Idea of North

Review: Placing The Idea of North's fourth CD 'The Gospel Project' in the boombox and hearing once again the perfect harmonies of these two men and two women from Australia, we are taken back to the night we saw them confidently stride out together onto the 2003 Harmony Sweepstakes stage. They were singing last after a powerful field had drawn numerous standing O's, but when they finally bowed to their own, it was clear to all that they were National Champs. 'Project' has 13 songs, 4 of them accompanied by Piano/Organ, Bass and Drums. Although these, especially group member Trish Delaney-Brown's lovely original 'My Soul Finds Rest' and group member Andrew Piper's arrangement of LaMarquis Jefferson's 'Ain't No Rock,' are excellent, we of course prefer the a cappella tunes, beginning with group member Naomi Crellin's moving original 'Thou Shalt,' adapting the words of Marlo Morgan's 'Mutant Message From Forever;' 'Revelation,' arranged by Trish, who adds an interlude and additional lyric; three songs by group member Nick Begbie, 'Let It Ring,' 'Help Us' and The Truth,' adapting three prayers by Michael Leunig; Van Morrison's 'Whenever God Shines His Light on Me;' 'Prayer for Peace,' a sweet original written and arranged by Trish; and Nick's arrangement of the traditional 'Down in the River to Pray.' Also totally fun, with a telling message, is the bonus track, Andrew's 'The Unfortunate Tale of a Country Chicken.' The full-color liner notes have all the lyrics and some great pictures of the group. 'The Gospel Project' is a joy from beginning to end from Australia's best, and one of our all-time favorite a cappella groups, The Idea of North!

Songlist: People Get Ready, Thou Shalt, The Road to Kingdom Come, Revelation, Let It Ring, Help Us, Whenever God Shines His Light On Me, Prayer For Peace, My Soul Finds Rest, The Truth, Down in the River to Pray, Ain't No Rock, The Unfortunate Tale of a Country Chicken

Review: A four piece mixed group from Australia, 'The Idea of North' has compiled an eclectic mix of songs, performed and arranged in an accessible contemporary jazz style. About half are accompanied; the melody line on 'My Funny Valentine' is played by a flugelhorn, and there is bass and percussion on several other songs (bassist Duncan Brown plays in the snappin' and poppin' style of the 'Seinfeld' theme). 'The 23rd Psalm' (arranged by McFerrin) and 'Irish Blessing' reveals a traditional side, and 'Just a Closer Walk With Thee' has a gospel inflection and ragtime vocal horn solo. James Taylor's 'Shed a Little Light' and 'That Lonesome Road' are included, as is Harry Connick's 'Trouble.' This is a 'crossover' record: it could qualify in either the contemporary or jazz categories. The second CD.has guest artists, James Morrison on Trombone on 'Mas Que Nada,' and 'Fragile,' the only two very lightly accompanied songs. This is an impressive, confident CD, reminiscent of the Real Group, and all the tunes are so beautifully arranged, selected and performed, it's hard to pick favoritesÐso we just sat back and enjoyed the sweet jazzy ride. The full color, beautifully photographed liner notes are a perfect complement to the music. Recommended!

Songlist: Sweet, Sweet Spirit , Fragile, Triste, Takes My Breath Away, Amazing Grace, Trouble , Shed A Little Light/The Gulf War Song, Sitting In Limbo, My Funny Valentine, The 23rd Psalm, You've Got What It Takes, That Lonesome Road, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, The Irish Blessing, My Foolish Heart, Straight To My Heart, Man In The Mirror, It's Alright With Me, Mas Que Nada, Neat Surprise, Singin' A Cappella, Gotta Move On, Two Sides to the Story, Fragile, Abide With Me