will! Listen to "Ya Got Trouble" in Real Audio.
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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.
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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
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All American Barbershop ensemble singing at its finest, this chorus has some sort of compulsion to win gold medals in competition - four golds so far! "Showtime" has a Hollywood film medley and patriotic medley - both arranged by then-director Dr. Greg Lyne - as well as a line-up of barbershop "hits" that don't quit. "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "Old St Louie," and "Basin St. Blues" (the latter featuring the Masters Of Dixieland Band, who will convert the most cantankerous skeptic to the virtues of the saxophone), are just a few. Though over 140 in number, the Masters nonetheless are as one voice, one breath. Listen to "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" in Real Audio.
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On July 6, 1996, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the MOH chorus, under the direction of Dr. Greg Lyne, captured first place gold medals in SPEBSQSA's International Chorus Competition for the third straight time. In addition, Nightlife, a quartet from the ranks of the chorus, won the gold in the International Quartet Contest. The Santa Fe Springs, CA-based group took home all the gold there was to be had, and these 13 great tunes show us why: "All Aboard for Dixie Land," "Brother Can You Spare A Dime," "Whatever Happened to Melody," "Porgy and Bess Medley," "Love Is A Many Spendored Thing," "Ragtime Medley," "Alexander's Band Medley," "Just A Kid Named Joe," "My Romance," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "Basin Street Blues," "'Cross The Mason-Dixon Line" and "Love Me And The World Is Mine." Powerful, smooth, prize-winning stuff from the Masters! Songlist
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Be Our Guest The Bare Necessities When You Wish Upon a Star A Whale of a Tale Beauty and the Beast Mary Poppins Medley You've Got a Friend in Me Under the Sea Can You Feel the Love Tonight Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Circle of Life |
Disney is, of course, famous for it's animated movies and a big part of those movies success has been the wonderful songs the studio has always been an expert in commissioning. Barbershop music has always leant itself well to a Disney song so what a treat it is to have a recording by one of the top barbershop choruses in the nation that focuses entirely on Disney movie songs. Old classics like "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and the wonderful "The Bare Necessities" are included as well as more recent songs such as "Beauty And The Beast" and Elton John's "Can You Feel The Love Tonight". This is already our favorite barbershop chorus recording and think it will soon become yours also.
Listen to "The Bare Necessities" in Real Audio
| 5763 CD $14.98 |
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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
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Northbrook, IL's 95-strong NTC, founded in 1982 as a performance and competition chorus and the intention of becoming one of the best men's choruses in the world, reached that goal in 2001, when, after 8 years of second place medals, they won the coveted gold. Director and arranger Jay Giallombardo, who was a charter member of the group and a member of SPEBSQSA since 1968, has made his devotion to musical quality a guiding light for New Tradition since its inception. That smooth, powerful quality is clear on all of "Sentimental's" 13 classic cuts: "Big Band Days," "Tuxedo Junction," "Taking a Chance on Love," "Skylark," "Everything Old Is New Again," "Do Nothin' 'Till You Hear from Me," "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby," "Java Jive," a stunning "The White Cliffs of Dover" (recorded live at the 2001 SPEBSQSA Chorus Finals), a marvelous "Gershwin Medley," "Imagination," the lovely title tune, and a live bonus track, "dedicated to the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001." "Sentimental" is a nostalgic treat from start to finish by one of the best choruses on the planet.
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The white-uniformed New Tradition Chorus was formed in 1982 as a performance and competition chorus, directed by Jay Giallombardo (who also does most of their arrangements), with the goal of becoming the best male chorus in the world. Beginning in 1987, when they placed 4th in SPEBSQSA's International Chorus competition, they medaled every year since then, including winning the gold medal in Nashville in 2001. So here we have the best male chorus in the world, nailing arguably some of the best songs in the world (most recorded live): "The Star-Spangled Banner," "This Is My Country," "America the Beautiful," "God Bless the USA," "There Is Something About a Soldier," "White Cliffs of Dover," "Cities of America Medley" (which includes "Chicago, My Kind of Town," "Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis," "Gary, Indiana," "Mention My Name in Sheboygan," "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" and "New York, New York"), "God Bless America," "Tribute to World Peace" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (piano accompanied and sung with the Northbrook Melodeers women's chorus). "Powerful" can only begin to describe the NTC, their music and this inspiring CD! Songlist
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The New Tradition Chorus, from the Chicago area of Illinois, have been International Competition Silver Medalists for the last six years (including Anaheim '99). This CD was inspired by the Chorus' trip to Ireland in 1997, and the opening track is an "Irish Montage," evoking their warmly-received performances there. The thirteen-member "Next Generation," a subsidiary group of the Chorus, performs "Ob La Di, Ob La Da" and "Calendar Girl," while the Sweet Adelines Championship Chorus The Melodeers contribute their voices for "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic," recorded live in 1995. The "Cities Of America" medley is an entertaining whistlestop tour; anyone who has seen the New Tradition Chorus live understands that, along with their musical excellence, the show's the thing! Songlist Listen to "Irish Montage" in Real Audio.
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In 1981 a new barbershop chorus was formed in the Chicago area to foster the love of barbershop harmony and incidentally to focus on musical excellence as part of the expressed goal of becoming one the best male a cappella chorus in the world. With that goal in mind, New Tradition Chorus began competing in 1982 and became the Illinois District Champions in 1987. That success qualified them for the International Competition. From that year they have never failed to win a medal and have been Silver Medalists for the last five years. From the very beginning, the music director has been the prolific writer and arranger, Jay Giallombardo. Performances in the Chicago area include appearances at conventions, outdoor festivals, banquets and political events, including performing at the Democratic National Committee Media Party, on national TV for Chicago Bears football games, at Chicago White Sox baseball games and in Canada and Ireland (for the St. Patrick's day festivities in 1997.) The annual Spring Show production has 3 performances and presents the chorus and chapter quartets set in a particular theme (e.g. Broadway, Irish, Patriotic, Western). In addition to singing, the members write, produce, direct, and design lighting and scenery for these shows. As a result it was natural to produce a recording of Broadway show tunes. You'll hear music from State Fair, Les Miserables, Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, Paint Your Wagon, Sound of Music, West Side Story, Cats, and more, sung by this chorus who has not achieved their goal to be the best in the world just yet. To date they are 'only' one of the best! Songlist
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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 here's 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!
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The Aloha Chapter of SPEBSQSA presents its performing chorus and three of its registered quartets, the Sugar Cane Express, the Tiki Tones and Tropical Blend. Three of the songs, "Aloha 'Oe," "Hawai'i Aloha" and "Hawai'i Pono'i" are sung in the Hawaiian language. The rest are known as "hapa haole" (Hawaiian with western influences) and are exemplified in the "Hapa Haole Medley" sung by Tropical Blend. The medley combines "Pearly Shells" and "Tiny Bubbles" which are the two best known English versions of Hawaiian songs. There's a humorous look at Hawaii from a tourists viewpoint in the "Tour Of The Islands Medley." Fine singing will take you on a fascinating tour of the 50th state. Take it today!
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When I Lift Up My Head I'm Gonna Sing Til The Spirits Moves In My Heart Deep River Gospel Medley Amazing Grace Beautiful Saviour Good Bye World, Goodbye I'll Fly Away I'm Feeling Fine America The Beautiful There's Gonna Be A Devil To Pay Great Day Tribute To World Peace |
This five-time International Barbershop Top Ten chorus continues to warm hearts and bring smiles with this wonderful new recording. Your spirits will be lifted by these inspirational songs with arrangements by Greg Lyne, Joe Liles, David Wright, Jay Giallambardo and barbershop luminaries. The collective voices of this fine chorus will delight all aficionados of the genre. Highlights include "Deep River", "Amazing Grace". "Great Day" and "Beautiful Savior."
Listen to "Good Bye World, Goodbye" in RealAudio.
| 5764 CD $14.95 |
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Denver-based Chorus Sound of the Rockies, Mile High Chapter, directed by Darin Drown, has an intimacy in their sound, and their arrangers take the kinds of chances that we're only used to hearing in the best barbershop quartets. 12 great songs, "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee," "Brother Can You Spare a Dime," "Great Day," "Ave Maria, "How to Build a Chorus," "There Goes My Heart" medley, "The Pirate Song," "Bring Him Home," "Ya Got Trouble," "America the Beautiful," "Armed Forces Medley," and "Star Spangled Banner. Truly exquisite! Songlist Listen to "The Pirate Song" in Real Audio.
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You Raise me Up Somewhere Medley Elijah Rock Hymns of the Cross Climb Ev'ry Mountain Deep River It Is Well With My Soul Deep River It Is Well With My Soul Ezekial Saw The Wheel He/I Believe When You Wish Upon A Star The Holy City God Be With You Till We Meet Again |
The 120 men of Dallas' "America's Premier Pops Chorus," founded in 1972, have earned that title time and time again in SPEBSQSA international chorus competitions, bring us an uplifting collection of twelve timeless classics of devotion and faith, in "Your Raise Me Up," their 15th recording. VMC's glorious, rolling harmonies soar on some of our favorite inspirational songs: "You Raise Me Up," "Somewhere Medley," "Hymns of the Cross" medley, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Deep River," "It Is Well With My Soul," "He/I Believe Medley," "When You Wish Upon A Star," "The Holy City" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." Comforting words, given depth and power by one of the all time great choruses, The Vocal Majority.
Listen to "Deep River" in RealAudio.
| 5693 CD $14.98 |
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Let the Vocal Majority Chorus transport you back to those memorable days of the 60s and 70s in this release. America's Premier Pops Chorus sings the favorites: "What a Wonderful World," "Can't Help Falling In Love," "Unchained Melody," "Can't Smile Without You," "There's a Kind of Hush," and "My Special Angel." Added to these great hits, this recording features "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "You Are So Beautiful," "In My Room," "California Dreamin'," "Long and Winding Road," and "Never My Love." With Jim Clancy's incredible choral arrangements sung by America's Premier Pops Chorus with orchestral accompaniment, this is VM at its best.
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The Vocal Majority Chorus celebrates its tenth SPEBSQSA Gold Medal International win in July, 2003 with the release of this generous, comprehensive collection featuring all 10 Gold Medal winning contest sets performed from 1975 through 2003. In the 22 incredible a cappella tracks, we can experience the evolution of this institution of the Barbershop world. Recommended!
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The 160-plus men who form "America's Premier Pops Chorus" are all volunteers, performing purely for the love of music, ably led by acclaimed director and primary arranger Jim Clancy. The VMC has, of course, won numerous SPEBSQSA Chorus Gold Medals since 1975 and has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Here are 15 of the most beautiful love songs ever recorded. We hear the smooth, lush sounds of this legendary chorus in never-before-released cuts of "The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" and "In The Still of the Night." There are new recordings of "How Deep is the Ocean," "Jimmy Webb Medley" (Didn't We/MacArthur Park), and "For Once in My Life." The others are selections from the VMC's 11 CDs. 4, including "When I Fall in Love," "No Arms Can Ever Hold You," "Antonio Carlos Jobim Medley" and "Moonlight Serenade, are orchestrally accompanied. Perfect phrasing, ringing harmonies, tremendous feeling--the judges are right, these guys are the best! Recommended. Listen to "In the Still of the Night" in Real Audio.
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The mission of the Vocal Majority is to bring four part a cappella harmony to the ears and hearts of the whole world. As of this recording, in 1997, they had been singing as members of the Dallas Metropolitan Chapter of SPEBSQSA for 25 years. They have won the International Chorus Championship seven times. Just imagine over 150 singers in one location, singing their hearts out! Then find out the reality is greater than the imagination with this recording of spiritual, sacred, and inspirational music. "You'll Never Walk Alone," "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" (with pipe organ) and "The Lord's Prayer" are just as full and rich as you would expect. The most unusual arrangement is "A Tribute To World Peace" which features Acoustix and the Dallas Knights in addition to the full chorus. Listen to "Amazing Grace (reprise)" or "Joshua Fit the Battle at Jericho"
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How Great Thou Art Ode To Music Sweet Hour Of Prayer The Long Day Closes I'll Walk With God Suddenly You're Older Love At Home I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked The Windows Of The World One Voice The Lost Chord Danny Boy Home On The Range Nearer My God To Thee |
Two of the world's greatest vocal groups, one traditional and one barbershop, together in a single collection, recorded live in 1986 (don't be concerned about the sound or vocal quality; it's super). Three of the songs, "How Great Thou Art," "Love At Home" and "Nearer My God To Thee," feature both, and the remaining eleven tracks allow each ensemble to showcase their unique talents. As the Tabernacle Choir's director, Dr. Jerold Ottley, explains, the choir sings with "an openness of resonance, and the Majority sings primarily with forward resonance. That is, they sound brighter." Most of the songs are inspirational (and about half are organ accompanied), though "Danny Boy," "Home On The Range," "Windows Of the World" and Barry Manilow's "One Voice" round out the set. Both groups have a rich and full tone that is at the same time transparent and weightless; ensemble singing at its best!
| 5103 CD $15.98 |
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We love the VM Chorus' a cappella recordings, but, for a change of pace, this romantic CD will soothe even the most implacable soul. Familiar favorites arranged by Jim Clancy such as "I Only Have Eyes For You" and "When I Fall In Love" bask in the smooth vocal blend. Most of the tempos are a slow 4/4, and the orchestral treatments are lush but restrained, allowing the melody to remain center stage. Songlist
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This CD, from one of our most popular groups, the Vocal Majority chorus from Texas, is unabashedly dedicated to the power and pleasure of music. The tight and refined barbershop chords, the simple yet effective arrangements and classic material result in a consistently enjoyable recording. The selection of songs included are diverse - from the live "That Wonderful Mother of Mine" to a Beatles medley, featuring a particularly moving solo by Steve Haas on "Yesterday." There is also a medley of Nat King Cole favorites, such as "Mona Lisa" and "Too Young," including performances by fellow Texans Acoustix. Several of the songs have understated accompaniment. Listen to "A Beatles Celebration" in Real Audio.
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A diverse recording of great forties and fifties pop tunes ("My Funny Valentine," "Stormy Weather," "As Time Goes By"). Features a Puerling arrangement of "Stardust" and a beautiful "Where is Love." Some cuts include jazz band accompaniment; others include quartet cameos (Dealer's Choice, Acoustix) and two include a female soloist. Listen to "Where Is Love" in Real Audio.
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A collection of great Americana songs including "America The Beautiful", "Waitin' For The Robert Lee", "God Bless America" along woth "Old Man River" and "Ghost Riders In The Sky" Songlist
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Listen to how it all began with "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square", "Sweet Gypsy Rose", "With A Song In My Heart", "How Deep Is The Ocean?" and many more great Jim Clancy arrangements. Songlist
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