The only thing better than sitting in a small, intimate club, listening to a smooth vocal jazz group deliver powerful music is taking that group's music away with you, sticking it into the CD player, and enjoying it in the privacy of your own home. With sounds so warm you can wrap yourselves in them like a comfy afghan, whether you're a fan of male groups, female groups or those who have the best of both worlds ˆ male and female voices - you'll find at least one group whose music you want to take home and cuddle up to here.
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Relampiano |
Four man, one woman Brazilian a cappella Jazz ensemble from Salvador da Bahia present their debut CD and lovely, full-color liner notes, all in Portuguese. Ditto with their website, but one of the things we love about a cappella is that the music speaks very eloquently for itself! There are 14 juicy, original tunes here, written and arranged (as far as we can tell) by talented Brazilian composer and musician Hiran Montiero. Banda uses only voices, has a sweet, sassy, funky-clean sound, and specializes in faux horns, guitar, bass and percussion. Listen to the drum lead on "Relampiono," the horn solo on "Chico Bento," and the sizzling percussion on the Salsa tune "Domingo No Parque" to get a taste of what this group can do. Other favorites are the moody "Muito Mais," finger-snapping "Cada Olhar," joyous "Palavra" and the percussion gem "Bilboque." Don't let the no-English issue keep you from enjoying one of the most cutting-edge, high-energy Vocal Jazz groups we've heard in a long time. Every cut is a winner!
Listen to "Samba da Bahia" in Real Audio.
| 7636 CD $15.95 |
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Rewarding loyal fans after years of anticipation, Acoustix presents a cache of songs guaranteed to please a wide variety of listeners. Their opening statement, the title tune "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz," is performed in homage to the greats of the era: Nat, Benny, Frank, and of course, the Four Freshmen, to whom Acoustix pay tribute throughout this album. This is not music for barbershop fans only, though the characteristic purity of the voices and seventh chords endemic to the genre are still very much in evidence. Indeed, five of the songs feature orchestral accompaniment in the big band style: "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz," "Day by Day," "Poinciana," "Graduation Day/It's a Blue World" and "Route 66." Guest vocalists Jim Clancy, Greg Clancy and Wendy Wilson DeCrow (of Vocal Majority) augment the much-anticipated Gene Puerling arrangement of "Unforgettable" (Jim and Greg) and "The Nearness of You." (Other arrangements on the CD were done by the renowned Greg Volk.) The closing medley of Simon and Garfunkel hits reveals yet another side of this amazing quartet's range and prowess. Listen to The Nearness of You in Real Audio.
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ACE is a Russian mixed-voice Vocal Jazz sextet (3 men, 3 women) of uncommon talent and spirit. "Magic" is their debut CD, and the liner notes are half Russian and half English. The point, though, is the music, which is superb. 10 cuts, particularly wonderful are a bright, complex arrangement of "My Favorite Things," the Streisand hit "People," "Jazzed," with a nice Swingle-Singerish Mozart sample, a scat-driven "Duke's Place" and a wonderful, salsa-flavored "Magic Moment Bossa" ACE has the vocal chops, the poise and the sense of fun we generally only see in groups like Vox One and Manhattan Transfer. The fact that the group's English is fairly elementary only makes this debut CD all the more amazing.
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Bara Vox translates Only Voice. And only the voices of the six singers from Sweden who span the entire range of the human voice from mezzo soprano to bass will be what you hear on this fabulous second recording of contemporary and jazz tunes. A touch of signal processing creates the vocal flourishes which sound like a Hammond Organ on "Were Going Up," one of the joyous originals. If you wish to let your heart fly on a lyrical romantic tune "Two Steps From Heaven" will do it. All the songs but one children's folk song are sung in English and about half will be familiar covers, but not the arrangements which are absolutely original! Listen to "Two Steps from Heaven" in Real Audio.
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Flintstones Theme |
Alternating between a cappella tracks and those accompanied by a combo (piano, bass, drums, sax, and percussion) this southern California singing ensemble of nine voices gives us a tour of popular standards and one goofy but great arrangement of the "Flintstone's Theme" with 'Fred Flintstone' singing a gravelly scat. The arranging is delicate and light for an easy listen. Then you listen more closely and catch the subtle jazz nuances which sets this group apart from music often heard and relegated to the background of our attentions. The producers, Tom and Jennifer Dustman (also singers), have created a full rich sound.
Listen to "You Go To My Head" in Real Audio.
| 4701 CD $14.98 |
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If you enjoy listening to jazz presented by enough voices to be a chorus when that embellishes the arrangement, sung by singers so accomplished that you can follow each individual voice through complex vocal intertwining, you will love Beachfront Property. This group of southern California studio singers alternate accompanied and unaccompanied tunes which become jazz standards after they are through with them if they weren't before. One notable original is Vince Guaraldi's " Linus & Lucy" adapted for voices by Stan Castonogia and the group. Listen to "Linus and Lucy" in Real Audio.
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Hold on to your Santa Claus hat, cause here comes a new CD of traditional chestnuts full of cutting edge vocal arrangements. Features five new arrangements by Michele Weir, including a rendition of "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" that will make you laugh. A cappella settings sprinkled with a rhythm section from heaven make this the perfect balance for vocal enthusiasts, and a must-have. Listen to "Silent Night" in Real Audio.
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Waters Of March / Rhapsody In Blue |
We raved over five-man, one woman BR6's debut recording, "Rio A Cappella," and have been eagerly waiting for their second. First let us praise the marvelous, Beatles-flavored graphics and photos in the liner notes, some of the best we've ever seen, and a perfect complement to the smooth, latin sound the group applies to one of our all-time favorite tunes, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," medleyed with Tom Jobim's "Waters of March." Continuing with a cool "Jazz 'n' Samba," mellow and sweet "Someone to Watch Over Me," jazzy "Water to Drink," and sassy, sexy "They Can't Take That Away From Me" this is all pure enjoyment. Try to imagine faux, feline-sounding horns on "Girl from Ipanema," a surprising, bluenote faux trumpet solo on "Fascinating Rhythm," faux muted trumpets on a meandering "Forever Green," "They All Laughed," "Song of the Jet," "Love is Here to Stay"…this is all mellow, fun, jazzy, salsa-flavored stuff to be savored like musical fish tacos and margaritas on a perfect beach with the one you love!
Listen to "Jazz'n'Samba" in RealAudio.
| 7634 CD $15.95 |
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Freshly signed to the Primarily A Cappella label, Brazil's 5-man, 1 woman a cappella Jazz/Salsa sextet impresses from the first few notes of the opening cut. "Batida Diferente" has a mellow, sensual infectious Samba rhythm, "Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar" builds a smoky lead and "trumpet" solo on a solid, tasty vocal percussion base, "Linha de Passe" is a surprising, fast-moving, scattish Salsa romp. "Preciso aprender a Ser So" is slow and romantic with harmonies to die for, "Flora" and the lighthearted "Upa Neguinho" are blue note jazz with a walking bass, as is "Falso Milagre do Amor." "Disfarca e Chora" is stunningly arranged rainy day jazz, the laid-back, effortless harmonies of "Wave," "O Morro Neo Tem Vez" and "O Barquinho" bubble above a minor-key base. The final cut, "Diz Que Fui Por Ai" is a finger-snapping, "trumpet" soloing delight. The beautiful, colorful liner notes contain the lyrics and some marvelous pictures of the group. Like the group's growing contingent of Brazilian fans, we fell in love with this group at first listen - we bet you will too. BR6 is fresh, hot and spicy from Brazil, on PAC Records! Listen to "Wave" in RealAudio.
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And (So) What If I Don't? |
Bay Area favorite, 4-man, 1-woman vocal jazz group Clockwork surprised a strong field with a win in the 2004 Bay Area Regional, then went on to place 2nd in the National Finals, making many friends and new fans along the way. "Teseract" is Clockwork's debut CD (on PAC Records), produced by The Bobs' Richard Bob Greene. There are 11 songs, all with cutting-edge arrangements, particularly by group member Stephen Saxon (also including Greene and group members Angie Doctor and Jim Hale). Herbie Hancock's sassy "And (So) What If I Don't," (There's some nice alto sax on this one, otherwise "Teseract" is all a cappella), a cool, jazzy "My Baby Just Cares For Me," Lennon/McCartney's classic "Blackbird" (with actual Red-winged Blackbird sounds), and a rainy-day bluesy "DC Farewell." "Donna Lee" segues perfectly from the laid-back "Back Home Indiana" to Charley Parker's scattish, driving jazz standard, Radiohead's "Creep" runs the gamut from quiet to crazed, and jazz standard "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" features a bright, upbeat lead by Doctor. Clockwork nails John Coltrane's frantic, driving "Moment's Notice," slowing down with perfect control for Richard Rogers' moody "Little Girl Blue," and then taking off on some very nice vocal riffs on "Variation #1 on (J. Williams') 'Nightwatch" and finishing up with the con man's anthem, a bluesy, appropriately smarmy original by Jim Hale, "Big Cash Deal." We loved Clockwork live, and "Teseract" is poised, confident proof of their readiness to join a cappella's vocal jazz elite!
Listen to "Little Girl Blue" and "Rhode island Is Famous For You" in RealAudio.
| 2980 CD $14.98 |
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Clockwork, 2004 Harmony Sweeps National Finals 1st runners up, is comprised of veteran San Francisco Bay Area harmony singers whose members have sung in several acclaimed a cappella groups. Two are founding members of Phil Mattson's PM Singers and Eric Freeman is the only singer to reach the National Finals in three different groups. Sophisticated jazz arrangements are a stand out on this EP including some complex harmonized bebop, the fabulous Brazilian classic " Corcovado" and a swinging Gershwin medley. This is smart, clever stuff!
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Giant Steps |
Mixed-voice (3 men, 2 women) Italian a cappella jazz ensemble Cluster lets us know from the first sweetly dissonant, elegantly vocal percussioned notes of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" that we're in for a treat. Cluster's website is a delightful mystery, all in Italian, but all but one of the 13 tunes (the brooding "Blinker bla") is in English, even the title tune, an original by group tenor Nicola Nastos. Jazzy covers of American pop and R&B songs like Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are," a masterful arrangement of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds," Stevie Wonder's "Creepin'," the absolute finest arrangement of The Turtles' bubblegum hit "Happy Together" we’ve ever heard, and the Motown hit "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" are some favorites. Cluster are poised, confident risk-takers who are fast making their marks in the competitive European jazz/a cappella world. And "cement" is one of the best, most impressive debut CDs we've heard in years. Now it's time to put on the good headphones, pour a glass of the $20 Sauvignon Blanc, cue it up again and truly savor this masterpiece!
Listen to Nobody's Wife in Real Audio
| 7621 CD $15.95 |
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Founded in the summer of 1994 in Russia by Mark and Yuri Smirnovs, and influenced by Singers Unlimited, Take 6 and the New York Voices, the 3 man, 3 woman Cool & Jazzy has won international contests and festivals, including the Ward Swingle Award. The group sings live, dynamic and energetic music with their own arrangements in a wide assortment of languages. Their 4th CD, "A Cappella," features 11 songs, "Intro," "Bei mir bistu shein," "Katyusha," "Conte partiro," "Cheek to Cheek," "Brazasia," "Moscow," "Korobeiniki," "Ils aimment," "Hava Nagila," and, appropriately, "The End." We were thinking we had heard, for instance, "Cheek to Cheek," but never anything like this. These 6 brilliant singers take a song and make it their own. From Russia with Jazz! Listen to Bei Mir Bistu Shein
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Down For The Count |
Vocal Jazz, with a Swing specialty, is the chosen medium of these 5 artists, two baritones and three sopranos. The group got their start at Cal State University Northridge in 2003, and "Down 4 The Count" is their debut CD. There are 11 songs, favorites are "Down For The Count," "No More Blues," the funny, manic "Whirlybird" with lyrics by group member Colleen Keene, the "Train Song," "Hernando's Hideaway," the poignant "It's Not Easy Being Green," "Blame It on My Youth," the dynamic "Shut Up," and Jimi Hendrix's "Crosstown Traffic, with faux electric guitar and a very commendable Hendrix imitation. At times dissonant and moody, at times joyously powerful, "Down 4 The Count" is very good stuff, an impressive debut for this talented, attractive group!
Listen to "Til There Was You" in RealAudio.
| 2517 CD $14.95 |
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Mixed quintet (two men, three women) Encore! is acclaimed music educator/performer/arranger/director Kirby Shaw's baby, and is all those things for the group, which includes his wife, Markita, singing alto. 16 classic, somewhat incongruous songs: ("Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" segueways into "Sixteen Tons, for instance, and "Java Jive" into "The Rose"). But luckily, each song is a gem, for which Kirby's flawless arranging and directing is largely responsible. Other favorites: "Ain't Misbehavin'," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "Long Ago (And Far Away)," "The Boy From New York City," and "Without a Song." Kirby and company are having big fun here, and so are we!
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Singing in the jazz tradition of The Hi-Lo's and The Four Freshmen gives you a sense of this dynamic quarted from the Pacific Northwest who first got together in 1983. They had all attended Edmonds Community College and sang with Frank DeMiero's nationally acclaimed Soundsation jazz choir. After notable successes they retired three years and one recording later. After a nine year hiatus they began once again to dazzle audiences with tight, pure harmony. Now they tour with a trio of piano, bass, and drums and that's what you'll find mostly on this recording, their first in over fifteen years! While only "My Romance" is a cappella (well, along with the Bonus Track) the peerless harmonies will be a joy to all those who love older jazz standards such as "Fascinatin' Rhythm," "My Sugar Is So Refined," "Mack the Knife," and more!
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Three women and two men from Finland have created the most exciting first release we've had the pleasure of bringing you in some time. Great voices enhance marvelously clever arrangements of well known tunes. Some are in English, some in Finish, and some in scat. If you imagine someone crossed the Real Group with Five Live in a 30/70 mix, that would sort of describe the singing on this finely crafted recording. Take familiar tunes such as Peggy Lee's "Fire," Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner," Toto's "Africa," and Duke Ellingtons "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and then prepare yourself for some exciting, truly original interpretations. If this were sports, here's the Rookie of the Year!
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Three men, Two women quintet Five by Design evolved from the vocal group Hot Jazz, formed at the U of Wisconsin/Eau Claire in 1982. In 1988 the group developed "Radio Days" as a musical theatre vehicle that gave them an opportunity to sing the swing music they love best. In 1999 the Baltimore Symphony commissioned them to create a new show that would become Club Swing. Their productions have appeared with more than 100 of the leading symphony orchestras throughout the US and Canada. In the play, the fictional Club Swing is a soon to be demolished club built in the heydey of swing, and Joe Sullivan visits for one last time. The marquee flickers and the club is transformed into the once fabled nightspot. Backed by the Club Swing orchestra, led by Willis Delony, the dressed-to-the-nines group gives us 20 classics, done as well as any swing CD we've heard. Some of our favorites: "Begin the Beguine," "Dream," "Choo-Choo Ch' Boogie," "Pistol Packin' Mama," "Dig Down Deep," "One For My Baby"²but every song's an authentic winner!
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The (you guessed it!) five members of Five Live met while singing together in the Swingle Singers. One by one they left the group to pursue individual careers as free-lance singers. Collectively, they worked in just about every different type of musical work, opera, jazz, avant-garde film, and radio session work. Although each enjoyed the work immensely, they realized that they all missed close harmony singing. One night after a good meal and a few glasses of wine they began to sing for fun and the rest, as they say, is history. Five Live was born to create a more gutsy/pop sort of sound with five singers, three men and two women. Their program contains humor and energy with an international repertoire ranging from "Yesterday" by the Beatles to rhythmic Latin American favorites such as "Bambaleo" by the Gipsy Kings. Along the way you'll be treated to a truly original rendition of "Don't Worry Be Happy." (Hah, you thought it couldn't be done!) You'll find a medley of Edith Piaf tunes, "Volare," "Sir Duke," "Send In The Clowns," and more. All these have been crafted with a touch of jazz and a wide brush of pop sounds by some of the best trained voices around. They are Sarah Eyden - soprano, Carol Canning - alto, Andy Busher - Tenor, Ben Parry - baritone, and David Porter Thomas - bass. You will find that the beauty and comfortable familiarity of the songs will foster listening to Five Live over and over.
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Got To Get You Into My Life |
Gold Company is widely recognized as one of the leading collegiate and vocal jazz ensembles in the world, and "Thirty" celebrates thirty years under the direction of Dr. Stephen Zegree, the Bobby McFerrin Distinguished Professor of Jazz in the School of Music at Western Michigan University. The 15 to 16-member Gold Company performs 13 sublime jazz covers and a pair of originals, here with the very hot Gold Company Band. The originals are (founding member and arranger for The New York Voices) Darmon Meader's "And So Am I" and "Snow Samba," the Meader-arranged composition by Paquito D'Rivera and Claudio Rotiti. Other favorites are two different takes on Lennon and McCartney's "Got to Get You Into My Life," the Gene Puerling-arranged "Sweet Lorraine," Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed," "The Jungle Book's" "The Monkey Song," the moody "Autumn in New York," Duke Ellington's "Love You Madly," Cole Porter's "So In Love" from "Kiss Me Kate" and Tamra Gray's lovely "Raindrops Will Fall." We repeat the caveat that this is an all-accompanied recording. That said, this is wonderful jazz, far beyond what one might expect from collegiate musicians!
Listen to "In My Life" in RealAudio.
| 3093 CD $14.95 |
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Dr. Stephen Zegree is one of those rare directors of collegiate ensembles who is able to take that group, in this case WMU's Gold Company, to a professional level in performance and recordings. That the group is able to maintain that level through the years of constantly graduating members means, of course, that the best young jazz musicians are going to Kalamazoo to work with and learn from Zegree, When we see recordings, this only the fourth in over 25 years since the group's founding, it's cause for celebration! "Absolute Integrity" is an impressive collection of 15 songs, many of them originals by former group members, such as Justin Avery ("Just Sing," "Soul Conspiracy," "All Night," the wonderfully funky and nearly a cappella "Cell City Mode," the title tune, and "100 Years"), and Gary Fry's "Higher Purpose." Others are arranged by former members, like Matt Falkner's arrangement of Rodgers and Hart's "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," Nathan Lansing's arrangement of "Stompin' At The Savoy" and others. Our friend Gene Puerling lends a great arrangement of "I Remember You," the only pure a cappella cut, as Zegree attracts as many jazz instrumentalists as vocalists. We of course would prefer many more, but "Integrity" is still an amazing, and rare CD from one of the best collegiate ensembles in the world. Listen to "I Remember You" in RealAudio.
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Dr. Stephen Zegree directs and instructs Gold Company, the Western Michigan University vocal jazz chorus, and the "25" refers to the 25th anniversary of the founding of the group. There are 13 songs here, 6 of them are all or part a cappella: "Pan Africa," the opening tune, "Not While I'm Around," "Take It to the Bridge," "Processional," "Dandaya" and "County Downs." Many of these are arranged by Dr. Zegree's students. There's a nice variety in the arrangements here, but a consistently high quality in the performance of the group. Dr. Zegree is in demand internationally for his talents, Gold Company shows us why with every amazing song. Songlist
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Under the direction of Dr. Steve Zegree, the Gold Company jazz ensemble’s accomplishments include winning more Downbeat awards than any other university ensemble since 1993, and has been a training ground for many of the industry’s most successful professionals. With four of their previous recordings out of print, "Solid" closes the gap. The best of those four albums, including a cappella arrangements of Gene Puerling’s "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," and Ward Swingle’s "Marriage of Figaro," equal a perfect score! Though almost entirely accompanied, it’s focus is vocal harmony, and lending their talents as singers and/or arrangers are Darmon Meader of New York Voices, Tim Brent, Clare Fischer and Kirby Shaw (with his daughter, Holly).
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At first hearing, you wouldn’t think that this glorious motley of vocal music is of collegiate standing. Gold Company's "While We’re Young", is a CD compilation of ensembles hailing from Western Michigan University, directed by Dr. Stephen Zegree. Each song is flavored with a group of different voices and instruments allowing for individuality and influence to play a strong force. It is apparent that Dr. Zegree really let his students shine through with their styles and that variety is refreshing. R & B, Latin, Southern Dixie, Showtune Standards, Be-bop, and a little bit of Funk are all represented. This is not a straightforward vocal CD, but incorporates a great deal of instrumentation with the vocal ensembles. This CD is highly recommended.
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Good Company is a 7-member mixed Vocal Jazz ensemble sponsored by the Midland, MI Center for the Arts. They have shared the stage with such noted artists as Doc Severinsen and His Big Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. "Live at the Center" has 11 nicely-done jazz standards or jazz arrangements of pop hits, some a cappella ("When I Fall In Love," "Where Is Love," "Java Jive," a stellar "There Will Be Another You" and the patriotic medley "Lift Up Your Voice"); and some jazz-band accompanied: Louis Prima's "Sing, Sing, Sing," Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," Gordy and Robinson's Motown classic "Shop Around," and Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" are standouts. Good Company had the good sense to employ some very fine arrangers: Stephen Zegree, Kirby Shaw, Gene Puerling, Darmon Meader and others. Great song selection, top-drawer arrangements, serious vocal talent and range, an appreciative audience—it all adds up to a wonderful live jazz CD and an impressive debut for Good Company!
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Intro (Lay It Back) |
All male Pacific Northwest sextet Groove for Thought's debut CD is here, not surprisingly titled "Groove for Thought." We last saw GFT at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals, where they won both the Best Original Song award for group member Kevin Kunz' "Walk the Straighter Road" and the National Championship. "Groove" is an excellent, jazzy, beautifully arranged album, but we need to warn a cappella purists that there (surprisingly) is a lot of accompaniment with these 14 songs. Our favorites are the two pure a cappella tunes, Kevin's wonderful arrangement of "Joy to the World," and Billy Joel's "And So It Goes." We also once again enjoyed "Walk the Straighter Road," which has some light piano accompaniment. Kevin's hot, jazzy originals "Lay It Back," "A Better Place," "Gotta Lotta Lemons," "My Perfect Day," all accompanied, are also very good; as is Chick Corea's "La Fiesta." The Kelly Kunz-arranged hymn "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" completes our favorites. GFT has some of the best original writing and arranging we've heard and a clean, pure sound that needs no accompaniment of any kind to blow us away!.
Listen to "Joy To The World" in RealAudio.
| 7501 CD $14.98 |
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Oye Como Va |
Formed in 2002 by four men and two women, former members of the Univ. of Northern Colorado's Grammy-nominated ensemble, Vocal Jazz 1, Groove Society has a growing reputation for thoughtfully crafted arrangements, intricate rhythms and exhilarating improvisations. Although their roots are firmly planted in the Jazz genre, they perform in a variety of styles, Latin, blues, bebop, rock, pop funk and R&B with their trademark exuberant passion and soul. "Groove Society," their impressive debut CD, features 11 tunes, and it's hard to pick favorites. That said, we really liked Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va," the Gershwins' classic "Summertime," and a "Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire" medley that few groups would attempt, much less nail as Groove Society has here. Van Morrison's moody "Moondance," the Harry James/Duke Ellington hit "I'm Beginning to See the Light," Chicago's "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" the Doobie Bros.' "Listen to the Music" and the final cut, Barry Manilow's rainy-day "When October Goes" are particularly well done. For such a young group, GS has the poise, the bright, polished sound, the effortless vocal percussion and the cutting-edge arrangements of a veteran group with years of experience singing together. Groove Society is going places fast!
Listen to "I'm Beginning To See The Light" in RealAudio.
| 4616 CD $14.98 |
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The Grunyon's say Laborantem laudat, cantatem amat dominus, or, The Lord Respects me when I work, but loves me when I sing. There is no better way to describe this group other than a bunch of guys who collectively share the same bond of love for a cappella. Since 1949, in exchange for Poker, Tuesday nights of vocal jazz mischief and mayhem were a regularly scheduled affair for the Grunyons. Albeit, an amateur effort, this collection is fabulous for those who respect a good time for good times sake! These guys always and only had fun and after 50 years of singing it is about time they showed us just how much fun they have indulged. Most famous Grunyon, Bill Gard, shows us his arranging specialty with title track "Just in Time", as well as, "Little Darlin", "Laughter in the Rain" and "This time the Dream's on Me" plus a few more. Other favorites on this loaded 19 song collection are "Beginning to See the Light" by Ellington, "This Masquerade" by Leon Russell, "Little Red Riding Hood" by The Bobs, and a Moon Medley arranged by Ed Wolff. If you like Ed Wolff, his arranging is celebrated strong here, Grunyon style. Though timeliness has never been a Grunyon factor, the final song is appropriately "This Will Be My Shining Hour" by Arlen and Mercer, arranged by Bill Gard. A Grunyon Metaphor speaketh; our lives are now at their best and will be "' til I'm with you again."
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Singer/songwriter Debbie Fleming, a founder of the excellent a cappella jazz group Hampton Avenue, has assembled a wealth of talent for this stunning showcase of her songwriting, singing and arranging. Merry-Anne Hutton, Tim Olfert and The ChoirGirls make guest appearances with the four current members of Hampton Avenue, and the final 3 cuts, national anthems of Canada (in 2 languages) and the United States, feature the original 10 members of the group. 14 songs: a wonderful "Big Band Medley" featuring 9 great swing covers, "Que Pasa," "Crazy In Love," "Bing Bang," "Harmony," "Cuban Night," "Great Love Story" (the wedding song of the group's Suba and Dylan), "No More Bebop," "More in Love," and "Mantra," all written by Debbie, and then a nice cover, with faux trombone, of "I'll Never Smile Again" and the 3 anthems. "A Gift" is exactly that, a smooth, sexy, jazzy romp with the kind of effortless harmonies, scat singing and lyrics that seem to flow like water from groups like Vox One, Manhattan Transfer and the Swingle Singers. Highly recommended.
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Toronto-based Hampton Avenue is an eight-piece mixed group. Their warm sound lies somewhere between contemporary jazz and pop, easy on the ear, pleasant and cheerful in disposition. Musical Director, arranger and group member Debbie Fleming, who has orchestrated a recording of consistent and professional quality, write most of the songs. Highlights include the simple and uncluttered "The Gathering," one of the few slow numbers, in addition to the standard, "Here’s That Rainy Day"; Hampton Avenue’s musicality, and the manner in which their voices compliment each other, really blossoms on that one. Unusual harmonization distinguishes "Fixing A Hole," elevating it from a mere imitation to a memorable version in its own right. Entirely a cappella, with the exception of two cuts (which are augmented by tasteful bass and percussion).
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Moondance + Fever Medley |
"Moondance" is the debut CD for New York mixed-voice jazz quintet High Five, who are no strangers to the Harmony Sweepstakes, placing second to Vox Bop in 2004's very competitive New York Regional. 13 crisply arranged jazz tunes lend themselves well to High Five's fresh, clean sound, some favorites: "Moondance/Fever Medley," "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," "One Note Samba," the upbeat "Let's Get Away From It All," a sweet, doo-woppy "Up on the Roof," "Walking Down the Street," the salsa-flavored "Mais Que Nada," a bluenote "Whistling in the Dark" a finger-snapping "One for My Baby" and a surprising arrangement of "Brahms Lullaby." There is bigtime talent here, from the singers and arrangements to the exquisite design of the liner notes. An impressive debut from High Five, who we will be expecting to see onstage at a Harmony Sweeps Finals before too long!
Listen to "Scotch + Soda" in RealAudio.
| 4609 CD $14.98 |
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The vocal style on "Sing Something Simple"will ring some bells with anyone who has seen the first "talkies,"sound-tracked movies or cartoons from the Roaring Twenties. This silly, sometimes manic jazzy music from the era of the Flapper went especially well with the new cartoons made popular by Walt Disney and Max Fleischer (creator of Betty Boop). The six male members of Hudson Shad owe a particular debt of gratitude to the American group, The Revelers, and the German group, The Comedian Harmonists. In fact 7 of the 9 songs on "SSS"that were penned in the 20s and 30s were originally recorded by these two groups. The other 7 titles, "Lonely House,""Lonesome Town,""Day-O,""16 Tons,"Civil War lament "Tenting Tonight,""I'm Going Home"and "Wiegenlied"share a bluesy, endless workday theme and/or feeling. Yet however "down"the message, the tempo and optimistic outlook on life remain upbeat. The elements of HS's timeless pop are catchy words, infectious melody, realism, and humor (with light piano accompaniment). Listen to "Sing Something Simple " in Real Audio.
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The Chicago-based Hudson Shad initially attracted attention for the their immaculate re-creations of scores by the German Comedian Harmonists. Their five voices, and piano (the same composition as that of the Harmonists), have now diversified, to include equally charming and delightful songs such as Gershwin's "Strike Up The Band" and several Weill numbers, including "September Song" and "It Never Was You." Amusing novelties, like "Ali Baba," rely frequently on vocalese for effect; "Four Leaf Clover" is an anecdote from the turn-of-the-century music hall. The Beatles' "Julia" lends itself willingly to Hudson Shad's gorgeous interpretation. Incorporating elements of jazz, classical and an inchoate form of what was soon to become popular music, "Music Box" is a sentimental and beautiful record.
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The canon of the Comedian Harmonists is recreated by the American Hudson Shad, who on this entertaining and historically compelling CD sing both in English and German, to capture the essence of their inspiration. Accompanied by piano, the Harmonists sound is one part jazz and one part music hall, as on Ellington's "It Don't Mean A Thing," where vocal bass and piano pump out a furious twenties rhythm, augmented by scat and and a vigorous horn solo. "Whistle While You Work" is a masterpiece of vocal orchestration, not to mention whistling, and when the Shad assume the personas of the Dwarfs-well, you just have to buy this record to hear it! The traditional "Die Dorfmusik" has a racuous yodeling motif over a swaying 3/4.
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The six very talented men from Chicago who call themselves Hudson Shad have recreated themselves in the mold of the 1927 German group, the Comedian Harmonists, and "Wand'rin' Stars" is their 5th CD. Lightly accompanied by piano on all songs, we hardy notice because of the quality and personality of the singing. In love with the jazzy, funny, manic musical style of the roaring 20s, the Shad men could hardly fail to notice Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Western Swing and the novelty "Cowboy Songs" of that period. This CD has 17 wonderful Cowboy pop songs, from "Whoopie Ti Yi Yo," "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds" and "Home on the Range" to more recent ones like "Rawhide," "Do Not Forsake Me," "Flowers on the Wall," "Cool Water" and "Baghdad Caf?." "Mad Cow Boogie" is a funny parody featuring a very proper British "cowboy," "My Old Ioway Home" a nostalgic anthem, a foot-stomping, tongue-in-cheek "Ghost Riders" and "Back in the Saddle" with a verse in perfect German--the whole CD is an entertaining, funny treat!
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Old Chisholm Trail Witch Tai To Goodbye Old Paint The Cuckoo Tumblin' Tumbleweeds My Real Home Old Diamond Joe Where Am I Going Home on the Range There's A Star On The Horizon Springtime In The Rockies Unused To Lovers Cielito Lindo The Water Is Wide/Oh Winding River I Wonder As I Wander |
Manhattan Transfer meets Sons Of The Pioneers! The incomparable Morgan Ames had produced, arranged and recorded the selections which she describes as "a group of a cappella cowboy and mountain songs based on pure historical American, plus a few strays, filtered through my jazz-based sense of harmony and four city singers." She goes on to add... "I grew up looking for home on the range, pretending to be Annie Oakley on rented horses at the Burbank Stables. But singing this music, our shared American heritage, was a gift and that's how we offer it to you." Now, all isn't just tradition as occasionally a new lyic or two is added, but the singers Shelby Flint, Morgan, Melissa Mackay and Michael Mishaw manage to maintain a sensibility of tradition while creating an entirely new feel, exactly as Morgan describes in her quoted comments above. Real traditional tunes such as "Home on the Range," "Old Diamond Joe," (a multi-track overdubbed recording sung entirely by Michael) and "Old Chisholm Trail" are mixed in with a leavening of newer tunes such as "Witchi Tai To," "My Real Home," and "Springtime in the Rockies." The only difficulty we face in reviewing a recording of this calibre is expressing our enthusiasm without going overboard!
Listen to "Cielito Lindo", "Where Am I Going" and "Home on the Range"
| 2750 CD $14.98 |
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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 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 mixolydian harmonic minor with the traditional Western carol for a haunting, enigmatic result. This sophisticated group satisfies the heart and the mind.
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I'm Walkin' Everything But You Alice In Wonderland Black Orpheus On Green Dolphin Her Bright Smile Poppity-Pop All Blues| Superstition Every Time We Say Goodbye Blizzard Of Lies Take the 'A' Train A Quiet Place |
The four players in Just 4 Kicks are only four of the most respected (and frequently employed) arrangers and educators in the music industry. Their talent is only surpassed by their prodigious accomplishments, the results of which are ours to appreciate. Obviously influenced by the brilliant vocal jazz groups of the '50's and '60's, most notably the Four Freshmen and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, "All In Good Time" is adventurous and exuberant. Billy Strayhorn's comically ironic "Everything But You" is one of the great swing tunes in the lexicon, and Just 4 Kicks stands in for an entire jazz combo, tossing off brass solos and a drum breakdown. The arrangement of "Alice In Wonderland" frequently voices the harmony, including the enticing ninth chords, by implying the root, rather than stating it overtly. "I'm Walkin'," popularized by "Fats" Domino and arranged here by Kirby Shaw, retains the boogie-woogie party mood of the original and kicks it up a notch - now that's impressive. Many of the songs feature furious scatting, all done live. Don Shelton of the Hi-Lo's guests on "Green Dolphin Street," and the Bobs' Joe Finetti stops by to supply vocal percussion on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition."
Listen to "A Quiet Place" and "Take the 'A' Train"
| 6255 CD $14.98 |
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Put Randy Crenshaw, Kirby Shaw, Kirk Marcy and Vijay Singh in a recording studio, add guest Joe "Beat Box" Finetti on oh-so-funky vocal percussion, and you've got the kind of down-and-dirty jazz recording that bobbed Grandma's hair! This is bluesy, scat-singing, wide-open, fun jazz that does nothing but add to our Summit-gained admiration for this quartet and for the members individually. 12 cuts, some of our favorites: "Tone Whole," "Never Make Your Move Too Soon," "Oo-Shoo-Be-Do-Be," "Wonderlicks," an homage to 10 Stevie Wonder classics, "Failure to Swing," "What's a Guy Supposed To Do?," the very funny Scottish takeoff, "Donald, Where's Your Trousers?" "Indiana" and the spiritual "Deep River." "Pants" is well-named, a powerful, funny, surprising and impressive kick! Listen to "Wonderlicks" in Real Audio.
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The 25 women ("The Girls" in the liner notes), and 20 "Boys" in the LA Jazz Choir, directed by Gerald Eskelin is a smorgasbord of tempting jazz treats. There are liberal helpings of straight-ahead big-band meat-and-potato hits ("Tuxedo Junction," "Love Is A Joy," "The Jersey Bounce); entrees with a light latin dressing ("I Could Write A Book," "Dream On," "What Is This Thing Called Love"); more exotic tastes ("Sboguvane," "Don's Song"); something light (Jim, Jam, Jump, Sweet Georgia Brown); something with a little scat ("Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," "Everybody's Boppin'") and cool with a velvety sauce ("Blue In Green"). "from all sides" is a saucy, spirited joy from one of the best Jazz choirs in the world! All accompanied, from a small jazz ensemble to a full big band.
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"Listen!" was recorded live in 1980 when the original L.A. Jazz Choir returned from a tour of the European Jazz Festivals, including Montreaux and North Sea. It was released in 1983 as an lp and nominated for a Grammy the following year. Guest soloists Sue Raney and Carl Anderson had previously appeared with the group, and graciously offered to participate in this recording. Pianist Dwight Elrich provides solid accompaniment and contributed the haunting arrangement of "I Only Have Eyes for You." But the real stars of this recording are the 18 men and women who lived with this music for many months, seasoning and shaping it until it became a unified artistic expression. 10 songs, from "Bye Bye Blues" and "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid" to "Here's that Rainy Day," "It Had to Be You" and a scattish "Woodchopper's Ball." Nor can we forget a sweet "Let There Be Love," the style-switching "Hurry On Down," a joyous, romping "Sweet Georgia Brown" and a smoky, bluesy "Everything I Have Is Yours." Let's see—we have the great jazz classics, one of the greatest jazz choirs of all time in their prime, singing their tails off, live—just back from blowing away some of the great European jazz festivals, and you've got the Grammy nomination. But if you really want to know how exceptional this CD is, Listen!
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A two-CD live recording of m-pact, one of our favorite pop/jazz vocal ensembles of all time, at Seattle's Triple Door—what a treat!! Since being named 1996-97 Harmony Sweeps champs and Audience Favorite, m-pact has been wowing appreciative audiences all over the world, including several memorable appearances at the West Coast Summit. Finally, the signature sound and eclectic musical tastes of this internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning vocal sensation are down on plastic. The song selection dances from soaring soul like a marvelous arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish," "Ain't Nobody," "Still the One" and Willie Dixon's "29 Ways;" and sophisticated jazz like Miles Davis' "All Blues" and the salsa scattish "Northeast Wind;" to fresh pop originals like "u nee 2 no" and the jazzy "found a love in you," written by brilliant alto lead Britt Quentin. The disco tune "Boogie Oogie Oogie" becomes a vocal percussion showcase for Trist Curless' flawless beat-box, and "If We Try" highlights Britt's pure, soaring, almost unbelievable range, as does a jazz interpretation of Cole Porter's "Night and Day." "Live" continues with the jazzy, ultra-hip "What If We Was Cool," a surprising jazz interpretation of the pop anthem "Higher and Higher," and closes with an incongruous, but lovely cover of Bach's "How Shall I Fitly Greet Thee." Everyone who has had the one-of-a-kind experience of seeing and hearing m-pact live, and knows what a gift that is, will appreciate what has been captured on these two discs. Brilliant, stunning, and highly recommended! Listen to Higher and Higher in Real Audio.
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The influence of The Manhattan Transfer on contemporary a cappella has been enormous since their debut in 1973. Over the years, the group has explored a wide range of styles, and while their repertoire always seems short in the a cappella department, it includes some unaccompanied gems. (Profile)
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Route 66 Candy Embracable You That's The Way It Goes A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square Because You Are All Heart To You Vibrate Clouds (Nuages) The Quietude The Offbeat Avenues Birdland |
Recorded in 2006, The Symphony Sessions features the Transfer reinterpreting 12 of their classic songs they recorded for past albums. Rather than the usual jazz ensemble accompaniment this time the quartet goes into the studio with The City of Prague Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Corey Allen to produce this enjoyable new takes on some of the old favorites. This is a very relaxed and smooth-flowing recording and is a pleasant change to hear these old chestnuts in a fresh style.
Listen to "Embracable You" in Real Audio.
| 7601 CD $15.98 |
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We don't think we need to go deeply into the history and awards associated with jazz legends Manhattan Transfer, who have been paying their dues and building their following in hip New York City clubs since 1971. Finely-crafted jazz albums, beginning with the self-titled "Manhattan Transfer," have sold well and won many awards. "Extensions" won two Grammys , "Mecca for Moderns" one, and "Vocalese" three Grammys. "Vibrate" is the group's first studio album in 3 years, and has been highly anticipated. 11 songs, all accompanied, mostly mellow, bass-walking, rainy-day jazz. Some particular favorites are the opening cut, the salsa-influenced "Walkin' in N.Y.," the oriental flavored "Greek Song," the blue-note, meandering "The New JuJu Man," "Doodlin'," the rhythmic "Feel Flows," the sweet chestnut "Embraceable You," and finishes with a very nice "Come Softly to Me/I Met Him on a Sunday" medley. The long-awaited Vibrate" is a special addition to MT's discography and is further evidence that we're listening to one of the best vocal jazz groups in the world! Listen to "Vibrate" in Real Audio.
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Dubbed "The Prince of Pops" by the Chicago Tribune, Erich Kunzel's Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has been nominated for 5 Grammies under his direction, winning one in 1998, and we have to say that this is some of the best, most spirited big-band swing we've ever heard. Of special interest to us, of course, are the vocals, which are supplied by one of our favorite jazz groups, The Manhattan Transfer, former (and founding) member of the MT, 9-time Grammy winner Janis Siegel, and inventive singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli. There are 14 all accompanied (in fact, 7 of them are completely instrumental) tunes here, and not surprisingly our favorites are "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie," "Sugar" (That Sugar Baby of Mine), "Skyliner," and "Clouds" (adapted from "Nuages,") featuring the MT; "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and "Avalon" with John Pizzarelli; and "I'll Be Seeing You," with Janis Siegel. As we would place the Swing Era at or near the top of all musical eras, we thought "Got Swing" was a treat, and every tune gave us the urge to get up and dance! Listen to "Skyliner" in Real Audio.
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A study in the nature of swing, the Transfer have recorded a definitive musical treatise on the topic. Using their voices as instruments-specifically, the horn and reed sections-the group performs material that could be categorized broadly as either urban or rural swing. For example, on "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," (featuring Asleep At The Wheel) the instrumentation includes steel guitar and fiddles. "Java Jive" is performed at a more relaxed tempo and with a warmer feel. Long time Manhattan Transfer collaborator Jon Hendricks stepped up to write lyrics to Jelly Roll Morton's "King Porter Stomp" and Basie's "A Study In Brown." "Clouds" (music by Django Reinhardt) features a splendid violin solo by Stephane Grappelli and a breathy vocal solo passage that evokes the atmosphere of a smoky Paris nightclub. Wonderful listening. Listen to "Sing A Study in Brown" in Real Audio.
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Two CD's and a 52 page booklet: 39 songs of the best of vocal jazz' premier harmony group. A retrospective of their career up to and including cuts from "Brasil." Of course it includes all of the well-known Transfer hits-"Boy From New York City," "Operator" etc., but also standards such as their Grammy-winning "Route 66,' "Love For Sale" and "Body and Soul." The marvelous a cappella of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" and "Foreign Affair," (both arranged by Gene Puerling) are special highlights. Listen to "Ray's Rockhouse" in Real Audio.
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Few groups have a more distinguished pedigree than the Transfer. Since their formation in New York in 1972, these four voices (two male, two female) have notched up numerous gold and platinum albums, and accumulated a shelf full of Grammy's. Their performance of "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" (included here) won a Grammy for its Gene Puerling arrangement. With collaborators Jon Hendricks and Richie Cole, they promulgated the use of the vocalese technique-singing lyrics over jazz solos. They had their biggest hit of their career, with "Boy From New York City," in 1981, when it went to number seven. "Route 66" and "Tuxedo Junction" were made famous by Nat King Cole and Glenn Miller respectively ("Route 66" won the group yet another Grammy in 1983). "Birdland" was originally recorded by Weather Report; with the addition of Jon Hendricks' lyrics, a Transfer classic was born. This is required listening for vocal jazz fans.
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ManSound, an a cappella sextet from Kiev, Ukraine, got its start in 1994 as an idea of composer and arranger Vladimir Mikhnovetsky. The group consists of experienced professionals and it is a permanent participant of international jazz festivals and concerts. First building a Russian fan base with concerts and appearances at jazz festivals in Moscow and other cities, ManSound began touring in 1996, when the group traveled to the United States for six weeks, performing with great success in universities and evangelical churches. In February of 2000, ManSound performed at one of the biggest jazz events in the USA, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, following the invitation of Lionel Hampton himself. They also performed in 2002 and 2003, delighting crowds of 5000 at the nightly performances. Dr. Lynn Skinner, director of The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, called ManSound the hit of the jazz event. "Magic" has only 7 songs, but 3 are marvelous medleys, two of them of George Benson's songs and one of Stevie Wonder tunes. Besides these favorites, "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Nature Boy," "Lullaby of Birdland and "Angel Eyes" are standouts?which includes everything on the CD. Tremendous voice control, incredible arrangements, butter-smooth blue-note harmonies, surprising tempo changes and scat breaks?it adds up to a stunning first CD by a huge, fast-rising talent in the jazz/a cappella world! Listen to "Medley of George Benson's Songs #1" in RealAudio.
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With amazing solo work and an innovative approach, Bobby McFerrin is an a cappella pioneer, creating a signature one-man jazz band sound that is fun and astounding at the same time. (Profile)
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Invocation Kalimba Suite A Silken Road Fertile Field Dervishes Ziggurat Sisters Circlings Chanson Windows Marlowe Mass Pat & Joe Taylor Made A Piece, A Chord Monks / The Sheperd |
Bobby, the a cappella legend, may have crossed the line into the land of accompaniment on "Beyond Words," but let us just say that there is accompaniment, and then there is Chick Corea on piano, with musicians of similar stature on bass, percussion, drums and guitar, and Bobby himself playing the Roland XP-80 synthesizer. Let us also say that Bobby McFerrin has heavily influenced (many would say personally created) the resurgence in a cappella music in the last two decades, and that that was no mistake or lucky break. He is an artist who pushes the vocal jazz envelope, and he's pushing it here. 16 songs that take Bobby's artwhat he does better than anyone elsethat is, use his voice as an incredibly multi-faceted instrument, to create sounds and moods that no one has ever created before. "Invocation," "Kalimba Suite," "A Silken Road"each is a little masterpiece of vocal and instrumental improvisation, as beautiful and earth pastel-colored as the stunning liner notes. Listen and be in awe!
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4489 CD $15.98 |
We can always expect something new from Mr. McFerrin. Circlesongs is a recording of eight spontaneous vocal improvisations sung by twelve singers and Bobby. Three basses, three tenors, three altos and three sopranos create the vocal textures around which Bobby weaves his lilting solos. The songs are very like chant because of the repeating and rhythmic sounds which truly have a circular sound. Words are eschewed in favor of syllables of sound, a style McFerrin explains, "I've always felt that singing a song without words makes one song a thousand songs because the people who hear it can bring their own stories to it."
Listen to "Circlesong Two" in Real Audio.
| 4159 CD $11.98 |
How do you capture spontaneous creation? Blue Note's answer was to present the widest possible variety of performances on one CD in order to capture the sense of someone who is spontaneous in every performance. They succeeded admirably! Three originals, four solo interpretations of other composer's work, singing around the piano of Herbie Hancock, facing off with the soprano sax of Wayne Shorter, and a hysterical "Beverly Hills Blues" (improv with Robin Williams), are the contents but one. That one is "Another Night In Tunisia," sung with The Manhattan Transfer and Jon Hendricks. It's a must for any collection.
Listen to "From Me To You" in Real Audio.
| 4152 CD $10.98 |
Sometime in 1983 Bobby McFerrin gave his first solo voice concert in Ashland Oregon. In March of the following year he had a tour of Germany stopping in concert and opera halls. This was the springboard which propelled him to world renown as a solo singer of unprecedented virtuosity. The Voice is the CD made of tracks from that tour. The thesaurus will run dry before this reviewer has used enough superlatives to pay homage to the world's only a cappella one man band. The two tunes which gained world wide play from this album are "Blackbird" and "I Feel Good" but the other tunes are as interesting, just too long for radio play.
Listen to "Blackbird" in Real Audio.
| 4151 CD $11.98 |
Bobby McFerrin is known to commercial audiences by virtue of the
monster radio friendly hit, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." However, to judge him by
that one song is like evaluating all automobiles by the Edsel. In actuality,
his brilliance as an innovative vocalist and writer far exceeds his mainstream
appeal, and with collaborators such as Chick Corea on piano, this recording
is is overwhelmingly good. Listen to "Blue Bossa," where Bobby's gutteral growls
menace and alarm; or the heat-infused "Friends," which is a sultry Al Jarreau
type contemporary jazz tune; "Spain" is a tour-de-force, where the singer alternates
between providing the percussion and bass accompaniment to the piano with a
panoply of vocal sounds. McFerrin can entreat sweetly in one breath and then
leap into a frenzy of notes, each cascading into the other with a fierce intensity
that is practically animalistic. A unique talent.
| 4161 CD $14.98 |
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is the opening tune of a collection of multi tracked songs on which all the voices are Bobby McFerrin's. Five originals including the title track "Simple Pleasures" are interwoven with "Drive My Car" (Lennon/ McCartney), "Good Lovin'," "Susie Q," "Them Changes" (Buddy Miles) and Sunshine Of Your Love. Throughout this recording is the percussive chest thump which Bobby pioneered and really must be considered the origin of innovative vocal percussion which has become so important to contemporary a cappella.
Listen to "Drive My Car" in Real Audio.
| 4153 CD $11.98 |
Medicine Music was written, arranged, and produced by Bobby. It
is a very full sound created by overdubbing. The vocal percussion is more drum
-like than ever. There is an underlying spiritual theme present, weaving its
way from the beginning, "Medicine Man," to the closing reinterpretation of "The
23rd Psalm," dedicated to his mother. In addition, Voicestra, the vocal orchestra
of his creation, sings on "Sweet In The Morning" and on "Discipline" which also
features Robert McFerrin Sr. An anomaly is the electronically accompanied tune,
"Common Threads," which was the theme from the movie of that name. It's beautiful.
| 4156 CD $10.98 |
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"Mill City Mix" is a four-piece mixed group whose inspiration is the close harmony groups of the forties - the sounds of the Merry Macs, Pied Pipers and their ilk. This accompanied CD features sixteen agreeable songs, such as "Perfidia," "Sunny Side Of The Street" and "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree." "Eloise" has a descending progression that is classic American songwriting, "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy" crackles with energy, and a high-octane piano break; in contrast, "Irresistable You" captures all the longing of love.
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Shadow and Light 1 |
Individually, they are five phenomenal and distinctive vocalists: Peter Eldridge, a eclectic vocalist, composer, and member of the New York Voices; Lauren Kinhan, known for her charismatic voice, genre bending originals, and her dedicated years as a member of the New York Voices; Theo Bleckmann, the effusive German-American Meistersinger known for his brilliant collaborations with Meredith Monk; Kate McGarry, a vocal polymath at home with the folk tradition and the Big Apple bandstand; Luciana Souza, the Brazilian whose repertoire ranges from bossa novas and Elizabeth Bishop to Steely Dan. Together, they are MOSS, A vocal supergroup that intertwines jazz, classical, pop, folk, electronica, world music, and poetry into an arresting and unique sonic species of art. A typical vocal jazz record follows a formula: some up-tempo tunes, plenty of moody ballads and a vocalist reaching for the unique without leaving the familiar. The vocal dream team Moss has thrown out the old formula on their new self-titled CD. Not to be pigeon holed, these master vocalists supply their own unique originals along with a bevy of thoughtful arrangements of not so standard tunes (including pieces by Tom Waits, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and e.e. cummings). Throughout this exceptional recording, the vocal quintet's contrapuntal harmonies, silken phrasing, and soulful improvisations, traverse and morph genres with ease and invention. “Hopefully, each song reveals the curiosity and uniqueness of each voice," Luciana Souza writes in the CD liner notes, “and the wonderful and intangible thing that happens when a group of friends blend their voices and sensibilities into one."
Listen to "Shadow and Light 1" and Shadow and Light 2 in RealAudio.
| 7664 CD $15.95 |
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In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning |
We have long placed the Grammy-winning two-woman, two man NY Voices in the same company as groups like Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer, The Real Group and Vox One, that is, among the best vocal jazz groups in the world. Receiving "A Day Like This" is cause for celebration, as it has been way too long since the quartet last stepped into a recording studio. This all-accompanied collection of 14 upbeat, jazzy tunes starts out fast with Jimmy Van Heusen' "Darn that Dream," group member Peter Eldridge's "The World Keeps You Waiting" and a smoky, bluenote cover of Alan Jay Lerner's "On A Clear Day." Then we're treated to some sweet covers of Lewis & Coots' "For All We Know," Duke Ellington's "Love You Madly," Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," John Coltrane's beautiful "Noticing the Moment (Moments Notice") and the wonderful, scattish, manic "Jackie" with lyrics by Annie Ross. One last favorite is a delightfully fresh and simple arrangement of Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic." Every cut here, in fact, is a joy - the Voices have a sophisticated, effortlessly clean sound that surprises and entertains. It was worth the long wait for A Day Like This!"
Listen to "Darn That Dream" in Real Audio.
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The best things in life are worth waiting for! After several delays the much anticipated new release from one of the top jazz vocal groups in the world is finally available and we couldn't be happier. Equally masterful at tight harmonies and individual solo flights vocalists Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader (who also blows a mean tenor sax) and Kim Nazarian have delivered their most swinging outing to date. All but one of the songs were arranged by the incredibly talented Meader whose fresh spin on these Swing Era classics are a joy to listen to. The vocals are also very strong, especially Kinhan and Kim, who must be some of the jazziest, sexiest female singers around. Accompanied mostly by a swinging big band the final song "I'll Be Seeing You", however, is a pure a cappella gem. Listen to "I'll Be Seeing You"
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A seven member mixed contemporary jazz group, "Not To Scale" performs accessible versions of songs such as "Chuck E's In Love," "I Feel Good" and "Some Kind Of Wonderful." The other ingredients in their sonic recipe distill a significant Real Group influence, heard on "Lullaby" and the Real Group's own "Waltz For Debby." The group was formed in North Carolina in 1997, and describe themselves as a fusion group, combining the energy of rock with the intervals of jazz.
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The P.M.E. is one of the San Francisco Bay Areas most versatile and innovative choruses. The repertoire stretches from Mozart to Monk (Meredith). Each year members arrange and perform immensely popular jazz and pop concerts. On this recording which has arrangements of 20 songs, various members form quintets and sextets to allow individual singers greater individual expression. It begins with "Doodlin'" and ends with "Canary In A Coal Mine." In between find yodeling, scats, a lullaby, Eric Clapton and more. You'll listen to this one over and over.
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Pastiche is Sandy Cressman, Jenny Meltzer and Becky West, attractive, versatile singers with their roots in jazz, but who incorporate Brazilian and Afro-Cuban rhythms as well as pop and R&B influences in their music. Fair warning: Pastiche, which means "a combination of many styles and influences making up a single work of art," is accompanied throughout by a very fine jazz orchestra. That said, the trio's vocal harmonies are brilliant, and each song, from song 1, "Don't Lose Your Cool" to song 11, "When The Night," are showcases for that brilliance. A smooth, smoky, moody work of art!
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It Don't Mean a Thing |
Charlie Mead, director and composer/arranger, is at it again, dazzling us with his swinging musical stylings with the help of his eight talented singers. This time, the beautiful sounding octet takes on a vacation to various island getaways with four original compositions by Charlie, all giving you the feeling of being in the great outdoors. As they take us on this journey, they also satisfy our thirst for a few old classics with some unique arrangements of "On The Street Where You Live," "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square," and "I'm Beginning To See The Light." To end this fabulous CD, the top- notch performers sing Bach's "Goldberg Variations," a simplistic musical masterpiece who's instrumental orchestrations were most recently made famous by the Hannibal Lectar movies.
Listen to "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" in RealAudio.
| 4577 CD $14.98 |
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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.
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Would you believe an octet? Well they live up to their names not only in number, but remember that pieces of eight were made of gold. Dr. Charles Mead always was a writer/arranger and finally by organizing a group he has a vehicle to express his creative passion. Though jazz chords predominate, it is impossible to categorize all the songs this way. "Blue Meridian" has a south Pacific feel and island rhythms. "Hook, Line & Sinker" seems almost classical, no...popular, but wait how about that gospel riff. Then of course there is your standard reggae arrangement of "With A Little Help From My Friends." Nothing is the way you might expect but it's superb!
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Formed in 1982 by students of the esteemed director Phil Mattson, members of the P.M. Singers became identified with the Phil Mattson School and many have gone on to great professional and academic success in their own right. (Two examples are Joe Finetti, who now sings with The Bobs, and Michele Weir, a respected educator and arranger.) This mixed group has the talent and range to master the most technical of charts, as well as the warmth and emotion to stir the heart-witness"A Child Is Born," with a facile piano accompaniment by Phil Mattson himself, who plays keyboards throughout. Many of the arrangements allow one voice to solo, adding and subtracting harmonies for interest and variety. "I'll BeSeeing You" is a cappella and allows the melody to shine, gradually opening up the song with a frugal harmony that never interferes, but builds to a subtle crescendo and then resolves to an elegant closing cadence, the lead voice holding the final note while the lower parts complete the subject. A pleasure to listen to and a model of arranging virtuosity.
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Intricate arrangements and big and bold orchestrations, featuring saxophonist Richie Cole, characterize this six piece mixed group's sound, a pleasing mix of old and new jazz influences. The sound is suggestive of the Singers Unlimited in terms of complexity, though on "Waltz For Debby" and the tour-de-force (written by Clare Fischer) "The Quiet Side," the richness of the voicings invites comparisons to the Real Group. Speaking of "The Quiet Side," it is a seven minute exploration of form and tonality that begins a cappella, segues into a mid-tempo accompanied section that escalates in intensity using scat as it's medium, through an ascending sequence that descends again to the original introduction. "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" takes a vocal percussion idea which then evolves into a sultry duet with shimmering backups, "C'est Si Bon" is a throaty and suggestive interplay between voice and flugelhorn, with the horn part equal in importance to the arrangement. "Johnny One Note" is the Gene Puerling arrangement. A highly enjoyable and accomplished collection.
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Acoustic Souvenirs Goody Goody Girl From Impanema Les Duettistes The Man I Love I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo Summertime Planesong Blues Les Feuilles Mortes Lullaby Of Birdland Route 66 When I Fall In Love I Can Recall Spain Kelly Danielle's Lullaby |
What a find! After well over a decade of selling a cappella recordings those joyous days of discovering unknown a cappella artists are fewer but we have just come across another great a cappella talent in Ottawa-based sextet Quintessence. Influenced by groups such as The Manhattan Transfer, Les Swingle Singers and Singers Unlimited the group brings it's own jazzy style to a a wide variety of repertoire, from big-band through to hits of recent years and some original material. The group arranged most all of the songs themselves bringing freshness to these great standards that are a real pleasure to hear. The voices blend very well and there are a couple of very strong solos especially those of Marion Xhignesse and Susan Mayo. A recommended release for vocal jazz aficionados.
Listen to "Les Duettistes" in Real Audio.
| 7611 CD $15.95 |
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Butterfly Un-Wishing Well The Lark In The Clear Air We Walk In A Fog Lady Madonna Dobbin's Flowery Vale Summer Song Poison Tree You Can't Stop Me Armahan Kulku Kaipaava |
Rajaton is a world-class Finnish vocal jazz septet, and this is their second CD (their first, "Nova," is also excellent). They sing jazz renditions of their own and others' original compositions, Finnish folk songs and poetry put to music. The two Finnish folk songs, "Armahan kulku" and "Kaipaava" are sung in Finnish, the rest are in flawless English. Following the tradition of brilliant Scandinavian vocal jazz groups, Rajaton's sound is bright and clean, harmonically complex, spirited and perfect. The colorful liner notes contain all the words, and lovely photos of the group. Eleven songs: "Butterfly," "Un-Wishing Well," "The Lark In the Clear Air," "We Walk In a Fog," Lennon/McCartney's "Lady Madonna," "Dobbin's Flowery Vale," "Summer Song," "Poison Tree," "You Can't Stop Me," and the two folk songs. A breath of fresh, jazzy air from Finland!
Listen to "Butterfly" in RealAudio
| 4466 CD $15.98 |
"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 Tormª) 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 $29.98 |
'Rajaton' in Finnish means 'boundless,' a good description of the talent of this vocal jazz septet! 'Sanat' is the third excellent CD to reach us, and most of the songs are again in Finnish, with four in perfect English, 'Were You There,' 'Nearer My God To Thee,' 'Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel' and 'Weary In Well-Doing.' The group got together as music students at the renowned Sibelius Academy or at Helsinki's Pop/Jazz Conservatory, and almost immediately began performing live and winning major awards. Their repertoire on previous CDs consisted of their own and others' original compositions, jazz versions of Finnish folk tunes, and poetry put to music. 'Sanat' focuses on another dimension of the group, their deep Christian spirituality. Their sound remains fresh and spirited, harmonically complex; with incredibly perfect bell-like tones. The extensive liner notes present the words in Swedish and English. 'Sanat' is a beautiful CD, the best yet from yet another amazing Scandinavian vocal group!
Listen to "Iltavirsi"
in Real Audio.
| 4512 CD $14.98 |
We don't quite know why, perhaps it's the good beer, but those Scandinavian
countries sure know how to produce wonderful a cappella vocal jazz groups. Rajaton
(Finnish for boundless) are a highly talented septet whose members are experienced
choral singers with diverse musical backgrounds, most of whom studied singing
either at the Sibelius-Academy or at the Pop/Jazz Conservatory in Helsinki.
1999 winners of the Grand Prix at the Tampere Choir Festival they sing jazz
versions of Finnish folk songs, poetry and original compositions and are of
a world class caliber. We like this recording very much and the arrangements
and quality of singing are exceptional. English lyrics included in the liner
notes.
| 4438 CD $15.98 |
This incredible group from Sweden never fails to delight! On multiple tours to the U.S. and Canada, as well as around Europe, the award-winning quintet has won legions of fans.
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Prime Time Blues Mister Father Words Spring Is Coming I Tried Friendship Are You Coming To Me? The Grass Grows Greener My Hidden World A Perfect Life A Quiet Song Given Gota |
The A Cappella world is abuzz with the good news: the release of "The Middle of Life," The Real Group's much-anticipated new CD. Even better, "Life" is all new, all originals, all studio and all in English! Anders Edenroth writes the music and lyrics to "Prime Time Blues," a funky, saucy romp that features the title phrase and some state-of-the-art vocal percussion and mock horns, his "Words" is a lyrical, rhythmic masterpiece, "Friendship" has Anders singing a mellow, soaring lead, and his "The Grass Grows Greener" is an instant jazz standard with his voice adding a muted, precise tone. Peder Karlsson writes the understated, bluesy "Mister Father," his "Are You Coming To Me" is a salsa-flavored fiesta tune featuring Katarina on lead, "A Quiet Song" features Peder's slow, bluesy voice, and "Gota," featuring Peder and Katarina, has a simple, meandering melody that builds in intensity to symphonic proportions. Margareta Jalkeus writes "Spring Is Coming" and has a nice, soaring solo riff that becomes a dreamy scat sequence, and has a moody, mysterious lead on her "My Hidden World." Katarina Henryson writes "I Tried," shares writing credits with Anders on the ironic, pop-ish "A Perfect Life," and her bluenote alto on her "Given" is sweetly profound. So much talent here - we find ourselves listening to this CD again and again to appreciate just how far the a cappella envelope has been pushed, and comparing the genius and musical focus of the individual composers. Simply put, "The Middle of Life" is a masterpiece, an unexpected gift from Sweden to be unwrapped and savored on many levels!
Listen to "Prime Time Blues" and "Words" in RealAudio.
| 4610 CD $16.98 |
It always seems much too long between releases of the legendary Real Group, arguably one of the finest a cappella groups of all time and of course one of Primarily A Cappella's best selling artists. "Stamning" is a gem, leaning more towards the choral side of this three-man, two-woman Swedish group. This is their first CD under the direction of Eric Ericson, well-known Swedish director, who first worked with them when they where members of his acclaimed Swedish Radio Choir years before. The twenty two songs are a tribute to the great Swedish composers, featuring a wide selection of folk, religious and traditional songs. With a long and well respected history of vocal harmony singing Sweden has, over the years, produced many great composers and this recording features some of the best of them all. Touching, hauntingly beautiful songs with polished, perfectly blended harmonies sung by the most beautiful of vocal ensembles.
Listen to "Sverige"
in Real Audio
| 4495 CD $15.98 |
Well what can be say about a Best Of CD from quite possibly the best a cappella group in the world? How about Wow! Amazing! Incredible! We could go on but suffice to say this is a must have a cappella CD for any fan of unaccompanied vocal harmony. With twenty tracks this isa long, sublime listening experience that fully covers the breath and depth of this fabulous Swedish quintet. There are four new tracks including an Anders Edenroth arrangement of "Man e Man" and a touch of Spain in the closing audience favorite "Granada". Plus, to add to the joy, there are two brand new arrangements of the now classic "Chile con Carne" and the divine, entrancing "Li'l Darlin'" The Real Group is the best selling artist in the Primarily A Cappella catalog and we very quickly expect this to to become our best selling CD ever. We hate to be pushy, (honest) but you really, really should Buy This CD!
Listen to Lift Me Up
in Real Audio.
| 2932 CD $15.98 |
Sweden's Real Group began sixteen years ago, singing in Swedish. Subsequent recordings produced what some consider definitive versions of classic American jazz standards, as well as what became staples of the Real Group repertoire, such as "Chili Con Carne" and "Acappella in Acapulco." Their previous release, "One For All," saw the group focusing on original material, written in English. "Commonly Unique" continues the focus on self-written compositions, and though the unmistakable clarity and tone that instantly identifies their sound is there, this is just as much an adult contemporary record as it is jazz. The use of effects processing to enrich the sound, especially on the vocal percussion and bass, adds a modern edge and feel. "Substitute for Life," a commentary on the ill effects of television, melds a relentlessly cheery chorus with the dire incantation of the verse, all driven by an energetic trip-hop beat. "Thousand Things" will be a new Real Group classic, returning to warmly familiar jazz territory with an inspired melody and brisk tempo. The nuanced musing of "Stay" features a vocal trumpet, subtly marking the tonal landscape. Pretty ballads such as "Song Of Love," "Long Way To Go" and "Love And Let Go" are glossy pastiches, sweetly delectable and easy to digest. "Commonly Unique" is aptly titled, and will bring together both old and new fans of the most gifted a cappella vocal jazz group performing today.
Listen to "Thousand Things" in Real Audio.
| 4790 CD $15.98 |
The Real Group have set a standard, indeed the standard, as the royalty of a cappella vocal jazz. From their youthful beginnings at the Academy of Music in Stockholm, where they acquired the prodigious technical expertise that has since become their trademark, to their current reign as best-selling recording artists, the Real Group has earned widespread recognition and acclaim. In keeping with this tradition, they have released "One For All," containing fourteen mostly original songs, written and sung in proficient English. "I Sing, You Sing," about that song that you just can't seem to get out of your head (and it makes you crazy!) has a simple melody that outlines the triads in bell-like tones; like a nursery rhyme, it is easy to remember and impossible to forget. The ethereal "Three Poems" adapts the verse of Emily Dickinson, the traditional "Vem Kan Segla Fvrutan Vind" features a harmonica solo that compliments the melancholy melody. "One Summer" is one example of many that illustrates why the group is so successful: perfect pitch and arrangements that challenge and cajole the ear combine to produce a sound without compare. This is the vocal jazz release of the year.
Listen to "Splanky" in Real Audio.
| 4399 CD $15.98 |
Whee! "The Flight Of The Foobirds" is chock full of delicious scat, "A Cappella In Acapulco" is not only alliteratively alluring but it will have your feet tapping for sure. "A Child Is Born" is nothing short of unreal! Hmm, there's a recording title there somewhere. The vocal trumpet on that one tune is plenty of reason enough to listen to Unreal! about a hundred times. It doesn't seem possible. What we have here is one of two cds released only for the Canadian and U.S. markets which includes some of the very finest of The Real Group. In addition to the dozen tunes sung in English, there are two Swedish folk songs. No, no, neither the Beatles nor Hoagy Carmichael is Swedish but Anders Edenroth is, and shares three originals with us including the aforementioned "A Cappella In Acapulco."
Listen to "I've Found a New Baby" in Real Audio
| 4394 CD $15.98 |
We can't start with superlatives when describing the Real Group's work. Our thesaurus isn't infinite. Suffice it to say that they are the premiere jazz a cappella group in Sweden. Well, maybe in Europe. Ok, ok, in the world. They open with a choral scat introduction as they launch into an upbeat "It Don't Mean A Thing." Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" never had it so good. Sweet and slow harmonious interplay is the texture of "When I Fall In Love." Don't drift off into a reverie because (pow!) here's the well known "Chili Con Carne," and so we are alternately jazzed and beguiled by a dozen great tunes, all in English.
Listen to"Come Sunday"
in Real Audio.
| 4391 CD $15.98 |
Wah-wah-wa-wa-wahao, and so we dive into the beginning of "Splanky," that classic of wordless scat with the driving jazz chords which usually need the accompaniment of a big band to be so effective. Yow! Ok, ok, lets quiet it down with the subtle vocal intertwining of "When I Fall In Love." And now give them a medium tempo, combo feeling, with "Good Bait." Thus a great performance takes the audience though successive tempo changes, moods, and by a recording lets those of us who never had the chance to see the live Real Group experience that. They are so polished that it is easy to forget this is live until the end of each song reminds us of the audience. Every Real Group fan should have this one.
Listen to "Waltz For Debby" in Real Audio.
| 4397 CD $15.98 |
When musicians totally create their own work rather interpret the songs others
have written they naturally embellish their own harmonious strength. Thus it
is on Original, in which the tunes are so naturally sung that they become as
familiar as standards before they are finished the first time! That is the response
of your enthusiastic reviewer who knows not a word of Swedish in which the songs
are sung and the notes are written. There is a quiet beauty infusing this whole
album which will beguile you into listening to it again and again.
| 4395 CD $15.98 |
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 |
The Real Group, glorious, award-winning mixed-voice a cappella vocal quintet from Sweden, has expanded the boundaries of vocal 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, and with international names including Bobby McFerrin, Sir George Martin and Jon Hendricks. Year after year, the Group ranks among our best sellers. "Julen," the group's second Christmas album, is simply marvelous, all the better because it features three tunes, including a great live 8-minute medley, sung in English: John Lennon/Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas," "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"), and a bluesy "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" with a sweet whistling solo. 14 tunes in all, with a bonus 5-minute video (MPG) at the end of the live tune "Clown of the Jungle," which must be seen to be believed! Beautiful color pictures of each group member in winter garb around a roaring fire on the ice. "Julen" is a highly recommended gift!
Listen to "Happy Christmas" and "The Big Juleblues" in Real Audio.
| 4529 CD $16.98 |
This album is the first by The Real Group (recorded in 1987) as you might suspect from the title. It was recorded with two microphones straight to a two-track tape deck with no mix down. Amazing! They are already so good you won't realize that fact by the most critical listening. What dynamic balance! The original release was a vinyl edition of 2500. In 1995 that early recording was rereleased on cd and given the appropriate title, Debut. Of the thirteen tunes, three are sung in Swedish, while the rest are the types of familiar covers that we've come to expect, "All Of Me," "Misty," "Li'l Darlin'," "Night And Day," "As Time Goes By," "My Romance" and "Who Put The Bomp," among others. It's a must for anyone who is following the career of this extraordinary group.
| 4396 CD $15.98 |
As we join the Real Group this time we are treated to the Swedish version of
Anders Edenroth's "A Cappella I Acapulco." Listen to the mouth popping percussion!
Fabulous. On this album all the songs are sung in Swedish, which, for those
of us who don't, is a perfect opportunity to just listen. No meaning to distract
from sheer musical pleasure. Thus we are simply stunned by the impossibly beautiful
vocal trumpet throughout "Somna Mitt Barn," hey wait a minute, is that a real
trumpet? Even sans Swedish, the musical humor of "Styrman Karlssons ·ventyr
Med Porslinspjsen" brings a smile. Great!
| 4392 CD $15.98 |
Again, we are behind in our Swedish lessons and must rely on our ears and hearts to enjoy this 1994 relaese. Do you realize that it's been ten years since the Real Group got together! It seems like only yesterday. Their horizons are continually expanding. That title track is rock 'n roll or my name isn't This Reviewer. Hey who slipped in the piano on that one track? That sounds suspiciously like Maurice Chevalier. Familiar to our ears are "Dancing Queen." The total scat and bass rendition of "The Flight Of The Foo-Birds" is extra special! "Boogie-Woogie Tango" in Swedish? Yes, right here!
Listen to "Flight of the Foo-Birds" in Real Audio.
| 4393 CD $15.98 |
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Fascinating Rhythm/Steppin' Out With My Baby The Shadow Of Your Smile April In Paris Seaside rendezvous My Funny Valentine Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye Let's Go To Brazil/The Gift! The Lark In The Clear air Blue Skies The Night We Called It A Day Rhythm Is Our Business Maybe You'll Be There Where Do You Start? Busy Line Some Other Time |
"Busy Line" is the second excellent album by talented, mixed voice (2 men, 2 women) Vocal Jazz group R,W&M, who first came on to our radar with their wonderful set at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional. The LA-based retro quartet, who have been singing together since 2003, feature lead Caroline Mclean, alto Kate Walker, tenor Peter Neushul and bass Jim Campbell has taken the place of fellow "chord freak" Robert Clark. 15 nostalgic favorites, beginning with a "Fascinating Rhythm/Steppin' Out with My Baby" medley, the Gershwins' haunting "Shadow of Your Smile" from "The Sandpiper," Freddie Mercury's big fun Roaring 20s reprise "Seaside Rendezvous," Cole Porter's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," and another nice medley, "Let's Go to Brazil/The Gift," which has some non-vocal percussion and bass, and Cahn, Chaplin & Lunceford's "Rhythm is Our Business" is big band-accompanied. Irving Berlin's upbeat "Blue Skies," Bloom & Gallup's bluesy "Maybe You'll Be There" and Leonard Bernstein's "Some Other Time" round out the program. Murray Semos and Frank Stanton's title tune has some non-vocal bass and percussion, and Mandel and Bergman's "Where Do You Start" has some bluenote Saxophone. An entertaining, authentic (even down to the vintage clothing worn by the group in the liner notes pix), sweet-harmonied trip to another era from Ready, Willing & Mabel!
Listen to "Some Other Time" in RealAudio.
| 2511 CD $14.95 |
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Langtar till Sommarn Har ar Passion Folket fran Ea Kyss mig varm Argument Poesi for snabbmatskulur Inga ord Varldens Starkaste Man Schack Matt Brinner av Langtan Nar du ler |
Oh, to be young, beautiful, and a member of the hottest Swedish a cappella ensemble since the Real Group, Rilton's Vanner (Rilton's Friends)! First formed five years ago in Stockholm by five high school friends (3 women, 2 men) merely "singing for fun," they are now one of the most well known groups in Sweden—and the rest of the world is quickly becoming aware because of excellent CDs like "Kompis." Their music ranges from jazz standards and pop covers, but their main focus is their own music. "Har ar passion" (Here is Passion) is their third album, 11 songs consisting solely of music and lyrics especially written for the group. Live performances at festivals in Sweden and Germany, a visit to Washington and New York, and a tour of Sweden with a newly produced show has gained the quintet a host of new fans. The songs, like "Langtar till sommarn," the title tune, "Poesi for snabbmatskultur," "Inga ord," "Schack matt" and "Brinner av langtan" are all in Swedish except for "Argument." Comparisons to the Real Group in sheer listening enjoyment are well-founded. Innovative, complex arrangements are effortlessly followed; and the group's precise, clean sound is as rewarding on first listen as on subsequent appreciative returns. "Kompis" was outstanding, "Har ar passion" is even better, and with "Vanner" like these, can international stardom be far off? One of the best CDs we've heard this year.
Listen to "Har ar Passion" in Real Audio.
| 4632 CD $14.98 |
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Riltons Vanner is an a cappella group of five good-looking 19 and 20-year-olds (3 women and 2 men), based in Stockholm, Sweden. They started singing together in November, 1999, are named after their soft-deep bass Sebastian Rilton, and "Kompis" (Friend), released in May, is their first CD. For a group so young, Riltons has had three sold-out concerts at the Swedish Musical Academy, performed on German television (representing the "choral Sweden" ) and given over 100 live performances. Two things amazed us listening to "Kompis:" first, the the clean, super-in-tune sound of the group; and second, the excellent new songs and arrangements by non-groupmember Peter Bjorklund. With wonderful harmonies and crisp leads that make the hairs on the back of your neck tingle, not unlike their compatriots The Real Group, "Kompis" is a stunning, impressive first CD. While eight of the ten songs are in Swedish, we especially liked the two in charmingly accented English, "Lucky" and "Cruise for a while." Leaving the Stockholm Music Gymnasium as virtuosos last spring, Riltons is climbing fast in the Swedish a cappella world, and we would like to do our part to help them climb in the rest of the a cappella world by absolutely recommending "Kompis!" Listen to "O'boy" in Real Audio.
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Headlock |
It was a quick jump for these 3 men and 3 women from Los Angeles from the founding of their Vocal Jazz group in 1999 to realizing their dream of appearing in the Harmony Sweepstakes competition. Sixth Wave won the 2001 L.A. Harmony Sweeps Regionals, and then they found themselves on the stage of the National Finals in San Rafael, where they performed an incredible set and were named Harmony Sweeps National Champions! A pair of excellent CDs followed, "Sixth Wave" and "It Will Come to You," and now we hold their long-awaited third album, "Happy Madness" in our hot little hands. Fourteen songs, and it's not easy to pick favorites. We'll start with the title tune, the New-York-jazzy "This Happy Madness," a bubbly, crazy, romantic delight; the surprising, joyful "Verlieben, Verlieren," sung in perfect German, a pair of nice original by group member Jennifer Barnes, "Life's Too Good to Sing the Blues" and the surprising, brilliant "Meet Us (Intro);" James Taylor's sublime "Another Grey Morning;" the moody "Kindred Souls (Cerebral Thoughts)," with lyrics by Jennifer, a scattish arrangement of "This Joint is Jumpin';" a pair of originals by group member Greg Jasperse, "Voice Dance IV" and "Oh How Beautiful This Finely Woven Earth;" and a wonderfully arranged cover of Stevie Wonder's "You Haven't Done Nothin'." "Happy Madness" is a joyous little jazz masterpiece from one of our favorite mixed-voice Vocal Jazz sextets!
Listen to "This Happy Madness" in Real Audio.
| 7678 CD $15.95 |
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Kirk Marcy is one of the members of the vocal jazz foursome, "Just For Kicks." When not touring as a performer, he teaches, and directs the mixed voice jazz group, Soundsation, of which he was a former member himself. Standards, such as Gershwin's "Love Walked In" and Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" are matched by the boppin' scat of "Lemon Drop" and the contemporary and sensual cool of "You're Everything," written by Corea/Potter, and arranged by Michele Weir. The enigmatic Pat Methany composition, "Minuano," beginning with long, open vowels, gradually increases intensity by clipping the note values and shifting the vowels forward. Yumiko Matsuoka Young's velvety "Danny Boy" and the "William Tell Overture" are a cappella (most of the cuts are accompanied).
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A seven CD collection containing everything the group recorded in their history
save for their Christmas material, these recordings are a tour of the best that
vocal jazz has to offer in terms of arrangement, composition and performance.
Bonnie Herman, Len Dresslar, Don Shelton and of course the illustrious Gene
Puerling, to whom we owe these magnificent arrangements, left a legacy that
is unmatched to this moment. The arrangements are frequently a backdrop for
Bonnie's voice, but sometimes, as on "Here's That Rainy Day," the
tenor voice takes the lead for a section or line. There's no set prescription.
What to take to a desert island? Grab this box set and a lawn chair and push
off! Endless hours of listening pleasure await you.
| 4205 7-CD SET $99.98 |
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Considered by many to be the finest vocal harmony groups ever the Singers Unlimited were Don Shelton, Len Dresslar, Gene Puerling and Bonnie Herman. Founded by Puerling in Chicago in 1967 the group signed with MPS Records in Germany with whom they recorded fourteen albums over the next seven years. This CD is a collection of some of the best of those recordings and features nineteen tracks including a cappella classics such as My Romance and Clare which are great examples as to why Puerling is often lauded as a genius for his work. Puerling created a unique style based on rich and bold harmony, delicate contrasts in timbre and differentiated formal arrangements. Listen to The Fool on the Hill in Real Audio.
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A Classic Reissued! Legendary vocal group The Singers Unlimited, for their third album on Germany's MPS label, recorded a collaboration with the Oscar Peterson Trio. Grammy-winning arranger Gene Puerling wrote the charts and the musicians recorded this remarkable session in 1971 at the storied Villingen studios in the Black Forest. The-then latest breakthroughs in studio technology, and the masterful engineer and MPS Records owner Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, allowed the artists to overdub vocals creating the layered vocals the Singers Unlimited are famous for. Using a sixteen-track deck Brunner-Schwer had bought for the occasion, the group layered on chords, melody lines and solos which we often sung in four or eight part pieces that were later assembled almost magically. The CD sleeve includes rare photos from the session plus both the original LP liner notes and extensive new notes, including many new quotes from Puerling, by noted jazz musicologist James Gaven. A gem of a recording! Listen to Sesame Street in Real Audio.
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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.
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Strip It Downr Flavaday Lullaby Moon Bring It, Life! I Don't Wanna Be Kissed All Good That Ends Well |
"Breaking" is the debut album of three-woman, two-man quintet Stripped, who have performed their dynamic original vocal jazz music throughout Chicago, receiving awards at the Chicago Cultural Center Cx2 competition and at the 2004 Harmony Sweeps Regionals. Of these seven original tunes, the breathless, scattish "Strip It Down," "Flavaday," the moody, mysterious "Lullaby Moon," the funny, manic "I Don't Want to be Kissed" and the bluesy "All Good That Ends Well" are all written and composed by group member Sean Archer; "Its Time" and "Bring It, Life!" are written and composed by group member Mariama Torruella. Stripped has a wonderfully sophisticated, smooth sound with complex, sometimes dissonant harmonies that are effortlessly nailed by these talented singers. "Breaking Boundaries" is a fine debut recording, some of the best vocal jazz and original material we have heard in a long time. If you love fresh, intense vocal jazz, put on Stripped, and your seatbelt!
Listen to "Strip it Down" in RealAudio.
| 7651 CD $10.95 |
Winners of the 1997 Harmony Sweepstakes, and recipients of the 1997 CARA for Studio Album of the Year, SoVoSo is one of the hottest groups in a vocal jazz cappella today. (Profile)
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First Words Say Show Them Dance Thank You People Get Ready Tu Para Mi Dirt That Day Wa Wa Wa Home Fop U Down By the Riverside Say A Prayer |
1997 Harmony Sweepstakes Winners, SoVoSó also won the CARA that same year in the category Studio Album Of The Year. The majority of the six members had been singing together for ten years or so, since being members in Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra. In fact "Dirt" the six movement, twenty plus minute marvel of improvisation was written by McFerrin and SoVoSo as a dance score for the Oberlin Dance Co. of San Francisco. This reviewer particularly loves Melanie Rath's "Show Them Dance," David Worm's "Say", Joey Blake's "Tu Para MÌ" and Rhiannon's "Say A Prayer." Oh heck, all of them!
Listen to Show Them Dance, Down By the Riverside and People Get Ready in Real Audio:
| 2700 CD $14.98 |
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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 SoVoSo'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.
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Serengeti rhythms, New Orleans style funk, Jamaican reggae dubs...SoVoSo's brand new release, entitled Bridges, spans the musical globe, transporting the listener across traditional cultures to a contemporary, one-village world of human harmony. You'll be dancing to a tribal beat one minute and closing your eyes to take in a soulful ballad the next. With titles like "Big Family," "Precious," "For I Am TheMoon," "New Groove," "Charity," "Build A Bridge," and "Say," (a remix),this all-original, genre-blending collection includes gospel-flavored R&B, rock and soul ballads, jazz riffs and spoken word poetry over African rhythms. SoVoSo forges thoughtful lyrical territory, from love songs to anthems calling us toward our universal humanity, all rendered in superlative musicianship through the fundamentally human instrument -the voice. Bridges clearly places SoVoSo on the map at the cutting edge of world-soul-beat music. Don't miss the latest from one of the most innovative a cappella groups on the planet. Listen to Say, Big Family and Build A Bridge in Real Audio.
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What happens when you get six lead singers to perform in one group? You get SoVoSo. Each of the individual musical personalities take their turns expressing themselves with the total support of the other singers. Unheard of! Amazing! And just plain wow! "Be Of Love" is David Worm's opening tune. I would pick Joey Blake's "Thank You For The Dream" as his representative composition but notice has to be taken of the fact that he wrote and arranged "Life and Love" which Sunshine Garcia has made her own. Melanie Rath's pure soprano swoops, dives and scats through Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue." Rhiannon presents her autobiographical, "In My Prime." And finally, Nicholas Blake leaves us with a soulful, "Clear Winter Skies." In the vernacular, it don't get any better than this! Listen to "Gift of Music" , "Life & Love" and Thank You for the Dream in Real Audio.
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This "classical jazz" British ensemble is still delighting audience after more than 30 years. These eight talented vocalists move effortlessly from organ fugues to orchestral overtures, from big band favorites to piano pieces all sung without accompaniment as well as performing original arrangements of pop classics and folk tunes. (Profile)
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A Fifth of Beethoven Spain (I Can Recall) Dido's Lament It's Sand, Man! Adagio in G Minor Bolero Cielito Lindo Straighten Up and Fly Right Piano Concerto No 21, 2nd mvt Gotcha (Theme from 'Starsky & Hutch') Bachbeat |
After 44 years of performing in concert and recording, the 2007 version of the Swingles are often asked how the group has changed. The answer is, slowly and naturally they have begun to add vocal percussion, which has made an exciting and indispensable impact on their live shows - and now on "Beauty and the Beatbox," the first Swingles disc where every track contains vocal percussion or human beatboxing. Shlomo, awe-inspiring beatboxer and a great friend of the group who was invited to join the group for an appearance at the London Jazz Festival in 2006, has a major and exciting presence on the album. Included in these 11 tracks are longtime Swingles favorites like "A Fifth of Beethoven, which segues into disco samples (LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade" and the BeeGees' "Stayin' Alive"), "Spain," "Adagio in G Minor," "Bolero," "Cielito Lindo," a hot cover of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" (which has some very fine faux horns), and "Piano Concerto No. 21, 2nd mvt." Besides adding a rich bass dimension to the sweet Swingles leads, Shlomo's beatboxing adds a fresh, irreverent, sassy note to this familiar material that we find very appealing—this is fun, sexy, jazzy, let-it-all-hang-out stuff. Listen to the Starsky & Hutch theme "Gotcha," Ward Swingle's arrangement of Lambert, Hendricks & Lewis's "It's Sand, Man!", and the final cut, the dynamic "Bachbeat," to get a taste of the funky, tasty new Swingles.
Listen to "A Fifth of Beethoven" in RealAudio.
| 7639 CD $17.95 |
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Fugue in D Minor (from 'The Art of Fugue' BWV 1080 by J.S. Bach) Air (from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major BWV 1068 by J.S. Bach) Largo (from Harpsichord Concerto in F minor BWV 1056 by J.S. Bach) Badinerie (from Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor BWV 1067 by J.S. Bach) Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Op. K.525 by W.A. Mozart: -Allegro -Romanze -Menuetto -Rondo En Aranjuez con tu amor (based on mvt. 2 of 'Concierto de Aranjuez' by J. Rodrigo) Tango in D major (No. 2 from 'Espana' Op. 165 by I. Albeniz) Romanza Espanola Just One of Those Things (by C. Porter) Fascinatin' Rhythm (by G. Gershwin / B. Russo / J. Hendricks) Sinfonia (from Partita No. 2 in C minor BWV 826 by J.S. Bach) Solfeggietto (Wq. 117/2 by C.P.E. Bach) Dejeuner sur l'herbe (by Pascal Zavaro) |
This recording is a celebration of forty years of arguably the world's most famous and longest-running a cappella group. The current mixed-voice octet has gone back to its roots, teaming up with a world-class jazz rhythm section for this live CD to recreate both the look and sound of the original Swingles as it performs the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s, beginning and ending, of course with the composer on whose music the group was founded, J.S. Bach. The first part of the program includes 4 Bach gems, then 4 from Mozart's "Ein Kleine Nachtmusik and 3 Spanish romantic pieces like J. Rodrigo's "En Aranjuez con tu amor." Marvelous arrangements of Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things" and Gershwin's "Fascinating Rhythm" delight us and the crowd. We get a glimpse of the Swingle's future, "Dejeuner sur l'herbe" by Parisian composer Pascal Zavaro, who is currently writing an opera with the group. As always, breathtaking, brilliant stuff from the Swingles! Highly recommended.
| 4530 CD $15.98 |
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 |
The Swingle Singers, Ann De Renais, soprano 1, Joanna Forbes, soprano 2, Sarah Simmonds, Alto 1, Wendy Nieper, alto 2, Andrew Gray, Tenor 1, Richard Eteson, Tenor 2, Jeremy Sadler, Bass 1 and Patrick Ardagh-Walter, Bass 2, and this is another of their very popular live albums. We can feel ourselves in the audience in December 2000, the elusive "tingle factor" in the air, as the group takes 21 classic tunes and proceeds to nail them, as only the Swingles can, one by one: "September Song," "Alabama Song," "Mack The Knife," "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat," "Largo," "Badinerie," "Air on the G String," "Ticket to Ride," Procul Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale," "Ave Maria," "The Fool on the Hill," Queen's amazing "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Little Drummer Boy," "Away in a Manger," "Christmas Medley," "Amazing Grace," "White Christmas," "Intro to 1812 Overture," "1812 Overture," "September Song," "Thank You" and "Theme from Mission Impossible." Great music, incomparable singing!
Listen to "Bohemian
Rhapsody" or "Mack
the Knife"
| 4460 CD $15.98 |
A compilation recording featuring the best of Swingles' past and present. The Swingles are a top attraction at concert halls throughout the world, and their purely vocal arrangements of famous works from composers such as J.S. Bach, Handel, Mozart, Vivaldi, Brahms, Beethoven and Satie are a Swingles trademark. They were a sensation when the group first popularized the concept in the 1960's. Half of the arrangements on this CD are by founder Ward Swingle, including "Fugue In D Minor" and "Clair De Lune," with the remainder balanced between Ben Parry, Jonathan Rathbone, Mark Williams, Andrew Gray and current musical director, Joanna Forbes. The four male and four female voices that animate these hallmarks of European classical tradition have a modern grace and elegance, and the sound is spacious, open and fluid. These are new a cappella recorded versions of the classic repertoire.
| 4315 CD $15.98 |
A delightful concept: the Swingle Singers do an Irving Berlin theme album! We were able to obtain this European release on import. Produced in 1996, there are twenty songs, of which sixteen were previously unreleased in the U.S. Mostly accompanied, these arrangements really swing, though some, such as "Steppin' Out With My Baby," rely on the Swingles' patented ability to orchestrate using their voices only (save for an effusive solo sax passage). "Let Yourself Go" is a modern interpretation that cuts up the rug with a disco beat; "What'll I Do" is true to its period, conveying the grace and romance of Berlin's early twentieth century with its cultured vocal. Berlin was one of the most successful American composers of our era (though born in Russia, he came to America at the age of five), and his influence cannot be overstated. Likewise, the Swingles have had a similar impact on the world of a cappella.
Listen to or "Ticket
to Ride"
| 3355 CD $15.98 |
The Swingles' discography boasts a stylistic diversity unmatched by any other a cappella group--from Mozart to madrigals, Bach to the Beatles, folk songs to fugues and film themes, but "Mood" focuses on their forte: jazz. These eight gifted singers have a symbiotic relationship with some of the best arrangers in the world, Ward Swingle, Bertrand Groeger, Alexander L'Estrange, Jonathan Rathbone and others. "Mood" begins with Miles Davis's "So What," which is followed by a brilliant selection of 1960s Latin jazz, "Surfboard," Jobim's "Insensatez" and "The Girl From Ipanema" (The best version we've heard), and "Milonga del Angel." Three moody jazz ballads, "A Time For Love," "The Peacocks" and "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" follow. Then three Richard Rodgers classics, "Have You Met Miss Jones?," "My Funny Valentine" and "The Lady Is A Tramp." Then come four classic 30s and 40s standards: "Just One of those Things," "My Foolish Heart," "All The Things You Are" and "It Don't Mean A Thing," finishing with Quincy Jones' 1966 hit, "Soul Bossa Nova" (from Austin Powers). Our favorite is the stunning 60s Latin Jazz section, which we hope they devote a whole CD to, but every song is a finely-crafted jewel. "Mood Swings" swings us into a jazz mood and never lets us go. Listen to the vocal trumpet solo on "The Lady Is a Tramp"--it's almost unnecessary, because the soprano voices are already doing soaring jazz trumpet riffs throughout the song. This is breathtaking proof of our contention that the Swingles are the best at whatever style they choose to sing simply perfect! Highly recommended.
Listen to It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Don't Got that Swing), or Soul Bossa Nova, and The Girl from Ipanema in Real Audio:
| 4470 CD $15.98 |
A delightful concept: the Swingle Singers do an Irving Berlin theme album!
We were able to obtain this European release on import. Produced in 1996, there
are twenty songs, of which sixteen were previously unreleased in the U.S. Mostly
accompanied, these arrangements really swing, though some, such as "Steppin'
Out With My Baby," rely on the Swingles' patented ability to orchestrate using
their voices only (save for an effusive solo sax passage). "Let Yourself Go"
is a modern interpretation that cuts up the rug with a disco beat; "What'll
I Do" is true to its period, conveying the grace and romance of Berlin's early
twentieth century with its cultured vocal. Berlin was one of the most successful
American composers of our era (though born in Russia, he came to America at
the age of five), and his influence cannot be overstated. Likewise, the Swingles
have had a similar impact on the world of a cappella.
| 6246 CD $14.98 |
A hard-to-find classic and 1965 Grammy winner by the original Les Swingle Singers! Ward Swingle graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory, then studied the piano in France under Walter Gieseking from 1951-53. After working as an accompanist and conductor he became a member of the famed Double-Six. From there he became the founder, arranger and 1st tenor for the SwingleSingers, all the other singers being French. We have Jeanette Baucomont, soprano; Christiane LeGrand, soprano; Alice Herald, alto; Jean Cussac, bass; and three Germains, Anne, alto; her husband Claude, tenor; and his brother Jos?, Bass. Included are: "Zwolf Variationen fur Klavier ?Ah! Vous Dirais-Je Maman,'" "Fuga," "Sonate fur Klavier Nr. 15 C-Dur," three movements, "Serenade Nr. 13 G-Dur, ?Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,'" four movements; and "Allegro." Lightly scatting over the familiar melodies (what we recognize as the kids' song "A B C D E F G," for instance) then matching the snare drum beat for beat in a dancing multi-harmonic nonsense-syllable musical race, here was a unique sound, as fresh and original as Wolfgang himself. It was a breakthrough sound that led to the group being awarded a Grammy. Unobtrusively accompanied by Guy Pedersen on Double Bass and Daniel Humair on Drums, "Swinging" is astounding, a vocal jazz milestone!
Listen to "Eine
Klein Nachtmusik: Allegro" or "Piano
Sonata #15 in C Major: Andate"
| 4482 CD $15.98 |
It's 1995 and time for music from the New World of the Swingle Singers. Let's
begin with four pieces of wordless interpretations of Dvorak's works including
the Slow Movement of the "New World" Symphony, hmm? And now perhaps
a couple of traditional folk tunes such as "The Miller Of Dee." OK
a couple by Bizet and then we'll segue right into a World War One Tribute trilogy.
Time to approach the modern, but let us ease into it. How about Mancini? Good,
good... and a little Rogers/Hart just before the Lennon/McCartney. We'll leave
them with a real rouser - back to the classics - "The Ride of The Valkyries."
So we are taken on an extensive tour of a most diverse repertoire. Don't miss
"Les Anes" which turns from hysterically funny to beautiful and back
again.
| 6214 CD $15.98 |
The eight-member Swingles have defined a niche for themselves as the preeminent
classical/vocal jazz group. Using their voices as instruments and interpreting
the classical masters, of which these two recordings are perfect examples, the
Swingles perform Bach favorites such as "Air on a G String," "Little
Organ Fugue" and "Chorale from Wachet Auf," to name just a few
of the twenty-one tracks included here. "A Cappella Amadeus" continues
in like motif, featuring the Overture from the "Magic Flute," the
complete Symphony No. 40, the Rondo from "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
and so forth. A thoroughly unique approach for acolytes or afficionados alike!
| 6242 CD $15.98 |
In choosing the music of Mozart the Swingles looked to that last ten year period of his short life, for it was during this time that the cultural influences of his time had been set aside as his own musical spirit prevailed. And so the album starts with the "Overture to Die Zauberflvte" written some five months before his death. It ends with "Fantasia in F minor and major" written about a year before his demise for mechanical organ. Among the eighteen pieces are most of his best remembered, "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (finale), "Ave Verum Corpus," the "Horn Concerto No.4," two from "CosÏ fan tutte" and the "String Quartet in G minor."
| 6207 CD $15.98 |
This is it! The original Les Swingle Singers, arranged and conducted by Ward
Swingle. Half of this rerelease was from the l963 recording which won a Grammy
for "Best Performance by a Chorus." The first Jazz Sebastian Bach
was a 1968 album called Bach's Greatest Hits here in the US where Les Swingles
won a Grammy in the category "Best New Artist." You'll find over sixty-five
minutes of jazz/Bach sung with only the bass and drum (mostly snare) to accentuate
rhythm. They became world renown because scat is an understandable language
everywhere in it. None of Bach's work has been changed, not a note added or
taken away! This is not improvisation (though two pieces were transposed to
accommodate vocal range).
| 6206 CD $15.98 |
This is the second CD which, along with Jazz Sebastian Bach, are the rereleases
of the early Les Swingle Singers who were a world renown phenomena. Ward Swingle's
original intent had been to sing exact vocal versions of big band classics.
All of the original octet had been classically trained musicians, most with
perfect pitch. They sang Bach merely for practice to improve their sight reading
and musicianship.The idea of 'swinging it' (jazzing it up) came later after
the bass and drums were added. This fortuitous evolution leaves us with a wonderful
compilation of "Swingleized" works by Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi and
Bach, mostly Mozart's and Bach's work.
| 6211 CD $15.98 |
Well, maybe Notability would be as good a beginning for a Swingle introductee
as 1812. This is the heyday of the group produced by Jonathan Rathbone, Mark
Williams, and John Milner (their sound engineer). We begin with the "Star
Trek" theme which is like a modern fanfare. The "Overture to 'Il Barbiere
di Siviglia" is a bouncy wordless piece of vocal music. Then we touch bases
with all types of compositions by Irving Berlin, Schubert, Schumann, Stephen
Foster, Rossini, Rogers/Hart, Duke Ellington, Henry Mancini and more! Twenty
tunes in all are presented for your listening pleasure by one of the best groups
in the world.
| 6212 CD $15.98 |
Pretty Ring Time is a repertoire chosen from many of the songs that the Swingle Singers knew and loved growing up. All the composers are English from the early 20th century with the exception of one song, "Sally In Our Alley," written by the group's director and second tenor, Jonathan Rathbone. Most of this music was meant to be performed by piano and voice but lends itself wonderfully well to the group's capacities. The composers are Peter Warlock, Ivor Gurney, George Butterworth, Gerald Finzi, Frank Bridge and John Ireland. The lyrics are from Shakespeare, Tennyson, Shelley, Masefield, A.E. Houseman, Thomas Hardy and other notables of English letters whom the composers had set to music.
| 6214 CD $15.98 |
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.
| 2650 CD $14.98 |
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 Noël!
| 4455 CD $15.98 |
Ward Swingle's Swingle Singers were formed in 1962, and stepped into the vocal jazz spotlight bigtime with the success of their first album, which was based entirely on Ward's groundbreaking vocal scat interpretations of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. On this their second album, seven of the 12 tunes are again by JohannÄbut to the Swingles, their homage could only be complete if they included by works of Johann's family and friends, composers who viewed Bach as their Master. Thus we are treated to the marvelous vocal gymnastics of the Swingles on pieces by Bach's two sons, Carl and Wilhelm, Handel (spelled "Haendel" in the liner notes) and Vivaldi. We are immediately drawn into the surprising power of Bach's "Badinerie" where the voices, accompanied by light, driving jazz snare drum, dance like frantic, harmonic dragonflies over the surface of a pond for a minute and 19 seconds and then are gone. Also fun and fast-moving are Bach's "Praeambulum," and "Solfegietto in C Minor," Handel's "Allegro" and Vivaldi's "Fugue." Particularly sweet and melodic are Bach's "Largo," based on his harpsichord concerto, and Wilhelm F. Bach's "Der Fruehling." It's easy to see why the Swingles created such a sensation with their voices-as-orchestra, push-the-envelope style, which sounds as fresh and revolutionary today. We would like to imagine Bach and friends in a heavenly music room, putting on headphones and grooving on this hip homage to their music!
| 4481 CD $13.98 |
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Breakout I Can Fly Wonderful You (Big Chill) High and Dry Invisible War Broken Wings Betcha By Golly, Wow Getaway Both Sides Now |
Mixed Vocal Jazz quartet Syncopation represented Boston well at the recent Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, CA, winning a strong ovation from the sellout crowd for songs like the sweet, soaring "High and Dry," which is here on "Wonderful You." There are 9 songs here, our favorites are the a cappella songs, Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and the aforementioned "High and Dry." Of the others, "Invisible War," lightly piano-accompanied, is very nice, as are the more heavily accompanied songs "Breakout," "I Can Fly," the title tune (from The Big Chill), Lennon/McCartney's "Broken Wings" the Motown tune "Betcha By Golly, Wow" and "Getaway." Beautiful leads, harmonies and arrangements, but let us once again make it clear that "Wonderful You" is mostly an accompanied album.
Listen to "High and Dry" in Real Audio.
| 7665 CD $14.95 |
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Jody Briskey, Rob Dorn, Jerry Elbernd and JP Fitzgibbons, missionaries of "high fidelity harmony" are determined to preserve the music of the 1940s and 50s with fresh, new recordings. In 12 (accompanied) fun covers, they tip their hats to the Pied Pipers, Merry Macs, Modernaires, Rosemary Clooney ("Mambo Italiano") and the Lettermen ("Canadian Sunset" and L-O-V-E). There's a great "Radio Cavalcade/Glow worm/Mairzy Doats" medley. Other favorites: "I'll Never Smile Again," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "I Got Rhythm/It Don't Mean A Thing" and "Memories of You." This CD is a swinging, foot-tapping good time!
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Minnesota-based Swing/Pop/Jazz quartet 3 Hits and a Miss, founded in 1995, really come into their vocal power with "Mixing," their third excellent CD. Return with us now to the 1940s (covers of the Turtles' "Happy Together," the 5th Dimensions' "Up, Up and Away/Aquarius," the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'" and Lennon/McCartney's "Nowhere Man" and "Got to Get You Into My Life" notwithstanding)--this is wonderfully crafted "high-fidelity" harmony. The afore-mentioned covers fit in beautifully because they have the kind of beautiful melodies that could have been hits in the 40s. All accompanied, these 12 hits just keep on comin': "Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four/Four," "Pop Goes the Weasel," "Goody Goody," "Glow Worm," "Dream" and bonus track, Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land." This CD is big fun from start to finish, and 3 Hits and a Miss are having it--they prove that they can sing with the best of any musical period!
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Urban Voices, three men and two women from Switzerland, have brought us a strikingly impressive debut jazz CD here. Much of the content is composed by members of the group and the arrangements, as intricate and complex as those of a state-of-the-art instrumental band, tailor-made to fit the singers. Among the vocal percussion sounds is the sharp sound of a hi hat, giving UV a trademark jazz sound, to go with some of the best vocal "horns" we've heard. 12 songs: "City Lights," "How Insensitive," the title tune, "When I Fall In Love," "On The Run," "The Sky so High," "En Eranjuez Con Tu Amor," "Lullaby," "Superheroes," "Almost There," "My Foolish Heart" and "WYSIWYG--DJ Micri Remix." "The Gang" shows Urban Voices to be, seemingly effortlessly, in the company of such greats as Manhattan Transfer, the NY Voices and Vox One. And like Vox One's "Chameleon," you'll find yourself listening to it again and again to truly appreciate what the singers are doing. Amazing and highly recommended! Listen to "The Gang" in Real Audio.
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Renowned director Gene Aitken is considered one of the most exciting and energetic educators and clinicians today, and his Jazz Studies Program at the University of Northern Colorado has received a Grammy nomination and more Down Beat magazine awards and National Endowment for the Arts grants than any other institution. The 3-man, 2-women Axidentals perform with a very hot 5-piece jazz ensemble, but they also have several fine a cappella cuts on "Hot XI," including Rodgers & Hart's "My Heart Stood Still," Mark Murphy's "Gone," "It Don't Mean a Thing," and Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday." All woman jazz quartet Sus 4 also perform "Invitation" and "Love for Sale" with 5-piece jazz accompaniment. Two man, 3 woman a cappella jazz ensemble Et Cetera's "Paradise," "Old Man River" and a cover of the Average White Band's "Pick Up The Pieces" are other favorites. An excellent collection from some of the best Collegiate jazz groups in the country!
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The University of North Colorado in Greeley's choice of renowned educator and clinician Gene Aitken as Director of their Jazz Studies Program was a very, very good move, leading to an unprecedented Grammy nomination and more Down Beat magazine awards and National Endowment for the Arts grants than any other institution. Featured here are his 3-man, 2-woman Axidentals, performing here with some jazz ensemble accompaniment on P. Winter's title tune (arranged by Randy Crenshaw), "Soul With a Capital "S," and Rodgers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things;" but also a cappella on the traditional "Shenandoah," Anders Edenroth's "Chile Con Carne" and the scattish "There'll Never Be Another You." Two man, 3 woman a cappella jazz ensemble Et Cetera's "For the Beauty of the Earth," which soars into surprising directions, and a cover of Sting's "Seven Days" follow. All woman jazz quartet Sus 4 close with B. Dorough's upbeat, accompanied "I've Got Just About Everything" and the moody, a cappella "You Don't Know What Love Is." "Hot XII" is everything we've come to expect fro the UNC Jazz Studies Program, top-quality, well-chosen, beautifully performed and directed, Collegiate Jazz!
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"Hot V" is a mostly accompanied collection of 10 tunes by the award-winning University of Northern Colorado's 2-man, 2-woman Jazz quartet, the Axidentals. Three very nice a cappella selections, Jeremy Lubbock's "Goodbye Love" and "Not Like This," and "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" are standouts. Accompanied favorites are Richie Cole's "New York Afternoon," Gene Puerling's "Gotcha," Duke Ellington's "I Got It Bad," Al Jarreau's "Easy" and a powerful live cover of "Waitin' For the Robert E. Lee." Every one of these Roman numeral-numbered collections from Aitken's UNC program has been a spirited, entertaining, beautifully-recorded winner, some of the best Collegiate Jazz we've heard!
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The University of Northern Colorado is one of the most well respected educational centers for vocal jazz studies thanks to the efforts of Gene Aitken, the director of the program since 1976. You will not believe that these are all "students" for their singing is so good and the arrangements so sophisticated it doesn't seem possible, even though it is true. The bulk of the album, 14 of the 17 tracks, is sung by Et Cetera a mixed sextet. Though jazz predominates with such selections as "For The One I Love" and "As Rain" by Anders Edenroth of the Real Group or "One More Time Chuck Corea" by Gene Puerling, there is a strong rock 'n roll presence. The final three tunes were recorded live by a larger jazz chorus, Vocal Jazz I. Discover this one! It's a sleeper.
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Come Together Don't Get Around Much Anymore With Every Breath I Take Try to Remember Quarter to Five You Take my Breath Away Stop Somewhere over the Rainbow A Child is Born Essence It's Raining Men Surprise |
Founded in 2002, all-women Dutch vocal jazz quartet Velvet Voices has been appearing in some serious European and international events, like the 2003 Voice Mania in Vienna, the Jeunesse—the largest German a cappella festival in Munich), and they won the Jazz Gold at the international "Ward Swingle Awards." There are 11 finely-crafted tunes on "Essence," the group's 5th excellent album, some wonderful covers like Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together," Duke Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," Cy Coleman's "With every breath I take," Freddie Mercury's "You take my breath away," Brown, Sutton and Brody's "Stop," a fine faux trumpet solo on Harold Arlen's "Somewhere over the rainbow," Jones and Wilder's "A child is born," and Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer's "It's raining man." There's also a pair of very nice originals by group member Gerda, the moody "Try to remember" and "Quarter to five," and one original by group member Monika, the title tune. Each of these beautiful young women can easily sing perfect solos and leads, so even a difficult, dissonant piece like "A child is born" comes off as effortless, and the harmonies are clean, sharp and on perfect pitch. Even a powerful rocker like "It's raining man," which is reprised as a surprise bonus cut with amped-up vocal percussion, is cleanly nailed both times with no sweat. The voices here are so perfect, the sound so effortlessly clean, we had to listen to it again just to fully appreciate it. "Essence" is a gift for the ears by the Velvet Voices, who have, in a very short time, risen to a level attained by only a few elite Vocal Jazz groups, like the Real Group, Vox One and the Swingle Singers. Treat yourself to one of the best of the year!
Listen to "With Every Breath I Take" in Real Audio.
| 2507 CD $15.95 |
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Dry Cleaner From Des Moines Black Orpheus Oh Darlin' Nutville Some Other Time Just Friends It Could Happen To You It Could Happen To You Theme From Piano Concerto #2 Groove Merchant Old Friends Time Is A Healer Dodger Blue |
"Arising from an artist-in-residency program under Grammy-nominee Phil Mattson, who recorded their debut CD with them, "Is God a Three-Letter Word for Love?," and now self-directed, "Distilled" is Vocalogy's 3rd excellent CD. "Distilled" is an all jazz-band accompanied collection of 13 jazz standards and originals, some favorites: Charles Mingus/Joni Mitchell's tongue-in-cheek "Dry Cleaner from Des Moines," smoky-jazz arrangements of Lennon/McCartney's "Oh Darlin'," and Leonard Bernstein's "Some Other Time," a latin treatment of "Just Friends," two Jimmy Van Heusen classics, "It Could Happen to You" and "I Thought About You," Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto #2" turned into a bluenote lament, a sassy, upbeat "Groove Merchant," a stark arrangement of Paul Simon's "Old Friends," and, despite our interest in the local Giants, David Frishberg's "Dodger Blue." As we've noticed in a number of cases, Phil Mattson's musical progeny are unfailingly outstanding, and vocally, all accompaniment aside, Vocalogy is right up there with the best in jazz!
Listen to It Could Happen To You in Real Audio.
| 4631 CD $14.98 |
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It Don't Mean A Thing Without A Song Regnets sang Nar Charlie ar todd I Remember You Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You Almost Like Being In Love Imorron Hot Like This Nature Boy Come Rain of Come Shine |
Three men, three women sextet Vocation was formed in 1999 at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden,and were helped by conductor Lone Larsen in shaping their unique sound. Reviewers have compared them to a heady list - the Real Group, Take 6, Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices. Playing regularily on Swedish radio and TV, Vocation won "Choice of the Audience Award" at the International Vocal Group Fest in Tilburg, Holland in 2002. Eleven songs, a few accompanied by jazz band, eight in English: Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing," "Without a Song," Johnny Mercer's "I Remember You" and "Come Rain or Come Shine," "Gee Baby ain't I Good to You?," plus the a cappella "Almost Like Being in Love," "Not Like This" and "Nature Boy." There's also three very nice pieces in Swedish, particularly "Nar Charlie ar fudd," with music by Hoagy Carmichael, we would guess that "Charlie" refers to jazz great Charlie Parker. The sound is bright and hot, the English flawless, and Vocation swims easily in the company of MT, NY Voices, Real Group and other big fishes in the vocal jazz school. A very impressive and enjoyable debut CD!
Listen to Almost Like Being In Love in Real Audio
| 7619 CD $15.95 |
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Since All Is Passing Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing) Snow Covers the Valley Jesu, Meine Freude Alfie Jubilee Never Let Me Go Satchmo Friendship Blues in the Night Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) Country Dances |
Formed at Southwestern Community College's School for Music Vocations in 1991, the mixed-voice sextet VoicesIowa was recently honored by Down Beat Magazine as "Vocal Jazz Group of the Year." Their repertoire also includes Renaissance part-songs, 19th and 20th century compositions and arrangements of contemporary music. Their Director Phil Mattson has been nominated twice for Grammy Awards. These 12 songs, recorded live at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN, feature Mattson-arranged winners like "Snow Covers the Valley," Bach's "Jesu, Meine Freude," Burt Bacharach's "Alfie," "Never Let Me Go," Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen's classic "Blues in the Night" and Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep." Ward Swingle's "Country Dances" and the Swingle-arranged "Satchmo," Duke Ellington's "Don't Mean A Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing," Anders Edenroth of the Real Group's "Friendship" and Bobby McFerrin's "Jubilee" are other favorites. Great stuff, from the first cut to the last!
Listen to Alfie in Real Audio
| 7600 CD $14.95 |
| 7600 DVD $24.95 |
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Since All is Passing I Hear Music How Do You Keep The Music Playing Jubilee Body And Soul Yag Vet In Delig Rosa Love For Sale Embraceable You Yours In My Heart Alone Dancing In The Dark Bons Amigos That Lonesome Road |
Protogees of Phil Mattson, Voices Iowa are students at the prestigious School For Music Vocations/Southwestern Community College. Under such tutelage, one recognizes a burgeoning talent that will be the vocal jazz sound of tomorrow. Indeed, Bobby McFerrin's "Jubilee" is an athletic workout requiring stamina and fortitude, while, on the opposite end of the spectrum, "Body and Soul" demands an equal measure of control and abandon (the latter a Grammy nominated arrangement originally written for the Manhattan Transfer, and complimented by Richie Cole's saxophone). Cole Porter's "Love For Sale" (a cappella) is anchored by a finger-snapping rhythm and connected by walking bass notes, and finishes with an aexhilarating vocal glissando, a veritable firecracker.
Songlist
| 1108 CD $14.98 |
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Renowned jazz educator Phil Mattson's sure touch is everywhere on "Without A Song" all the arrangements are his, and he produces and plays light piano on the CD (bass and drums are also included on some cuts). Mattson protegees VoicesIowa, students or alumni of prestigious Southwestern Community College's School for Music Vocations (4 men, 2 women) have a bright, effortless sound that invites comparison with the Real Group and The Idea of North. Technically there are just 5 cuts on the CD, but on the first cut, for instance, a sleepy "Without A Song" segues into a scattish"The Song Is You," continues with a sweetly jazzy "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" before returning to an upbeat "Without A Song" refrain; and cut 4, "A Hoagy Carmichael Tribute," includes the lightly accompanied "The Nearness of You," "Heart and Soul," "I Get Along Without You Very Well," "Georgia On My Mind," "Ole Buttermilk Sky," "Stardust," "Lazybones," "Two Sleepy People," "Skylark" and "Lazy River." Two a cappella tunes, "Alfie" and the final cut , "Over the Rainbow" are particularly nice. Mattson doesn't waste a note, and VoicesIowa is an apt, finely-tuned instrument for his genius. Listen to "Over The Rainbow" in RealAudio.
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Mixed sextet (3 men, 3 women) VoicesIowa, ably produced by the renowned Phil Mattson (who also did all the arrangements), brings us ten mellow jazz classics: George and Ira Gershwin's "Fascinating Rhythm" and "'S Wonderful," Kurt Weill's "Speak Low," "Mack The Knife" and "September Song," Duke Ellington's "I'm Beginni'g To See The Light," "Close Enough For Love," "I've Got You Under My Skin," Stevie Wonder's "That's What Friends Are For" and "I'm In The Mood For Love." VoicesIowa is associated with the excellent Southwestern Community College School For Music Vocations, where the CD was recorded. This is bright, crisp, tight-harmonied, stunningly arranged, lightly accompanied (bass, drums and piano), smoky cool vocal jazz.
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The bouyant sound of the Voices Iowa, conducted and arranged by Phil Mattson, certainly one of the most prominent jazz educators in the field. Emanating from the same general neighborhood as the Singers Unlimited or Real Group, Voices Iowa actually covers one Real Group arrangement on this CD-"Sa Skimrande Var Aldrig Havet"-as well as Take 6's "Gold Mine," so they certainly set a high standard for themselves. "Blues In the Night" is smoky and seductive, "Satchmo" a picaresque tribute to Louis Armstrong that sets lyrics to a Joplin rag. "If I Loved You" is is an economical a cappella version that shows why Phil Mattson is so respected-every note is important, neither too many or too few. Five of the songs are accompanied.
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The Southwestern Community College has a tradition of turning out excellent harmony singers, under the direction of the highly-respected director Phil Mattson. The six-piece mixed "Voices Iowa" is a fine example. "Pick Yourself Up" is a dizzying rendition of the Kern/Fields classic, a daring flight into the upper registers. Bach's "Largo" yields willingly to a fine scat treatment; "Come Sunday" has the same heartbreakingly beautiful arrangement as that of the Real Group, but the tone qualities of the voices are quite distinct to Voices Iowa. "What A Wonderful World" comes alive, the notes a joyous burst of sunshine on a spring morning.
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1999 is the 100 year anniversary of the birth of the jazz master Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington - a genuine American hero. Though his accomplishments were many, Ellington characterized his sacred compositions, coming towards the end of his career, as "the most important thing I have ever done." Leave it to Phil Mattson and his Vocalogy ensemble (consisting of six faculty members at the Southwestern Community College School For Music Vocations), to record the first vocal group arrangements of these compositions (some are accompanied by a rhythm section as well). Ellington wrote these songs for a San Francisco concert at Grace Cathedral in 1965, and went on to perform this program internationally until his death in 1974. We have not heard the CD itself come presstime, but we understand that songs such as "In The Beginning God," "Come Sunday" and "Father Forgive," while spiritual and earthy, are written in the tried-and-true Ellington big-band style. An appropriate tribute indeed from Mr. Mattson.
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That's What She Says Ticket to Ride Take Five Both Sides Now The William Tell Overture A Little Luck Fly Me to the Moon The Windmills of Your Mind Rosanna America the Beautiful |
St. Paul, MN-based 3-woman, 2-man jazz quintet Voice Trek has a rich, clean, poised sound, and arrangements that can turn very familiar tunes like the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," Dave Brubeck's jazz anthem "Take Five," Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and Michel LeGrand's "Windmills of Your Mind" and turn them into new songs, unexpectedly tasty musical treats. There's a spirited, sassy cover of Rossini's "William Tell Overture" that would have the Swingles looking over their shoulders, Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon" becomes a (lightly accompanied) scattish, salsa romp, and Toto's "Rosanna" is a finger-snapping winner, as is Brazilian composer Manfredo Fest's energetic "That's What She Says." A bonus track, "America the Beautiful," was included "after the tremendous response from the a cappella community when they performed it at the West Coast Summit!" 11 songs, each a many-faceted gem. "An A cappella Trek," Voice Trek's 5th recording, is a joy from beginning to end, one of the best Vocal Jazz CDs we've heard this year!
Listen to Take Five in Real Audio
| 4456 CD $15.98 |
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Voice Trek established their reputation as one of the premiere vocal groups through the release of three seasonal albums (Christmas). For years they have been implored by fans to record a jazz record to which their lush harmonies are so suited. Thus, after 10 years of singing together, they recorded At Last. Three sisters, Shelley, Vicki, and Rae, are complemented by tenor Denis Alaire, and baritone Howard Hilde in this primarily accompanied selection of 9 songs which are each long enough for thorough expression.Though accompaniment includes a piano/bass/drum combo and midi, rich vocals toward the easy listening end of the jazz spectrum are substance of this recording.
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Jeepers Creepers A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square Superstar The Way You Look Tonight I t Don't Mean a Thing, If It Aint Got That Swing Smile Oh Susannah! Adieu, Mon Amour A Dream Is A Wish Puttin On The Ritz When She Loved Me Soul Bossa Nova All Rise A Celtic Prayer |
Vox Concordia is a four-man, four-women Vocal Jazz octet from England, who bring us this excellent debut recording of 14 a cappella tunes. They begin with two arranged by Jonathan Rathbone, ex-Musical Director of the Swingle Singers, "Jeepers Creepers" and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," a Graham Smith arrangement of the Carpenters' hit "Superstar, a Swingles arrangement of "It Don't Mean a Thing (if it Ain't Got that Swing)," a live, rousing cover of Stephen Foster's "Oh, Susannah!" (with the first faux banjo we've heard)," the very funny live "Adieu, Mon Amour," Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz," Randy Newman's touching "When She Loved Me," the pulse-quickening "All Rise," and finally "A Celtic Prayer" with music by Graham Webb are favorites. This is a fine recording and a great addition to anybody’s collection.
Listen to "Smile" in Real Audio.
| 7649 CD $15.95 |
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Pure Imagination Kind of a 3 Improv 1 Simple Gifts Improv 2 Try Take Me Out To The Ballgame Improv 3 Woodstock Leave It To Me Improv 4 Aura Lee Improv 5 I Wish You Know |
What immediately strikes one upon listening to Vox One’s new “Pure Imagination” CD is how good they are – not in a flashy, notice we are brilliant singers kind of way, but in a deeply felt, technically beyond question, born to sing way that shows us all of us lesser talents how its done. After seven years, one of a cappella’s most accomplished (and recognized) vocal jazz groups returns to the CD player with a satisfying collection of originals, covers and improvs. Yes, Vox One has matured and is exploring new styles, including Indian ragas and world music tinged vocal jams. For those loyal listeners who loved “Chameleon,” "Out There" and "Say You Love Me" and have been waiting for an encore, there are the standards such as “Pure Imagination” (written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley), and the traditional “Aura Lee,” but there are plenty of new songs composed by the group, as well as the six improvised tracks that offer plenty of room for the the five members (Yumiko Matsuoka, Paul Pampinella, Paul Stiller, Jodi Jenkins Ainsworth and Tom Baskett) to stake out new vocal territory. These Berklee College of Music faculty members exemplify what it is to harmonize, blend and intonate with sublime perfection, and we thank them!
Listen to Pure Imagination in Real Audio
| 9245 CD $15.98 |
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This may well be the last (sob, tell me it ain't so!) album of jazz virtuosos, Vox One. These musicians created the most polished jazz (on the rock and blues edge of the spectrum) by anyone so far. Meticulous arrangements sung by superb performers make you forget any prior arrangement that was the benchmark to your mind's ear for how a particular song was supposed to sound. From the opening wail of the vocal electric guitar and definitive drum beat on "Chameleon" to the complex chord structures on "Round Midnight," you will be lost in a panoply of possibilities for the human voice. John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Harold Arlen, Herbie Hancock, Theolonius Monk and more are treated with nothing short of the genius they deserve. Listen to "Round Midnight" and "Chameleon"
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This Japanese import features seven songs not before released in the U.S.. For fans of Vox One, we are already preaching to the choir, but for the uninitiated, this contemporary jazz quintet has all of the technique of the Real Group, with a compelling edge of intensity and emotion. Therefore, a traditional such as "Shenandoah," using brilliant dynamics, phrasing and an admirable combination of tension and release, is transcendent. "Whisper When I Speak," a Vox One original, shows that their songwriting is every bit as extraordinary as everything else about them. Classic pop - Carol King's "It's Too Late" - is given a heartbreaking harmonic complexity and richness. The arpeggiated chord accompaniment in the verse, so simple, yet effective, shows why a talented arranger can elevate the ordinary to greatness. When Vox One swings into the standard, "Autumn Leaves," they prove that they do no less than weave straw into gold. Listen to "Say You Love Me" , "Lovin' You" and "Shenandoah"
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In announcing the CARA winners for 1996, the Contemporary A Cappella Newsletter used the following statement to announce the Album Of The Year. "In a year of extremely strong nominees for best album, Vox One's little-publicized "Out There" takes first place because it has everything. Exceptional songwriting, glowing arrangements, magnificent solo performances and top rate production all combine to make this the sleeper album of 1995. Somehow Vox One manages to combine elements of pop, rock, blues and jazz without compromising the exacting demands of any of the styles. The resulting blend is infectious and definitive, proving "Out There" to be one of the best contemporary albums ever." We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Listen to Whisper When I Speak in Real Audio.
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As you might suspect from the self-titling, this is the first recording released in what has come to be recognized as the must-have trilogy of albums by Vox One. Lets go though it. "Edelweiss" is such a difficult harmonization that it became a signature performance tune for the group. "My Romance" almost sounds like a pop/jazz standard only better. "Why Blue" was written by member Yumiko Matsuoka and features a bass and percussive underpinning to a complex wordless scat that's nothing short of great. "The Water Is Wide" is just plain beautiful. "Respect"... well, move over Aretha (sacrilege!). There isn't room in this review! Suffice it to say that the three originals are a portent of things to come, the covers original. Listen to My Old Kentucky Home in Real Audio.
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Tsubasa (wings) |
Founder of legendary Boston-based Vocal Jazz group Vox One, Yumiko has always been one of our favorite vocalists and arrangers. She has two excellent collections of arrangements in the PAC catalog, "Collection Vol. 1" and "Collection Vol. 2." The Anthology "To Every Thing" is her first solo album, and it includes a piece Yumiko wrote for acoustic guitar for some friends' wedding, "Tsubasa," her arrangement of Billy Joel's "And So It Goes," performed by the Western Wind vocal ensemble with Yumiko, and her marvelous arrangements of the English Traditional tunes "Scarborough Fair," "Black is the Color" and the title tune, performed by Boston Jazz Voices. The Western Wind also shines on Yumiko's arrangements of Lionel Bart's "Where Is Love" and Lennon/McCartney's "Eleanor Rigby." Yumiko's classically accompanied arrangement of Dylan's "Blowin' In The Wind," her lovely arrangement of Joanie Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," performed by Syncopation; and the Scottish Traditional "Skye Boat Song," performed by Yumiko with the women of the Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble, are all favorites. "To Every Thing" is a remarkable collection, highlighting the tremendous vocal, arranging and composing talents of Vocal Jazz master Yumiko!
Listen to Where is Love? in RealAudio.
| 3021 CD $15.95 |
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Vox P, who hail from Denmark but sing in impeccable English, present a collection of standards performed with an undeniable intensity and brilliance. It's this kind of mastery that allows "Fly Me To The Moon" "What Kind of Fool Am I" and "I'm Just Foolin' Myself" to sound fresh and invigorating. The arrangements, by tenor and bass Bo Gad and Jacob Marstrand, are challenging, but never excessive. Soprano Henriette Moos and alto Birgitte Askou are formidable talents; the latter's ability to be both vixenish and achingly tender, coupled with her lustrous tone, are remarkable. The bass' use of "ghost notes" enable the rhythms to really swing. This is a CD you will play again and again. Listen to "Fly Me To the Moon" in Real Audio.
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Portugese jazz/contemporary group Vozes Da Radio's first album "Burxas, Herois & Males D'Amor" ("Witches, Heroes and Love Pains"), recorded in 1995, is mostly a cappella, mostly original, with all arrangements by the group. Considered one of the ten best CD's of the year by the Portugese newspaper "Publico," the group is well-known in their country and shares the bill at stadiums venues with pop and rock bands. The ballad "Ternura," accompanied by solo guitar, is one of their most-requested songs. In general their sound is vocal bass intensive, homophonic, with a natural vocal approach and minimal production or effects. Transcending the typical pop triads with non-diatonic chords and inversions, they have crafted an appealing adult contemporary style.
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The Western Wind was formed in 1969 and two of the founders are still singing. Perhaps the longevity of the group is due to the fact that their repertoire includes everything except heavy metal. This particular album includes classic American love songs form 1920 to 1950. The works include songs by Rogers and Hart, George Gershwin, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Brian Wilson and John Denver. Though mostly jazz, their classical training comes through on "My Funny Valentine," particularly. Two songs, "Oh, Lady Be Good" and "I Got Rhythm"were arranged by Dick Hyman who accompanies the group on piano. The cd notes include biographies of the composers and info about the music.
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