Celebrating their 15th year of performing in South Florida, and their "Be Still My Soul," their 8th album, The mixed-voice (20 women, 16 men) Acappella Singers are all Christians, and drawn from a hundred-mile radius, but are not affiliated with any particular denomination. Concerts are performed in churches, special and corporate events, and the group are the "resident singers" at Butterfly World, a local attraction. They sing both sacred and secular music, but always "To God's Glory." There are 14 spirited tunes here, a few with non-vocal percussion and piano. Favorites are "Uyai Mose," "Give Me Jesus," the rousing spiritual "Ain't Got Time to Die," the richly harmonic "Rise Up O Men of God," Felix Mendelssohn's "Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord," "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go," Andrew Lloyd Webber's soaring "Pie Jesu," the powerful hymn "Be Still My Soul" and the traditional "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." The Singers are wonderfully led by Conductor Boender, their arrangements are excellent, and their sound is effortlessly clean, fresh and beautifully blended. This is a veteran choir with tremendous talent and spirit, and every song is perfect! 6707 CD 14.95
Listen to "Lift Thine Eyes

The first thing that the (beautiful, multi-page, color, with cool pix and all the lyrics) liner notes of "Diversity" tells us is that this is the 5th album by Basix, "the first Basix album containing solely original songs straight from the minds and hearts of all the members of the group. Enjoy!" Easy for us, since these 6 talented Danish men first formed Basix in 1995 we have been watching this group get more amazing with every excellent CD, until we hold "Diversity" in our hot little hands, a tour-de-force 2 CD set that is world-class on every level. There's a total of 19 original tunes here, all sung in English, each one a gem. The fresh, clean sound, the confident, light background vocals and vocal percussion, the surprising, poetic lyrics, the sweet leads—what's not to enjoy? OK, I guess we'll have to pick some favorites at this point. "Super Natural Conversation" on disk 2, a wonderful reggae tune with an early Beatles flavor, "Tease" on disk 1 is a sexy, rhythmic romp, the title tune on disc 1 is a juicy foot-tapping suggestion against racism, and "So Much Better" is a marvelously arranged hit with the eye-opening opening line "I'm sorry, but I think you suck." "Change" on disk 1 simply needs to be listened to, as do "Let's Move On" and "Think Twice." On disk 2 "A Thousand Years," "It Won't Matter To Me," "High On Life (In The Slow Lane)," "Honesty" and "Without You" are all stone winners. There are certain groups (The Real Group, for instance) that push the a cappella envelope with every recording, every performance, and Basix is such a group. Don't miss this one! 5868 2CDs 16.95
Listen to "Diversity

This is the debut album of all male Contemporary a cappella Italian sextet Maybe6ix. Brought together in 2006 by a cappella devotees Fausto Caravati and Alessandro Cadario, Maybe6ix became kind of a supergroup with the addition of Luca Giugno, Tony Guerrieri, Tommaso Ferrandina and Krishna Nagaraga. The avowed purpose of the group was (and continues to be) to advance Italian pop music through creative new arrangements, using the voice as the only instrument. The group wants to bring classical and pop closer together and to bring a cappella music to every musical genre. They have an experimental sound that throws faux horns, 5-part fugues and other seemingly incongruous settings into their lovely, surprising compositions. All 9 songs are in Italian, some particularly fine ones are "Infinito," "lo per lei," "Ogni mio istante," "Oceano," "La terra dei Cachi" and "Baila." Maybe6ix has a sweet, unexpected sound that brings together a smorgasbord of musical styles in the same song, in a playful, spirited way that recalls Queen on "Bohemian Rhapsody" and '08 Harmony Sweeps Champs Vocaldente. Fun, eclectic a cappella stuff from Italy! 5871 CD 15.95
Listen to "Oceano

Five young Italians, three men and two women, students at the Niccolo Paganini Conservatory in Genoa, got together to form Cluster in 2004. They have been touring Europe and Italy ever since, showing off their unique sound, a combination of jazz, pop and fusion. The group does their own arrangements and released their excellent debut album "Cement," which got 3 CARA nominations, in 2006. They recorded 2 EPs in 2008 and 2009 that also received CARA nominations. The 14 tracks on "Steps" show just how far this incredibly talented quintet has come. They nail Trish Delany Brown and Michel Camilo's jazzy "Just Kidding" (which has some light piano), but all other tunes are a cappella, and include some wonderful faux instruments. A particular treat are the group-written originals, including Nicola Nastos' title tune, "Unthought" and "Fake," "Could It Be" by Luca, Eric and Liwen, "Simple Words" by Letizia and Liwen, and "224" by Erik with words by Emily Dickenson. Outstanding covers of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish," Antonio Carlos Jobim's "One Note Samba," Chick Corea and Neville Porter's "Spain," Freddie Mercury's "Love of My Life" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" fill out the songlist. There is some stunning electronic augmentation of vocal effects that make us wonder exactly what we're listening to, but the arrangements are so good, and the vocals so amazing, that we can only accept the statement on the back ("This is an a cappella recording, except for Colin Santosa's piano no instruments were used") as Gospel. "Steps" is filled with such a number of marvelous sounds and auditory treats that we intend to come back to it again with a pair of excellent headphones and savor it at our leisure. "Steps" is one of the best of the year! 5866 CD 15.95
Listen to "I Wish

The Chick Corea Songbook, which marks the quartet’s first new record in five years, was inspired by the classic work of jazz great Chick Corea, and features fresh and exciting vocal interpretations of many of his popular compositions, including “Spain” and “500 Miles High.” Corea, who plays on the CD, has also contributed an original composition entitled “Free Samba” especially for this album. This release also features special guest appearances by some of the finest musicians in the industry including Christian McBride, Airto, Alex Acuña, Fred Hersch, Edsel Gomez and Lou Marini, among others. 3098 CD 15.95
Listen to "Prelude

Since Susan, Michelle, Melynnie and LaDonna began singing together as Zing! In 2001, their coach Melodee Wright, who sang tenor with 1977 Sweet Adelines Quartet Champs Shondells, has been a huge supporter, helping them win their first place regional champion medals and breaking into the top five in International competition in Las Vegas in 2006. There are 12 solid cuts here by this veteran quartet, some of our favorites are the group's theme song, "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart," "If You Love Me, Really Love Me," The Turtles' "Happy Together," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love/L-O-V-E Medley," "The Old Piano Roll Blues," Spanky and Our Gang's "Lazy Day" and "Every Time We Say Goodbye." They are joined on the lovely "Let There Be Peace On Earth" by their good friends 12th Street Rag, BHS International competitors. Zing! has a sweet, powerful sound and every one of these cuts is a winner! 5867 CD 19.95
Listen to "Happy Together

When you’re good, you’re good and the Real Group are as fantastic as ever. Not only do they have some of the best voices in the business along with some of the most fascinating and creative arrangements they also sure know how to write a song! Here we are treated to a collection of original songs which absolutely demonstrate as to why few people would disagree with the statement that The Real Group is the most talented a cappella group performing today. The compositions are all in English, are all new and offer an array of styles including their classic sound on “Pass Me The Jazz” and “Flying High”, a country song “A Minute on Your Lips”, the vocalese “Gee! Mine or Moe’s Art?” (G Minor Mozart) and the beautiful ballad “Anna’s Song”. The delightfully intelligent lyrics are refreshing with “Modern Man” and “Nostalgia World” being particular standouts. Our opinion of this group grows with every listen as every track is a gem that you will want to savor over and over again. 4001 CD 19.95
Listen to "Pass Me The Jazz

The 2006 Harmony Sweeps Regional Champs and Audience Favorite from NYC, 'Round Midnight placed well in their first BHS International Competition in Anaheim, CA. Jeff, Wayne , T.J. and Larry bring us their first, self-titled CD of 10 tunes. Favorites are Van Morrison's "Moondance," "Try A Little Tenderness," "Don't Be A Baby, Baby," "Tonight" from West Side Story," the Doo-Wop classic "In The Still of the Night," the Righteous Brothers' "My Girl," The Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You" and the Isley Brothers' "Shout!" We have to say that 'Round Midnight's rich, velvety harmonies are particularly fine on a classic Barbershop song like "Sing Me That Song Again," but every one of these cuts is a winner, and we love to see a top Barbershop groups push the envelope with their repertoire. An impressive debut recording from talented, fast-rising 'Round Midnight! 5864 CD 14.95
Listen to "Shout!

Shaun, Greg, Mark and Jared of TSF, one of our favorite hard-working veteran Contemporary a cappella quartets, perform about 150 concerts each year across 48 states to a combined audience of 250,000 plus. Including "Just One of Those Days" they have released 8 excellent CDs and two DVDs, sold over a million albums and have toured nationally and internationally for 12 years. Tonic Sol-fa produces an annual, sold-out 20 city holiday tour in the Midwest as well as spring and summer concert tours throughout the U.S. Very impressive, but what really catches our attention is butter-smooth harmonies, spot-on vocal percussion, brilliant arrangements and sweet leads, and that's here in abundance on these 11 great cuts. The Everly Brothers' wonderful "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)," Fred Wilhelm/Georgia Middleman's title track, a fine arrangement of Randy Newman's classic "Sail Away," John Shanks/Keith Urban's "Somebody Like You," and Walter Earl Brown's 1968 Elvis anthem "If I Can Dream" have to number among our favorites. The same for Fred Wilhelm and Lori McKenna's "Very Same Place," Wilhelm/busbee's "Something Beautiful," Wilhelm/Kevin Fisher's rhythmic gem "Where Does The Money Come From," Brad Paisley/Tim Owens' "Rainin' You," R.Simpson/D.Payne/R. Rush's down-home "Highway Patrol"… let's face it, there's not a weak cut here. If you're having Just One of Those Days, treat yourself to some top-drawer Contemporary a cappella from one of the best groups performing today! 2363 CD 14.95
Listen to "Highway Patrol

Keith Lancaster's prolific, Tennessee-based Acapella Company presents this Contemporary quintet, featuring Allen Brantley, Keith's son Anthony Lancaster, Robin Brannon, Zac George and Zachary Wilson. All 11 songs here are written and composed by Keith, "Calling Forth," "Let Me Tell You," "Something To Hold On To," the inspiring round "All Over The World," "Fill Us," "Joined Together," "Almighty God," "Find Your Way," "Going Down To The River," "For Your Deliverance" and "May The Presence Of The Lord." Keith Lancaster has also produced the album. The wonderful deep-bassed harmonies and inspiring lyrics will surely help you "Find Your Way," through the soulful ministry of the Acapella Company! 9216 CD 14.95
Listen to "All Over The World

Just prior to taking home Bronze (3rd place) medals from the 2009 BHS Internationals in Anaheim, Storm Front released this amazing collection of Beatles tunes. Working with gifted arranger (and Gold medal barbershop quartet man) Jay Giallombardo, these are arrangements that remain honest to the original scores, but fit a world-class a cappella quartet. Many of the great Lennon/McCartney hits are here, "Eleanor Rigby," "Here, There and Everywhere," "Lady Madonna," "Norweigian Wood," "Across the Universe," "Fool on the Hill," "We Can Work It Out," "Hey Jude," "Paperback Writer," "I'll Follow the Sun" and "Long and Winding Road," rendered with brilliant Storm Front harmonies that give them a whole new flavor. "Beatles Tribute" is a Barbershop masterpiece, one of the best albums of the year. Major kudos to Storm Front's Jeff, Jim, Darin and Sid for pushing the Barbershop envelope with "Beatles Tribute"! 5863 CD 14.95
Listen to "Norwegian Wood

Famed videographer Chad Guyton and his 7-man camera crew followed one of the best Barbershop groups in the world, BHS International Anaheim Bronze medalists Storm Front, around for four days in January, 2009 during one of the largest Youth Harmony Festivals in the U.S., sponsored by BYU-Idaho, attended by over 1,000 kids. Storm Front was the headliner, and we see over two hours of live cuts from the stage, as well as very funny outtakes. Listen to favorites such as "Poor Wayfarin' Stranger," "GuiTarzan," "The 12 ½ Days of Christmas" and the showstopping "Bugler's Holiday." This is Barbershop at its best, and the "Behind the Curtain" special feature is a must-see! 5863 DVD 24.95

The Swedish Barbershop quartet Ringmasters was founded in the fall of 2006, and they immediately were named "the young talents" in Barbershop circles. In the summer of 2008 they won their first International Gold in the Bank of America Collegiate Quartet Contest. And in 2009 they surprised the world at the Anaheim BHS Internationals, tying State Line Grocery for 4th Place. That marked the first time that a non-US group had placed in the top 10! "Live" is a limited edition, live recording of 8 songs at the Swedish venue Nybrokajen 11. Don't be too surprised to hear beautiful women's voices join Ringmasters (what a great Barbershop name!) on "Live," they are joined by Swedish Folk a cappella quartet Kraja on two cuts, "Come In and Stay Awhile" and "Limu, Limu, Lima." The other six tunes are Simon & Garfunkel's "Baby Driver," "Lazybones," Lennon/McCartney's "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Blackbird,"  "Blue Skies" and "Yes Sir, That's My Baby." Ringmasters have a fresh, powerful sound that obviously delights their live audience in addition to us. The Swedes are coming, and you really should hear them! 5862 CD 14.95
Listen to "Yes Sir, That's My Baby

"Portrait" is a strong new collection from the dynamic, 7-time BHS International Chorus champions Masters of Harmony. 15 finely-crafted tunes including some of our favorites "Go Down Moses, "I Will Go Sailing No More," "Good Luck Charm" and "Sold" (sung with 2008 BHS Quartet champs OC Times), "Stand By Me," "Nice 'N Easy" (sung with 2008 Far Western District Quartet champs Masterpiece, "Yona From Arizona," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Portrait of My Love Medley." The Masters, directed by Michigan Jake member Mark Hale, has a wonderful, complex sound that adds new dimensions to these classic songs. Enjoy one of Barbershop's great champion choruses's. 5854 CD 14.95
Listen to "Stand By Me

Dynamic 2007 BHS International Quartet champs Max Q, Greg, Tony, Jeff and Gary bring us their long-awaited new CD, "Journey," and the bottom line is that we can still call them "Supergroup" Max Q! 11 songs, "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey/Them Girls Medley," John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Somewhere," the joyous "Steppin' Out With My Baby" and "Royal Garden Blues," the lovely "I Heard You Singing," the foot-tapping "Rhythm Medley," the heart-tugging "Little Pal," "Somebody Loves Me" and "Don't Rain On My Parade." Max Q is pure entertainment, and they are sounding better than ever! 5861 CD 14.95
Listen to "Somebody Loves Me