The Knudsen Brothers
The Knudsen Brothers, based in Southern California, include five to six of 10 brothers! Their astounding blend comes from both genetics and broad barbershop training. They are equally adept at contemporary, doo-wop, vocal jazz and barbershop.
In 1975, the musically talented father a large family (eight of the ten sons were born at the time) introduced his five oldest to a cappella music, barbershop style. Barry, who was 14, sang bass. Kevin, at 12 sang lead. Lynn (11) and Jak (9) sang baritone and Owen (8) sang tenor with occasional help from Jak. It began as a practical hobby to keep the kids off the streets, and was a cappella for they had no money for instruments. They were living in a two bedroom house at the time. Singing for family and friends soon became talent shows, school assemblies, charity affairs and company parties. In 1976 the local SPEBSQSA chapter discovered their talent and loved it. They provided the opportunity for the young Knudsen Brothers to be guests at chapter shows throughout the region.
The big thrill of their youthful careers was singing on the nationally televised Donnie & Marie Show. Though the experience was fabulous, no real opportunity arose as a result of that appearance. They continued, only slightly daunted. Changes, as different brothers left and returned, provided the opportunity to truly be a quartet for a while during which they gained an international reputation in the barbershop world. A move to L.A. and their own efforts, performing for departing patrons after major shows at the Los Angeles Music Center, soon had them well known in celebrity circles. Expanding to quintet, dropping to quartet, trying drum machines and touring as a quartet with a three piece backup ensemble (as The Hollywood Argyles), were just some of the configurations the brothers adopted. In 1994, all six of the brothers who had been in and out of the group decided to become an a cappella sextet with Owen doing vocal percussion, Jak being a sort of stand up bass, and the other four, Barry, Kevin, Lynn and Curtis doing the vocal and instrumental parts. They showcased this arrangement to wildly enthusiastic audiences in 1995 and remain with that grouping to this day.
Testimonial to the virtuosity of the musical talents of these brothers can be found in the fact that they won the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival in 1990. In addition they have been recognized in the CARAs on numerous occasions but it was in 1998 when they were awarded a CARA for Best Doo-Wop/R&B Album (also runner-up for Best Doo-Wop/R&B Song). They have appeared with artists such as: The Beach Boys, Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, The Doobie Brothers, Bob Hope, The Four Tops, The Osmond Brothers and too many more to mention. They have performed for most of the big name notables in Hollywood.
You see it isn't just practice that makes them so good but the natural resonance of a genetic blend of voices is a fabulous foundation. To the age old question of inheritance vs environment, we discover an unambiguous answer in the wonderful performances of the Knudsen brothers. Both are equally important!
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Listen to the Music I Can See Clearly Now Twist and Shout Oh, Pretty Woman I Believe I Can Fly With or Without You What I Like About You In My Room Elvis Medley (Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel, Don't Be Cruel, Jailhouse Rock) Only You Everlasting Love It's a Blue World The Lion Sleeps Tonight Rockin' Robin Shout |
The Brothers Knudsen are no strangers to a cappella, first as a barbershop
quartet performing in SPEBSQSA competitions under the direction of their gifted
father, then coming together again professionally as a quintet as adults. They
won the Harmony Sweeps and become a popular touring band, amazing audiences
worldwide. "Live Wired" is their 8th excellent recording, a live CD of 15 pop
and rock classics, sung before very appreciative audiences. The guys have picked
up instruments on this one, 2 guitars and a tamborine, but the vocals, including
strong vocal percussion, are as strong and spirited as ever! The Doobie's "Listen
To The Music," the Beatles' "Twist and Shout," Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman,"
(a vocal percussion tour-de-force), a shimmering a cappella "I Believe I Can
Fly," "With Or Without You," "What I Like About You" got us boogying, Brian
Wilson's (a cappella) "In My Room," and a five-song "Elvis Medley" reminds us
how good it truly must have been to be King, awful B-movies or no. A lovely
a cappella "It's A Blue World owes a debt to Dad Knudson for being a Four Freshman
fan , we loved "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," God help us, and a great album closes
with "Rockin' Robin" and a "Shout." The Knudsens are flat-out great entertainers
who have big fun on stage, they sing with feeling and spirit, and we would surely
love to see them in concert again. This CD is a stone winner!
| 7403 CD $14.98 |
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Amazing Grace The Way Sweet Hour of Prayer Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me Battle Hymn of the Republic You'll Never Walk Alone How Great Thou Art Nearer, My God, To Thee Be Still, My Soul Love Times Ten The Lord's Prayer |
Unable to afford musical instruments in 1975, the five oldest Knudsen boys,
began singing a cappella barbershop-style as a quintet under the direction of
their gifted father. Cutting their chops as a quartet in SPEBSQSA competitions
as teenagers, the brothers joined again professionally as a quintet as adults.
"Believe" is their 7th CD and besides winning the Harmony Sweeps, they have
thrilled audiences all over the world and appeared with some of the biggest
names in show business. "Believe" is 11 songs, pure classic gospel ("Amazing
Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "Be Still My Soul," "The Lord's Prayer," etc),
with one exception, the original "Love Times Ten," which is a stone hit and
should be on the radio. Light guitar accompaniment on "Love Times Ten," "Nearer
My God to Thee," and "Sweet Hour of Prayer." Frankly, we love the Knudsens,
they sing with feeling and power, and their live shows and CDs are top-drawer.
Excellent, inspirational and recommended.
| 7388 CD $14.98 |
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