measureXmeasure a cappella group

Hailed by critics as "a high-energy vocal phenomenon that'll simply knock your socks off!" (JazzBeat), measureXmeasure (measure by measure) is an a cappella sensation that proves the human voice is indeed the most versatile of all instruments. Despite what the listeners’ ears may tell them, mXm uses no drum machines, synthesizers, pre-recorded material or instruments of any kind. Every sound - whether it be soaring five-part vocal harmonies, jaw-dropping vocal bass, or astonishing beat-box vocal percussion - is produced live by the voices of these five young men. Originally formed in the mid-1990’s as a student group at the University of Kansas, the Kansas City-based quintet now travels coast-to-coast year-round headlining concerts halls, festivals and college campuses everywhere.

Employing elements of pop, rock, funk, soul, r&b, jazz and classical music, measureXmeasure takes the audience on a journey covering a broad range of musical landscapes and emotions. Its electrifying concerts are highlighted by sophisticated vocal arrangements, boundless energy, stylish choreography, and rousing audience participation. mXm’s original songs – ranging from contemplative ballads to roof-raising funk - are both thoughtful and accessible, while their carefully-selected cover songs are infused with the group’s sense of flair, originality, and innovation. measureXmeasure has appeared with The Temptations; Nickelback; Earth, Wind & Fire; the Beach Boys; Christopher Cross; Bela Fleck & the Flecktones; the Gin Blossoms; Medeski, Martin & Wood; and an enviable list of other stellar artists. Since the release of its second CD, “We’re Back” in April of 2000, measureXmeasure has received regular radio play on specialty shows across four continents – resulting in a growing international fan base for the group. mXm’s August 2003 release, “On Our Own” has been called “one of the best we’ve heard…” (Singers.com) and is already being heard on college, public, and commercial radio stations across the U.S.

measureXmeasure is also a strong advocate for music education. Since 1999, the band has been developing and presenting its “Get Vocal!” program, which seeks to raise awareness and support for school music programs, while teaching young people to use their voices as a means of artistic and emotional expression. Along with its performances and clinics for the Kansas Music Educators Association and the Kansas Choral Directors Association, mXm has had the privilege of delivering its message of perseverance, dedication, hard work and music appreciation to thousands of music students throughout the Midwest and across the country. In 2000, measureXmeasure was appointed to the performing artist touring roster of the Kansas Arts Commission, and in 2002 was selected as a touring artist for the Heartland Arts Fund. Among the group’s many music industry accolades, mXm has been awarded showcases by the Rocky Mountain Fairs Association, the Performing Arts Exchange, Arts Northwest, and the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA).

Discography

On Our Own

The five young men who form Contemporary a cappella group measureXmeasure, slimmed down from the original nine who founded the group at the University of Kansas in 1995, have two successful CDs, "Measure by Measure" and "We're Back," under their belts, and "On Our Own" is an impressive third effort! We like to see the little note, "all music on this CD was created by the voices and appendages of the group," because it usually means there's some butt-kicking vocal percussion, and there's some of the best we've heard here. 11 songs, including some originals, "My Heart," "Live and Learn," "So In Love With You," "Everything" and "On Our Own," and some excellent covers: "Up the Ladder to the Roof," "You Don't Treat Me No Good," "Mustang Sally," "Only You," "Don't Let Your Heart," and finishing, incongruously, by nailing Maurice Durufle's sacred masterpiece, "Ubi Caritas." The group does their own arrangements and has the kind of juice and flair only found in the best Contemporary groups like Rockapella and m-pact. "On Our Own" is one of the best we've heard this year.

7382 CD $14.98

We're Back

From that indie-music oasis, Lawrence, Kansas, come MeasureXMeasure (Measure-by-Measure is how that reads). These five young twenty-something fellows incorporate some hip-hop/dance/electronica energy into their yes, exclusively a cappella contemporary sound, which is also made up entirely of original tunes, save for "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," arranged by the group's own Jeff Smith. This track deserves special mention, both for originality and execution; it's different, strikes the proper balance between economy and surfeit, and is absolutely in tune. If they do this live, it must bring down the house. Not to give an incorrect impression, "Rainbow" is a stylistic anomaly, but the point is that these five bring a measure of skill that is promising indeed. Given that all of the group members write, their originals haven't forged the same distinct personality, but there's a lot of potential here.

2588 CD $14.98

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