This highly-popular series has become a yearly event to satisfy the appetites of collegiate music lovers, and it's a great way to expose oneself to the up-and-coming talent proliferating at our nation's higher institutions. Whether the Stanford Counterpoints 'Don't Speak,' the Tufts Amalgamates 'I Don't Want to Wait' or 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' by UPenn Off The Beat, the selections offer a tuneful portion of what's hip now in current or retro pop, and the quality is entirely professional. Over half the tracks were CARA nominated, a surefire harbinger of success. Many members of professional and semi-professional contemporary vocal bands started out in these very ensembles, so heads up!

The series continues, with a variety of well-known college ensembles contributing tracks, such as U. of Penn Off The Beat, Tuft's Belezebubs, Duke Out Of The Blue, Notre Dame Undertones, Harvard Opportunes and the Brown Derbies. Per usual, nearly all the tunes are skimmed from chart topping artists such as Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos and Elton John, but there are some unexpected covers too - from the soundtrack of the film 'Roja' and our favorite, 'Snow On The Sahara', originally performed by Anggun, sung here by the Stanford Harmonics. It's also clear how prominent the female voice has become in today's marketplace, and that's reflected here in the percentage of mixed or exclusively female groups. The skill level of these ensembles ranges from solid to professional quality, with everybody hitting their marks on cue.

We have to say two things about the BOCA seriesÐone, the studio production on the tracks keeps getting more professional, and two, so do the groups! Michigan (my alma mater) Amazin' Blues' 'Millennium,' for instance, will get you up and boogying, and Iowa State U's Shaggy Boys (see above cd review) 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' is unbelievable. UPenn Off the Beat, represented on 7 BOCAs, ride with 'Wild Horses,' and York University's Wibijazz'n grooves on Steely Dan's 'Peg.' All 17 tunes are good, but some notables: Stanford's Mixed Company, 'Someday;' USC's Sirens, 'Ray of Light' and SoCal VoCals, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart;' Illinois Extension Chords, 'Inside Out' and Northwestern Purple Haze, 'Cornflake Girl.' Smooth, energetic and entertaining.

Perhaps rather grandiosley named this recording nevertheless does indeed feature some of the most accomplised men's a cappella groups perforining on campuses today. Two tracks apiece from Duke's Pitchforks, Tufts Beelzebubs, Notre Dame's Undertones, Univ. of Illinois's The Other Guys, Indiana Univ. Straight No Chaser and UC Berkeley's Men's Octet.. As one might expect the testosorone level is way up yet there are several ballads that are sweet and tender.

A new reissue combining the BOCA '97 and '98 CDs in their entirety.

Another BOCA collection of the best of the collegiate vocal groups never fails to impress us with the humor, arrangements and sheer talent of these young voices. 19 tracks, from UCLA Awaken's 'Walk Like An Egyptian,' and Indiana Straight No Chaser's 'I Belong to You,' to Duke Out of the Blue's 'Eve' and Tufts Beelzebubs' 'The Trial.' As admirers of Michigan Amazin' Blue, who give us 'She,' we were pleased to note that two other Ann Arbor groups made the cut, Michigan Compulsive Lyres singing 'Limp' and Michigan Dicks & Janes, with 'Everything You Want.' Other good stuff: U-Madison-Wisconsin's Tangled Up In Blue's 'Breathless,' Stanford Everyday People's 'Billie Jean/No Diggity' and USC Sirens' 'Beautiful.' But it's all good, reallyÐBOCA 2002 is a treat!

This year BOCA had the most submissions ever from collegiate groups to choose from, over 2,000 songs, and each collection, beginning in 1995, is more successful than the last! When these collections come out about this time every year, it's always a joy to see the enthusiasm and love for a cappella in these excellent college groups. 18 songs, from the Upenn Off the Beat's 'Crawling In The Dark,' Dartmouth College Aires' 'Workin' for the Weekend,' and the U of Michigan Dicks & Janes' 'Tonight and the Rest of My Life,' to York U.'s Wibijazzn's 'Rosanna,' Tufts Univ. Amalgamates' 'Killing Me Softly' and Stanford University Harmonics' 'Lady Marmalade,' this CD is a revelation. Many excellent collegiate groups sent songs, few were chosen, and the quality of those is very fine indeed!

The 2004 Best of Collegiate A Cappella recording boasts an impressive assortment of cover songs performed by our nation's premiere, young vocal groups. From the USC Sirens to the The Bostonians of Boston College, the groups performing on this CD are the best in their class, ousting hundreds of collegiate vocal groups that sought the BOCA title. Fans of collegiate a cappella, old and new, will enjoy the University of Virginia Academical Village People's rendition of Ben Folds' 'Kate,' or the University of Oregon on the Rocks' cover of Coldplay's hauntingly beautiful love ballad, 'Yellow.'

We always enjoy listening to the BOCA collection that arrives this time of year, because (a) it's exciting, spirited stuff from a cappella groups across the country we don't usually get to hear, and (b) it reminds us how alive and juicy the a cappella scene is on the country's campuses! Picking favorites from CASA's picks for the 20 best collegiate a cappella tunes, we have: Stanford U. Everyday People's 'Whatever You Want,' the Dartmouth Aires' rendition of Caedmon's Call's 'Somewhere North,' MIT Logarhythms' vocal percussion gem 'The Kids Aren't Alright,' U of North Carolina Clef Hangers' rap-flavored version of Outkast's 'The Way You Move,' UCLA Random Voices' lovely cover of Tori Amos' 'A Sorta Fairytale,' the Claremont Shades' cover of Garbage's nasty 'Push It,' Stanford Mixed Company's cover of Collective Soul's 'Run,' Clemson U TIGEROAR's cover of Matchbox 20's 'Unwell,' Duke Out of the Blue's cover of Maroon Five's 'She Will Be Loved,' Stanford Mendicants' cover of Wham!'s 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,' the Michigan Amazin' Blue's cover of Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel' and the U of Virginia Hullabahoos' raucous cover of Outkast's 'Hey Ya.' Some incredible voices, cutting-edge arrangements, hot vocal percussion and wonderful song selection-BOCA 2005 is another stone winner!

'Voices' is a generous, 2-CD set of the best of the collegiate a cappella groups, a total of 30 songs. We're particularly pleased to see and hear groups we've never heard of before, such as 'What It Feels Like For A Girl,' by Boston Aural Fixation, 'Into the Dark' by VT Juxtaposition, 'The Late Great Planet Earth' by UT Ransom Notes, 'Feel Good Time' by MIT Muses, 'Missing' by UPenn Penny Loafers, 'Collective Soul' by Colorado In The Buff, 'Only In Dreams' by Wash U in St. Louis Mosaic Whispers, 'Earth Song' by UCSB Naked Voices, and 'Beauty of Grey' by St. Louis Bare Naked Statues. There are familiar and welcome names from the BOCA yearly compilations, such as 'All Original' by the Stanford Fleet Street Singers, 'Ask the Lonely' by the Dartmouth Aires, 'When I Think About Angels' by the UVA Sil'hooettes, 'Never There by the Clemson TIGEROAR, 'Destiny/In The Waiting Line' by the USC Sirens, and 'Nothing' by Northwestern Purple Haze. The brazen, refreshing ensemble names, like the Duke Pitchforks, Cornell Class Notes, Oregon Divisi and Elon Twisted Measure go well with their music, which features innovative arrangements, rich harmonies, genuinely funny material and always interesting entertainment. Want to hear what's up in collegiate a cappella? Settle back, put the 2 CDs of 'Voices Only 2005' and enjoy!

The professionalism of the competing groups becomes more impressive with each passing year! Each and every ensemble that graces the stage with their talent has something special, and each group is distinct in its own way. Of course the contemporary and jazz groups are always popular - and in fact, Toxic Audio, the contemporary/jazz quintet from Florida, took first place, and another mixed jazz quintet, Bay Area favorites +4 db, were third - but, in addition, we feature the Perfect Gentlemen, a barbershop group from Los Angeles (2nd place), and the Total Experience Gospel Choir. Of course, 1999 champs, and your hosts, the contemporary Christian septet, Seven, perform two songs, and their virtuosity is undeniable. Audience favorites the Exboyfriends (who have won this category in previous New York regionals, flexing their performance muscles), swagger with Led Zeppelin's 'Ramble On,' while the reconstituted All Star Vocal Band (formerly the 17th Ave. All Stars) cover Journey and Stevie Wonder. Live Wire and Chapter Six represent the hot retro swing craze. It's a panoply of sound!

If you were there in San Rafael on May 5th, 2001, you know what an incredible show this was. Eight of the best groups in the world, Sixth Wave, Voice Trek, Freestyle, Vox Bop, So Rare, T Minus 5, 4:2:5 and Eclipse, on stage for 12 incredible minutes each, the show hilariously hosted by last year's winner, Toxic Audio. The sellout (always) audience was blown away by one amazing performance after another, ranging from the ridiculous, T Minus 5's side-splitting 'Red Neck Avenger' and Freestyle's very funny 'Paper Doll,' to the unbelievable, Vox Bop's genre-hopping commentary on all things a cappella, 'Slinky Variations,' and Voice Trek's tour-de-force 'William Tell Overture;' to the sublime, So Rare's 'Ain't Misbehavin' and 4:2:5's 'Still The One.' In the end, the judges had a difficult choice, and went with Los Angeles' Sixth Wave, whose 'Grazin' in the Grass' and 'Mambo' are representative of their wonderful vocal jazz set. Add two songs by Toxic Audio, which makes 18, and you have a barn-burner CD of one of the best a cappella shows of all time. Wow!

The sellout crowd at Marin Veterans Aud. in San Rafael, CA once again saw a dazzling Harmony Sweepstakes Final - Eight Regional winners from all over the country, giving their all in the 'most exciting twelve minutes in a cappella.' In this wonderfully recorded CD we hear Denver winner Eclipse's 'Danny Boy' and 'Look My Way,' Bay Area Winner III of a Kind's incredible cover of 'Man in the Mirror' and the Asian hit tune 'Anak;' returning winner (Pacific NW) The Standards' 'Ain't Got Nothing But Love' and heartfelt 'Prayer of the Children;' Boston Winner Groove's great covers of 'Anna Begins' and James Brown's classic 'I Feel Good,' and New York winner, the Russian group Autri, sings 'Keimanchuli' and a stunning original by one of its members, 'Tale of War.' Los Angeles' Perfect Gentlemen's cutting edge barbershop harmony soars into 'Blue Skies' and 'Patty Cake.' Washington, DC's Tone Rangers score with their offbeat covers of 'I Need You' and Simon & Garfunkel's 'Keep The Customer Satisfied.' Finally, Chicago winner Chapter 6 nails Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and finishes with a hilarious 'Wizard Of Oz Medley.' In the end the judges chose The Perfect Gentlemen as National Champion, (also chosen Audience Favorite) and we walked into the night, smiling and raving about one of the best a cappella shows of all time!

We're of the almost certainly biased opinion that the Harmony Sweeps Finals are the best a cappella shows in the world. Imagine 8 groups, who have come in first in Regional competition with 10 other groups in places like New York, Boston, the Bay Area, Chicago and LA, performing before a packed auditorium in San Rafael, CA for 12 minutes each, for the coveted National Championship. Each year outdoes the last, and 'electric' doesn't do justice to the 2003 Finals. There are 18 songs on the CD, two from each group and two from '02 Champs, and very funny hosts, LA's Perfect Gentlemen, 'Gimme Some Skin' and the guitar accompanied (!) 'Meanest Thing You Ever Did Was Kiss Me.' The Bay Area's hilarious Moosebutter brings us 'Psycho, The Musical,' winner of 'Best Original Song' (lyrics), and their trademark parody, 'Star Wars,' part of a set that won them 2nd place honors. The Pacific NW's Second Chance contribute a funky 'Go Tell It On The Mountain' and the very funny beach song parody 'Sand Down My Pants.' LA's Undivided Musical Group sing 'Amarte Mas' and nail Ward Swingle's arrangement of 'Mission Impossible Theme.' Boston's All About Buford do wonderful covers of the Gershwins' 'Summertime' and Rodgers & Hart's 'My Funny Valentine.' Chicago's Nightwatch sing two songs from their infamous 'Diner Set' (complete with ballistic donut), 'Truck Drivin' Man' and 'Yes Sir, That's My Baby,' and New York's very smooth Cadence covers 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' and 'Tempted' beautifully. Denver's Groove Society gets the crowd up and rocking with 'You're No Good' and the classic 'Listen to the Music.' Unbelievably, as good as all these groups were, the best was saved for last, Mid-Atlantic winner Idea of North from Australia, who shine on 'Mas Que Nada' (which won the David Lichtman Award for Best Arrangement) and Randy Newman's heart-tugging 'When She Loved Me.' Idea of North got the nod from the judges, and won Audience Favorite, while Moosebutter and Cadence placed 2nd and 3rd. A chorus of 'Goodnight Sweetheart' later we were all walking out of beautiful Marin Veterans Auditorium, not believing how good a show we had just seen and heard!

This year's Harmony Sweepstakes reminded all who participated, how magical making music can be. Now, we all can share that magicÊby listening toÊthis excellent live recording. With 20 years gone by, this national competition is still going strong and bringing out the very best in a cappella singing.ÊÊThis year's show had an excellent assortment of various styles, including jazz, pop, contemporary, latin and much more. There were lots of humorous moments, including the national champions, Chapter Six's original song, 7th Wheel, as well as somber/uplifting moments including the beautiful performance of Kiss From A Rose by Impulse. Of course no one could forget Clockwork's performance of Inna-Godda-Da-Vida orÊVox Bop's Commercial medleyÊ. With continuous stellar performances from all eight groups, this 19 track CD is sure to keep you entertained.

Listen to Walk The Straighter Road in RealAudio.

It always seems to us as the Harmony Sweeps celebrates another year of its existence (its 21st, in this case), that 'last year's Finals were so sublime, how could this year's possiblyÉetc., etc.'-but then we're in the sold-out, excited audience for this year's, and the first group is about to come onÉ what we're trying to say is somehow each Sweeps Final is better than the last. And what we love about the CDs is that they're live, 9 of the best a cappella groups in the world on one stage, singing their hearts out for 13 short minutes, for the National Championship. Last May, Mid-Atlantic's Cartoon Johnny, Boston's Firedrill, Chicago's Fiveplay, NYC's Traces, Denver's Face, Pacific NW's Groove for Thought, LA's Undivided and SF's own Moodswing were those groups. 19 songs, including 'Joy to the World' and Best Original Song, 'Walk the Straighter Road' by Kevin Kunz of National Champions Groove For Thought, David Lichtman Best Original Arrangement winner 'Paper Moon' by Greg Murai of Moodswing, ('Moanin'' by Moodswing is also happily included), 3rd Place finishers Fiveplay sing Stevie Wonder's 'Superstitious/IWish' and 'I Never Knew,' and runner-up and Audience Favorite Face have 3 winners, 'Pink Panther Theme,' 'Harder To Breathe' and 'Safety Dance.' But let us not forget hosts Chapter 6, whose 'Ode to Krispy Kreme' and 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing' drew standing O's, Firedrill's Motown classic 'Chain of Fools,' Traces' 'Mary Don't You Weep,' Undivided's 'What's Goin' On' and Cartoon Johnny's 'Crazy Love.' A savory sampler from a magic night in May in San Rafael, CA!

Listen to Isn't She Lovely in RealAudio.

It's the first weekend in May, and the sold-out audience at Marin Veterans Auditorium in San Rafael, CA is buzzing with anticipation of seeing the Harmony Sweepstakes Finals, possibly the best live show in a cappella! 8 Regional-winning groups are backstage, having beat out as many as 8 other groups for the privilege of singing their hearts out for the National Championship. 'Finals' has 16 of the best tunes from that memorable night, including Bay Area winner Clockwork's jazzy 'My Baby Just Cares For Me,' and wonderful cover of Radiohead's 'Creep,' part of an excellent set that won them 3rd place, and the award for 'Best Original Arrangement.' We hear Mid-Atlantic-winning Regency's 'Only You' and high-energy 'Jump, Jive and Wail,' part of a great set that won them 2nd place. LA barbershop quartet Hi Fidelity, in 'Addams Family' costume, bring us the 'Addams Family' theme and a key-bending, hilarious 'Blackbird,' they won both Audience Favorite and the National Championship. New York Quartet 'Round Midnight's 'Take the A-Train' and 'Tin Roof Blues,' Chicago's Elmo Thumm's 'Last Train to Clarksville' and 'Shooting Star,' Denver's Curious Gage's 'Long Train Runnin'' and 'Windmills' show us how good Hi-Fidelity had to be to win. Boston's Traces sing 'As' and 'Wonderful World,' which won Best Original Song,' and the Pacific NW's Tongue Tied A Cappella give us a dynamic cover of the Starship's 'We Built This City.' Exciting cuts from a magic May evening in San Rafael!

Listen to Blackbird in RealAudio.

On a perfect May Saturday night in San Rafael, CA, the sold-out audience witnessed another unbelievable evening of unaccompanied vocal harmony singing. Eight Regional winners were up on stage, singing their hearts out for the fans and the judges, with the National Championship on the line. The best 18 songs of the night, including from local favorites the folk/world female ensemble Solstice with 'Wade in the Water' and the dynamic 'Kappee.' A pair of songs from Audience Favorites Denver's 'Face,' includes the gritty, powerful rocker 'Home,' that won them 2nd Place. Three tracks from the evening's winners National Champs from Los Angeles, Moira Smiley & VOCO with the folk tune 'Bring Me Little Water, Silvie,' 'Szerelem' and the lovely, moving 'Stand in that River.' Other favorites are New York's The Fault Line's 'Some Kind of Wonderful;' the Pacific NW's V-Chords' 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing', Boston's Men in Black's 'Run Around' and Chicago's Nightwatch's very funny 'Defying Gravity.' And let us not forget host group 2006 Champions Hi-Fidelity (hey, that's 2 in a row for L.A.!), whose 'Enterprise/Sulu Medley' reminds us how brilliant and funny they can be.

Listen to Home in RealAudio.

Memphis has long been illustrious for its blues, jazz and soul roots. The essence of Memphis musical heritage is showcased in this collection of Gospel Quartets featuring: The Gospel Writers, Holy Ghost Spirituals, The Harmonizers, The Harps of Melody, The Pattersonaires, and the Spirit of Memphis Quartet. Reflecting on styles from the 30's through 80's, you will be taken on a historical and musical journey throughout the neighborhoods of Memphis.

Bluegrass, a brand of music appreciated for its intricate musicianship and instrumental virtuosity, has always maintained a fresh appeal while staying true to the gospel roots inherent to the genre. Sacred Voices is a gathering of Bluegrass big shots who have put down their instruments and opened their voices, sounding out an integrated variety of Gospel songs and continuing a tradition that started with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sing 'Climbing Up The Mountain' and 'That New Jerusalem'. Peter Rowan & The Rowan Brothers sing a haunting 'Lone Pilgrim' while also making an appearance with the Nashville Bluegrass Band on 'Jesus Made the Wine'. 'Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee' and 'Roll Jordan Roll' also feature the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Tim & Mollie O'Brien contribute 'Shut De Do' and Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice 'Talk about Suffering'. New Grass Revival adds a touch of live performance to the mix with 'Walk In Jerusalem' while Robin & Linda Williams & Friends keep the faith with 'He's Coming Again So Soon' and 'Don't You Want To Go To Heaven'. Also featured are 'Vision Of A Golden Crown' by Don Rigsby and a whole cast of vocals, 'My Heavenly Home' by Front Range, and 'Feel Like My Time Ain't Long' by The Country Gentlemen. First published in 1855 is the oldest and most recognizable song 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus', a riveting solo performance given by Doc Watson. Bluegrass and Gospel music are both inspiring and timeless; strip down to the naked voice and the result is something sacred.

Produced by CASA, these compilation CDs are a great introduction to different genres of a cappella, and are particularly recommended to the novice listener. Including groups such as Penn off the Beat ('Fall from Grace') Heebee-jeebees ('Angels We Have Heard on High') Da Vinci's Notebook ('Liposuction') and the King's Singers ('Abendlied'), the proceeds benefit CASA and allow the organization to continue in its efforts to promote a cappella singing. Other groups featured are The Fairfield Four, Vox One and Rockapella.

The CARA acronym stands for the 'Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards,' produced by CASA. These eighteen selections are a varied representation of many styles, including pop, world, barbershop and classical. This year's recipients include m-pact for their awesome version of Earth Wind and Fire's 'Fantasy,' the Alley Cats' 'Tears On My Pillow' - surely the most tuneful and exciting doo-wop group to emerge in a while - and 1998 Harmony Sweepstakes winners Metropolis, with 'Don't Blame Me.' Denmark's Vox P contribute their sultry 'Fly Me To The Moon,' Monkey Puzzle, their hypnotic 'Epitaph,' and the controversial Double Dong (a cappella punk?) provide the vocal gristle. Contemporary Christian artists Glad and Take 6 supply the polish with their usual exquisite arrangements.

The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) created the Urban Harmony Movement to bring music, via free materials, coaching, and concerts to public high schools in need. For more information call (415) 563-5224. In the mean time buy and listen to another outstanding compilation of 16 tracks sung by both well known groups and four of the best college a cappella groups, with whom CASA is uniquely connected. Other notable contributors are The House Jacks, Five Live, The Persuasions, Bobby McFerrin, Vox One, The Nylons and M-Pact.

The enterprise called Rhino Records is in the compilation business, and they do it with flair and intelligence. The first two doo wop box sets were widely regarded as definitive collections. However, there was more yet to be done! The four CD's in this latest box set Ð plus fact and picture filled book Ð include the rare, the obscure and the out-of-print. Organized with the themes of 'The Hits,' 'The Should Have-Been Hits,' 'The Celebrity Picks' and 'Modern Doo Wop,' and including groups and solo artists alike, the track list features many household names (Platters, Flamingoes, Drifters, Dominoes), and then the fun begins: Enchanters, Fascinators, Solitaires and Strangers, ad infinitum. Robert Plant's celebrity pick: 'Indian Girl' by the Capris, Keith Richards chose 'Maybe' by the Chantels. Rock and roll couldn't have happened without doo wop, and we know a lotcouldn't have happened without rock and roll! Make someone happy this Christmas! Make someone happy this Christmas.

You know the drillÐthis is volume 12 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, Charles Moffitt's Velours, Deja-Vu, The Four Sevilles, The Ovations, The Revelations, A Moment's Pleasure, and New Emage. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Love Potion #9,' 'Ten Command-ments of Love,' 'Under the Boardwalk' and 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Mio Amore,' 'Sweetness' and 'Laura.' No info on the groups in the liner notes, but there's a vintage picture of the Velours is on the front, and a picture is worth...

This is volume 10 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Lewis Lymon & The Teenchords, Fred Johnson & The Marcels, The Chalets, The Revelations, The Prospects, Angel & the Allures, Cornerstone, Neighbor's Complaint, Elements of Life, The Four Sevilles and Street Dreams. The tunes are all standards like 'Angel Baby,' 'For Your Precious Love,' 'Lean On Me' and 'What's Your Name' or might-have-been hits, like 'Way Beyond Today,' 'In A Fairy Tale' and 'Lily Maebelle.' No info on the groups, but a cool picture of Lewis Lymon (Frankie's brother?) & The Teenchords on the front.

Volume 11 of a doo-wop retrospective series on Starlight Discs. 20 cuts on this CD, The Jesters, BQE, The Ovations, A Moment's Pleasure, New Emage, The Four Sevilles and Neighbor's Complaint. The tunes are all doo-wop standards like 'Stand By Me,' 'All In The Game,' and 'Heart And Soul' or songs that might have been doo-wop hits, like 'Paper Castles,' 'I Need Your Kisses' and 'It's Summer.' A groovy picture of the Jesters is on the cover.

Volume 14 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on New York-based Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, The Paragons, The Bob Knight Four, Yesterday's Today, Street Corner Serenade, Tears of Joy and Elements of Life. The tunes are all standards like 'Mr. Blue,' 'Blue Velvet,' 'Believe It Or Not' and 'I Love You So' or might-have-been hits, like 'Sugar Lump,' 'Last Night I Dreamed' and 'Betty.' A classic pic of the Bob Knight Four is on the front.

Hot off the presses from our own record label comes a great collection of some of the finest barbershop quartets aptly named 'Barbershop's Best'.This is the first recording to feature a wide selection of both champion male and female quartets and includes some of the finest groups to ever perform in the barbershop style. These studio tracks were in great part selected by the groups themselves and represents, in their opinion, some of their finest work. Featured are cuts from Platinum, Acoustix, Ambiance, Boston Common, Bluegrass Student Union, Panache, Fred and Rumors and more. 16 great tracks.

These awards are given by CASA, the Contemporary A Cappella Society, a non-profit organization promoting a cappella music. As the liner notes note, a cappella means literally 'in the chapel style,' but the 18 cuts prove it is closer to 'in any style.' Some of our favorites: Spiralmouth's 'Nothing Is Written,' Naturally Seven's powerful 'Bless This House,' Harmony Sweeps champs Toxic Audio's 'Loving You,' OcumŽ's 'Guantanamera,' Da Vinci's Notebook's 'Ally McBeal,' The Kinsey Sicks' hilarious 'Gay Sera Sera,' and m-pact's vocal-percussion jazz-pop gem, 'Caroling, Caroling.' CARA 2000 is a good sampler of how CASA sees today's a cappella music.

Compilation release featuring the top names in a cappella, including the Persuasions, Real Group, Nylons, Bobs and Rockapella. Every track on this sixteen song CD is strong, encompassing the traditional (Blenders' 'First Noel') to the novel (The Bobs' 'Christmas In L.A.'). World jazz group SoVoSo contributes the soulful original 'Snowflakes,' while French-Canadians La Bande Magnetik take on Tchaikovsky's 'Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy' in an unconventional interpretation. Beachfront Property's 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' and Vox One's 'White Christmas' will thrill those who enjoy vocal jazz, as both are a virtual primer on the how-to's of the style. You will want to add this CD to your own holiday music collection, and it also makes a wonderful stocking stuffer or hostess gift!

Our own compilation, featuring a diverse line-up of artists. It's an original gift idea, particularly for those ears not yet familiar with a cappella. The track list includes the most popular, such as the contemporary Christian group Glad ('O Come All Ye Faithful'), the legendary doo-wop group the Persuasions ('Christmas Means Love') and The Swingle Singers ('Carol Medley'), whose vocal jazz technique is flawless. Several of the new and exciting vocal groups, such as Naturally Seven, m-pact, Go Fish and the Edlos are represented. All a cappella fans will appreciate Acoustix' 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch' (from their new 'Cool Yule' CD), Just For Kick's 'A Child is Born' and ReGeneration 'Do You Hear What I Hear?'. The Blenders 'Christmas Song,' from Nog (one of the greatest holiday CD's ever), Chanticleer's 'In Dulci Jubilo,' (Chanticleer's holiday concerts are a highlight of every season) and the Accidentals' signature 'Rudiana' are also included. 17 tracks in all.

A collection of some of today's top Southern Gospel artists get together to record an all a cappella recording. Artists include Reggie Smith, Mike Bowling, Jason Crabb, Kim Rubbe Lord, Ernie Haase, Jessica King and many others.

Gospel music in Southern Africa came about through a fascinating synthesis of religious music brought to Africa by missionaries, and traditional African music styles. The majority of South Africans today are Christians. Apart from the recognised international denominations, there are thousands of colourful African Independent Churches. Every Sunday, in every town and village, different services are being held, and they are accompanied by musicÉ a simple choir, a band with solo singers, some drumsÉ a myriad of styles and languages Congregants can be seen under trees, on hills, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. And today, you will hear many influencesÉ from American gospel to contemporary pop, as well as the original African roots.This selection presents some of the best of South African gospel today. The ZCC (Zion Christian Church) is the largest independent Christian Church in South Africa, numbering well over 4 million adherents. Their music is little heard, and we are privileged to have some ZCC tracks here. Steve Kekana is a pop icon in South Africa, here singing a gospel song. Other artists have been widely supported by the large South African gospel buying market, while the Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved amazing international recognition. Music styles range from South African pop, through traditional accompanied styles of hymn and gospel singing, to a cappella choir. This is joyful music, spiritually uplifting and colourful in the African way.

Two of these six groups, The Standards and Eclipse, have won awards on the stage of the Harmony Sweeps Finals--and The Knudsen Brothers won it all in 1990. The Standards' 'Brown Eyed Girl,' 'I Can't Break Away' and 'Til I Found You;' Eclipse's 'Think Twice,' 'Hard Times Come No More' and 'Through It All;' and the Knudsen's 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' and 'Blue Suede Shoes/Hound Dog' Presley medley are some of our favorites on this excellent compilation. 7-man Gospel group from Mesa, AZ, 259's 'Jericho' and 'Nearer My God to Thee' are very fine, as is Barbershop/Gospel quartet Reprise's 'Because I Have Been Given Much' and 'I've Been Workin' on the Railroad.' Contemporary Gospel mixed quintet Shine's 'My Jesus I Love Thee' completes our favorites, and we have to say that we love to see a collection like this. The Spotlight is on the best stuff of several top-drawer, mixed-genre a cappella groups on a single CD-it all has a very Harmony Sweeps-like energy to it, and we appreciated and enjoyed every cut!

Gospel music is an integral part of everyday life in South Africa's urban townships and rural communities, and it constitutes one of the largest genre segments of the local recording industry. This widespread popularity has spilled over onto the international stage with groups and artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Rebecca Malope. 'The Rough Guide' brings together 22 powerful performances recorded over the last 40 years, in styles ranging from apostolic choirs to pop-influenced gospel divas. Some accompaniment. It's hard to pick favorites here, but 'Bayahuba Abantwana' by St. Moses Choir, 'Morena Boluka,' by Amagugu Odumu, 'Hamba Jona' by Michael Nkole & His Apostles, 'Tumelo' by 'I.P.C.C.,' 'Izindaba' by 12 Apostles Church Choir, ''There's Room Enough' by King's Messengers Quartet,' 'Hosanna Nkosi Yami' by Davey Angels, 'Usizo Lwam' by Rebecca Malope, ''Ha Ba Tshela Jordane' by Holy Cross Choir, 'Baba Wethu Singenile' by Ladysmith, 'Ka Lifu Laka' by Z.C.C. Mukhukhu and 'Wemngoma Lishonile' by Holy Spirits Choir are particularly wonderful. Spirited, joyful, rhythmic music from some of the best Gospel choirs and singers in the world that will have you singing along, boogying to the beat and feeling fine!

Listen to There's Room Enough in RealAudio.

California Screamin' is an eclectic recording from some of the Bay Area's top a cappella acts. This album is not your traditional a cappella. This high octane collection includes harmonies from Hookslide who contributed two tracks, including an exciting arrangement of Aerosmith's anthem, 'Dream On.' Harmony Sweepstakes finalists +4db add their unique sound. The eccentric group Speedzoo provide two tracks featuring their soulful lead vocalist Lisa Trevorrow. Other featured cuts include female fivesome Dilemna, Boyz Nite Out and their bumpin' vocal percussion, urban a cappella from Three 5 and 6, and Billboard chart toppers Kai. 12 tracks of excitment!

This CASA Awards 2001 CD contains an eclectic mix of rock, classical, barbershop, doo-wop, R&B, close harmony, gospel, jazz, folk, pop, hip-hop, world music and more, including some favorites of ours: SoVoS—'s 'Charity,' +4db's 'I Burn For You,' The Persuasions' 'Black Muddy Water,' Cadence's 'I Wish,' Gas House Gang's 'Go Tell It On The Mountain,' Real Group's 'Thousand Things,' The Magnets' 'All The Wrong Reasons,' Michigan Jake's 'I'm Beginning to See the Light,' Voice Male's 'Light In Your Eyes,' Artisan's 'Dancing With Words' and Univ. of Michigan Amazin' Blues' 'Millennium,' among others. The best of the year 2001 in a cappella, from CASA's point of view.

We are fortunate indeed to have assembled such a truly talented group of finalists for the 1998 Harmony Sweeps. Winners Metropolis, the barbershop quartet from Southern California, sing 'Some Lucky Day' and the entertaining 'Yakko's World.' Audience favorite (and second-place finishers) +4dB begin the festivities with 'In A Mellow Tone' and also perform the Real Group's 'Chile Con Carne.' Other groups include Canadians the Heebee-jeebees, catalog favorites Blind Man's Bluff, Ball in the House and Acapelicans (from Australia), Cool Shooz and the third place winners, the Sweet Adelines' quartet City Lights. Bonus performance: An improvised jam by our evening's hosts, SoVoSo.

This year's program was the most diverse and exciting yet. Filled with emerging groups, as well as Sweepstakes favorites such as Chicago Voice Exchange, the competition was intense indeed. Seven, from New York, garnered top honors, with their intricate and multi-textured voicings, heard to best advantage on 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'; the group's arrangements are expanding the universe of sound. Taking second place were the Standards, five brothers whose onstage appeal and energy charmed everyone. Minimum Wage's outrageous humor, as exemplified by 'The Last Cowboy Song,' had the audience begging for mercy (or more?) Other musical highlights include the ringing tones of last year's champs, Metropolis (a barbershop quartet), the Euphorics, with 'Message In A Bottle' and Pickup 6's medley of Beatles favorites.

'Fathers and Sons' celebrates The Soul Stirrers gospel quartet, whose recordings and live performances in the 1930s would extend far beyond gospel, mostly thanks to the first gospel stylist in quartet, R.H. Harris. Originating in Trinity, Texas, the group was raised on shape-note music, and their serene background harmonies were centered on that pure tonality, a perfect base for Harris' soaring, melancholy tenor. Harris' acolyte Sam Cooke made Harris' style famous, influencing countless pop singers who don't even know the name of the man they are echoing. 8 wonderful a cappella Stirrers tunes, 'Walk Around,' 'Sleep On Mother,' 'Precious Lord,' 'Lord I've Tried,' 'Remember Me,' 'Does Jesus Care' and others. Next are 4 tracks from the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, clearly influence by the Stirrers: 'I'm Going to Tell God,' 'I Was Praying,' 'Will Jesus Be Waiting,' and 'Jesus Is A Rock.' Finally we have 4 by The Nightingales, who evolved into The Sensational Nightingales: 'Vacant Room in Glory,' 'See How They Done My Lord,' 'I'm Coming Up Lord' and 'Somewhere To Lay My Head.' Listen to 'Jesus Is A Rock,' and hear the music that pop singers Aretha Franklin, Smoky Robinson and Diana Ross, among many others, were singing in church before they added some different lyrics and went into recording studios. Some light accompaniment. This is dynamic stuff, from soulful laments to foot-stomping revival meeting call-and-response spirituals, by the pioneer groups that changed popular music by finding more expressive ways to praise their Lord.

United Records was one of the first successful black-owned record companies and was operated by Leonard Allen, a former policeman. With impecable taste Allen recorded some of the best performances of the top jazz, gospel and R&B acts between 1951 and 1957, especially in the Chicago area. This recording features some of United mightest gospel quartets who by this time had introduced a more modern sound that had taken the place of the more conservative jubilee tradition, and included knee-drop, ad-lib interjections, swing lead and exaggerated vocal ornamentation. Great stuff!

For the first time on video, legendary quartet singers like The Fairfield Four, Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jublilaires, The Swanee Quintet, The Racy Brothers, Robert Blair and The Fantastic Violinaires, Martin Jacox and Willie Rogers and Company, come together to pay tribute to one another and to pioneer gospel quartets. Hosted by Lou Rawls, who began his career as a quartet singer, covers a century of the music and history that have made the quartet one of the most beloved styles of music. All these living legends share the same stage, taking their turns at the microphone, with a backup band in a church-like concert hall with an enthusiastic audience. 15 tunes, with a lot of old photos and history in between, presented by Rawls. 'Precious Lord' is by the whole company, 'Noah,' 'There Must Be A City,' and 'I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray' by the Fairfield Four, 'Soul Stirrers Medley' and 'Landed on the Shore' by Martin Jacox, Willie Rogers & Co., 'Old Time Religion' and 'Doctor Jesus' by Robert Blair and the Fantastic Violinaires,' 'Sit Down Servant' and 'Doctor Jesus' by the Swanee Quintet, 'Somebody Touched Me' and 'Count It As A Blessing' by The Racy Brothers, 'I've Got Heaven on My Mind' and 'I'm Going on With the Lord' by Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires, and the final 'Glory Hallelujah' by the assembled groups. This is great authentic gospel music by masters who are still with us, fascinating history and old photos-'Living Legends' is a joy!

For the first time on video, legendary quartet singers come together to pay tribute to one another in song and performance. See and hear The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Willis Pittman and the Burden Lifters, Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires, the Swanee Quintet, Tommy Ellison and the Singing Stars, Troy Ramey and the Soul Searchers, and the Soul Stirrers sharing the stage in the most powerful and electrifying performances captured on tape. With host Lou Rawls, who began his career as a quartet singer, Living Legends of gospel covers a century of the music an history that have made the quartet style one of the most beloved styles of music.

This is one of those historic compilations with pages of history in 5-point type and lots of cool old photos, and wonderful music that we haven't heard before but want to hear more of! This is brought to us by the SMGA, Southern Gospel Music Association, whose purpose was to build a Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which opened in Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN in 1999. We just have to love groups called Rebels Quartet featuring Big Jim Waits, singing 'Hide Me Rock of Ages,' the Chuck Wagon Gang, singing 'Lead Me On,' and the Homeland Harmony Quartet (has nothing to do with Homeland Security), singing 'Lead Me to that Rock.' The Rangers' Quartet's 'I've Found a Hiding Place,' and the Vaughan Sand Mountain Quartet's 'I'll Not Deny My Savior.' Authentic, pioneering Gospel by some truly amazing groups. Beautiful and fascinating!

An important collection of original recordings of some of the earliest Sacred Harp singing groups. Extensive liner notes makes this compilation a must have for people intested in the Shape Note tradition.

This ambitious 3-CD A Cappella Gospel set is produced, recorded and mixed by Steve Ivey of Nashville, TN's IMI Productions. Steve also sings duets with artists such as Laura Jewel, Maryline Blackburn, Jesse Lee Campbell Taryn Trexler, Steve Carpenter, G. Crew and Daniel J. Groups include The Jordanaires, and New Bethel; solo artists are Gianna Jessen, Lisa Bevril, Morgan Cryar, George McCullum, Rickey Payton, Rick Cua, Ferrell & Ferrell and others. Some favorites of the 50 are 'Dig A Little Deeper,' 'Angel Band,' 'Nothing But The Blood,' When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder' and 'Rock of Ages' by the Jordannaires; Gianna Jessen's 'It Is Well,' Maryling Blackburn & Steve Ivey's 'Mercy Me,' 'When It's Over,' 'Trust' and 'Loose My Chains;' New Bethel's 'Go Tell It On The Mountain,' Take Me To The Water,' 'There Is a Balm in Gilead' and 'Everytime I Feel The Spirit;' 'Brethren We Have Met to Worship' by Morgan Cryar and Jesse Lee Campbell's 'Doxology;' and Laura Jewel & Steve Ivey's 'For The Beauty of the Earth,' 'Sweet Hour of Prayer' and 'I Need Thee Every Hour. But there really isn't a weak cut here. Ivey has assembled a talented, deeply spiritual and spirited group here, and the result is wonderful heartfelt Gospel songs from the beginning of disc 1 to the end of disc 3!

The popularity of the Gospel Choir is one of the major reasons for the growth of the genre. Crystal Rose searched its vault and selected the best live performances ever for a visually exciting gospel music experience. This DVD compilation provides pure gospel in the form of Praise & Worship as well as contemporary and traditional gospel songs by some of today's most recognized choirs.

What we have here is a gospel lover's advanced degree, in 71 minutes of music made up of 28 songs. The CD includes the entire album entitled All Of My Appointed Time (Forty years of A Cappella Gospel Singing). But that's not all! Part II includes rare and unissued transcriptions by Jubilee-influenced groups of the l940's. Among the male groups are the Golden Gate Quartet, The Kings Of Harmony, The Blue Jay Singers and The Soul Stirerrs with the fabulous R.H. Harris who coached Sam Cooke. Sam went on to join the Soul Stirerrs which was the beginning of his career. Among the women singers you will hear The Georgia Peach (Clara Hudman) who first recorded with the Atlanta congregation of the Rev. J.M. Gates. Additionally, you will find recordings by Bessie Griffin, Jeanette Harris and The Golden Harps and Marion Williams. Just think, a musicology degree in 71 minutes!

If you're a fan of a cappella gospel from the 1930s and '40s, you won't want to miss this CD! Best known of the five groups is the Soul Stirrers, who are credited with reshaping gospel and paving the way for modern R&B. Their historic first recordings are here and have never before been rereleased on CD.

Leading up to the emergence of doo-wop was the tradition of black quartet singing. It is one of the major tributaries of our musical evolution which led to rock 'n roll and R&B which led to... But we digress. Let's go back to the quartets. Between the World Wars was a period during which this style evolved from the schoolyards and churches of the southern Atlantic seaboard to finally become the sophisticated sounds of groups like the Golden Gate Quartet and the Silver Leaf Quartet Of Norfolk. This recording traces that evolution with some early, raw recordings from quartets at the beginning of the movement and lots of the highly sophisticated groups of the later years. It is a historian's dream as well as a testament to the human spirit. The accompanying booklet has wonderful notes to leave you much richer for the experience.

While students of American a cappella history can find many re-issues of gospel groups from the 1930's and beyond, this import from Austria is one of the few that captures the music from the roaring '20s. Of the four groups represented here, The Sunset Four were most productive with 13 of the 25 songs on CD They have snippets of future bass imitation on 'Jerusalem Morn' and barbershop - like chord ringing on 'Didn't He Ramble.' But perhaps 'Barnum's Steam Calliope' is most notable, for its unique vocal imitation of the famed circus instrument. The audio quality reflects the fact that old (and sometimes scratched) '78s were used to make the CD, but anyone interested in early 20th Century a cappella will happily overlook those flaws because of the unique performances captured here, all but two are a cappella.

Subtitled 'Early Vocal Groups 1935-1944,' this CD presents the creme de la creme of talent with a unique twist: these recordings were made specifically for radio broadcast, and delivered on a sixteen inch record format designed to be played only once! Many of these radio programs were distributed to armed forces radio around the world. One particular such program was called 'Jubilee' and featured the best-known black vocal harmony groups: Ink Spots, Delta Rhythm Boys, Golden Gate Quartet and Deep River Boys. These were the first 'pop' artists and their songs convey the essence of the 1940's as much as anything could, though paradoxically, the sound they crafted (combining big band swing with gospel and blues), is timeless. Listen to the arrangement of the Charioteers' 'Slip Of The Lip': it's melodic subject, or hook, is simple, but it's developed so creatively that the song builds from start to finish. Added bonus is the announcer's voiceover introductions.

Bulgarian choral art is known the world over. On their tours abroad, Bulgarian choirs are always met with the approval of the audience. The third CD of the series BULGARIAN CHORAL ART features performances of choirs which are laureates of international competitions. These are studio and live recordings made within a period of 30 years, thus presenting a review of choral art development in Bulgaria. The program includes mainly 20th-century songs, composed chiefly by Bulgarian authors. Many of the pieces were written specially for the choir which performs them.

Mandatory for fans of vintage vocal jazz, this delightful collection also documents the musical evolution of the genre with great groups such as the Mills Bros., Andrews Sisters and Dandridge Sisters, as well as many less famous but still important ensembles. 'Caravan,' 'Tuxedo Junction,' ' Java Jive' and 'Stormy Weather' are included, but it's equally a treat to hear 'That's My Weakness Now,' (The Rhythm Boys, who had Bing Crosby as a member) or the silly humor of 'The Girl In the Little Green Hat.' All tracks are accompanied.

'That's The Rhythm' is a delicious collection of 20 examples of Black vocal group harmony from the early 1930s to the early 1950s, all at least lightly accompanied. The watershed moment for these groups was the rise of network radio, which made immediate stars of the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. By 1945 there were three routes an aspiring group could take, the 'jubilee' gospel style of the Golden Gate Quartet, which enjoyed a crossover appeal, the jump/jive stylings of the Four Vagabonds, which had an almost entirely Black following, or going into the pop crossover stylings of the Ink Spots/Mills Brothers, whose huge success was due to the support of a vast white audience. So many treats: The Three Keys' cartoon-like 'Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn,' Three Sharps and a Flat's wonderful title tune, the raunchy, double-entendre 'Garbage Man' by the Four Aces, the very funny 'Wig Blues' by The Melody Masters, who also star on 'Subway Cutie,' The Four Vagabonds' swinging 'Choo Choo,' The Four Blues' boogie-woogie anthem 'It Takes A Long Tall Brown Skinned Girl,' the Four Knights' sweet 'Wrapped Up In A Dream,' The Three Riffs' silly 'Cherry In My Lemon And Lime,' The Beavers' torch song 'I'd Rather Be Wrong Than Blue'-these are unknown musical treasures on many levels. Funny, poignant, hip, romantic-it's all here, and some of the sweetest leads and harmonies you could imagine. We love this collection!

For over 50 years, the Alfred Burt Carols have brought joy and good cheer to holiday celebrations around the world. Now for the first time ever, some of our greatest singers and beloved holiday voices have been brought together in this landmark collection. The diversity and caliber of these artists is testament to the respect that the Burt carols inspire with performances by Natalie Cole, Simon & Garfunkel, Johnny Mathis, Dave Grusin, Julie Andrews and a dozen others. With 24 brand new performances and remastered originals, this remarkable CD release is an instant classic!

These are some of the very earliest recordings Black vocal groups and is an outstanding example of the genre including vaudeville, blues and spirituals sung in both the 'old style' with its integrated parts blending smoothly as if sung by one person, and the 'new' with its foregrounding of wailing, blue notes and syncopation. The most well known groups here come from the incredibly fertile area of Norfolk Virginia, known for its astonishing number of vocal quartets in the 1920's and 30's. In all there is plenty of top-notch material here for lovers of pre-war vocal groups, with some churning quartet blues recordings that are irresistible.

This second volume moves us chronologically into the 1930's, a time when slicker, smoother, more polished and sophisticated vocal groups were gaining ascendancy in pop quarters. The groups included here show some of the barbershop stylings and imitations of instruments made popular at the time by groups such as the Mills Brothers. These groups were capturing the imaginations of popular fans and Harlem hipsters alike with their smooth, sweet and sometimes swinging harmonies.

A wonderfully diverse collection of comedy songs, character songs, Vaudeville numbers, dramatic songs, and ballads for the actor who sings. A perfect resource for finding an audition piece or specialty number. Two editions, one for women and one for men, with a completely different selection of over 50 songs in each.

A wonderfully diverse collection of comedy songs, character songs, Vaudeville numbers, dramatic songs, and ballads for the actor who sings. A perfect resource for finding an audition piece or specialty number. Two editions, one for women and one for men, with a completely different selection of over 50 songs in each.

17 Inspirational Love Songs from Today's Top Country Artists. A great collection of love songs, including: Always Sixteen (Billy Ray Cyrus) ¥ Amazed (Lonestar) ¥ Because You Love Me (Jo Dee Messina) ¥ Forever and Ever, Amen (Randy Travis) ¥ I Swear (John Michael Montgomery) ¥ I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton with Vince Gill) ¥ She's My Kind of Rain (Tim McGraw) ¥ With This Ring (Sawyer Brown) ¥ and more.

25 of 2007's biggest hits, including: Bless the Broken Road (Selah) - Cry Out to Jesus (Third Day) - I Will Lift My Eyes (Bebo Norman) - Lifesong (Casting Crowns) - Made to Worship (Chris Tomlin) - My Savior, My God (Aaron Shust) - Strong Tower (Kutless) - What It Means (Jeremy Camp) and more.

The power of the gospel choir comes to life in this uplifting and spiritual holiday collection by today's top gospel stars including Kirk Franklin and the Family, Patti LaBelle, Israel & New Breed, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and Donald Lawrence. Voices: A Gospel Choir Christmas features inspirational choir arrangements of holiday classics together in one special collection, offered at a value price. Voices brings the sounds of the gospel choir right into your home. Now listeners anywhere can feel that special spirit that could only come from a gospel choir, with classics like Silent Night, The First Noel, Go Tell It on the Mountain and O Holy Night.

Go backstage at a Championship contest with this exciting PBS video, featuring performances by FRED, Revival, Bank Street, Turning Point, The Alexandria Harmonizers, and Vocal Majority (singing 'Jericho'). See firsthand what it takes to become a championship quartet!

A great selection from the Society's 1991 International Finals.

A fun selection from the Society's 1990 International Finals.

Billed as the choral event of the Century, this CD brings together five midwestern Lutheran colleges in a concert celebrating the 125th Anniversary of F. Melius Christiansen's birth. Features Concordia Choir, Luther College Nordic Choir, St Olaf Choir, The Festival Choir and The Augberg Choir.

This is an impressive two-CD set of some of the finest a cappella groups in Africa, including Ladysmith, Baswa Ba Tumelo (South African Zionist Church Choir), Zyac Choir (Zulu Church group), Maogane A Tumelo (N. Sotho Zion Church choir), Majalefa A Morena (South Sotho Choir), and ten others, including the Zulu a cappella group The King Star Brothers. There are 30 authentic tunes here, 15 on each side, sung by groups that are, individually, and collectively, the heart and soul of Africa. This is an important collection on many levels, and enjoyable for the listener fairly new to African music as well as to say, a Ladysmith fan who wants to hear some of the lesser-known, but often equally amazing, voices from Africa.

'Global Voices' is exactly as it says, 19 songs of praise from around the world, from the Sistine Choir in Italy's 'Rorate Caeli-Song of Advent/Gregorian Chant,' and Brazil's Wayna Picchu singing 'Jesus Christo,' to the Cook Island Choir's 'Imenetuki Mangaia' and Baswa Ba Tumela, Sotho Gospel group of South Africa, singing 'Jesu Oa Re Lwela.' In addition, Greece, Russia, Slovakia, Croatia, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Marquesas Islands, Fiji, Sri Lanka and 'Mbube' and 'Zulu' choirs of South Africa. What is impressive about this compilation goes beyond the high quality of the songs, from composition and arrangement to the incredible singing-it's the commonality of feeling and purpose that runs through the various cultures: praising God. An inspiring and impressive collection!

The CARA judges had to make some hard decisions this year, and may we have the envelopes, please. 17 songs, from Tonic Sol Fa's 'Na, Na, Na' and 2001 Harmony Sweeps winner Sixth Wave's brilliant 'Gimme That Wine,' 'Jezebel' by Millennium, and the Cadillacs' 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' to the Swingles' 'Fool on the Hill,' the Heebee-jeebees' hilarious 'Arrest This Bearded Gentleman,' local boys Hookslide's cover of 'Dream On,' and Summit favorite Dilemma's 'Wishing.' Some unexpected treats are the Washington Univ. Mosaic Whispers' 'Uninvited' and The Happy Campers' 'Camp Minnie Mickey Medley.' We won't go into which individual awards were won by whom, but we enjoy hearing CARA's take on the best of the year-- it's all pretty amazing stuff!

This recording features some of the finest artists practising the academic choral art in Bulgaria. The release contains a compilation of performances of Bulgarian choirs, starting with the children's, through the female, chamber, mixed, and ending with the male choirs. The earliest recording in the release is of the song 'I'm leading a Horse, Mother' by Georgi Dimitrov. It is performed by one of the earliest children's choirs - Bodra Smyana Choir. Then follow a number of children's choirs, all with acknowledged international prestige: Bulgaria National Radio Children's Choir, Sofia Boys' Choir, etc. Then come the female choirs: Hristina Morfova Female Choir, Polyphonia Chamber Choir, Vassil Arnaudov Sofia Chamber Choir, and the mixed and male choirs: Dobrudjanski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Morski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Kaval Male Choir, Gusla Male Choir, etc. A wonderful selection from a country that produces world class choral music.

This CD is the second of the Bulgarian Choral Art Series. It presents some of the best samples of choral music in Bulgaria. All of the pieces are arrangements by Bulgarian composers of original folk melodies. The recording includes performances by a variety of choirs: mixed, male, female and children's. The singing heard on this CD is in a Western classical style rather than the very pointed sound often associated with Bulgarian singing. The liner notes give translations of the songs.

We all know the tragic story of 4 young men, the 4 Plaids, who were driving the Plaidmobile to their first gig at the Airport Hilton 'Fusel-Lounge' when they were killed in a collision with a schoolbus of teenage girls on their way to see the Beatles. The girls, unhurt, made it to scream at the Moptops' show, while the Plaids wandered the astral plane until they were finally allowed back to perform their debut show. All that is documented in the musical comedy hit 'Forever Plaid.' 'Holiday' is the Christmas CD the deathless lads never got a chance to record, featuring 9 different 'Men in Plaid' and four guest female vocalists. 11 songs, all accompanied, ranging from the straight to the very silly: Favorites: 'Talk Christmas/Cool Yule,' 'Let It Snow,' 'Catered Holiday Affairs,' 'Calypso Christmas' with its timely warning refrain, 'Matilda, she take me money and go Christmas shopping!,' a funky ''Twuz the Nite B4É' 'Jingle Bell Medley,' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' Smooth harmonies and funny bits - 'Holiday' brings 'Plaid Tidings' to us all!

Northern Harmony, Edmonton, Alberta's a cappella festival, the only a cappella 'battle of the bands' in Canada, celebrated its 8th year in 2005 with a 'best of' CD, 'Do No Harm.' Specifically, these 22 cuts represent all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, Audience Favourite, Best Soloist, Best Original Song and even Best Bass, between 1998-2004, by 16 groups, some of which don't exist anymore. Calgary's Heebee-Jeebees, who brought their manic humor south to our Harmony Sweeps Final, have 3 winners here: 'Use the Force,' 'Gitarzan' and 'Channel 12.' Quintessential's crazed country-western 'The Auctioneer' and 'Quintessential Harmony' are excellent, as is 'Let the Rest of the World Go By' by barbershoppers About Face. Contemporary group Real F/X do a hot cover of the Young Rascals' 'Good Lovin',' and No Assembly Required has a nice pair, 'Criminal on the Cross' and Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes.' Standing Room Only's very funny 'Mr. Taxman' (to the tune of 'Mr. Sandman'), OnCue's 'Name Song,' Voce's 'Let It Go,' InSync's 'The River (Sailing)' medley, CNote's folky 'Old Brown's Daughter,' The Fabulous Doo-Wop Boys' cover of Weird Al's 'One More Minute,' and CHICKAdivas' crazed 'Logdriver's Waltz' join our list of favorites. A cappella is burning brightly in the north country, and the pilot light can be found in Edmonton, Alberta!

Twenty examples of the many styles of Black vocal group harmony from the early 30's to the early Fifties . Beginning with the jump and jive sounds of the earliest groups to record in the 1930's to those recordings made in the late forties and early 1950's when the sound had truly began it's journey down the road to doo wop.

Another 21 examples of the many styles of black vocal group harmony. Volume 3 concentrates exclusively on records cut in the 1940s. These groups are much closer in spirit to the real Doo Wop of the 1950s. Featured too are some examples of vocal groups who operated within big bands. Most tracks are making their CD debut here.

If you love a cappella vocal jazz then this CD is for you. These four groups from four countries are certainly some of the top vocal groups performing today and this compilation features some of their best songs. The Real Group (Sweden), Idea of North (Australia), M-Pact (US) and Rajaton (Finland) are highly regarded by aficionados and this recording is a great introduction to the genre.

17 Groups! 26 Selections! 6 Bonus Tracks! 5 Previously Unreleased Tracks! Yo, get yer classic doo-wop street corner harmony here! Ronnie Italiano, affectionately and professionally known as Ronnie I, almost single-handedly is responsible for the flouishing doo-wop scene. He created Clifton Records, Ronnie I Productions and is the founder of the United In Group Harmony Association. This is the first of two volumes of great street corner singing. Most of the recordings were made in the late seventies and 1980's. You will hear selections from the entire spectrum of performance in the doo-wop style. We have the Computones, a rare mixed group, singing 'The Only Love' with Brenda Mitchell on lead. Our favorite is Charm's live version of the World Was II song, 'Rosie The Rivieter.' It was originally recorded by the Four Vagabonds but the Charm version with the long Mills Brothers style horn arrangement is superb!

20 Groups!! 26 Selections!! 11 Previously Unreleased Tracks!! Sound familiar? It should for this is the second mega-release by Ronnie I Productions of great street corner singing by groups who so often had only local followings in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. Doo-wopp, streetcorner style usually consists of five parts: lead, 1st tenor, 2nd tenor, baritone and bass. You just have to hear the individual stylization that different groups bring to songs which make them uniquely their own. There's one guy in the group Street Corner Memories who can roll his tongue so accurately it's hard to believe! Jackie Bland is the female lead of Windsong, who, with a superb quartet backing sings 'Imagination.' Once again Ronnie I has packaged a primer of this uniquely American music.

This CD rerelease is an important piece of history. It has to do with Stan Krause who started Catamount Records in 1964. Stan was an unabashed acappella fan who started his label while working the presses in his dad's record pressing plant, Kay Records. I Dig Acappella was put together by Stan and two friends, Bobby Miller who had a small acappella label of his own and 'Uncle Steve' Piva who had a radio show called 'Oldies Express' on WFDU-FM in Teaneck N.J. The recording was an article of faith in the emerging musical field of acappella and featured groups of varying talents who had recorded on their small labels. Stan started with amateur groups but went on to more polished performers such as the Royal Counts and The Persuasions and thereby was pivotal in creating today's field of a cappella music. I Dig Acappella features The Five Fashions, The Zircons, The Versailles and the Savoys. This is a historical gem.

Ronnie I and his Clifton Records continue to produce a proliferation of doo-wop CD's - this 1999 collection includes 15 previously-unreleased tracks, of 26 in total. Groups such as Charm, the Emerys, Camelots, Choice, Sheps and Attributes, some of whom never made it big, or even into the record books, but were nonetheless distinctive contributors to the doo-wop scene, are preserved on the Showdown Series. What an opportunity to check out rare and collector's cuts, from the Emerys' version of 'Baby, Walk On In,' (written by the Shells' Nathaniel Bouknight and Hiram Johnson), the Four Fellows performance of Hoagy Carmichael's 'Skylark' and the Attributes peformance of 'So Much,' as popularized by Little Anthony and the Imperials and written by Richard Barrett of the Valentines, one of New York's most representative doo-wop groups...a wealth of material!

Turn down the lights and grab the one you love. This collection of doo-wop ballads assembled by Rhino features eighteen of your romantic favorites. Selections include, 'Since I Don't Have You' by The Skyliners, 'I Only Have Eyes For You' by The Flamingos, 'Gloria' by The Cadillacs and '16 Candles' by the Crests. These classic love songs will transport you back in time.

Drift back to a gentler time with the tunes and harmonies of the doo wop groups of the late 50's and early 60's. From the timeless and haunting 'Since I Don't Have You' to the upbeat 'Barbara Ann', this collection of beloved music will unlock a treasure trove of memories. The incredible PBS special 'Doo Wop: Vocal Groups Live' is proof that through all the musical changes of the past 50 years, the voice is the ultimate instrument and harmony is still the language of love.

'Stars' is a generous collection of 20 previously unreleased Doo-Wop tunes, mostly by The Valids, who we enjoyed on 'The Valids Acappella, but also well-represented are The Autumns, The Del Capris, The Five Sharks, The Zircons, and Joel and the Concords. Some favorites are The Valids' 'Unchained Melody' and 'Blue Moon,' The Zircons' 'The Lone Stranger' and the Five Sharks' 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' Great stuff!