Wales is famous for its choirs and SAIN is Wales' foremost recording company, and over the years, it has built up the most comprehensive catalogue ever of Welsh choral singing, including all the leading male voice choirs. This compilation has been carefully selected from the Sain catalogue of recent years to reflect the best of Welsh male choral singing. All the tracks were recorded digitally, ensuring a consistently high standard of sound quality throughout.

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.

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!

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.

This recording is a historical wonder, particularly valuable for putting the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in context. One of the obvious distinctions of mbube groups were who sang soprano parts in the absence of women. The earliest of the recordings is from 1932 and the history extends to 1967, ending with the song, 'Umama Lo' by Ladysmith Mambazo which is a transcription of their first radio appearance. They didn't record their first album until six years later. The other most notable recording is the 1939 recording of 'Mbube' by Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds. This was the song which became 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' when western artists tried to phonetically recreate what they heard from the record. Oh well. Other notable groups are the King Star Brothers, Crocodiles and the Shooting Stars.

This CD is a fabulous mix of a cappella and accompanied lullabies. With songs from Bobby McFerrin, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Take 6, this is sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Inspired by the earlier Bahamian recordings of Sam Charters, Jody Stecher (now a renown singer and multi-instrumentalist of traditional music) traveled with Peter Siegel to the Bahamas in 1965 to record the rhyming singers whose songs were, even then, beginning to disappear. Rhyming, a distant relation to rap, seems to have come from communities of sponge fishermen off the west coast of Andros. Mostly the songs are spirituals though there are occasionally ballads and anthems. In this unique Bahamian vocal development a singer intones verses, called 'rhymes' (though the verses don't necessarily have to rhyme), in rhythmic cycles usually supported by bass and treble harmonies. The best known of the singers on this extraordinary recording is Joseph Spence with, of course, the Pinder Family. A close cousin of this music can be found on the recordings of the Sea Island Singers. We're talkin' roots here.

It was in 1965 that Eddie Gries put together 20 acappella songs in the first Relic Record album, Best of Acappella Vol 1 (Relic #101). It featured cuts from the masters which Eddie had purchased from the proprietor of the famous Times Square Record Store, Irving 'Slim' Rose. Additional cuts came from odd sources including the one that came from a tape found on the bathroom floor of the Times Square Record Store! One cut by the popular local group, the Savoys, was provided by Stan Krause's Catamount Records. Folks, this is history! The record came out and was a surprising success in the big city markets where streetcorner culture was huge. Our fascination with this recording is the fact that it is the very beginning of Relic Records.

It was still in 1965 that the second Relic Record was produced. The first was selling well in a streetcorner underground around New York City and Philadelphia. Eddie Gries and his partners decided to start producing their own acappella sessions. They began with the popular group, the Chessmen. The Holidays were a young group which auditioned right in the Times Square Record Shop. The Citadels were the first mixed group to record acappella, streetcorner style. The Youngtones were a young Latino group who almost made it big. This second record was rounded out with leased masters by the Delstars of 'Zoop Bop' fame (remember them?) and the Five Jades. None of these songs had been released before Best of Acappella Vol 2. The CD is packaged with the same images which a adorned the original album jacket and includes the original album notes.

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.

Yo! It's just now 1966. The British invasion is in full force, even in New York and New Jersey, the last bastion of doo-woppers. As most of the groups were composed of members seventeen to nineteen years old and the draft was going gangbusters, groups were disappearing right and left. But acappella survived in spite of the fact that it received no airplay except on WHBI-FM. Volume 3 introduces seven new groups, The Islanders, The Durhams, Count Five, Horizons, Nicky & Naks, the Apparitions and the Enchantments in addition to the two veterans, the Citadels and the Quotations. So you'll find the nine groups singing twenty tunes on this CD reissue. The digital restoration of the original tapes is a work of art. Relic's presentation is a fascinating slice of the history of acappella music.

Doo wop a cappella has influenced so much of today's sound and here we present some cool arrangements of some of the all-time classics. Here is Ed Lojeski rendition of The Nylons hit 'Silhouettes' which has an irresistible energy and drive that make this an audience favorite! 'Under The Boardwalk', the 1964 classic hit by the Drifters, should be in every group's repertoire as should the 1962 Gene Chandler hit 'Duke of Earl'. Would you believe the '50s hit 'Book of Love' was inspired by a toothpaste commercial? It's a terrific male parody on 'how to keep your girl' put in an a cappella 'street-style' setting and the Boyz 11 Men version of 'Under The Boardwalk' is bound to be a crowd pleaser!

The unique six-voice a cappella orchestration of 'Toccata and Fugue in D Minor' is used in order to fully capture the thick chord voicings of this piece. The swing section contains original melodies based on the already established Toccata theme and crescendos into a tenor and bass (vocal-drum) solo. The work concludes with the original finale of the classical fugue. Matt Falker's arrangement of 'A Time For Love' (originally written by Johnny Mandel)' is a beautiful a cappella ballad. The chart is written for SSATBB voices and features a male/female duet in the latter part of the piece. Issa Sorensen's arrangement of Bobby McFerrins 'Good Lovin' will bring the house down with its awesome groove. Not to be confused with the sensational A Cappella band with the same name, 'Rockapella' is an original a cappella piece with a slow, almost Baroque opening that builds into a high-intensity groove. Features soloist and doo-wop bass line for added energy. A lot of fun for audience and performers!

A treasury of traditioal songs, favorite hymns and choice carols, from all ages and from many lands selected for your singing christmas. Compiled and arranged for mixed voices (SATB) or unisonal singing by Theo Preuss

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.

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.

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.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney were without doubt one of the finest songwriting teams ever and many of their songs are very well suited for a cappella. Here's an expressive a cappella setting of the classic 'Here, There and Everywhere', full of wonderful textures, lyric lines, and lots of opportunities for rubato styling! 'Yesterday' has lush chords with well-crafted vocal lines are the highlight of this warm a cappella setting. With opportunities for both male and female soloists, this classic Beatles tune is a perfect choice for many concert programs. This sensitive, well-crafted arrangement of the beautiful 'In My Life' is great for vocal jazz groups, pop/show ensembles, and concert choirs as well. Warm harmonies and gently nuanced textures give Roger Emerson's setting special appeal. From the Beatles' 1966 hit movie and single 'Yesterday' is a fun and colorful a cappella arrangement and 'The Long and Winding Road' is skillfully arranged and will be a standout in any concert. Treat your audience to an a cappella moment they will remember for a long, long time. This great new arrangement of the beautiful Beatles song 'I Will' fits right into a fine concert or festival selection, and will challenge and reward good high school ensembles as well as university choirs.

One of the greatest songs of all time, Jerome Kern's classic romantic ballad 'The Way You Look Tonight' shimmers in a rich a cappella setting highlighted by lush harmonies and gently arched phrasing in a superb arrangement by Kirby Shaw. 'Smile' - This exquisitely lush a cappella setting of the familiar lyric, 'smile though your heart is breaking', shares a wonderful message of hope and perseverance. An ideal closing selection. The beautifully lyrical Gershwin ballad 'Love Walked In' has never before had such a well-crafted, fully textured setting! This gorgeous a cappella treatment is well suited to traditional concert and pop programs! Phil Mattson does a wonderful jazz arrangement of ' I'll Be Seeing You' while 'How Deep Is the Ocean' has varied choral textures and luscious harmonies that makes Irving Berlin standard an ideal selection for a cappella vocal groups. Ultimately romantic!

'I'm Always Chasing Rainbows' is a whimsical gem for female voices and will captivate your audiences. Kirby's exquisite arrangement of this classic song lets each section blossom with a turn at the melody. Mac Huff's arrangement of Bette Midler's #1 pop hit 'From A Distance' has powerful lyrics and a timeless melody that will create an unforgettable concert moment. Magical! Michele Weir's arrangements of 'Rock-A-Bye Baby' is a smooth jazz delight and the vocal jazz standard 'Java Jive'gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings!

By the time volume 4 was produced, even though it was still 1966, the sales of acappella were beginning to fall off but there was still enough interest to do just one more for people who loved the music. This recording was different in that there are the first two all girl acappella groups, ever. We mean girl groups. Ginger And The: Adorables, from West Orange, NJ, had three sixteen year old and two fourteen year old girls! The other all girl group was the Rondells. Little Joe and The Majestics could barely speak English and became the first recorded acappella in Spanish. There was another departure from the previous albums and that was a barbershop harmony song by the Notations. We're talking radical departure. This is the end of the beginning of the great Relic Records. They promoted a Vol 5 in these album notes but there is no evidence it was ever produced. Aah, the good old days!

'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!

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.

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!

This is the best deal ever offered in the world of barbershop recordings! You have nearly two and a half hours of live recordings of some of the best barbershop quartets in the world, presented in a three CD set. All the tracks were recorded at the various International Conventions from 1990-1996. The first disc has songs by The Naturals, The Ritz, Chicago Chord of Trade, Remember When, Basin Street, 139th Street Quartet, Bustin' Loose, Keepsake, The Gas House Gang, Joker's Wild, Bank Street, Rhythm and Rhyme and Seattle Sound. That's just the first disc! The recording engineers did a fabulous job of capturing the sound of all the groups. There's no such thing as off-mic here! For anyone with any degree of interest in barbershop singing, this set is a marvelous bargain.

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.

A live recording featuring six contemporary doo-wop groups, billed as 'an acappella tribute to R & B vocal group harmony,' recreating the doo-wop classics of yesteryear (save Reunion, who throw a curveball by including Thin Lizzy's 'Boys Are Back In Town'). As promoted by Ronnie I, Choice, the Delmonicos, Larkings, Reunion, Things To Come and the Valentinos (the only mixed male/female group)render their own interpretations of 'I Like It Like That' (Spaniels), 'Why Did You Have To Go' (Dells), 'Story Untold' (Nutmegs), 'Since I Don't Have You' (Skyliners) and 'Memories Of You' (Harptones) and many more. 

All the singers on this recording are called Revival Singers as they learned to love and perform traditional songs from the folk song revival. Generally speaking, they are folk musicologists, learning from text as well as recordings and other musicians. The album does not seek to present a complete variety of traditional song for the singers were simply asked to contribute a song of their choice. The sources include songs from early historic collections, the continuing families of singing tradition such as the Coppers from Sussex, and from well known contemporary singers. You'll find Maddy Prior, The Watersons, A.L. Lloyd, Frankie Armstrong, Martin Carthy, Swan Arcade and June Tabor to be among the best known names outside of the British Isles who are included among the two dozen artists. This is the best recording that we know of unaccompanied British folk music.

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.

This is a great resource for any quartet who would like to have the satisfaction of creating their own arrangements. All the fundamentals are here including sections on barbershop chord voicing, harmonic progressions, alternative harmonies and embellishments (swipes, echos, patter, slides).

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

An English/American folk standard, this arrangement of 'Aura Lee' is a group feature and begins as a ballad with octave unison, then some traditional harmony continues with ever-increasing reharmonization and works its way into a medium-swing setting with tight, rich harmony. 'Amazing Grace' is a traditional gospel, shuffle arrangement with jazz harmonies is sure to satisfy. The larger the ensemble, the better this one will sound. The 6/8 meter keeps the gospel flow and the harmonic structure will keep the jazz ears awake with its reharmonization. The opening and closing solo melody may be as free as your gospel ear desires. The 'Shenandoa' arrangement is here in a spiced up ballad setting. It begins with a tenor solo with later group entrance featuring diverse, harmonic settings, key changes, soprano solo, short tenor/soprano duet and, at the end of the group harmony, gently fades just like the ol' river. Close harmony chords and arpeggiated textures combine to make for a lush, complex, and moving rendering of, the Irish ballad, Danny Boy. A tenor solo and baritone duet share the melody with the ensemble. The simple folk melody in 'The Water is Wide' is the foundation for this complex choral work. Each verse has its own flavor, ranging from flowing arpeggiated textures to rich close harmonies.

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.

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.

This mournful arrangement of the Thelonius Monk ballad, 'Round Midnight' starts with a rubato intertwining intro, then spotlights tense cluster voicings supporting a female soloist throughout. With imaginative reharmonizations, yet good voice leading, this chart is extremely effective and accessible. 'If You Wanna Fly' is an Al Jarreau-style showcase for a strong tenor-baritone soloist. This up-tempo samba features hot choral backgrounds throughout doing horn section licks, an a cappella vocal/percussion break in the middle and some quick unison passages with choir and soloist. 'Not Like This' is another exquisite ballad made popular by Al Jarreau. Contemporary harmonies and recorded by Voice Trek for their CD 'At Last.' Written by Bobby McFerrin and featured on his first album, 'Jubilee' is full of energy and fun. This arrangement is a cappella, with the bass singer doing an instrumental-like bass line throughout. It begins as a samba, goes to swing for a vocal improvisation solo and an ensemble 'soli' section, then back to the samba. The recording by Phil Mattson and the P.M. Singers (Jubilee album) features vocal percussion throughout, emulating a true drum part. If you have an experienced group and you're looking for a showcase piece to feature a talented bass singer and vocal percussionist, this arrangement is for you!

This a cappella ballad version of 'If I Only Had A Brain' was inspired by Harry Connick, Jr.'s vocal/piano treatment of the hit from The Wizard of Oz. Tight voicings and substitute harmonies make this ideal for jazz concert/festival programming. The rubato styling provides a strong musical showcase for the full choir. This spirited, a cappella, medium swing arrangement of the old silver screen classic, 'Singin' In The Rain,' will challenge your singers and delight your audiences. An interesting reharmonization and clever scat section provide a wonderful contrast to the delightful melody. It is high energy, it swings and it's fun! 'Over The Rainbow,' the time-honored standard tune, is given a lush a cappella treatment. There is a feature solo for a soprano or tenor throughout the arrangement, and a very strong and powerful ending. In this sensitive ballad interpretation of the popular jazz waltz by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, 'Alice In Wonderland' ranges from unison opening to lush six-part harmony and features a tenor solo. One of the most popular charts.

'Make Someone Happy' goes from a tender unison beginning to an exciting climax and a deceptively moving ending. Much of the beauty of this piece lies in simplicity and pure sincerity. 'It Ain't Necessarily So' is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Solos (or should we say, 'sermons?') are passed from voice to voice while the bass line makes comical interjections about the lyrics. The close, melting harmonies of 'You Go To My Head' beautifully paints the lyrics and mood of Fred Coots' timeless ballad. Soprano and alto are in a warm and mellow low register for the majority of the tune, while tenor and bass have a light and airy quality to blend. Rhythmic notation should serve as a guideline only, as a very free interpretation of time is needed to bring out the intense imagery of the lyrics and the 'bouquet' of the music. Perform this song when you want your listeners to leave hearing in their minds a 'haunting refrain'. 'Embraceable You' features opening bass pedal with voices layering above. Contrasting open and dense voicing create lustrous harmonic interest. A perfect program piece - a short gem that young singers can really dig their teeth into.

This a cappella treatment of Rodgers and Hart's 'Little Girl Blue' has become a classic amung vocal groups. Plenty of vocal and dynamic range to give this chart lots of freedom for interpretation and make it your own. One of Harold Arlen's great ballads, 'Last Night When We Were Young' is written a cappella for SSATB choir with a short soprano solo. Chords are colorful but not difficult to hear. 'Exactly Like You' is a great a cappella medium swinger that is fun to sing and a fine program opener. Written by Bobby McFerrin and featured on his first album, 'Jubilee' is full of energy and fun. This arrangement is a cappella, with the bass singer doing an instrumental-like bass line throughout. It begins as a samba, goes to swing for a vocal improvisation solo and an ensemble 'soli' section, then back to the samba. The recording by Phil Mattson and the P.M. Singers (Jubilee album) features vocal percussion throughout, emulating a true drum part. If you have an experienced group and you're looking for a showcase piece to feature a talented bass singer and vocal percussionist, this arrangement is for you!

The beautiful 1937 ballad, 'I Can Dream, Can't I?' moves between lush harmonies and flowing counterpoint. It is richly texutred, yet accessible to most groups. ''Their Hearts Were Full of Spring' is as close as a mixed group can get to the original TTBB, Four Freshman, original. A very romantic a cappella ballad with lush harmony throughout! 'Am I Blue' sounds incredibly lush for having a maximum of 4 parts. A la Gene Puerling but easier. A definite 'oo and ah' creator!

This lush a cappella arrangement of 'I've Never Been In Love Before' features the entire vocal ensemble. The emotional lyric and fresh harmonization make this chart fun to rehearse and perform. Billie Holiday and Blood, Sweat and Tears helped to make 'God Bless The Child part of the standard jazz literature. It is a beautiful arrangement! 'Nancy with the Laughing Face' is another beautiful Johnny Mercer melody arranged in a very singable a cappella setting. A short solo with choir backgrounds sets up a beautiful and sensitive ending. Phil Mattson's arrangement of 'Love For Sale' was originally written for Chanticleer with a female solist. Now your vocal group can enjoy this beautiful gem!

A very happy version of 'Sunday' inspired by Sinatra's famous recording. The bass leads in with everyone on words right off the bat. There are fun syncopations and falls in the chorus with a half-step modulation with no pivot chord (a sort of key 'slam'). Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week quoted in the tag. This is a very fun arrangmenet. 'Without A Song' What more can we say? A beautiful song, a beautiful arrangement. 'Over the Raininbow' is a simple, yet beautiful harmonization of the classic tune. 'You Are Too Beautiful' is an easy, yet effective arrangement of this all time Rodgers and Hart ballad, that gives your men's section a chance to really shine!

An a cappella, medium swing version of the great standard ' Bye, Bye Blackbird' arranged especially for four-part women's voices. The arrangement features a special introduction, tag and open improvisation section. Playing with melody and rhythm, the arrangement offers a fun challenge to singers and promises to be a hit with audiences. Requires wide ranges (E below middle C for Alto II, and high C for Soprano I). 'I Can Dream, Can't I?' is from the composers of the standard, 'I'll Be Seeing You', this beautiful 1937 ballad moves between lush harmonies and flowing counterpoint. It is richly texutred, yet accessible to most groups. 'Send In The Clowns: is the hauntingly beautiful ballad from Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music is arranged for four female voices. Unusual text painting devices are used to highlight the lyrics as well as tongue-in-cheek circus music. The arrangement will provide a challenge for the female group who seeks a unique setting of this wonderful show tune.

'How About You'. This a cappella tour-de-force is designed to feature a quartet or the entire choir. This vocal adaptation of the Rosemary Clooney/Hi-Lo's recording will challenge the most adept vocalists and will likewise impress the haughtiest self-proclaimed vocal jazz aficionado. 'For All We Know' is a lush four-voice a cappella ballad for soprano soloist. Written for and performed by UNC's SUS 4. The inclusion of the verse at the end is inspired by Mark Murphy's rendition. 'Cielito Lindo' is a traditional tune with very unusual rhythm approach. Tempo: breakneck. Requires good, strong sopranos. This intense rubato arrangement of the Rogers & Hart classic ' My Funny Valentine', though accessible to an upper-level high school SSAA group with some jazz experience, is challenging and muscially rewarding enough for the collegiate ensemble as well. Ranges are moderate: Soprano I extends up to F5, Alto II down to Bb3, keeping the harmonies close. A soprano solo is featured in the bridge over a three-part background, leading to a dramatic high point at 'Stay, little Valentine, stay!' Suggestions for breaths, expressive markings and dynamics are detailed in the score.

The classic Beatles song 'Yesterday', as recorded by the popular group Boyz II Men, is given a wonderful treatment here by Mac Huff, guaranteed to spellbind your audience. 'You Raise Me up' is now available in this a cappella concert arrangement, and the moving lyrics and soaring vocals of this Josh Groban classic will inspire all who hear it. Masterful! Here is a soulful a cappella rendition of '(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay', the #1 pop hit by Otis Redding, that's great for contemporary groups. 'From a Distance' is a stunning new a cappella setting of the #1 pop hit by Bette Midler. These powerful lyrics and a timeless melody will create an unforgettable concert moment. Magical!

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!

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!

Thad Jones, a wonderful writer, left us the beautiful, sensitive piece, 'A Child Is Born.' With all due respect to the music, the arrangement is simple, sparse and, of course, a cappella. Vocalists must work wholeheartedly with breathing, phrasing, matching of vowel shapes, cutoffs and impeccable dynamics. Ellen Hoffman's arrangement of 'A Song For Christmas' is a fun jazzy tune for all who love the season. A knockout amalgam of jazz waltz/traditional carol moves 'Carol of the Bells' along at a rocket pace with phrases alternating between straight 8th and swing, and harmonic content between jazz and traditional. The middle section of the piece offers a brief slowdown before returning to the fast-paced crescendo to the climax. With an uptempo swinging groove, a rockin solo and gorgeous background vocals, 'Merry Christmas Baby' is sure to be an audience pleaser at your holiday concert.

'All On A Christmas Morning' is one of the least performed but most hauntingly beautiful of the Alfred Burt Christmas carols, this male chorus version features tight four-and five-part voicings and jazz reharmonizations throughout, a rare step-out solo for the second bass, followed by another step-out solo for the first tenor. Rangy, but worthy addition to any Christmas program. This arrangement of 'Away In A manger' seeks to give the lyrics their proper focus. It very effectively catches the mood that was intended with the lyrics, alternating shimmering harmonies with unison lines. Each member of the quartet is featured with one verse per person. This jazz waltz arrangement of 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' is reminiscent of Blue Rondo a la Turk. The top tenor has the melody throughout, sung sweetly above the energetic rhythmic bed of the others. Other than a few slightly tongue twisting lines, this arrangement is not at all difficult, but it is very effective. 'What Are The Signs?' This little Alfred Burt Christmas carol is effective on its own or as a prelude to other carols in the program, especially other Burt carols. It begins with a Gregorian chant effect with all voices in a very quiet, low unison, then opens into a beautiful four-part male chorale in its second half. Requires good low range in the second bass part.

'Let it Snow' is written for an a cappella jazz group with sort of a Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 approach. The SAATBB a cappella arrangement of 'Silent Night' starts simply and plaintively, then fills out harmonically over three verses. Provides a nice quiet moment for a Christmas concert. 'Santa Claus Is Comin To Town' is transformed into a hard-swingin', lighthearted arrangement. It features solos for a male and female, a half chorus scat solo, and a big shout chorus finish. Light vocal percussion and a strong bass singer are necessary. You will love this harmonically challenging, yet rewarding piece! Students, pros and parents alike will love the a cappella swing arrangement of 'Winter Wonderland. Fun to sing and has a big ending. Low bass has a written walking-bass line.

The touching Alfred Burt/Wihla Hutson Christmas carol, 'Some Children See Him' is a gentle but jazz-flavored arrangement. Some reharmonization, yet retains the sweet quality of the original. Features female and male solo spots. The arrangement of 'O Christmas Tree' is an upbeat a cappella version featuring close harmonies and key changes. A brief, warm rubato opening is followed by a swing scat duet, full group in major and minor keys, a foray into 3/4, then a final swing section under a scat solo. SSATTB requiring a strong bass. 'Winter Wonderland,' is written for unaccompanied voices in a heasy-swinging, Take 6 style. Though this chart features written solos for both male and female voices, the climatic point is the difficult big band style soli later in the chart. This rousing crowd-pleaser is also filled with quotes from other related songs and styles. Requires a group with a great sense of swing! 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' has a light and happy feel. Bass pedals, soprano descant, bass lines and rhythmic shots occur throughout. A modulation in the last A section is delightfully unexpected. It's a great chart to end the Christmas show.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

This is a nice, simple treatment of the Van Morrison favorite 'Moondance'. A solo in the second tenor range is true to the melody with some interesting chord subsititutions in the harmony parts. Beginning with a duet between solo and bass, there is plenty of room for some subtle, improvised vocal percussion from the other two voices. A bass part that doesn't get too low makes this a great choice for a young male quartet. An easy, yet effective arrangement of the all time Rodgers and Hart ballad 'You Are Too Beautiful', that gives your men's section a chance to really shine! Here's a snappy, toe-tapping rendition of ' Let's Get Away From It All'. It starts right in on the chorus and cruises along to a big ending. Straight-ahead, very fun to sing, and makes a great show opener. 'I've Got A Crush On You' starts with a rubato introduction into a slow-ish swing groove for the chorus. The verse is in the middle and is sung rubato with 'oo's' behind the lead. Back to tempo second time around with a half-step modulation into the last'A' with a ritard into the ending.

This close harmony version of the Simon and Garfunkel classic 'The Sound Of Silence' works well for beginning groups looking for interesting material, or advanced groups interested in a beautiful mood piece allowing for emotional interpretation. Mixing close harmony with arpeggiated textures, this arrangement allows each voice a turn with the solo line, and plenty of opportunity for rubato and expressive dynamics. This upbeat finger snappin' pop version of the doo-wop classic ' Rockin' Robin' will add some spark (and tweet) to your repertoire without being too difficult. The solo moves from part to part, allowing every singer a chance in the spotlight. 'Goodbye Old Paint' is a delightful western classic using modern harmonies and approach and 'I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do' is a ballad of the 40's in block harmonies. The tempo is medium. 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore' is one of the many great Ellington songs, arranged here for treble voices. The singers can feel free to alter the scat if it works better that way. 'Silent All These Years'. Tori Amos broke onto the music scene with this introspective ballad, and this arrangement captures all of the original's delicate moodiness. The background voices weave smooth patterns and ring warm chords. This is an excellent showcase for an expressive soloist (can either be a soprano or alto 1). SSSAA a cappella (4 part with solo).

A warm and beautiful melody with poignant lyrics set in a sensitive, a cappella arrangement makes 'Try A Little Tenderness' a festival or concert favorite. The lyrics and melody to 'Draw Me A Circle' have an almost child-like simplicity. Setting it within the framework of a harmonically sophisticated arrangement has created a lovely and poignant piece. It is a cappella, rubato and features a fairly lengthy soprano solo. 'Sounds Like Fun' is a short and sweet showpiece. It is part ballad, part rhythmic masterpiece. The hot chords and flashy vocal moves eloquently, but not difficultly, to the very end. This chart is sure to be enjoyed by all those who sing it or just listen to it! 'Nina Never Knew' is an expressive and sensitive ballad setting with a beautiful, lyric melody. Medium difficult, but well worth the effort!

'Teach Me Tonight' is an excellent arrangement by Jason A. Smith. Lots of room for improvisation! 'Stolen Moments' is an Oliver Nelson classic with lyrics by Mark Murphy. bittersweet clusters and quartal voicings are followed by a 12-bar minor blues solo vamp and out. 'He's Asleep' is a little known tune, written by Alf Clausen (composer for The Simpsons and Moonlighting), and the great lyricist, Tommy Wolf. The arrangement features contrapuntal vocal lines that weave around through mysterious text. Although the piece is harmonically sophisticated, when performed well, it has a feeling of simple innocence. This arrangement would be a worthy challenge for any experienced group. 'The Man I Love' is a 6-part arrangement with fresh reharmonizations. It features an alto soloist, who can stick to the score or embellish freely, depending on her character. 'How Do You Keep The Music Playing' is a beautiful ballad that was originally recorded by James Ingram and Patti Austin as the theme song for the movie, Best Friends. This four-part a cappella arrangement is sensitive to the melodic and lyrical development of the tune, and features the soprano section and/or a female solo throughout.

'Aspen Waltz' is a lush a cappella original, by Randy Crenshaw, with a twelve-tone treatment of melody, supported by rich, Singers Unlimited-sytle chordal textures. Features soprano soloist, small group or section. Written by Bobby McFerrin and featured on his first album, 'Jubilee' is full of energy and fun. This arrangement is a cappella, with the bass singer doing an instrumental-like bass line throughout. It begins as a samba, goes to swing for a vocal improvisation solo and an ensemble 'soli' section, then back to the samba. 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' is a famous Nat Cole song heard on Natalie Cole's multi-Grammy winning Unforgettable album. There are solos for alto or tenor. Featuring traditional jazz-type harmonies, the feeling is bright with a lively tempo. 'Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most' is a fun, beautiful piece fill with great jazz harmonies. 'Alice in Wonderland' is a sensitive ballad interpretation of the popular jazz waltz by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard. Ranges from unison opening to lush six-part harmony and features a tenor solo.

A selection of standards arranged by Deke Sharon and Anne Raugh from the popular CASA songbook series. Women's arrangements - especially interesting ones - are in very short supply. That's why we're very pleased to offer this songbook. Many old standards are here, plus there are a few more challenging contemporary pieces.

SATB choirs are always on the look-out for approachable show-stopping concert pieces guaranteeed to bring the house down. This is such a collection, containing 24 varied numbers carefully collected by editor Peter Gritton, and ranging in character from classic, sentimental leave-taking items, through humorous or quirky pieces, to exciting fast-moving numbers. As well as containing well known standards of the repertoire there are many new compositions by such acknowledged choral experts as John Rutter, Andrew Carter and Bob Chilcott.

This anthology comprises 17 of Tallis's shorter choral pieces, and is designed to provide choirs and students with a pratical and interesting cross-section of the composer's smaller-scale ourput. These are pratical perfoming editions, transposed where necessary, supplemented by a full critical apparatus for each peice and a general introduction to the anthology.

Editied by John Rutter these songs come from the British Isles and North America, ranging widely in regional origin and character.

Edited by John Rutter all these songs come from the British Isles.

There's nothing more fun to sing than a great show tune! An inspired a cappella treatment of the 'Fats' Waller classic 'Ain't Misbehavin''. Many fun options in the center section Ð 'Rudy Vallee' solo, tap solo, etc. Totally unique! A classic Kirby Shaw setting of a Gershwin ballad ' Love Is Here To Stay' is a delight. Here's a stunningly beautiful arrangement of the classic Broadway ballad 'On A Clear Day'. Steve Zegree's a cappella jazz voicings are breathtaking! Recorded by many artists including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darrin, 'Once Upon A Time' was featured in the Broadway production of All American. Beautiful harmonies and a lyrical melody combine to make this special.

'Big Bunch a Little Bunch' is a traditional Bahamian song about the many beloved recipients of a woman's roses. This lively, rhythmic arrangement for mixed choir is ideal for a world music concert or other festival performances. 'Ripe Tomata Green Peas' is a traditional market song by Bahamian composer/conductor Cleophas Adderley offers a light-hearted treatment that is sometimes solemn, sometimes frenzied. With optional hand percussion, this a cappella setting will bring your concert to a spirited conclusion! 'Jamaican Noel ' is a bright and cheerful original that will surely be heard resounding throughout the halls of your school Ð it's that irresistible! The delightful settings of 'Three Bahamian Folk Songs' are by the founder and director of the Bahamas National Youth Choir and will add a little caribbean calypso to you program. What fun!

Add a breath of salty sea air to your repertoire with one of these traditional sea chanties. Lots of fun to sing and with performance notes. Originally from England, where 'All for Me Grog' was heard in music halls as well as on ships, the shanty was sung while working the capstan and the halyard. Swedish composer and conductor, Robert Sund wrote this playful arrangement of 'What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?' leaving ample room for both women and men to excel in this well-known sea chantey. The tongue-twisting text brings this arrangement to an impressive ending!

Selected for the Ron Kean Multicultural Series, 'African Processional' utilizes sounds from African folk songs and a joyful chorus emerges with an occasional solo interjection. 'Ning Wendete' is a traditional folk song from Kenya and is a conversation between a man and a woman. 'I love you, but you do not love me. How is that? If you do not love me, you had better tell me so.' Dynamic contrast, percussion and a wide range of layered vocal textures make this an appealing concert choice. 'The Coca Cola Song' is a playful contemporary African folksong and is a lot of fun to perform with layered vocal parts, African percussion, and humorous references to the choir members singing. Celebrative and highly rhythmic, 'African Noel' shines with energy and excitment. Contrasting dynamics and optional percussion make this one a real creative and refreshing Christmas selection. Beautiful in its simplicity, your choir will have fun with this one!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.