Quintessence

Quintessence is an Ottawa-based group of six singers who specialise in a cappella performances of a wide variety of repertoire from big-band through to hits of recent years, as well as some original material. The group was originally formed in 1985 under the name of 'The Ottawa Jazz Choral,' and has developed a distinctive style to create melody, accompaniment and even percussion, all from only six voices. Many of the vocal arrangements that they perform are tailor-made to their voices by arrangers from within the group. Their influences include 'Manhattan Transfer,' Take Six,' the Swingle Singers,' 'Les Double Six,' and 'The Real Group.' Their performances include pieces ranging from Glenn Miller to George Gershwin, and from Bach to the Beach Boys. Quintessence has performed at a wide variety of engagements in Ontario and Quebec, as well as in Geneva, Switzerland and Sacramento, California. They have performed with Rosemary Clooney, Carol Welsman, The Canadian Symphonic Pops Orchestra, and the Bel Canto Wind Quintet. Their main aim is to have fun exploring the a cappella vocal medium!

Discography

The Joy of Six

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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