"Our American Journey" is, incredibly, legendary group Chanticleer's 25th CD, and it celebrates the music of America, from sacred motets by 17th century Mexican composers to shape-note hymns to newly-commissioned works on American themes. It is a showcase of the rich traditions and also of the creative tension between unity and diversity that are inherent in American music and in American life. Chanticleer's Music Director Joseph Jennings, who adapted and arranged a number of the works, said, "(The CD) captures the essence of what we do when we're on the road, and how we want to present ourselves." Some favorites: "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," "Wayfarin' Stranger," Stephen Foster's "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Camptown Races," "Jefferson," "David's Lamentation," "Willow Weep for Me," and the commissioned works "Whispers" and "The Un-covered Wagon." Excellent!

Listen to "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" in Real Audio.

6755 CD $15.98

John Tavener's 2000 composition, "Lamentations and Praises," a liturgical drama scored for male voices "singing in the Orthodox Byzantine style," flute, bass trombone, string quartet and a number of eclectic percussion instruments such as tubular bells, a Byzantine monastery bell, and very large Tibetan temple bowl. This is a profoundly religious work on the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Christ, written for the 12 voices of acclaimed Chanticleer, the only full-time classical vocal ensemble in the US. The beautiful and extensive liner notes take us through the 13 sections, or ikons, and explain in English what the singers are saying and what it means. Deeply meditative and beautiful! GRAMMY Winner. Songlist

6708 CD $15.98

The now Grammy-winning, San Francisco-based Chanticleer was originally devoted to the Renaissance vocal repertory; their focus has broadened since to include other genres as well as commissioned works. "Magnificat," however, featuring settings by de Victoria, Palestrina, Monteverdi and Taverner (as well as the less ubiquitous Russian Orthodox Vasily Titov), returns to liturgical chant. These twelve male voices, under the musical direction of Joseph Jennings and performing arrangements encompassing the full vocal range, bring a seemingly effortless grandeur to these homages to the Blessed Virgin. This tapestry of sound is a gentle whisper of comfort and reprieve. Songlist

6491 CD $15.98

Chanticleer, a twelve voice male ensemble based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has through its own success, furthered the modern classical repetoire by comissioning new compositions from a variety of highly respected sources. Chen Yi, Bernard Rands and Steven Stucky are just a few of the distinguished composers whose eminently scholarly credentials grace this collection, loosely conceptualized around the theme of love. As may be construed by the twentieth century time frame from which these pieces emerged, some of them, while not thoroughly dissonant, are atonal. Others, such as Taverner's "Village Wedding," are somber mood sketches. Songlist

6522 CD $15.98

Whatever the thematic material, Chanticleer's approach is the most erudite; indeed, their analysis of each song's history and composition meets the highest critical standard. It is this absolute musical integrity that then informs the quality of the performance. On "Wondrous Love," a cache of international folk songs, sung a cappella, is the basis for this meticulous study. Folk songs, by definition, are "for the people"; Chanticleer maintains this focus while also seizing the opportunity to enrich the original arrangements with new complexity and depth, as heard on "Arirang," a Korean song utilizing the pentatonic scale with elements of western harmony, or "La Petenera," which begins with a soloist and then gradually incorporates twelve voices into an ever-expanding confluence of countermelody. A Robert Shaw/Alice Parker arrangement graces the fifteenth-century French tune, "L'Amour De Moy." Songlist

6318 CD $15.98

For their first crossover album, Music Director Joseph Jennings collaborated with internationally renown conductor Ettore Stratta. Working together they chose arrangers who still knew how to arrange the lush sound of a large choral group with orchestra. It was the sort of thing that Nelson Riddle and Johnny Mercer would do for Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, which today has all but disappeared. First they chose arrangers Gene Puerling, Clare Fisher, Steve Barnett, Jorge Calandrelli, Johnny Dankworth and Robert Freedman. Next they recorded the vocals with the Don Haas Trio (except for the three a cappella tracks, of course). Those tapes were taken to London where Ettore Stratta assembled a studio orchestra. The whole was then mixed into a full, rich sound. Songs by Cole Porter, Sammy Fain / Irving Kahal, Johnny Mercer / Hoagy Charmichael and others are the musical material so beautifully rendered. Our personal favorites are the three a cappella tracks, "I Can Dream, Can't I" and the two arranged by gene Puerling, "In The Cool Cool Cool Of The Evening" and the fabulous, "Lost In The Stars." Songlist

6317 CD $15.98

A self-described "Chanticleer portrait," containing a variety of different styles (a cappella), all performed with the flawless technique for which the group is admired. "O Clap Your Hands" employs eight parts in a broad polyphonic convergence. Gabrieli's "Magnificat," from the sixteenth century, divides twelve voices into three four-part choirs. "Charm Me Asleep" is a recent work, written for the group; despite it's title, it is as disquieting as soothing. Three "tone poems" (an example of program music, where the music seeks to represent a specific text) by Richard Strauss follow, then Berlin's "Blue Skies"; the latter a swinging version adapted from the Dorsey arrangement that demands attention with dramatic fortissimo ending, and a middle break that detours into a brief classical medley, very reminiscent of the Swingle Singers! Chanticleer also gets down on "Straight Street" with an authentic gospel testimonial. Songlist

6312 CD $15.98

In the first ten years of Chanticleer's remarkable career their performance odyssey encompassed such diverse venues as the International Josquin Symposium in Cologne, the Voices Festival in Amsterdam, The Smithsonian Institution and A Prairie Home Companion, to name a few. That diversity of place is also reflected in the diversity of repertoire which this twelve voice 'orchestra' performs. They share a selection of songs arranged especially for the group, which range from the composition of Palestrina and Josquin des Prez, through traditional folk music and Music Director Joseph Jennings' gospel arrangements, to "Stormy Weather" arranged by Gene Puerling. We shouldn't forget to mention Allen Shearer's beautiful "Illusion Of Eternity" or Ken Malucelli's arrangement of a signature encore song, "King Chanticleer," with its rooster crowing, sound effects and musical comedy feel. For an introduction to the only full time classical touring ensemble in the U.S., this recording is perfect. Songlist

6308 CD $15.98

Gregorian chant is the archetypical song for the Roman Catholic Church. There are three separate distinct periods, all of which are represented on this recording. The first era, called Gregorian, was roughly 700-850 AD. This is the time of Pope Gregory's school which rigidly codified the music allowed to be sung in churches, and the beginning of the written score for transmission to posterity rather than relying on strictly oral traditions. The Carolingian period is considered from 850-1,000 AD and began to add new styles to the more rigid structure. The medieval period was from 1,000-1,300 AD the styles proliferated immensely. That led the way to modification into secular song. In understanding Gregorian chant, the meaning of one word is particularly important. Melisma means that a number of notes are sung over the duration of a single syllable. The most joyous of the music which Chanticleer performs on this disc is very melismatic. Enjoy! Songlist

6315 CD $15.98

Chanticleer selected two of the most significant Mexican composers active in the first half of the eighteenth century and, in performances of outstanding quality, show that they are not merely pale imitations of their European counterparts, but have something original to say and the craftsmanship with which to say it. Both composers are very well served indeed by this fine recording, which I unreservedly recommend as a breath of fresh air to anyone with the slightest interest in the baroque and just as much to those who consider the baroque of little interest. Songlist

6937 CD $15.98

The sequel to Chanticleer's best-selling and critically acclaimed Mexican Baroque recording, with more recently discovered choral masterpieces by Mexico City Cathedral's chapel master, Ignacio de Jerusalem.ð This recording brings to life one of the most monumental and elaborate choral works of the New World.ð Chanticleer is joined by Chanticleer Sinfonia, conducted by Joseph JenningsSonglist

6549 CD $15.98

William Byrd and his teacher, Thomas Tallis, were inarguably the greatest composers of Elizabethan England. The primary vehicle for royally-sanctioned musicians of the court was liturgical, and in the court of Elizabeth that would mean settings for Anglican services. However, Byrd was a committed Catholic who nonetheless wrote these masses, motets and antiphons for published volumes titled "Gradualia," volumes I and II. This insurgent act apparently went uncensured, and it is these a cappella works that Chanticleer has recorded here. Given that they would not be performed publicly in a church setting by a large choir, the arrangements are intimate. They are each in the same mode and clef, which therefore creates a mood unbroken, a continuity of feeling that is quietly moving. Songlist

6307 CD $15.98

A collection of works showcasing modern American composers-many of whom are relative unknowns - "Poet's Eye" is refined, luxurious, even abstract, and, as the name implies, also serves to expose a variety of poets as well. Many of the compositions were commissioned specifically for Chanticleer, and they most definitely reflect a modern sensibility. "Dusk," by Allen Shearer, connotes the movement of the earth and sky, imbued with tranquility and friction in equal measure. "Mushrooms," is a tumble of mournful declarations. Hawley's "Seven Madrigals" (two of which are included here) are modern madrigals, weaving strands of the classical with contemporary inflections. Rorem, using the Whitman's Civil War diary "Specimen Days" as his source, offers a minimalist reduction, sometimes monophonic, consistently somber and disturbing. A CD of depth and power. Songlist

6314 CD $15.98

Who better than Chanticleer to interpret the chants of Josquin De Prez and Alexander Agricola, two High Rennaissance composers who, though not Italian born, came to prominence while in service of the Italian nobility and papacy. De Prez, the more famous of the two, served to advance the development of both homophonic and polyphonic textures and was prescient in his use of both. Agricola also utilized the motet and various liturgical forms as was standard at the time. The exhaustive liner notes that complement this recording provide formal analysis and historical background. The sound? While the nuances of each composition may be appreciated fully by those with a dedicated propensity, anyone can be calmed by the ethereal voices and elegant organum of these simple settings. Songlist

6311 CD $15.98

Music Director Joseph Jennings arranged most of the songs on this recording. Chanticleer apply their magnificent voices to the African-American sacred music tradition of spirituals, jubilees, hymns and chants. The idea of a concert style performance of these songs was pioneered at the end of the Civil War by the Fisk Jubilee Singers.Because of the exacting concert standard which Chanticleer applies the music, their performance is very much in that tradition. Under Mr. Jennings direction the group sings very familiar tunes, "Old Time Religion," "Deep River," "All Night, All Day" (you have to hear the soaring soprano on this one!), "Good News" and "Steal Away" to name just a smattering. We also like the voluminous notes which Mr. Jennings writes to accompany the music, for his point of view and information are illuminating. Songlist

Listen to Jesus Come By Here in Real Audio

Chanticleer is an all-male, all-adult choir (of 12 singers in the present recording), which means that Palestrina's soprano lines as well as the alto ones are taken by countertenors. The sound is on the whole warm rather than brilliant, at times rather dark, with an impressively firm bass. It is noticeable that in Chanticleer's selection from the Canticis Canticorum motets they choose none of those with divided soprano lines, only those with two alto or two tenor parts. Without female or boys' voices the sound is uncommonly unified. Tempos are quite fast, but the voices never seem taxed by passages of florid singing. Pitch is commendably precise most of the time. The acoustic is pleasing and the recording clean, but the words are not always easy to pick out. While this is the only recording currently available of Palestrina's masterly Requiem, it is not do justice to Chanticleer's typical vocal repertoire. Songlist

Although Chanticleer's artistic home is San Francisco, some of the globe-trotting a cappella ensemble's most exciting performances have occurred on Minnesota Public Radio, with repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to Tin Pan Alley. They had enormously successful appearances before live and radio audiences on "A Prairie Home Companion," three shows on "Good Evening" and on "St. Paul Sunday Morning." The 20 songs on "Highlights" are the best cuts from these appearances. The first of our favorites are sacred and classic songs, Josquin des Prez' "Gaude Virgo, Mater Christi," two selections from Palestrina's "Missa pro Defunctis," Weelkes' madrigal "As Vesta was," Debussy's "Trois Chansons" and Charles Stanford's "The Blue Bird." Then we have a marvelous Ken Malucelli arrangement of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It," the rousing spiritual "Rock a My Soul," Mattie Moss Clark's rockin' "Going to Heaven," a slow, bluesy "Satin Doll," Rodgers/Hart's "My Funny Valentine," a jazzy cover of Hoagy Carmichael's "Lazy Bones" and Clara Ward's kick-butt revival spiritual "Packing Up." Accompaniment on some cuts. Versatile, perfect-pitch Chanticleer can delight us in so many ways, and "On The Air" is one of their best!

Recorded at the Paterskirche in Kempen, Germany, in 1994, the all-male Chanticleer ensemble (featuring five countertenors), brings the consummate musicality and professionalism to this recording that we associate with any Chanticleer production. "Sing We Christmas" emphasizes classical pieces, not the typical holiday carols; rather, Charles Ives, Gustav Holst and Herbert Howells represent the twentieth century, while Handl, Victoria, Praetorius and Bach offer "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "O Magnum Mysterium" and "In Dulci Iubilo," the latter a German dance song with four separate settings (it was common practice for composers to adapt a popular song, rather than write their own) from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Listen to "Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen" in Real Audio

"Christmas with Chanticleer featuring Special Guest Dawn Upshaw," is the first holiday album from the celebrated 12-man a cappella vocal ensemble since "Sing We Christmas," which has been a bestseller since its release in 1995. The CD Includes songs and carols drawn from many lands and traditionsÇfrom the traditional English "Coventry Carol" to a modern work by Sir John Tavener, from a Spanish carol to an American spiritualÇ"Christmas with" showcases Chanticleerºs musical diversity. Several works feature arrangements by the group's music director, Joseph Jennings. Philip Wilder, one of the group's countertenors, said of Upshaw: "She blended so perfectly, it felt as if we'd been singing together for 20 years...suddenly she would soar above us and the sound was just magical!"

Listen to "This Is The Truth Sent From Above" in Real Audio.

Subtitled "A Renaissance Christmas," this collection of holiday and sacred music is drawn from the canons of De Prez, Byrd, Di Lasso and others of their caliber. Therefore, rather than the cheerful carols familiar to all who celebrate the season in the Western tradition, one finds the rather more subdued texture and mood of chant or counterpoint, as in Di Lasso's "Resonet In Laudibus," glorifying the birth of Jesus. This composition contains several sections that contain distinct rhythmic shifts and complex countermelodies; it expands in dimension with each listening. Tavener's "Kyrie" implies the subtle majesty of a processional, the melody ascending in supplication. This is a wonderful alternative to the typical Christmas fare. Songlist

Listen to "Sing Joyfully Unto God" in Real Audio.

Known especially for their dazzling and evocative Christmas programs, Chanticleer's acclaimed 2002 PBS special CHRISTMAS WITH CHANTICLEER: AN ORCHESTRA OF VOICES features bonus material not heard on the original broadcast. The songs are all Chanticleer audience favorites, from early English hymns to Franz Biebl's enchanting "Ave Maria", John Tavener's "A Christmas Round" holiday standards such as "The First Nowell", and Vince Guaraldi's timeless, "Christmas Time Is Here." Filmed at the Metropolitan Museum's famed Medieval Sculpture Hall.

7053 DVD $18.98