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.

It is only two years after the first album which was pure classical barbershop. On Stars & Stripes the same perfectly pitched close harmonies are in full bloom but the repertoire is expanded considerably. There is a rousing selection of patriotic songs, "The Stars and Stripes Forever," "The Star Spangled Banner," "God Bless The USA" and more! In the middle of the lineup we find a touch of jazz and then barberwop on "Unchained Melody." Acoustix is joined by Panache, the 1990 Queens of Harmony, for two songs on which they sing quartet duets. They do a chills up the back rendition of "This Is The Moment" just before closing with "So Many Voices Sing America's Song" on which they are joined by The American Pops Orchestra and The Vocal Majority. Stunning!

Listen to "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Stars and Stripes Forever"

Rewarding loyal fans after years of anticipation, Acoustix presents a cache of songs guaranteed to please a wide variety of listeners. Their opening statement, the title tune "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz," is performed in homage to the greats of the era: Nat, Benny, Frank, and of course, the Four Freshmen, to whom Acoustix pay tribute throughout this album. This is not music for barbershop fans only, though the characteristic purity of the voices and seventh chords endemic to the genre are still very much in evidence. Indeed, five of the songs feature orchestral accompaniment in the big band style: "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz," "Day by Day," "Poinciana," "Graduation Day/It's a Blue World" and "Route 66." Guest vocalists Jim Clancy, Greg Clancy and Wendy Wilson DeCrow (of Vocal Majority) augment the much-anticipated Gene Perling arrangement of "Unforgetable" (Jim and Greg) and "The Nearness of You." (Other arrangements on the CD were done by the renowned Greg Volk.) The closing medley of Simon and Garfunkel hits reveals yet another side of this amazing quartet's range and prowess.

Listen to The Nearness of You in Real Audio.

Dallas, Texas is the home of the Vocal Majority. From this exalted platform leaped three of the four Acoustix members Jeff, Todd and Jason. Rick joined them from the Town North Chorus, an across town rival. Collectively they performed a one-in-a-million feat by sweeping their four state preliminary competition to go to San Francisco for the SPEBSQSA International Quartet Championship where they won the gold medal in their first attempt at the competition! Let the perfect harmonies and dynamics, which won the hearts and ears of that crowd of 9,000 in 1990, move you right now. Listen to barbershop's finest whom the judges felt were the best in the world! Songlist

Florida-based barbershop quartet Autograph, winners of the 2001 Sunshine District Quartet Championship and rising in the rankings at the SPEBSQSA International competitions. There are 14 beautifully crafted and arranged covers on "Lovin'," some of our favorites are: "I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo," Irving Berlin's "How Deep Is The Ocean," "Dream (When You're Feeling Blue)," "The Nearness of You," "Tennessee Waltz" and the title tune. Crisp, accurate intonation and powerful, tightly-woven harmonies are Autograph's signature, if you will! Songlist

Listen to "Dream (When You're Feeling Blue)" or "How Deep Is the Ocean?"

This is one snazzy quartet - the Auto Towners had definitely calculated the entertainment quotient, and one look at them in their costumes on the back cover will tell you that; their win at the 1966 Chicago Convention made quite an impression! Though they only continued quartetting until '69, songs such as "My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose" (with a solo by Clint Bostick, baritone) and "Everything's Coming Up Roses" evoke all of the romance and nostalgia of this classic American form, and are impossible to resist. Truly awesome versions of "I Wish You Love," "Dancing On The Ceiling" and "Through The Years" show that the Auto Towners actual forte were tender, achingly lovely ballads - the harmonic resonance of these four voices would stop traffic! Songlist

What is Bob's Yer Uncle's greatest selling point (clearly they do want their audience to put their money where their mouths are, so they can go on vacation, as the back of the CD says)? It's the tone of their blend. What defines good tone is to a degree a matter of opinion, but we'd wager that this Canadian quartet would attract attention in any part of the world by virtue of their warm and engaging sound. These 1999 Ontario District Champs are heard to greatest advantage on songs such as "Moonlight Becomes You" and "It Is Well With My Soul," where the long legato notes and syllables are a perfect showcase. The group is skillful in their use of dynamics, and though they can pull off the big finish with splashy tags ("Down Among TheSugar-Cane" and "Slow Boat To China"), Bob knows better than to rely on athletic displays of lung power. A quartet with great potential. Songlist

This beautifully packaged double CD truly conveys the Boston Common aesthetic, which earned them not only the 1980 Championship, but also a exalted reputation that became the stuff of legend. Though they had no full-time coach, big band arranger Lou Perry frequently wrote arrangements for them (a point of principle, explained further in the liner notes, that apparently resulted in some political fallout), and the big band influence can be easily discerned ("Melancholy Baby"). "We Three," co-arranged by Perry and the group themselves, sounds like the early vocal harmony that became doo wop, whereas "Chatanooga Shoe Shine Boy" is a blues/barbershop amalgam that definitely isn't typical (arranger's credit to the Four Rascals, a quartet to whom the Boston Common pay repeated tribute). In general, the group's reverence for barbershop as not merely entertainment but as art radiates throughout. Songlist

Listen to "Don't Tell Me the Same Thing Over Again" or "What'll I Do?"

Here's history for you. The Buffalo Bills were International Champions in 1951 and are well remembered today for their appearance as a barbershop quartet in the 1962 movie 'The Music Man.' That appearance along with their winning harmonies leave an inspired heritage for today. The Chordettes were a Wisconsin group who shifted their focus from folk music to close harmony in the late '40s. After winning Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scout Show they became regulars on the show, which is why you'll hear them singing "Down By The Old Mill Stream" with Arthur on this recording. From 1954-1961 The Chordettes had thirteen songs on the top hundred charts including the 1954 hit "Mr. Sandman." This is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of great barbershop groups! Songlist

The barbershop world is full of up-and-coming talent - who knows what quartet of today will be the gold medallists of tomorrow? Checkmate, who hail from the Land O' Lakes District, have produced an enjoyable and professional recording that pays homage to the quartets that are their inspiration. The Suntones, Second Edition, Boston Common and the Buffalo Bills receive top billing, with arrangers Walter Latzko, Ed Waesche and Mark Hale (among others), assigning the notes. Special mention has to go to "Firefly," which was performed by Jay Galliambardo's quartet, the 1979 Champions Grandma's Boys (now how many of you knew that?) "Friend Like Me," from the Disney movie "Aladdin," is the best entertainment value per measure. Songlist

The Chicago News were formed in 1979 and retired in 1985, winning a silver, and then gold medal, in between. Having re-united, this stalwart quartet proves that it still has the mettle. Swiping and sliding, with a dense and hearty blend, their sound emphasizes rich tonality over complex embellishment. "Everything Old Is New Again" is particularly appropriate, and "I Want A Girl," "My Gal Sal" and "Heart Of My Heart" will satisfy those who prefer their Society favorites. "Together/The Three Of Us" is a comic recognition that "we're a whole lot better with four," - listen to that tag, descending through two fifths for effect. When it comes to singing a love song, such as "Didn't We," "If" or "The Way We Were," Chicago News show that silver hair hasn't compromised their charm one bit. Songlist

1988 winners from Illinois, who have a solidly vertical approach and fold some adult contemporary pop into their mix. While we have no specific knowledge that they were an influence, we detect similarities to Dealer's Choice in terms of overall sound and style. Their tone has a suffused brightness, but is never strident. Ornamentation and solo passages add texture ("Memory" is particularly noteworthy), crescendos ("I've Gotta Be Me") when used, add impact. Though uncredited, instrumental tracks can be heard on a couple of the arrangements ("When Will I Be Loved," "With Plenty Of Money and You"). Songlist

Des Plaines, IL's Chiefs of Staff pay "Tribute" on this CD to coaches, wives, families and fans that helped them along in their quest for 1988 SPEBSQSA quartet Gold. But in their song selection they also tip their hats to many legendary SPEBSQSA groups who inspired them, from the Night Hawks' immortal "Buddy, Can You Spare A Dime," to the Mark IV's "Piano Roll Blues" and "Million Tomorrows." A nod to Detroit's Gentlemen's Agreement's "Ma, She's Making Eyes," Chicago's Elastic Four's "Mood Indigo," and foursomes such as the Suntones, Chicago News, Four Statesmen, and the Easternaires. 11 tunes, some other favorites are "Sam the Old Accordion Man," "They Wrote 'Em in the Good Old Days," "Wonderful One" and "Keep Your Eye On the Girlie You Love/Somebody Stole My Gal Medley." Beautifully arranged, flawlessly, expressively harmonized - "Tribute" is a gem!

After a most successful ten years of performance and competition appearances, Chordiac Arrest decided that it was time for an anniversary album. During their first ten years they finished four times in the International Finals top ten, twice at number five. Their targets of humorous opportunity have widened to include airline travel, terrible food ("That's The Worst Jello I've Had Since Last July"), morticians, plumbers, transvestites, and music ("Lady of Spain I Abhor You") in addition the medical/doctor gags for which they are renown. Several of the tunes were recorded directly from the International Contest stage when the audience isn't merely enthusiastic, they go nuts! Songlist

The Classic Collection has honed its skills even more since they were named SPEBSQSA Quartet Gold medalists on a hot summer night in Pittsburgh in 1982. The Denver quartet has steadily expanded its repertoire by keeping alive the memories of outstanding past champions, as well as including new arrangements in "Signature," their 5th excellent album. They lend their own distinctive interpretations to such Suntones' (1961) standbys as the "West Side Story" and "Finian's Rainbow" medleys, "Jezebel" and "Sweet Georgia Brown;" the Four Renegades' (1965) "Makin' Whoopee," the Buffalo Bills' (1950) "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long" and "Waitin' For The Evenin' Train." Also included in the 9 songs are some of their own winners, "I'll Be Seeing You" and "Hard Hearted Hannah." Rich harmonies and great material, sung with feeling and personality by four great champions. What could be better?

What we have here is a classic collection of Barbershop tunes by, well, The Classic Collection, 1982 SPEBSQSA quartet Gold medalists from Denver. These four champions haven't lost a beat since that glorious night in Pittsburgh--this is one of five top-drawer recordings they've produced?the trademark rock-solid bass and baritone parts with the sweet leads soaring above haven't changed. Butter-smooth harmonies and nostalgia are the CC's stock in trade, and nobody does it better! 12 well-chosen songs, from the sweetly romantic "Moonlight Becomes You," "Miss You," "If You Were The Only Girl In The World," "If I Could Be With You," "My Blue Heaven" and "Remembering Time" to the upbeat flapper anthems "Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home," "Toot, Toot, Tootsie," "I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas" and "With Plenty of Money and You." We also enjoyed the silly "Goofus." Whether they're tugging our heartstrings or tickling our funny bone, the Classic Collection is all about great entertainment!

This enhanced CD receives udos for excellent entertainment value. Countdown, from the Far Western District, have exercised their imaginations to the fullest, providing not only a baker's dozen of enjoyable barbershop tunes, but a veritable extravaganza of amusement. Take the Countdown quiz, watch a video, or play our personal favorite, "Whack A Barbershopper!" This is not to discount the quartet's vocal abilities, whether playing it straight ("Roses of Picardy," "There Used To Be A Ballpark," "Turn Around"), or light-hearted ("Mobile," "18 Wheels On A Big Rig"). Ingenious. Songlist

Dealer's Choice were SPEBSQSA Champions in 1973, and maintained their following and reputation through a long and prodigious career. This four-CD "Anthology" traces their evolution as barbershoppers supreme. The first CD's focus is on the traditional, with "At The Jazz Band Ball," "Who'll Take My Place When I'm Gone" and "Old Fashioned Mother of Mine" some examples. Subsequent recordings featured more vocal jazz and pop, such as "What'll I Do" and "Didn't We," along with the Beach Boys and Simon and Garfunkel medleys. The Dealer's Choice arrangement of the "Lord's Prayer," from the second CD, is especially grand. This group combined exceptional tone, state-of-the-art arrangements and performance flair - legendary! Songlist

Listen to "Chloe" and "If You Could Read My Mind"in Real Audio.

Having traded in their biker leather for golf togs, the expanded foursome have returned, creating a shall we say, substantial impact on the golfing world....."On Our Golf Carts" satirizes the venerable chestnut, "Under The Boardwalk": "we're on our golf carts, down by the tee, with a hot dog and some nacho cheese..." you get the idea. Though humor is the primary objective-and as this live recording indicates, Expanded Sound is funny indeed-musically, don't be fooled. This quartet knows their way around a barbershop arrangement just as well as they know the course at Pebble Beach-listen to the chords and tag of "Four Under Par"- they're just having a good laugh while doing it! Songlist

At the Mid-Winter Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, Fatherly Advice (Tenor Dan Tangarone, Lead Dick Bek, Baritone Bill Thurman and Bass Burt Staffen) won the gold and became the 1996 SPEBSQSA International Senior Champions. FA takes a firm grip on the heartstrings at song one, "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down..." and the gentle tugging goes on until song 27, "We All Fall," is over. There Never was a Gang like theirs, all Dear Hearts and Gentle People with a Shine on Their Shoes, who sang "Heart of My Heart." And they sing it with such sweet harmony, you know it was true. A real feel-good CD! Songlist

This is the third recording of Gospel/Barbershop quartet Four His Glory, and they bring us 12 uplifting, tight-harmonied old and new hymns to Jesus. In the title track, the 4 tell us, 'But if all I've done in the time we've shared, is to turn your eyes on me, then I've failed... there's someone else I want you to see.' Their message is clear and consistent throughout, as endearing and sweet as their old-time Barbershop harmonies! Songlist

Members of the Four Statesmen began quartet singing as early as 1945. The first International appearance was in 1964, where they placed twelfth. Following their win in 1967, they kept singing, with appearances on the Mike Douglas TV show and tours that took them as far abroad as England, France and Italy. The 27 songs on this recording include the sentimental - "Try To Remember," "Climb Every Mountain" and " I Miss You Most Of All" are just a few - as well as the lighthearted: "I've Got The Time, I've Got The Place, But It's Hard To Get The Girl" and "Crazy Bones Skeleton Ball." Our favorite: "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," with a beautifully-harmonized refrain. Songlist

Having won the 1996 Collegiate and 1999 Dixie District Championships, the clamor for a recorded set has been strong. Seeing the Four live at National, it seemed certain they would place top ten. Well, there's always next year. Their robust and hearty delivery is matched by the fullness of their tone. "Bright Was The Night" begins delicately, before swelling into a dramatic coda; "It Is Well" follows a similar strategy. The gentle sway of "Barbershop Style," "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "After You'ßre Gone" are good-natured remembrances of another era. The most stirring arrangement is the gospel flavored "This Little Light Of Mine." Songlist

They're Back! Get the wimmin and chillun off the streets. Gather them by the old CD player and enjoy! They alternate between simply beautiful songs and humor which frequently takes one by surprise because the singing is so good just before they go off the deep end. There are a couple of updated old Smothers Brothers gags, "Streets of Laredo" and "I Never Will Marry." There are a couple of wacky intros to otherwise wonderful songs. They spooflicate Steven Foster unmercifully in an verbal introduction and then sing a beautiful "Old Folks At Home." A melodic "I Don't Know Why" starts so beautifully and then...the vocal horns... Songlist

Just how good do you have to be before you can be a barbershop comedy group? Really, really, good! Winning medalists at the International Finals in 1999 (first place), 1998 (fourth place) and 1997 (second place) are some of their triumphs but their greatest triumph will be the pure enjoyment you will have each time you hear this cross between wonderful singers and class clowns! For pure goofiness try "Herman and Sally," Harmony Lanes/Bowling Shoes," "Big Time Gutter Ball" or the atrocious "Hindustan," a live recording. Then there is "This Little Light of Mine" with its ballistic ending or the beautiful "Someone's Rockin' My Dreamboat." Where does it all end? ...at the last song, of course! Songlist

It isn't just perfect vowel matching or ringing chords that set these Champions apart. They pick joyous arrangements which make for fascinating listening and always seem to have some completely unusual element added into their non competition repertoire. For example, when David Wright arranged Muskrat Ramble for The Gang he came back with the lyric score with some sections written for a Dixieland band. The Gas House Gang ran with it, imitating a trumpet, a trombone, a clarinet and an upright bass, with some percussion thrown in. You must hear the wonderful arrangement of "Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air" for it moves the spirit just as much as the Southern Sons' version does. We haven't time to describe each of the fourteen tunes on this recording but you should hear them.

Listen to "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime" or "Muskrat Ramble"

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 "Go Tell It To The Mountain" and "The Little Drummer Boy" in Real Audio.

The Gang appeared on the International Medalist road to supremacy in 1991 with a third place medal. In 1992 they were second which rather prepared the world for their Calgary appearance in 1993, at which they were awarded the grand accolade. These wonderful singers also have a broad sense of humor which will send any classical music aficionado into guffaws as they parody Mozart in "Eine Kleine Not Musik." This reviewer has played that tune on a radio show several times and always received more calls for information about it than any other single piece of music! This is not, however, just a comedic group but recognized as one of the best singing groups in the world.

Listen to "Eine Kleine Not Musik" in Real Audio.

Just before beginning their ascension to international acclaim the Gang released this recording of twelve songs which are of a great variety. You keep running into unexpected little embellishments on the pure barbershop songs such as the brief intimation of calliope or the bell-like chord inthe "Bowery Medley." Then there is the ringing traditional close harmony of "So Long, Mother," the sweet beauty of "When I Look In Your Eyes," the humorous "My Old Man" (of Smothers Brothers fame) and the fabulous enunciation on "The Chemical Elements." There's gospel, a popular sound on "Sixteen Tons" and the "William Tell Overture" is in the spirit of their later Mozart spoof. Great!

Listen to "Bowery Medley" and "The Chemical Elements" in Real Audio.

Though each of the singers who made up the quartet had prior contest singing experience, it is a fact they went from a brand new group to International Champions in just nineteen months. One week after winning they spent three weeks in Viet Nam entertaining the troops for the USO. Part of their vocal appeal, for this reviewer, is the fact that the lead singer, Drayton Justus, had a higher voice than most barbershop leads and the mix of voices has a sweet bell like quality when they hit those ringing chords. They used the finest arrangers of the day such as Renee Craig, Al Rehkop (the tenor of the group), Mo Rector, Greg Backwell, Joni Bescos and Jarmela Speta to whom they pay tribute in song. You'll find twenty-six songs amassing seventy minutes of marvelous music on this recording. Songlist

Tenor Gary Harding, his brother Jack Harding, Baritone, Milt Christensen, lead, and the inimitable Mike Senter, bass, The Golden Staters; won the Gold medal in Atlanta in July, 1972. GS' road to the top included 4th place in Chicago in 1966, fifth in 1967, third in 1968, and a Silver Medal in St. Louis in 1969. An injury to their lead kept them out of competition in 1970, another third in 1971, then finally the gold. 25 classic barbershop songs fill this delightful cd, some of our favorites are, "Jean," "Draft Dodger Rag," "Mary Poppins Medley," "Hello, Dolly," and "Give My Regards To Broadway." All good stuff, and frankly, it's impossible to listen to this CD and be in a bad mood! Songlist

Experience, faith and steadfastness all come to mind when one tries to describe Good News! Tenor Jerry Fairchild, a member of the Sidewinders who won the Gold in 1964, has been barbershopping for 42 years and lives in Redlands, CA. Lead Joe Mazzone sang with The Regents who won in 1974, has been b-shopping for 29 years, and lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. baritone Dale Deiser has been quartetting for 47 years and sang with Mark IV, 1969 champs; he lives in San Antonio, TX. Bass Mo rector has 2 Gold Medals, 1958 with the Gay Notes and 1969 with Mark IV. How do they rehearse and record with so much distance between them? Love of the Lord and barbershop harmony, and a desire to give back gets them to travel nearly 10,000 miles for each rehearsal and recording session. No surprises in their song selection, "I Will Sing The Wondrous Story," the first song on Vol. I & II, sums up what Good News! is all about, sweet, deep harmony and feeling, and singing the Lord's praises. Some of our favorites: "Amazing Grace," "In The Garden," "Precious Lord," and "Ain't-A-That Good News." It surely is! Songlist

This second CD comprises of the original Vols 3 and 4 recordings. There is also a matching songbook with these arrangements plus parts tapes are also available Songlist

Gotcha represents the next generation of barbershop, placing twelfth in the 1999 Championships in Anaheim. Hailing from Southern California, these fresh-faced lads are known for their intense live performances, galvanizing audiences with their bold and energetic delivery. Their repertoire is strong on barbershop stalwarts such as "For Me and My Gal," "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" and "Jazz Me Blues." The four obviously relish an opportunity for heavy lifting, deploying all their tools of the trade with challenging tags on songs such as "Anytime Medley" and "Hello Mary Lou," the latter arranged by David Wright, musical director and arranger for Ambiance. Indeed, the company that Gotcha is keeping indicates a fine barbershop sensibility, and a connoisseur's taste - listen to their performance of Boston Common's "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World." Songlist

Listen to I'm Sitting on Top of the World in Real Audio

This is two very big slices of classic Barbershop, a 2-CD set of Grandma's Boys from 1968 to 1986, including songs from their 1979 Gold Medal Year as SPEBSQSA International Quartet Champions. There are 23 songs on Disc 1, which are the remastered lps "Tonight" and "I Had A Dream Dear," and 15 on Disc II, which is the remastered lp, "Grandma's Boys III. There's a large liner notes booklet with photos of the group in costume and with their trophies, interviews and a history of the group. Favorites? "Tonight" from West Side Story, "Before The Parade Passes By," "Firefly," "Fascinatin' Rhythm," "Jazz Baby," "The Way We Were," "You've Gotta Be A Football Hero," "William Tell Overture," "If They String Me Up, I'll Never Live It Down," "A Song For Mary" and the title tune, but we could easily pick a dozen others. These young guys sing prize-winning harmonies with joy and spirit, and they went from an unknown group in college to the pinnacle of Barbershop fame. They're obviously having big fun singing to us, and what we especially love about Barbershop is the fact that it's fun music!

Listen to "When the Toy Soldiers March on Parade" in Real Audio.

First formed as a Barbershop quartet in 1972 from members of other groups, the HE sounded great right away, a fact that became clear to all with their 1975 Gold medals as International Quartet Champions. Performing and recording actively for the next 21 years, they retired in 1993, only to return to the circuit in 1996. "Golden" was recorded in the 34th year of the group's existence, and it is dedicated to songwriter Mosie Lister, now in his 80s, who has been writing classic Gospel tunes for over 50 years. 7 of the 11 songs are Mosie's, and not coincidentally, favorites: "'Til the Storm Passes By," "I'm Feeling Fine," "Where No One Stands Alone," "The King and I," "How Long Has It Been," "Still Feelin' Fine" and "I'm Bound for the Kingdom." Other favorites are the foot-tapper, "God Sits On High" and "Step Into the Water." All songs are fairly heavily accompanied, but the highlight of all of them is the rich, heartfelt harmonies of this legendary group. When that joyous Gospel stuff just keeps on flowing, why retire?

The H.E. were International Champions in 1975. This double CD, comprising "That's Entertainment" and "Control Yourself," contains a smorgasbord of the best Broadway and show tunes, with some traditional barbershop as well. Many of the cuts on "That's Entertainment" are in fact medleys, organized around the original performer that popularized the songs, e.g. Astaire, Jolson and Durante, with a preface by the group themselves discussing the relative merits of each. In general, good-natured banter prevails, and the asides allow the listener to feel as if they were enjoying a live show! Of course, a Championship Group also possesses impeccable technique and originality, displayed through the uniqueness of their arrangements. The Happiness Emporium has much to smile about on that score, and so will you after you hear them! Songlist

Bob Dowma, Rod Johnson, Bob Spong and Jim Foy got together in 1972, and 2 1/2 years later they were Barbershop Champions. Since then they've been dealing in happiness, singing with it and creating it in their audiences. This is a compilation of 2 cds (with a groovy flashing cover), "Right from the Start" and "Rise 'N Shine," and there's a lot of happy nostalgia here. "Bring Back Those Good Old Days" sums it up, but they're all good: "What I Ask For My Little Boy," "Back In 1910," "If I Were A Rich Man," "It's A Good Day." 23 feel-good songs in all - a great deal from four merchants of happiness! Songlist

Dedicated to longtime arranger Ed Waesche, who is an integral part of the Emporium's style, "That's Life" delivers a big bang for the buck! Full of "sets," such as the School Days, Camping, and Child, as well as a "Showboat Medley," "Broadway Intro" and many more, these 1975 gold medalists keep it coming! Their sound anticipates the contemporary arranging style that would be popularized by today's luminaries ("Why Do They Take The Night Boat To Albany"), while retaining the comfortable stability of the familiar. Songlist

Review pending.

Legends in the Barbershop community, "Beneath The Cross II" was produced in the 32nd year of HEºs singing together as a quartet. Enjoying each otherºs company and the "Joy of singing songs of our Lord" has kept Bob, Rod, Rick and Jim blessed with good health. Similar to the singers, these 12 songs are rich in harmony, deep spirituality and just plain good feeling! Some favorites: "Gonna Build A Mountain," "Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown," "The First Baseball Game," "Shall We Gather At The River," "He's Gonna See You Through," the rousing "An Old Convention Song," and the final cut, "This Train/Saints Medley." Beautifully sung, inspiring stuff from one of Barbershop's Best!

Listen to "Shall We Gather At The River" in RealAudio.