Christmas music is a genre of its own, but one of the great things about holiday tunes is that they can be sung in almost any style and genre, too. You've heard many of these classics before, you've probably even sung most of them, but you've never heard or sung them like this! And that's not even going into the beauty of the holiday originals some of these terrific groups have written. Whether you choose to explore the work of a group you're not familiar with, or revisit a group you already know that you love, you'll find some luscious sounds with which to wrap yourself in a holiday spirit here.
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Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 In the Bleak Midwinter Christmas Song River Walking in the Air Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! O Tannenbaum Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Santa Baby Away in a Manger Carol of the Drum Amazing Grace Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Last Christmas Happy Christmas (War is Over) Hotaru no Hikari |
The Swingle Singers are comfortable in many musical genres, particularly jazz and salsa, and "Unwrapped," their second holiday album, showcases this versatility. The free-flowing, almost scattish jazz interpretation of classical music that first made them famous is evident on Corelliss "Christmas Concerto," while Darke's "In the Bleak Midwinter" is more traditional a cappella. Different, but equally powerful interpretations are given to classic Christmas songs and carols: a sexy "Santa Baby," "Let it Snow," a slow, jazzy "Away In A Manger" and John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)." Other beloved tunes, "Christmas Song," "River," "Walking in the Air," "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" "O Tannenbaum," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Carol of the Drum," "Amazing Grace," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Last Christmas," and "Hotaru no Hikari" are like reaching into our stocking and finding more and more cool presents. A gift to yourself or loved ones should be "Unwrapped!"
Listen to "Christmas Song " in RealAudio.
| 4540 CD $15.98 |
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Hodie Christus Natus Est O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Hymn To The Virgin Gabriel's Message Mary's Boy Child And Is It True? Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle Quem Pastores Shepherds' Farewell We Three Kings Coventry Carol Carol Medley The Oxen The Boars Head Carol Christmas Song Jingle Bells I Believe In Father Christmas White Christmas The Twelve Days Of Christmas Silent Night |
Primarily A Cappella is proud to be re-releasing the ever-popular Swingle Singers recording of "The Story Of Christmas". Formerly out of print, the continued demand for this recording is extraordinary, and a tribute to thjis English group about which the Los Angeles Times extolled "Everything about the Swingles is flawless". They take a collection of traditional carols and hymns ("The Boar's Head Carol, And Is It True?") and mix it with some modern songs (Jester Hairston's "Mary's Boy Child") to tell the story of Christmas. This is a well thought out arrangement of songs to tell the tale that we know so well with interesting and varied songs.
Listen to "Carol Medley" and I Believe In Father Christmas in Real Audio.
| 6250 CD $14.98 |
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Well, isn't this a treat! From the beginning of "the French Swingles" 10 years was spent touring. Between tours they recorded 12 albums, moving chronologically from Bach and Handel to Telemann, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and some early 20th Century Spanish composers. In between, there was a Christmas album and one with the Modern Jazz Quartet. They were all done in that traditional jazz-classic mode: scatting to a light rhythmic background. What we have in our hands is a CD release of that Christmas album, "Noels Sans Passeport" which was released in America as "Christmastime" in 1968. This is an international work par excellence which features songs from America, France, Germany, Norway, Holland, Spain, Russia, Italy, and Denmark. As all of the Swingle?s work in those early days, the tunes were scatted so no language lessons are required. There isn't much that hasn't been written already about the group, but if you are a Swingle's fan this is a must and if you've never been introduced, now is the time for they were, and are, one of the most important groups in the world of a cappella music. Joyeux Noel!
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Merry Little Christmas Christmas Time is Here Santa Claus Is Coming to Town O Come All Ye Faithful Sleigh Ride I’ll Be Home for Christmas Here Comes Santa Claus Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer God Rest Ye Merry Gentelmen Away in a Manger Silent Night Wonderful Peace |
The Beachfront Property septet bundles up for the wintry chill with these dozen accompanied holiday classics, performed in elegant supper-club style. Members take turns soloing over chord voicings that lend themselves to comparison with the Singers Unlimited; the arrangements, (many written by Michele Weir, of Phil Mattson's P.M. Singers), can be tricky! "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," featuring the pitter-patter of reindeer feet and a presto descending motive, varies its rhythmic accents and tempo throughout. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" has a signature walking bass, setting a relaxed four in conjunction with the lyric. In short, Santa, prepare to swing with style!
Listen to "Silent Night" in Real Audio.
| 4703 CD $14.98 |
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Encore is an a cappella quintet featuring Kirby Shaw, his wife Markin, Roger and Joelle Graves, and Diana Ylvisoker, based in Ashland Oregon. An A Cappella Christmas features 12 tunes, all arranged by Kirby Shaw in numerous styles, from vocal jazz, choral, calypso, and funk, to Cajun, spiritual and even a 16th century round. Some of our favorites are "Carol of the Bells" with new lyrics by Kirby, "A Renaissance Christmas (medly)". "Rock Him in the Manger"(a KS original spiritual), "Sing We Noel", "Enatus Est Emmanuel", "Jamaican Noel" and a few sweetly sung chestnuts like "White Christmas". It's a beautifully wrapped, unexpected Christmas gift from your uncle Kirby in Oregon that's exactly want you wanted. Encore. Listen to "Cool Yule in Real Audio.
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The Christian a cappella group, First Call, have reinvigorated the familiar Christmas classics with fresh arrangements and sincere renditions of the old favorites. Appearances by guest vocalists and multi-tracking allow for a multiplicity of textures and sounds. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" will rekindle good will toward all in even the most cynical holiday Grinch. "The New Twelve Days of Christmas" replaces the partridge and pear tree with shopping malls and choir rehearsals, and segues brilliantly into "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The shimmering, pure vocal tones are augmented by the crisp, digital production. This is an "Evening" you won't want to miss! Listen to "Starlight" in Real Audio.
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1987 recording by the inspirational group First Call, who won several Dove Awards during their years together, though unfortunately they are no longer recording. Members Bonnie Keen, Melodie Tunney and Marty McCall, with the assistance of co-producer and arranger by David Maddux, have whipped up a sweet holiday confection. Multi-tracking and studio artistry create tiers upon tiers of delicate harmony, heaping the arrangements full of flavor and texture. "Caroling, Caroling," "Jesu Parvule" and "It All Began In Bethlehem" are the most resplendent examples; "Tennessee Christmas" is a backdrop for Bonnie and Melodie's refined and unsullied voices. Listen to "Caroling, Caroling" in Real Audio.
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The last CD featuring original member Bob Flanigan and the arrangements of Dick Reynolds, this mostly-accompanied CD (listen to the spectacular "trombone choir" on "Silent Night"!) was recorded in 1992. The Freshmen have become a sort of post-graduate institution for singers everywhere; their approach to chord voicings - dropping the root of a five-part chord, and the ingenious placement of the remaining notes - galvanized audiences and critics alike. Phil Mattson contributes an arrangement of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," showing his respect, while "And The Bells Rang" chimes brightly with the excitement of this very special "Freshmas"! Listen to The First Noel in RealAudio.
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Christmas In My Dreams De King Is Born Today I Wash My Face In a Golden Vase The Savior Is Born Liz and Ralph and Calvin Christmas Night In Harlem Christmas Love Song O COme With Us My Father Alegria The Holly and The Ivy Bright, Bright, the Holly Berries O Holy Night Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |
The four members of Inner Voices' bios read like a who's who of session recording. Practice has made perfect, and they are caroling at your door! The female soprano, alto and tenor (one of whom is Morgan Ames, Grammy winning arranger) and male baritone, along with guest vocalist Mervyn Warren of Take 6, have produced an immaculate recording. The luminous sound has been refined and honed until it shimmers. All four singers trade lines on "I Wash My Face in a Golden Vase" (accompanied by keyboard, as is "Christmas in My Dreams"). Soprano Donna McAfee's soars on "The Savior is Born," gliding effortlessly up and down the scale with total precision. "Christmas Night in Harlem" captures that NewYork smoky jazz club vibe; "My Father" combines the Indian raga (phrygian scale?) with the traditional Western carol for a haunting, enigmatic result. This sophisticated group satisfies the heart and the mind.
Listen to The Holly and The Ivy in RealAudio.
| 9006 CD $14.98 |
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Produced and arranged by Morgan Ames, one of Los Angeles' most respected session vocal arrangers, who, with her group, Inner Voices, has produced two of the most enjoyable and distinctive holiday recordings in our catalog. Members of Inner Voices guest here too (as does Don Shelton, ex of the Hi-Lo's). Vocals, vocals and vocals are center stage, with this cast on hand; Jackson sings lead, but the arrangements supporting him are lavish: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland." Can't pick just one, because they are all so delightful.
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Jingle Bells White Christmas Christmas Time Is Here Good King Wencslas Toyland My Grown-Up Christmas List Merry Christmas Baby I'll Be Home For Christmas Christmas Is Coming Winter Wonderland |
After a couple of decades and over 20 albums perhaps the most well-known of all vocal harmony groups has released their very first all a cappella recording – and it was well worth the wait! Of course we might well be somewhat biased due to our love of unaccompanied vocals but this album is truly a joy and will become, we are sure, a vocal harmony Christmas classic. First released in Japan the recording was produced by Tim Hauser and co-produced by the highly regarded Roger Treece who also arranged some of the songs. The vocals are always solid with the Transfer and their voices are highlighted even further when sung unaccompanied with each voice showing their years of experience as vocal jazz singers. The arrangements are stellar and this album will be bringing you holiday cheer for years to come.
Listen to "Merry Christmas Baby" in Real Audio.
| 7499 CD $15.98 |
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Snowfall Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Sant a Claus Is Coming to Town/ Santa Man (Medley) The Christmas Song Silent Night, Holy Night Caroling, Caroling Happy Holiday / the Holiday Season A Christmas Love Song It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Have Yourself a Mery Little Christmas Goodnight |
Produced by Johnny Mandel, who also arranged several songs, this orchestrated recording is as elegant and uptown as Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Center. A special guest appearance by Tony Bennett, singing "The Christmas Song" from an arrangement by Gene Puerling, adds extra sparkle, but every carol is meticulously produced. The big band glamour of the "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season Medley" rings all the bells, whereas " A Christmas Love Song" is quietly contemplative. "Snowfall" is arranged by both Puerling and Mandel, and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" by Puerling; both are as ethereal and heavenly as a choir of angels.
Listen to Sant a Claus Is Coming to Town/ Santa Man (Medley) in RealAudio.
| 4111 CD $10.98 |
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Sleigh Ride What Child is This? Away In a Mange God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Mary, Did You Know? Toyland Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming Gesu Bambino O Holy Night Go Tell It On The Mountain Silent Night We Three Kings |
"Sleigh Ride" is the second release from talented mixed-voice (4 men, 4 women) a cappella octet An Octave Above, who were 1st runner-up at the 2005 Chicago Harmony Sweeps Regionals. The group has been gaining fans with live performances at many Chicago venues, and this Christmas album shows off some of their cutting-edge arrangements and tight, jazzy harmonies. 12 songs, some of our favorites are the opening cut "Sleigh Ride," a moody, jazzy "What Child is This" (with a fine solo by Debra), a richly harmonized "Away in a Manger," a bluesy, funky "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen," "Mary Did You Know" (with Melinda's sweet lead), a surreal, '30s-retro "Toyland," a richly Italianesque "Gesu Bambino," a nicely-arranged "O Holy Night," a classic "Silent Night," and an upbeat "We Three Kings" with tight vocal percussion by Scott. Good fun stuff from Chicago sure to brighten your holidays!
Listen to "Away In a Manger" in RealAudio.
| 7656 CD $14.95 |
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Christmas Song Silver Bells Sleigh Ride Count Your Blessing/White Christmas Little Drummer Boy Twelve Days of Christmas God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/My Favorite Things Coventry Carol Prayer for Our Children O Tannenbaum Santa Claus What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life? |
This unique Contemporary Jazz octet, founded by artistic director Charles Mead and formed of pairs of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, has a full, almost vocally orchestral sound. "Gift" gives new dimensions and excitement to Christmas chestnuts like "Christmas Song," "Silver Bells," "Sleigh Ride," and three medleys, "Count Your Blessings/White Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/My Favorite Things"-- while retaining what we love about them. "Santa Claus" stuffs every song ever written about the fat man in a big, happy, silly, genre-crossing musical sack. "Little Drummer Boy" starts sweet and simple and riffs in all directions from there. There's a jazzy, surprising "12 Days of Christmas," a powerful "Prayer for Our Children," and a stream of consciousness "O Tannenbaum." A smoky, moody "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" closes out a remarkable "Gift" to yourself and any other music-lovers on your list!
Listen to "Christmas Song" in RealAudio.
| 4644 CD $14.98 |
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A Christmas treat from this great vocal jazz ensemble.
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Jouulaulu Tonttu Tahtilaulu Ketun joululaulu Pukki tietta Kulkuset Varpunen jouluaamuna Talvi-iltana Joulun neiet Jouluyo, juhlayo Joululaulu Seimeen syntynyt Jeesuslapsen joululahjat Jeesuksen seimella Ja neitsyt pikku poijuttansa Joululaulu Toivioretkella En etsi valtaa, loistoa Hiljene, maa Vuotaa armo, taivaan ilo Jouluhymni Heinilla jarkien kaukalon |
"Joulu" contains new and old Finnish Christmas music in Finnish only. All the liner notes and song titles are in Finnish, but the music speaks for itself quite eloquently. On this double album the first disc is a studio album with six new songs and five new arrangements of well known Christmas carols. Three of them are known globally: Jingle Bells, Christmas Song (by Mel TormÈ) and Silent Night. The second album was recorded in a church and contains both classical Finnish Christmas choral pieces by Sibelius, Madetoja, Palmgren and others and contemporary music as well as new arrangements of two traditionals. The three men and three women of Rajaton have a bright, smooth, confident, infectious sound that leaves us wanting to hear more. From the vocal trumpets on the opening cut "Joululaulu" and marvelous vocal percussion on "Pukki tietaa," to the sweet, soaring "En etsi valtaa, loistoa" and "Jouluhymni," each song is a perfect, harmonic jewel. We have been very impressed with previous Rajaton CDs, and "Joulu" is another recommended winner! Nice full-color individual photos of the group in the liner notes.
Listen to "Tonttu" and "Kulkuset" in Real Audio.
| 4534 2-CDs $24.98 |
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Stilla Natt Det Lyser I Stille Grender Happy Christmas American Christmas Medley (live) The Big Juleblues (live) Sankta Lucia (live) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (live) Christmas Oratorio Bereden Vag For Herran En Riktig Jul Ris A La Malta Grisvisan Sprakande Julmedley Jul, Jul, Stralande Jul |
The Real Group, glorious, award-winning mixed-voice a cappella vocal quintet from Sweden, has long been one of the most respected and admired artists of vocal harmony music. In Sweden they represent the highest of musical and artistic quality, regardless of genre, and have collaborated with many of Sweden's finest musicians. Year after year, the group ranks among our best sellers. "Christmas," their second Christmas album, is simply marvelous and reflects the ample talents in both singing and arranging that have made them one of our favorites. Several tracks are in English including a great live 8-minute "American Christmas Medley" ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas" and a swinging, jazzy "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), plus John Lennon/Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas," and a bluesy "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". Most songs arranged by the amazing Anders Edenroth. 14 tunes in all, 'Christmas' is a highly recommended holiday treat for all a cappella fans!
Listen to "Happy Christmas" and "The Big Juleblues" in Real Audio.
| 7635 CD $19.95 |
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Stilla Natt Bereden väg för herran Det är en ros utsprungen Sång till Karl-Bertil Jonsson Gläns över sjö och strand Sankta Lucia När det lider mot jul En riktig jul Vem skulle vilja ha en jul... Julbocken Fridfull och stilla? Tomtarnas julnatt Sprakande julmedley |
Named "Best Holiday Album" at the 1998 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, "En Riktig Jul" is a gossamer-fine collection of thirteen songs, sung in Swedish. While only "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) is recognizable to us non-Swedes, the mood requires no translation. The Real Group's sound integrates the smoothest jazz progressions into an adult contemporary motif, creating a tonal landscape of unsullied purity. The bell chords of "Sang Till Karl-Bertil Johnsson, 14 ar" segue into an understated lead, spotlighted against an arpeggiated backdrop of notes, melting as they fall..."Glans Over Sjo Och Strand" sounds like a hopeful hymn of possibility to the coming year, while "Fridfull Och Stilla?" uses binary form to create a musical oxymoron: a rapidly descending series of fifths, juxtaposed between a slow and deliberate 3/4 processional.
Listen to "Stilla Natt" in Real Audio.
| 4398 CD $15.98 |
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Deck The Halls Ah Bleak & Chill the Wintry Wind Bright, Bright The Holly Berries Jesu Parvule Caroling, Caroling What Are The Signs Nigh Bethlehem While By My Sheep It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Silent Night Joy To The World Wassail Song Carol Of The Russian Children Good King Wenceslas Coventry Carol Oh Come All Ye Faithful Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas |
This 1972 recording continues to set musical precedent almost thirty years later. The combined voices of Don Shelton, Len Dresslar, Bonnie Herman and Gene Puerling are a sound so distinctive and recognizable that they have yet to be improved. From the six Alfred Burt carols to "Deck The Halls," "Good King Wenceslas" and Oh, Come All Ye Faithful," each song is beautifully constructed, a marriage of the traditional with the inimitable personality of Gene Puerling's arrangements. The result is accessible enough for the mainstream listener, and will also satisfy those hungry for heartier fare. Bonnie Herman frequently assumes the lead vocal duties, as on "Carol For Russian Children," her warm tone a sunbeam on a wintry day - listen to the pedal note (uncharacteristically in the treble part) she holds during the coda - amazing color and control. One of our most recommended selections.
Listen to "Ah Bleak & Chill the Wintry Wind" and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" in Real Audio.
| 4203 CD $14.98 |
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Holiday Season Christmas in Questa Oh Holy Night Someday Little Drummer Boy 'Tis Winter Emmanuel |
Anyone who lights up their days of the Holiday Season with vocal music (and especially those who saw the group at the West Coast Summit and Sweeps Finals) must have SoVoSÛ's latest release, "Seasonings." This world-renowned ensemble has mixed together a wonderful recipe of songs that span their diverse cultural and rhythmic background, from a jazzy swing version of "Drummer Boy," a worldly chant of "O Come Emmanuel," and a classic and soaring "O Holy Night" with original songs that include Joey Blake's infectious "Holiday Season" and Sunshine Becker's portrait of the holiday Southwest style in "Christmas in Questa." The magic and light of the holidays are truly captured on this special and much awaited CD.
Listen to "Holiday Season" in Real Audio.
| 2730 CD $14.98 |
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When we first saw the cover of "E' Natale," with a 30's Coca-Cola Santa stepping from his desert-crashed sleigh to wave at a bored camel while above the "Christmas Comet" roars across the sky, we knew this was not your average holiday CD! Vocalica is an Italian dectet (7 men and 3 women) with strong vocal percussion and a sassy, jazzy style that will have you seeing old chestnuts like "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" (catch the hot vocal trumpet solo) in a whole new way. Tracks include, "Ea Supernova," "Tu Scendi Del Jazz," "Il Quarto Mago," "Jerusalem," the title track, and the two carols previously mentioned. Vocalica is like Italian gelato ice cream, sweet, smooth, delicious and more than a tad naughty. Beautiful harmonies and a fresh, spirited style!
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It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Oh Come All Ye Faithful Coventry Carol Do Your Hear What I Hear? Snowfall Happy Holidays / The Holiday Season Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Let It Snow Silent Night Go Tell It To The Mountain Hallelujah! |
It's a contemporary jazz Christmas with bright, talented Voice Trek, Shelley Plaster, Vicki Plaster, Rae Plaster, Denis Allaire and Kevin Smith. There's only one a cappella cut on this CD, "Coventry Carol"Ðthat said, the jazz accompaniment is hot, and this CD cooks! This is a great CD to heat up the crowd at your Christmas party. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" grabs you and slaps an eggnog in your hand. Just listen to the scat singing on "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." 12 songs, mostly of brilliantly arranged carols you may or may not recognize. Look out, Old Santa's back!
Listen to "Silent Night" in Real Audio.
| 4456 CD $14.98 |
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Three sisters - Rae, Vicki and Shelley - are the core of this mixed group's clean and contemporary jazz sound. About half accompanied, the CD begins with a Gene Puerling arrangement of "The Christmas Song" (a second Puerling chart, "Deck The Halls," is a cappella). Michele Weir's version of "A Child Is Born" (certainly one of the loveliest of Christmas carols) includes a vocal trombone solo by Denis Allaire. Phil Mattson's a cappella "Here We Come A Caroling" offsets the first verse with a delightful four-bar countermelody; it's these little touches that elevate a song from the pedestrian to the remarkable.
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An American six-piece ensemble featuring three sisters, Voice Trek has a fluid sound as smooth and light as just-fallen snow. The CD is mostly accompanied by piano and a restrained orchestra, and also combines elements of nature, such as birds chirping, church bells and valley streams. These added elements are pleasant and are used harmoniously, as in the gusts of wintery wind that introduce "The First Noel." "O Come, O Come Emanuel," "Lo, How A Rose E?re Blooming" and "The Coventry Carol" are strictly a cappella.
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Imagine champagne, festive decorations and your finest party threads...it's the sparkle of the most wonderful time of the year, and Vox Bop are providing the musical accompaniment! This jazzy mixed four piece is inventive, daring, madcap! The swooping, audacious melody lines and shifts in meter, executed on a dime, are impressive indeed, while the arrangements are festooned with unexpected chords that glitter and shine. Don't miss the satire of "The Twelve Days of Starbucks Christmas," which begins with Vox Bop's version of "Java Jive," and detours into "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," before veering into "God Save the King" (?) Somehow, it all comes together in an exhilarating finish!
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