March 29, 2008

Zambian Vocal Group - Reach Out

All-male Gospel a cappella octet the Zambian Vocal Group brings us a yummy collection of 12 uplifting tunes with rich, butter-smooth harmonies. Hailing from a community called Kalingalinga, "Reach Out" was recorded by Daniel Mwanza at ZVG Home Studio in Tyler, TX. Especially lovely are originals by group member James Mbewe, the title tune, "Chidzakhala Chokondwelesta," "Kulidzido M'Mwamba" and the sweetly rhythmic "Jalula Mulyango." Also wonderful are the spirited "Shut De Door," a cover of the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," and "Thank You Very Much" features the endearing lyric, "Thank you, thank you very much, you are the Savior with a spiritual touch." The rhythmic traditional tune "He Gave Her Water" and "Robe and Crown" are other favorites. Inspirational, feel-good, toe-tapping music, from the first cut to the last! 9923 CD 14.95
Listen to "He Gave Her Water

Posted by acapnews at 12:04 AM

March 26, 2008

Blue Cheese - Roll Back The Stone

OK, it's a funny name for a 3-man, 1-woman Bluegrass Gospel quartet, formed by 4 BYU students in 2003, but once we've heard these yummy harmonies and spirited tunes, we aren't likely to forget the name! From the color pictures scattered in the liner notes we see that these four are having a good time performing and spreading their ministry, dressing in blue jeans, non-matching shirts and t-shirts, and even in hillbilly hats and beards. The 15 songs, however, are as simple and powerful as any a cappella Bluegrass or Gospel we have ever heard. "Reaping in the Spirit," "Brethren, We Have Met to Worship," the title tune, "Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort," the wonderful "Angel Band," "Jesus' Love is like a River," "Abide with Me," the traditional Christmas tunes "What Child is This," "Silent Night," the spiritual "Christmas Train," with lyrics by the group, and the traditional "We'll Soone Be Done" are Gospel favorites. Secular tunes like "Danny Boy," with guest artist Kristine Perry, "You are my Sunshine" and "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" from the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou" are also excellent. Blue Cheese is strong, tasty stuff that takes us back to the beginnings of country music, that makes us want to tap our feet and sing along! 2498 CD 14.95
Listen to "Roll Back the Stone

Posted by acapnews at 12:16 AM

March 22, 2008

Top Barbershop Quartets 2007

July, 2007 in Denver, CO was hot, but the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Quartet competition being held there was even hotter! The gold went to supergroup Max Q, silver to OC Times, followed closely by Storm Front, State Line Grocery and Flipside. Live favorites from the top five are "Little Pat" and "I Got Rhythm/Fascinating Rhythm" medley by Max Q, "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by OC Times, Storm Front's "I Have Dreamed," State Line Grocery's "On The Sunny Side of the Street" and Flipside's "The Banjo's Back In Town." But listen to the Allies' "Alamo Rag," Wheelhouse's "Anytime," Saturday Evening Post's "That's A-Plenty," 3 Men & A Melody's "Recipe for Making Love" and others by top 20 finishers such as Rounders, Four Aces, Late Show, 12th Street Rag, Voices Only, Nexus and Men in Black, and you'll see that excellence and entertainment were there in abundance on that magic night in Colorado! Also available on DVD 5827 CD 14.95
Listen to ""Rhythm Medley" by Max Q

Posted by acapnews at 12:32 AM

Top Barbershop Choruses 2007

The Barbershop Harmony Society's International Chorus competition, held in Denver, CO in July of 2007 saw California's Westminster Chorus emerge with the gold, singing gems like "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" and "Strike Up the Band/Everybody Step" medley, followed by Ambassadors of Harmony, here singing "They Didn't Believe Me," local favorites Sound of the Rockies, singing "Colorado, My Home," and the Northern Lights, singing "'Cross the Mason Dixon Line." But listening to top-20 finishers like Voices in Harmony sing "The Sunshine of Your Smile," The Alliance's "When It's Nighttime in Dixieland," Atlanta Vocal Project's "Shakin' The Blues Away," Vocal FX's "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street," Cambridge Chord Company's "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," and the Alexandria Harmonizers' "Happy Feet Medley," makes it clear to us what a tough decision the judges had to make! 5828 DVD 24.95

Posted by acapnews at 12:15 AM

March 14, 2008

Euphorics - Born To Sing

Two man, two women Canadian Contemporary Quartet the Euphorics, blew us away winning the 1999 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional and gave a great performance at the Finals. We loved their debut album "Standing Up for Love" by have been waiting patiently for its sequel, and now happily hold "Born to Sing" in our hot little hands! The wonderful harmonies and leads by Joni Bye (alto/soprano), Helen Davis (alto/soprano) and Bing Jenson (bass) are as solid and crisp as ever. There is one significant change, the fine tenor of Nathan Aswell, has been replaced by that of David Steele; but we have to say the group is sounding better than ever. "Born to Sing" has 10 songs, beginning with a Curtis Mayfield/Bob Marley medley, "People Get Ready/Three Little Birds/One Love," a very funny group reggae original, "When the Big One Comes," a sweet Lennon/McCartney medley, "Eleanor Rigby/Across the Universe," Billy Joel's "River of Dreams," Richard and Robert Sherman's "I Wanna Be Like You," a nice traditional medley, "Down to the River to Pray/I'll Fly Away/Man of Constant Sorrow," bass Bing's hit from the Sweeps, "I Sing Low," "When the Night Feels My Song," Neil Young's "After the Goldrush" and closing with Stevie Wonder's "As." Every one of these is a winner. The Euphorics have a huge, spirited sound and put on a live show as entertaining as any we have seen. Treat yourself to "Born to Sing," and enjoy! 2501 CD 14.95
Listen to "After the Goldrush

Posted by acapnews at 11:54 PM