Women's Contemporary A Cappella Recordings
The "contemporary" umbrella is a wide one, encompassing Rock, Pop, R&B, Soul, plus those styles that simply defy description. Most a cappella fans, when they think of contemporary a cappella, think of men's groups. Well, those fans might well be wrong, because there are some kickin' women's groups out there that have to be heard to be believed! Singing both covers and originals, these women from around the world know how to rock out, deliver sultry tones, and generally put on an auditory show that is most definitely worth the listen.
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Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging I Breaths Kyrie Snieg Sniedzinis Putinaja El cant dels ocells Vila Moma Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging II Wexford Carol Los Reyes Magos Noel nouvelet Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging III Schen char wenachi Birjina gaztetto bat zegoen Jesous Ahatonhia Nga iwi e Shalom Aleikhem Kling no, klokka Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging Wolgadeutsche Weihnachtsweise |
Bremen, Germany-based 5-woman World a cappella group Aquabella, after impressing us with "Nani Dschann" and "Aquabella," bring us a unique Christmas CD, "Kykellia, or the Story of Christmas." 19 songs, some favorites are the rhythmic "Breaths," the spirited "Sneig Sniedzinis Putinaja," the chant-like "Vila Moma," a nicely-arranged "Wexford Carol," a latin-flavored "Los Reyes Magos" (with drum accompaniment), a bluenote "Noel nouvelet" that seques into a dance rhythm, the ringing chant "Schen char wenachi," the Maori song "Nga iwi e" (also with drums), and the moody "Shalom Aleikhem" and "Kling no, Klokka." Exotic, beautiful music in different languages, and from different cultures, that relates to the celebration of Christmas. Another winner from the sweet, harmonic voices of Aquabella!
| 9867 CD $15.98 |
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"Nani" is Armenian for "mother," and there are similar words in many
languages. In Yiddish it is "Nam" ... wet nurse, in Hungarian "Neni"
... older sister, in Russian "Njanja" ... mum. "Dschann," from the original
Persian, is a term of endearment which can be attached to any name.
For their second CD, recorded in Berlin, the five German women singers
of Aquabella looked for songs in which women tell their stories. Women
seething with jealousy, women annoyed by midnight love serenades, women
making fun of the village priest, women crying to their children or
lovers, women who simply want to marry. The passion of Aquabella is
filling these stories with life, in carefully but pointedly thinning
out the song's prototype in order to enrich it with their own personal
stories. These songs, most of them old ones, are thus sung to the world
as responses. There are 15 songs here, all in languages like Russian,
German, Armenian, Italian and Bulgarian, as we see in the beautiful
full-color liner booklet. The sound is hauntingly beautiful and authentic;
each song filled with spirit, feeling and passion!
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This recording is an eclectic mix of folk music from around the globe. Aquabella flows seamlessly from one piece to the next using stylistic singing appropriate to each. The songs are sung in close and often dissonant harmonies with a wide variety of vocal color. The only drawback is the lack of English translations in the liner notes, but the heartfelt and often dramatic singing provides us with musical understanding.
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A Cappella-Go is three exceptional women with extensive musical backgrounds whose mission is to share the great music of the past with their audiences. The vocal talents of these three are highlighted on the 15 classic hits of "Way Out West." Some particular favorites are "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter," "Mr. Sandman," "Lullabye of Broadway" (dedicated to Esther Smith & the Rhythm Girls), "Sentimental Journey," "Down Among The Sheltering Palms," "Sing, Sing!/Let Yourself Go Medley," "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe," "Lullabye of Birdland" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." These beautiful young women are real audience-pleasers who harmonize with spirit and panache on some of the great songs of all time.
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The Sanskrit word Akasa (pronounced A-ka-sha) means "Cavity of the Heart/Ether, that which fills everything." Vicki, Mihi, Heidi and Melanie, the four young women singers of this Melbourne-based group sing songs with an African flavor and rhythms. Their debut CD won "Best World Folk Album" at the 2000 Contemporary A Cappella Awards in the U.S. They sing of the oneness of all people on the planet, of never leaving your dreams behind, songs of the pain of divorce, songs against rich developers, songs of the power of people acting together, songs against slavery, songs of revolution-messages of social change and activism. We hear various kinds of percussion on these songs, played by the women themselves, but the emphasis is on the rich voices of the singers and their message. There are 12 songs: "World Citizen," "Eewoyi A," "Sweet Dreaming," "Power of the People," "Pin Ye Bo," "Slave," "Human Zoo," "Divorced," "Drifting," "Singing The Land," Rere Ahu" and "Walk With Me." The liner notes are beautiful and include all the lyrics. Moving, powerful, rhythmic music!
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Akasa, (pronounced "Akasha"), means "Cavity of the Heart/Ether, that which fills everything," and it is four beautiful young women from Australia. This is their debut CD, as far as we can tell, and it features six spiritual songs, "Trust," "Walking Song," "Walk With Me," "It's Love I See," "Yahwe" and "Turn Back The Time." There is light, non-vocal percussion on all the tracks. The spiritual focus of the songs is universal, and the women harmonize with conviction, energy and joy. The liner notes are lovely and contain all the words and some nice pictures. This is an impressive, touching debut CD, and we're looking forward to hearing more good stuff from this group from Down Under.
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Pleasure Is All Mine Show Me Forgiveness Where Is the Line Vokuro Oll Birtan Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right) Submarine Desired Constellation Oceania Sonnets / Unrealities XI Ancestors Mouth's Cradle Midvikudage Triumph of a Heart |
Latin for "marrow," Medulla makes use of the human voice as its core instrument. Bjork, who has gradually reduced her dependence on the mechanical, has created an ethereal atmosphere. Combining her unique vocal timber and deeply creative writing style, this CD is incredibly heartfelt. Occasionally accompanied by synthesizer or piano, most of the musical support comes from choirs and other guest voices like Mike Patton of Faith No More and Tanya Tagaq, an Inuit throat-singer. The songs on this recording cover a wide range of feelings. In "Mouths Cradle," Bjork concludes, "I need a shelter to build an altar away from Osamas and Bushes," and she fronts a choir in a somber Icelandic song called "Vokuro," which means "Vigil." In some cases, there are no words, only visceral sounds giving commentary on their titles. This album also features the song "Oceania," which was written for the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Fans of Bjork will certainly love this recording. New comers to her work will also find this to be a fascinating project.
| 7423 CD $15.98 |
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If you lived in England and enjoyed having your spirit moved by music
which captured the truth of freedom, love, and justice, all wrapped
in beautiful harmony, you would be a Black Voices fan, eagerly awaiting
their next show or recording. They are a collective of singers who exist
to inspire but always perform as a quintet. For twelve years this group
has been conducting workshops, concerts and recording with Carol Pemberton
acting as the Music Director. This recording celebrate their tenth anniversary
with a variety of quintets comprised of the current nine members of
the collective. Some old standards are treated with respect but offered
with unique arrangements. You'll find Ysaye Barnwell's "We Are" leads
off the selection of fourteen songs and it is a fitting beginning for
the obvious spiritual kinship that Black Voices shares with Sweet Honey
in the Rock. In the traditional realm are "Poor Wayfaring Stranger"
and "Deep River." Songs so familiar to be nearly standards are Carole
King's "Natural Woman" and "Way Over Yonder" along with Tracy Chapman's
"Give Me One Reason." Carol Pemberton's "Rise Up and Praise," and Monique
Reid's "A Song of Peace" and "Always In My Heart" may well be covered
by others until they become that familiar. Then one has to ask, who
can actually cover one of Scott Leonard's tunes and not fall short by
the standards set by Rockapella? You'll find out the answer to that
question while listening to Black Voices arrangement of "Nowhere."
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The five beautiful young women who are Black Voices bring us a rich and varied collection of traditional music ("The Lord's Prayer," "Amen," the spiritual "Steal Away," the Scottish folk song "Caledonia," and "In The Upper Room"), Contemporary music (the powerful "I'm Goin' Stand," Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need," C. Pemberton's "Living In a Real World," "Ayiya–An African Feel," and "Blues Strands") and Reggae ("Reggae Medley" of five songs. There is a lot of feeling and strength in this CD, in the choice of the music and especially in the harmonies of the perfectly pitched voices. There's some electric bass on "Blues Strands," otherwise all a cappella.
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The Janes take a collection of songs that Thirty-Something Girls Like-"I Can't Make You Love Me," "Woodstock" and "Like A Prayer" are just several, but they're all good-begin with carefully constructed arrangements and pour their seven voices in a thick layer over the top. Sometimes "all-girl" groups can lack ballast on the bottom end, but Calamity Jane-as their name implies-gets the job done, relying on a foundation of dense block chords and ground bass figures. These gals aren't striving for a delicate, girly sound, but demonstrate that they can more than hold their own in the male-dominated world of contemporary a cappella.
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Originally formed in 1972 this all-female Yuletide ensemble has a great pedigree being comprised of Maggie, Terri & Suzzy of The Roches with longtime session vocalists Margaret Dorn (Harmony Sweeps National Champs The Accidentals), Bonnie Mann and Libby McClaren. For many years they were a New York holiday tradition with annual appearances at Town Hall and The Bottom Line and their traditional free Christmas concert under the Washington Square arch each year which won them the New York Music Award for Best Street Performance. 25 years later the singers got back together to record this all a cappella gem featuring their original arrangements of classic carols and well as three pieces written by the group themselves. Listen to Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabelle in Real Audio
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's 5-woman "a cappella chicks with swing and style!" quintet Chickadivas found each other in a "cosmic event" in 2002, and in their first five years together they've gone through 4 sopranos and 4 altos, and won the Northern Harmony 2003 a cappella competition. Christmas concerts around Alberta have been very successful, and a sold-out concert in March celebrated the release of "Chick Us Out!," their debut CD. 10 songs, with some nice Canadian folk tunes like "Feller from Fortune," "The Morning Dew," "She's Like the Swallow," and the silly, sexy "The Log Driver's Waltz;" vintage rock classics like "Under the Boardwalk," "Lollipop" and B.E. King's "Stand By Me," the Swing anthem "Mr. Sandman," and, incongruously, the Eurythmics' hit, "Sweet Dreams." The Chickadivas have a fresh, innocent sound and obviously love what they're doing. "Chick Us Out" marks a promising beginning for one of Canada's best new a cappella groups! Listen to "The Log Driver's Waltz" in Real Audio.
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Invisible Rhythm received an ARIA award nomination for best contemporary album. This highly successful recording by Coco's Lunch was a finalist in the Australian World Music Awards and was featured as World Music CD of the Week in the Sydney Morning Herald. Featuring the brilliant harmonies with sophisticated rhythms of these five skilled musicians and composers, Invisible Rhythm transcends cultural borders. Their songs are in variety of musical styles with lyrics that are earthy and spiritual. Although many of the songs were written be one person, it is obvious that the final product is the result of the closeness and compatibility of the group. Try the soulful "Seven Sisters" or the improvised "Goodnight."
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The five young women singers who call themselves Coco's Lunch have
got rhythm, they've got music, and they've got that swing (the kind
that it don't mean a thing if you ain't got it)! For the five years
they've been together they've built a reputation as one of Australia's
most outstanding and innovative a cappella groups. They weave earthy
songs with driving (non-vocal) percussion (and there is your odd flute
passage), drawing on the sounds of the world in a distinctly Australian
way. "Dressed" is Coco's third CD, following "Invisible Rhythm" and
"Wally Wombat Shuffle." The Songs (all written and/or composed by group
members) are: "Shine," "Thulele Mama Ya," "Nature's Vanishing Points,"
"All The Wild Wonders," "A Whole New Way," "Fly Away," "Shifting Time,"
"Sleepless," "Night Reserviert," "Unity" and "Sister My Sister." The
words, all included on the nice-looking liner notes, are moving poems
of freedom, love and wildness. "Dressed" is a fun, refreshing, toe-tapper
of a CD that satisfies on many levels!
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An eleven member women's ensemble hailing from the Boston area who
met while singing in college, the group could be loosely classified
as contemporary, but also sing classic pop ("Walk on By") and jazz standards
("Satin Doll" and "Night and Day"). Several of their songs were arranged
by Deke Sharon, including "Time and Tide," and "Passionate Kisses."
A variety of members take turns on lead, and are consistently and solidly
supported by this sorority of voices.
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Freon Blue Bleeding Rivers Ink Kito Winters Bleak 1/2 Water Oasis Mirrors Love Song First Breath Kinder |
Sebastopol, CA's beautiful, etheric trio brings us their third stunning, poetic work of art. We have seen Copper Wimmin live at the Harmony Sweeps Regionals and Summit, and heard their pure, intricately woven harmonies and powerful modern chants of peace, feminism and justice, dressed as copper-clad goddesses. This is where we heard the opening cut, "Freon Blue," a post-apocalyptic/current vision of LA, for the first time, and remarked on its accuracy. 11 songs, most of them surprisingly, albeit beautifully, accompanied by cello, violin, guitar, bass and Wurlitzer. Some favorites are "Ink," "Kito," "1/5 Water," "Oasis," "First Breath" and "Kinder." Colorful liner notes with all the lyrics are enclosed. "The Right" is a treat for the eyes, the ears and particularly the mind!
Listen to "Bleeding Rivers" in RealAudio.
| 7438 CD $14.98 |
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Born of conviction, an indictment of repression and discrimination,
and a celebration of female energy and power, "American Tyranny"
is unambiguous in its message and intent. Musically, it is best described
as modern chant; fundamental harmonic intervals, unembellished arrangements
and monophonic textures dominate, created from gut-level emotion that
could be termed instinctual. "Euphemism" is a rejection of
the dominant white-male paradigm, "Ay Yi" a primal lament.
Produced by June Millington, the guitarist of the pioneering women's
rock group Fanny.
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We have personally enjoyed hearing the three beautiful young women
who call themselves Copper Wimmin live at the Bay Area Harmony Sweeps
Regionals and West Coast A Cappella Summits. The titles of their powerful,
feminist, poetic, beautifully-sung songs are: "Actual Tongue," "Show
Us," "Ballad Of The Lonely," "Caboose," "Onje," "Iris," "Candra," "Fish,"
"Caveman," "Bottle," "Not Silenced" and "Nothing Wrong." The imagery
is strong and thought-provoking, as in this line from "Bottle:" "I'm
the bottle that everybody shakes, But I never, I never break”" One warning
... and this is a first for us, although it's very tastefully done,
there is partial nudity on the cover and in all the photos of the group
inside the beautiful liner notes. The pure, soaring vocals blend perfectly,
adding weight and feeling to what is being sung. "Etheric" is a work
of art on many levels!
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Dis Moi (Dees Mwah) is French for "Tell Me," and we were touched by this all woman trio's performance at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Regional at SF's Palace of Fine Arts. There is a wealth of original material by group members in these 15 tunes: the poetic "Birds," "Solstice Reverie" and "Between Us" by Samantha, "Lumin Solare Fiat," "Memoria de Amor," "Flame," "Real" "Mariah's Song" and "Now is the Time" by Heather, "In Depth" and "Together" by Tamar, and "River Song" by Samantha and Heather. The Middle East folk song "Ana Tumba" and the Nigerian rite of passage song "Samagwaza" are also very strong. These are powerful, thought-provoking songs of peace, freedom, justice and love from the sweet, honest voices of these three beautiful, talented women.
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"Sind'" is the second album of Apulia's (Southern Italy) Faraualla, and is the "organic development of it, a real chapter two," as described in the liner notes. A photo of the group shows a total of seven musicians now, 5 women singers and two male percussionists; not surprising with the emphasis on strong percussion in the group's first recording. This emphasis is even greater on "Sind'. Gabriella Schiavone once again has written most of the group's original material, including "Domina De Miseria," "Arecuriurie," a co-writer on "Uarandero," "Masciare" the joyous "Orangutan" and the rhythmic "Maat Dance," the title tune and "Ninnage." Schiavone also arranged the Russian folk-flavored "Popoff." The album finishes strongly with the traditional Albanian song "Viktori" and a remixed, throbbing "Masciare Witch Mix." Faraualla impresses us again with another energetic, rhythmic winner!
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Four beautiful, talented women from Apulia in Southern Italy form the amazing a cappella vocal ensemble Faraualla. They perform their own compositions as well as arrangements of traditional southern Italian and Mediterranean songs. There are many a cappella moments here, and please note that Faraualla works with percussion ranging from harness bells, castanets and cymbals to small duggi, shekere, bass hand drum and rattle drum. What's incredible is the stunning vitality, power and freshness of this music. 14 songs, several striking originals by group member Gabriella Schiavone, "Tonga," "Elleipsis," "Uecumba," "Maha Te Song," "Spirits" (written with Guiseppe D'Ambrosio), and "Petra." The soaring, romantic traditional "Spondo" contrasts with the percussion tunes, and the 14th century "Questa Fanciull'Amor" is brought rhythmically up to date. Complex, dissonant harmonies on "Fescenne" somehow find their way to a rolling island rhythm, tossing in a manic Carnivale percussion riff. "Faraualla" is a surprising, original CD, winner of several world music and vocal music awards, and acclaimed as a masterwork!
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The name of this New Hampshire women's septet literally translates 'woman,
my friend.' From soaring harmonies to full voiced choral arrangements,
they choose to share a woman's view of the world. The diversity of material
is wonderful. Of the original songs, our favorite is "Sea Glass"
which is a glorious piece of music and a marvelous metaphorical view of
the possibilities of life. In feel, it is a modern classical composition.
You will find a madrigal ("Amaryllis' Lament) about menopause! It's
hysterical. A couple of Linda Hirschhorn's rounds are presented. One of
our favorite songs of hope was written by Fred Small, "Everything
Possible," It is treated with a simple elegance. A wider cultural
excursion into the world of the spirit is the arrangement of the traditional
Sanskrit chant, "Om Namo Bagavatae" which is sung in a harmonic
complexity of unsurpassed beauty. Live free or die! Songlist
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"Diva-licious" is Harmonytryx' (Har-mo-NEE-trix) apt word to describe
themselves. We would call these six beautiful women from New York a
breath of fresh air, and they are causing a major buzz in the a cappella
world! Self-managed and independent, these six women entertain audiences
with an eclectic mix of pop, folk and world music that ranges from sexy
and provocative to soulful and spiritual. Their unique combination of
tightly-crafted vocal harmonies, powerful solos, funky vocal percussion
and lively humor has captivated audiences throughout the NYC metropolitan
area and beyond. There are 11 tunes here, "Ladies' Night," "O Sifuni
Mungu," "His Mother's Legacy," "Sunday Morning, Yellow Sky," "Train
in Vain" (featuring vocal percussion by Wes Carroll of the House Jacks),
"Fear from Paradise," "Another Train," "For Each Day," "Homeless," "Testosterone"
and "Freedom." Every song is beautifully crafted and performed with
spirit and panache. We're not surprised to see on their website that
they've been opening for Rockapella. "Fine whine" is a huge first CD
and Harmonytrix is going places!
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"Iris" are five women from Colorado, who perform a mixture of original and traditional material in the contemporary folk vein. The nature of existence, ephemeral yet everlasting, is the subject of the first cut, "All Things Are Connected"; the repetitive refrain drives the message home. The urgency of the bass motif fuels "Sweet Guru Child," the unison harmony of "Calling Me Open," (an original) gently flavors the melody with an honest sobriety of centuries past. Several tracks have subtle percussion, some of it vocal, adding energy and momentum. Iris' sound is tight and tuneful, and their songwriting and repertoire is eclectic without becoming obscure.
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Round the Corn Noah Bult the Ark Dixie Land Song for a Seafarer A Wife in Every Port Married a Trawlerman Drink to the Laddies Roll, Boys, Roll Vole Mon Coeur, Vole The Priest and the Nuns Fire Maringo Tailor in the Tea Chest O, Pescator Dell'onda Working at the Colface Gaol Song Mike White Wings Pique laBalcine Mariner's Hymn |
The New York City-based Johnson Girls are five talented women who sing authentic, a cappella sea chanteys and maritime songs. Lead-singing leads are shared fairly evenly among the five, who particularly enjoy singing this very blue-collar music live, encouraging audience participation. 19 authentic, spirited tunes, some favorites: "Round the Corn," "Dixie Land," "A Wife in Every Port," "Married to a Trawlerman," "Drink to the Laddies," "Fire Maringo," "Tailor in the Tea Chest," "Working at the Coalface," "Gaol Song," "Mike," "White Wings" and "Mariner's Hymn." These are powerful songs of love, betrayal and heartbreak, of hard work and trouble, rhythmic songs to sing while rowing a ship's boat, raising the anchor, or hauling a canvas sail up to the yardarm. Nicely done liner notes with interesting info about each of the songs. We noticed that the Johnson Girls are all brunettes, and on the cover of "On the Rocks" sit 5 brunette mermaids with their backs to us, singing out to a passing clipper ship, but this is almost certainly a coincidence!
| 9858 CD $14.98 |
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The five talented Johnson Girls love singing folk tunes together, but let us be more specific—they love singing authentic a cappella sea chanteys and maritime music. They are a refreshing incongruous part of a traditionally male community of singers who come together at festivals and gatherings to sing the old songs. 20 tunes, some of our favorites: "Round Cape Horn," "Sailor's Way," "Essequibo River," "Fisherman's Lassie," "Come Love Come," the fairly racy "Huckleberry Hunting," "Drummer and the Cook," "Yankee Man o' War," "Jump, Isabel, Slide Water" (a rowing song written by slaves before the Civil War), "Pump Shanty," "Fisherman's Wife" and "Goodbye, Fare You Well." These are heart-tugging songs of the life of the sailor, songs that made his labor seem easier, and helped to ease his loneliness or a broken heart. The Johnson Girls sing them with conviction, spirit and deep feeling, making us believe that they are the sailor in question, or that he is their lover, son or husband. An impressive, focused first recording by New York City's talented folk quintet! Liner notes have comments and info on all the songs.
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Spider web Something To Talk About In These Shoes Change The World Fever Every Little Thing He Does Is Magic Runaway Why Haven't I Heard From You? S'Wonderful Warm Ways I Think I Love You Bald Headed Men |
Now in its fourth year together, New-Jersey-based all-female jazz sextet Key of She bring us a poised, confident 2nd CD (their first, the excellent "Our First Time"). Strong vocal percussion, shared solo duties and sheer vocal talent give this group a rare full, rich sound that was not lost on the audience and judges at the 2002 New York Harmony Sweeps Regional, where they were awarded 2nd place and Audience Favorite. After that they opened for the late Ray Charles, and appeared on the national Jane Pauley show. There are 12 songs, in genres that vary from jazz and salsa to pop classics. A sexy, rhythmic cover of "Something to Talk About," "In These Shoes" is a hilarious send-up of the whole Romance Novel mindset; and the jazz classic "Fever" has some surprising, refreshing vocal sampling. Sting's "Every Little Thing (He) Does Is Magic," is, in fact, magic. Del Shannon's pop classic "Runaway" has a hot, funky arrangement and a sweet lead, the eternal question "Why Haven't I Heard From You," the Gershwins' classic "S'Wonderful," a bluenote cover of "S'Wonderful," Fleetwood Mac's "Warm Ways," David Cassidy's "I Think I Love You," and the funny "Bald Headed Men" top off the program. Key of She has a bunches of vocal talent, humor and joy of singing, and it adds up to a winning, highly entertaining CD!
Listen to "Change The World" in RealAudio.
| 7448 CD $14.98 |
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Only 15 months old as a group, Key of She's six women singers are anything
but shy about jumping into the a cappella scene! "Our First Time" is
their self-produced debut, limited-run CD, and if it lacks at all in
studio polish, it more than makes it up in spirit and the group's sheer
love of singing a cappella together. Recorded in January, 2002 in Sue's
Studio,Skillman, New Jersey, this CD is one of the things we most enjoy
about a cappella--the fact that Patty, Lisa, Pat, Sue, Dyann & Amy can
practice and put a repertoire together, do some gigs, create some fans
who ask for a CD to take home, rent some studio time, and produce a
very special, beautifully arranged group of songs. Included are Van
Morrison's "Moondance," Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin,"
Shania Twain's "Honey, I'm Home,"Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," the
very funny feminist hymn "Ah! Men,"Sara McLachlan's "Angel," Jonathan
Larson's "Seasons of Love," "I Feel Lucky" and "Wide Open Spaces." This
is a fun CD, especially for everyone who has ever dreamed of doing exactly
what Key of She has done here!
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The remarkable women of Kitka-eight in number-perform Eastern European songs (occasionally accompanied by folk harp, lute and hand percussion) of unusual beauty. Though sung in their native languages (the subject matter is explained in the text) the fundamental essence of emotion is as immediate as the earth itself. The Russian “Na Gore, Na Gorinke” is placid and serene, the Bulgarian “Malo Selo,” with it’s plunging vocal descent, an alarm to the senses. Some, such as “Shto Mi E Milo,” are derived from folk dances. A variety of textures and intervals (the use of drone notes on “Szerelem, Szerelem” for example) add distinction.
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1992 recording from this powerful, San Francisco Bay-Area based, ten-voice women’s group. Founded in 1979, their material is derived from the Eastern European folk tradition, and is both aesthetically pure and emotionally wrenching. With exquisite control and flawless skill, Kitka imbues these frequently somber-sounding compositions with passion, realism and humanity. "Bratets Kosi," (Croatia) is a vital outburst, "Haydutin Stuyan," (Bulgaria) ascends to the tri-tone to establish its tragic theme. A solo period instrument minimally accompanies four tracks. With explanations in English of the native texts, these songs offer a unique glimpse into another world.
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Oakland-based 8-woman World/Folk group Kitka, founded in 1979, performs stunning, emotion-filled songs from the Eastern European folk tradition. Occasional accompaniment, in the form of harp, rebec & vielle, and percussion draws little attention from the voices of these women or their strong material. 19 songs, with text and explanations in the beautiful full-color liner notes, from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Georgia and Bosnia. Kitka's first two releases, "Nectar" and "Voices on the Eastern Wind" are hard acts to follow, but "The Vine" is the group's best yet. Listen to powerful rhythms of the opening cut, the Bulgarian folk tune "Subrali Sa Se Subrali" or have your heart broken by the Croatian lament "Zaspo Janko"--it's all amazing. We loved Kitka's performance at the West Coast Summit, and their recordings are as bell-like and pure as any choral group we've heard. Recommended!
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This recording showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols and lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works, to pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year and Hebrew folk songs for Chanukah. Highlights include Tec Peleite Zernju Zogtu, an ancient Latgalian (Eastern Latvian) Winter Solstice song invoking the god of the heavens and the goddess of the Sun; Koledni Pesni, a medley of Bulgarian folk carols recalling the nativity sung in the traditional antiphonal village style; and Byla Cesta, a poignant 19th-century Moravian carol. Other pieces include the sublime 12th-century Georgian hymn to the Virgin Shen Khar Venakhi; and a collection of joyful Shchedrivki, songs sung for the traditional Ukrainian New Year festival of Malanka. Wintersongs was recorded in the world-famous acoustic environment of the Skywalker Studios in Marin County by Leslie Ann Jones, and was produced by Grammy-nominated Bay Area vocalist and band leader Linda Tillery.
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The Bearn province in south-western France has a polyphonic tradition of song which can still be heard today. The songs are performed while standing in a circle, allowing the voices to intertwine to achieve a true sense of unity. From pastoral scenes to contemplations on love, these songs vary from region to region and are continually evolving. The gutsy natural singing style and many of the harmonies are reminiscent of the Bulgarian style. This recording by La Novem is a unique and special musical experience.
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Oh Mama Bakudala Gandagana Momice Hubavo Tendl Pal Oi Dai Alta, Alta Va la Luna Daroni Acaze Isfahan Eli, Eli Ya Jamil Dark of the Moon E Pele E Pele Utha, Utha, Didi Bahini Zar Ad Cethent Tulas |
Now in their 20th year, the 7 women singers of Libana, New England's international touring world music ensemble specializing in researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, especially as handed down through women's traditions. The women are expert in many vocal styles including a cappella Bulgarian music, exquisite Balkan harmonies, and the traditional singing of Berber women in Algeria. They also present, among others, music and ritual dancing of Egypt, Hawaii, Africa and Latin America. In addition to their compelling a cappella singing, the women of Libana also play an array of instruments including double bass, clarinet, dumbek, accordion, oud, charango, hammered dulcimer and conga. Out of This World is their 7th CD.
| 9853 CD $14.98 |
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Libana was formed by twenty-five women in 1979 to investigate and perform cross-cultural music written for, by, and about women. By the release of this album in 1986, there were a dozen performing members under the artistic direction of Susan Robbins. A Circle Is Cast exemplifies the joyous spirit of singing in a community. The material is drawn from African, Israeli, European Renaissance, Native American and contemporary folk sources to create a collection of twenty-two rounds, chants and songs. It is a beautiful recording which engenders a feeling of peace and a meditative internal quiet, reflective of the seasons and cycles. It shares a sense of ritual and continuance which are vital for dynamic community. Besides, "Sisters, Now Our Meeting Is Over" gives one a thrill of exquisite beauty.
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Fire Within is a collection of 18 songs, chants and rounds with origins which span seven centuries and come from many cultures. The unifying spirit of such a collection is the reverence and respect for Earth's elemental power and sensual beauty. It is truly no exaggeration to use the description of the vocal qualities of the eleven women as crystalline and hauntingly beautiful. If you open your heart to their music, we guarantee the literal phenomena of thrills moving up the spine. Your spiritual tour will begin with a new round by Marytha Paffrath, "Fire Within." "Hotaru Koi" is a traditional Japanese piece of music in which the voices float and dance as lightly as the firefly whom they address. Wonderful! We haven't time to do descriptive justice to equally wonderful songs from Renaissance Spain, Hawaiian traditions, Native American, 14th century Spain, Sweden, Shaker, Jewish, Kenya and all those written by the members of this excellent group. You will have to do that for yourself!
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This recording is the third in a trilogy which began with "A Circle is Cast" and "Fire Within." For the selections music was sought which reflects the cyclical nature of existence and which would soothingly resonate with the totality of existence. Themes of life, death, renewal and the connection which is the underlying theme of existence, love, are presented here in sixteen songs from the far and near corners of the world. The common thread which ties all these together is the peaceful effect of the songs all of which seem to have a circular quality. Libana has been singing these songs in moments of passage and times of transition for people from coast to coast, sharing grace, peace, and beauty in those moments of significance in other's lives. All the while this sharing is their own exploration into the divine mysteries within which our existence is rooted. So come and share with them the words of Rumi set to music, along side of which you'll find music from South Africa (Xhosa), Jewish traditions, American Shakers, Sweden, Sicily, West Africa (Yoruba), and a bevy of individuals who are inspired to craft music of peace. Some of the songs have a touch of instrumentation to enhance the feel sought by the musicians. The theme for the recording which Susan Robbins chose to grace the notes comes from Rumi. "...Whatever circles comes from the center."
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This wonderful tapestry of instruments and voices brings together many cultures. From the Balkans to the Andes to Africa, Libana presents a feast of contemporary and traditional world folk music. There are songs of love, songs of struggle and songs of grief giving voice to women from around the world. Accompanied or a cappella, Libana defies geographic borders by easily shifting between the unique sounds that make this music unique.
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Manitoba, Canada-based 6-woman World/Folk group Madrigaia's repertoire reflects their love for the many cultures of the world while giving special attention to their French-Canadian roots. On "Viva Voce" they sing wonderful versions of ancient and modern folk songs in French, Spanish, Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Mic mac, Croatian, Hebrew, Yiddish, and more, both a cappella and lightly accompanied by bass, viola, drums and percussion. Some favorites: "Niska Banja," "Odi, odi," "Vus vet zayn," "En filant ma quenouille," "Vichten" and "Grain de mil." A fresh, spirited sound from the north country!
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Four lovely Canadian women with roots in Africa and Mexico form Malaika, an upbeat, reggae/bluesy World group. This is a live CD, and the songs include: "Zeze," "Georgia Come Home," "Home To Mexico," "Survival," "Always," the tongue-in-cheek "I Should Have Been David Duchovny's Bride," "Pilipili," "Beautiful Girl," "Who Is Safe," "Family Matters," the "Sound of Music" song that was never written, "In Vienna," "To Paradise" ("Show me the way to Paradise, Escape the games, run from the lies"), a stunning arrangement of "All In The Game," and "Come Home Someday" ("Maybe I'd open up my patio door to a beach scene that's never been found"). This is honest music, blue-collar, in survival, coping with aging, no movie happy ending, but we can still dream on, laugh and celebrate life, music. We can relate, and judging by the audience response, so can everyone who hears Malaika. A breath of real, tropical, fresh air from Canada!
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Purported, by the Schmaries themselves, to be the last hurrah after a nine year lifespan, "Hidden Agenda Items" careens into infinity with brash outrageousness. Originals, such as "Ecclesiasticus 31:1" and "Bug Girl," are stars in their own unique musical galaxy, one that perhaps hasn't been identified yet! With zest and humor ("Classic Rock/La Cucaracha"), they fuse elements of the blues, world, and plainchant; the Bobs come to mind as their spiritual counterparts. By the way, did we mention that the Schmaries are women (two basses, two altos/sopranos), but discard previously held notions about "girl a cappella groups"; they don't apply here. "Hidden Agenda Items" is a fiery ascent into the outer limits!
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Four incredibly smart women have combined their musical abilities to write and create some of the cleverest, thought provoking, and humorous tunes available. For humor, check out "I Put You There" and "Little Fish." The politically inspired, classical sounding "Uterus" is a no nonsense getoutofmyface tune. All in all the thought provoking reflections are leavened by a collective intellect seldom encountered in in a field so frequently thought of as "merely entertainment." If you are willing to be harmonized into thinking differently than you do now, this is for you!
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Deep Blue Dance s'loyfn, s'yogn I Live In California A sto cemo Katie Cruel Dying Californian Stand in the River The Boat Trip Long Time Travelin' Our Time / Shout How Can I Cry? Firecracker Girl Tryptophan Handjive Bartok #148 Al' pract Utopia Esik Eso |
Los Angeles quartet Moira and VOCO treated all of us to a National Championship performance at the 2007 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael in May, and "Blink" only expands and deepens our appreciation for this all-woman group. Moira's sure songwriting and arranging touch is everywhere on this gem of a recording, which features her original tunes "Deep Blue," "I Live in California," "Stand in that River" (which also won for "Best Original Song"), "Our time/Shout," and "How Can I Cry." Another winner from their Finals set is "Dying Californian," a beautiful, haunting folk song from "the Sacred Harp" (1859). Other winners are "Katie Cruel," here lightly accompanied by percussion, cello and accordion, "Dance s'loyfn, s'yogn," with Moira's words given to a Yiddish dance song, the surprising "Firecracker Girl," "al' procia" and "esik eso," Croatian and Hungarian folksongs. And, unique to this group, which they showed off at the Finals, are a pair of fun, short "body percussion" songs, "the Boat BP" and "Tryptophan Hand Jive." Moira and VOCO are fast-rising stars, and "Blink," like their Finals set, touches and moves us.
Listen to "I Live in California" in MP3 format
| 9907 CD $15.95 |
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The CARA Award winning "No Place For Jennifer" (1997, "Tell My Feet") are back with their 1998 release, "Witness." Including three originals (written by Lizzie Kean, who is also the group's arranger), these five Dutch women have assembled a dense patchwork of parts into an aural quilt that is unmistakeably their own. Weaving in and out of challenging intervals a |