Many large theatre auditions call for a 16-bar excerpt, and sometimes specifically request pop/rock songs. This book unprecedentedly answers that need. Beyond theatre, this volume will be useful for other audition calls requiring a brief song. Each volume includes great songs from the 1950s to the 21st century. Each excerpt has been given a thoughtful and effective form.

Songlist: Hero, Without You, Home, No Matter What, I Need You, Solitaire, But It's Alright, Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), Amanda, I'll Be There, Golden Slumbers, I'll Stand By You, Let Her Cry, This Ain't A Love Song, If, I Will Remember You, Don't Stop, All By Myself, All I Need, All My Loving, Best Of My Love, Everytime I Close My Eyes, Back To You, Lately, You'll Be In My Heart (Pop Version), Unchain My Heart, Somebody To Love, A Song For You, Kids Wanna Rock, Lady, and more

The Pickets have an excellent ear for pop classics and translate them impeccably in the a cappella style, imparting their own unique spin. While some the arrangements remain on the whole true to the original versions, when the Pickets innovate, as they do on Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," the results are even more impressive. "Southern Man" is transformed into a Jamaican reggae number; the only recognizable part is the refrain. The group has a particular knack for writing interesting countermelodies, that diverge and then resolve in unexpected ways. Their vocal approach is relaxed, never strained; the production, smooth and refined. Few groups handle contemporary material as well.

Songlist: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Stand by Me, Les Yeux Revolver, Love Is All Around, Stop, Men And Women, No More I Love You's, Stupid Things, Time After Time, Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon, Southern Man, If I Could Fly, Eternal Flame, Dream a Little Dream, The Look in Her Eyes

Mosaic Whispers : Defrosted   

Mosaic Whispers is a 16-strong co-ed a cappella group at Washington University in St. Louis, founded in 1991. They have produced 5 critically acclaimed CDs since then, including the award-winning "Against the Grain." "Defrosted" has 10 tunes, favorites are Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," Collective Soul's "Run," "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" by the Police, Indigo Girls' "Ghost," Bonnie Tyle's "Holding Out for a Hero," Mariah Carey's "One Sweet Day" and the final cut, Weezer's "Only in Dreams." Mosaic Whispers has a high-energy, sumptuous sound that lends itself well to their dynamic live performances, and we get to hear several different excellent singers performing leads. "Defrosted" is a stone Collegiate winner!

Songlist: Whenever, Wherever, Big Yellow Taxi (Got 'til Its Gone), Run, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Be Careful (Cuidado Con Mi Corazon), Ghost, Steal My Kisses, Holding Out For A Hero, One Sweet Day, Only In Dreams

The Nylons : Play On   

The veteran male quartet the Nylons, who wowed the West Coast Summit audience not long ago, show us once again the innovative, driving arrangements, tight harmonies, soaring leads, rhythm and soul that has made them a favorite of ours for years! There's non-vocal percussion on just about every cut, but the emphasis remains on the amazing vocals. The song selection is typically well-chosen and fearless: Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," Garth Mosbaugh's "Play" and "Wrong and Right," Kenny Loggins' "This Is It," the lovely Whitney Houston hit, "Feel Like Making Love," "Loving You," "Good Enough to Love," James Taylor's "Only One," "Could've Been You," "Hey There," Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening" and "One More Lonely Night." Every cut is excellent, and some, like "Late in the Evening," the guys just flat out nail! The Nylons are one of the best in the business, and "Play On" is their strongest, most soulful CD to date!

Songlist: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Play, This Is It, Feel Like Making Love, Loving You, Good Enough (To Love), Only One, Wrong and Right, Could've Been You, Hey There, Late in the Evening, One More Lonely Night