The P.M.E. is one of the San Francisco Bay Areas most versatile and innovative choruses. The repertoire stretches from Mozart to Monk (Meredith). Each year members arrange and perform immensely popular jazz and pop concerts. On this recording which has arrangements of 20 songs, various members form quintets and sextets to allow individual singers greater individual expression. It begins with 'Doodlin'' and ends with 'Canary In A Coal Mine.' In between find yodeling, scats, a lullaby, Eric Clapton and more. You'll listen to this one over and over.

Since its founding twenty years ago, Berkeley-based PME has grown to fill an important role in the cultural life of the Bay Area, presenting courageous and innovative programs of many works that have never been performed in concert settings. PME provides the opportunity for composers to collaborate with a professional chorus in performances of new or experimental work. In addition, PME stages live performances of works previously heard only on recordings. Founding director Richard Grant has directed the Ensemble in more than 200 concerts, and led the Ensemble on three European concert tours, presenting innovative programs from all periods and styles of music. Grant has has established a reputation for programming the current work of the most important contemporary composers, such as John Adams, Meredith Monk, David Lang and Philip Glass. But their repertoire also includes, of course, Christian sacred works by Mozart, Poulenc and Stravinsky. 'Classics Live' focuses on this music. The first nine songs are a cappella, and this is a live recording. Barber's 'Agnus Dei,' 'Ave Marias' by Biebl, Bruckner and Stravinski, Stravinski's 'Pater Noster' and 'Credo,' Lotti's 'Crucifixus,' Durufle's 'Tota Pulchra Es' and Poulenc's 'Quatre Petites Prieres De Francois D'Assisse, No. 3.' The last eight movements are parts of Durufle's moving 'Requiem,' accompanied by organ and cello. The soaring voices of this 64-strong mixed chorus take us to another time and space, a place of worship and angels. Truly beautiful.

The Berkeley, CA-based PME has just been getting better and more innovative since its founding 20 years ago. This rich, powerful, live collection of 23 authentic Spirituals is their 3rd winning recording in the Primarily A Cappella catalog. Some songs are recorded at the Green Room in San Francisco, and the rest at the Oakland Museum. All of our favorites are here, with fresh new arrangements: 'Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel,' 'Ezekiel Saw de Wheel,' 'His Name So Sweet,' 'Freedom Train,' the heartbreaking 'Steal Away,' 'Do Lord, Remember Me,' 'Elijah Rock,' 'The Battle of Jericho,' 'Amazing Grace,' 'Mary Had a Baby' and many others. Every song a gem, soaring solos, great music, live performance excitement-what could be better? We loved 'A Story of Freedom!'

Listen to His Name So Sweet in RealAudio.

This CD is a compilation from Pacific Mozart ensemble's live performances up until 2000. This is a great way to hear what they sound like live. It's fun and energetic, and the singing is excellent! It includes lots of great arrangements from members of the group as well as arrangements from A Cappella luminaries Phil Mattson, Anders Edenroth, Gene Puerling and many more.

PME recorded Bernstein's Mass with Kent Nagano and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester in Berlin. The recording received a Grammy nomination in 2005 for Best Choral Performance. The work calls for a 'Street Chorus' that is able to perform such American musical styles as jazz, blues and rock. Since PME has long been known for being able to do the crossover between 'classical' and other forms, Nagano decided that for his recording PME had to be hired and brought to Berlin. Over forty singers went for a week of recording sessions and concerts. In addition to singing the choral parts, PME supplied twenty soloists. Also heard on the recording is the Rundfunkchor Berlin and the Staats- und Domchor Berlin, with whom we share the nomination. The Mass was commissioned in 1971 by Jacqueline Kennedy for the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Ours is the first recording of the piece since the original was conducted by Bernstein.

This fun CD includes live performances of the Pacific Mozart Ensemble from years 2000-2004. Eric Freeman and Jim Hale (members of PME and one of our favorite vocal jazz quintets, Clockwork!) have both contributed quite a few arrangements, which makes this an extra special recording. This CD has everything from classic pop and rock, to jazz ballads and big band standards. You are sure to enjoy every one of these amazing tracks! Best when purchased along with Jazz and Pop A Cappella, Vol. 4, Live, as they both cover the same seasons of this fantastic ensemble!

More great tracks from PME's 2000-2004 concert seasons. This CD is yet another testament to how many great musicians we have here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Best when purchased along with Jazz and Pop A Cappella, Vol. 3, Live, as they both cover the same seasons of this fantastic ensemble!