The Sanskrit word Akasa (pronounced A-ka-sha) means "Cavity of the Heart/Ether, that which fills everything." Vicki, Mihi, Heidi and Melanie, the four young women singers of this Melbourne-based group sing songs with an African flavor and rhythms. Their debut CD won "Best World Folk Album" at the 2000 Contemporary A Cappella Awards in the U.S. They sing of the oneness of all people on the planet, of never leaving your dreams behind, songs of the pain of divorce, songs against rich developers, songs of the power of people acting together, songs against slavery, songs of revolution-messages of social change and activism. We hear various kinds of percussion on these songs, played by the women themselves, but the emphasis is on the rich voices of the singers and their message. There are 12 songs: "World Citizen," "Eewoyi A," "Sweet Dreaming," "Power of the People," "Pin Ye Bo," "Slave," "Human Zoo," "Divorced," "Drifting," "Singing The Land," Rere Ahu" and "Walk With Me." The liner notes are beautiful and include all the lyrics. Moving, powerful, rhythmic music!

Listen to "World Citizen" in Real Audio.

This is their debut CD and features six spiritual songs, "Trust," "Walking Song," "Walk With Me," "It's Love I See," "Yahwe" and "Turn Back The Time." There is light, non-vocal percussion on all the tracks. The spiritual focus of the songs is universal, and the women harmonize with conviction, energy and joy. The liner notes are lovely and contain all the words and some nice pictures. This is an impressive, touching debut CD, and we're looking forward to hearing more good stuff from this group from Down Under.

"Nani" is Armenian for "mother," and there are similar words in many languages. In Yiddish it is "Nam"?wet nurse, in Hungarian "Neni"?older sister, in Russian "Njanja"?mum. "Dschann," from the original Persian, is a term of endearment which can be attached to any name. For their second CD, recorded in Berlin, the five German women singers of Aquabella looked for songs in which women tell their stories. Women seething with jealousy, women annoyed by midnight love serenades, women making fun of the village priest, women crying to their children or lovers, women who simply want to marry. The passion of Aquabella is filling these stories with life, in carefully but pointedly thinning out the song's prototype in order to enrich it with their own personal stories. These songs, most of them old ones, are thus sung to the world as responses. There are 15 songs here, all in languages like Russian, German, Armenian, Italian and Bulgarian, as we see in the beautiful full-color liner booklet. The sound is hauntingly beautiful and authentic; each song filled with spirit, feeling and passion!

Listen to "Makheuri Sakortsilo" in Real Audio.

This recording is an eclectic mix of folk music from around the globe. Aquabella flows seamlessly from one piece to the next using stylistic singing appropriate to each. The songs are sung in close and often dissonant harmonies with a wide variety of vocal color. The only drawback is the lack of English translations in the liner notes, but the heartfelt and often dramatic singing provides us with musical understanding.

All the singers of the Berlin Vocal Ensemble "Carl Maria von Weber" were members of the internationally-renowned Berlin Male Chorus. After the dissolution of his professional male chorus in 1995, choral director Andreas Wiedermann decided to risk a new start with these 14 experienced singers. 20 a cappella choral pieces, all sung in spirited German. Some favorites are "Das Wandern is des Mullers Lust," the title tune, "Kein Feuer, keine Kohle," "Die Vogelhochzeit," "Es flog ein alter Kafer," "Der jager aus Kurpfalz," "Der Speisezettel," "Ade zur guten Nacht," "Mein Madel hat einen Rosenmund," and "Das Lieben bringt gross Freud-Heitere Volksliederfolge."

Bernie Johnson Reagon should be declared a National Treasure. Since the days of the Civil Rights Movement there has been no voice so strong in musically exhorting freedom, justice and equality. Bernice was contacted in 1975 about recording some of her songs for a new record company, Paredon Records, which was formed to create recordings by singers involved in freedom struggles around the world. Give Your Hands To Struggle was the first recording on which she had used multi-tracking. She found, when she reviewed the original master tapes from Paredon which had been archived at the Smithsonian, that they were cut versions of her original recordings. As her desire was to have the original full length songs presented, she reconstructed them for this reissue CD. This a window on the soul of the Civil Rights Movement by the founder of Sweet Honey In The Rock.

The five beautiful young women who are Black Voices bring us a rich and varied collection of traditional music ("The Lord's Prayer," "Amen," the spiritual "Steal Away," the Scottish folk song "Caledonia," and "In The Upper Room"), Contemporary music (the powerful "I'm Goin' Stand," Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need," C. Pemberton's "Living In a Real World," "AyiyaüAn African Feel," and "Blues Strands") and Reggae ("Reggae Medley" of five songs. There is a lot of feeling and strength in this CD, in the choice of the music and especially in the harmonies of the perfectly pitched voices. There's some electric bass on "Blues Strands," otherwise all a cappella.

Blue Murder is a loose collective featuring members of the English folk group the Watersons,and has been around in various incarnations since the 1980's. "No One Stands Alone" is a spirited and stalwart collection of American and English traditionals and hymns. Some of the vocal arrangements rely on strong vocal harmony throughout, while others have solo lead with backing vocals on the choruses. The five male and two female voices combine in a variety of textures, changing the mood from tune to tune. Some simple accompaniment. This CD is an infusion of good cheer!

A motley crew brings us this collection of sea shanties and ballads, "motley" meaning "of many colors," which describes both the group and their songs. They are Tom McHenry, K.C. King, Bob Hitchcock, Jonathan Eberhart and Dave Diamond, who share a love of singing and the sea. There is a strong folk feeling to this CD, as most sea shanties are working songs, and there's the occasional light guitar or banjo accompaniment. Some of our favorites are: "The Alabama," "The Seaman's Hymn & Eternal Father," "Dead Horse," "Truxton's Victory," "The Sailor's Alphabet," and "Shallow Brown." Well-researched, authentic songs of the sea, vibrantly performed.

It’s been too many years, but now my favorite group of singers/scholars/rowdies has rewarded our patience with another collection of water-songs. And a collection of great variety, too: favorite old chanteys, nautical gospel songs, a couple of original songs, a cable-laying song, a Bengali rowing song, songs from the rivers, lakes and canals, as well as the oceans, high and low. Some are tongue-in-cheek, some just good roaring fun, but most ring with the great dignity of sincerity., Some of these songs would have died in the archives had not Bob and Jonathan made new tunes for them, and many would be lost to us forever without the work and interest of these men. They’re scholars and historians, and their big robust voices lift these songs into our present very well.

Bulgaria is a musical empire of ancient times. This unknown style of female vocal singing is finally receiving the recognition it deserves after years of isolation. Demonstrating mastery in advanced harmony and developed breath control, these women will amaze you with tonality and resonance that suggests a deeper look into the oppression and humanity of this mystical land of the Rhodope Mountains. "There is a clarion purity to their singing which continues to express timeless sentiments of the human condition." Created by contemporary classic composers the music is rich with traditional melodies yet complex in harmony and texture, using the distinctive vocal timbres and techniques indigenous to Bulgaria. This is a fascinating introduction to a musical legacy.

The hearty harmonies of Cockersdale are the accompaniment to war, hard labor, precarious journeys, and the struggle to survive. Even when the subject matter is potentially grim, the settings can be hopeful; "Left, Left, Right, Steady" is about a "rear gunner, in the Spring of forty-four," but the melody is anything but sad. Temporary pain relief can be found in "Three Cheers For Booze," before the mood turns melancholy ü "Hills of Mullaghbawn," an Irish traditional, is a thinly veiled protest against occupation, and "Raglan Road" is about love not meant to be. "Cholera Camp" and "Follow Me Home" are based on the poems of Rudyard Kipling, set to original music.

The folk music of England and its former colonies is a colorful patchwork of history, past and present. Not the least bit refined or pretentious, its primary elements are simple and fundamental, as is its style. These are tunes that anyone can sing or harmonize to, while hoisting a pitcher of ale. Many tell stories, such as "Sykehouse Bridge," about a company town and its industrial origins, or "Barratt's Privateers," about "a broken man on a Halifax pier," reminiscing about youthful adventures. The three members of Cockersdale, Val Marsden, John O'Hagan and Graham Pirt, arrange all of the songs, and have been featured as part of the BBC's "Lateral History Programme."

Invisible Rhythm received an ARIA award nomination for best contemporary album. This highly successful recording by Coco's Lunch was a finalist in the Australian World Music Awards and was featured as World Music CD of the Week in the Sydney Morning Herald. Featuring the brilliant harmonies with sophisticated rhythms of these five skilled musicians and composers, Invisible Rhythm transcends cultural borders. Their songs are in variety of musical styles with lyrics that are earthy and spiritual. Although many of the songs were written be one person, it is obvious that the final product is the result of the closeness and compatibility of the group. Try the soulful "Seven Sisters" or the improvised "Goodnight."

Darach S Cathain said once, "When you've music in you, you're hearing music always." This recording enables us to have and hear the power and love of a singer who is known as a giant figure in Irish traditional singing. His unaccompanied vocals, sung in Irish, are revered as examples of the finest and purest examples ever documented. Most of the songs in this recording he learned as a boy from his mother who only sang at home or with friends. He was a poet born of poets and had been writing songs since he was twelve. A romantic, he fell in love at 19, raised his family by working as a farmer for twelve years before emigrating to Leeds where these recordings were made. Here is the real tradition!

Dis Moi (Dee Mwah) is French for "Tell Me," and we were touched by this all female trio's performance at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Regional at SF's Palace of Fine Arts. There is a wealth of original material by group members in these 15 tunes: the poetic "Birds," "Solstice Reverie" and "Between Us" by Samantha, "Lumin Solare Fiat," "Memoria de Amor," "Flame," "Real" "Mariah's Song" and "Now is the Time" by Heather, "In Depth" and "Together" by Tamar, and "River Song" by Samantha and Heather. The Middle East folk song "Ana Tumba" and the Nigerian rite of passage song "Samagwaza" are also very strong. These are powerful, thought-provoking songs of peace, freedom, justice and love from the sweet, honest voices of these three beautiful, talented women.

Listen to "Now is the Time" in RealAudio.

"Sind'" is the second album of Apulia's (Southern Italy) Faraualla, and is the "organic development of it, a real chapter two," as described in the liner notes. A photo of the group shows a total of seven musicians now, 5 women singers and two male percussionists; not surprising with the emphasis on strong percussion in the group's first recording. This emphasis is even greater on "Sind'. Gabriella Schiavone once again has written most of the group's original material, including "Domina De Miseria," "Arecuriurie," a co-writer on "Uarandero," "Masciare" the joyous "Orangutan" and the rhythmic "Maat Dance," the title tune and "Ninnage." Schiavone also arranged the Russian folk-flavored "Popoff." The album finishes strongly with the traditional Albanian song "Viktori" and a remixed, throbbing "Masciare Witch Mix." Faraualla impresses us again with another energetic, rhythmic winner!

Four beautiful, talented women from Apulia in Southern Italy form the amazing a cappella vocal ensemble Faraualla. They perform their own compositions as well as arrangements of traditional southern Italian and Mediterranean songs. There are many a cappella moments here, and please note that Faraualla works with percussion ranging from harness bells, castanets and cymbals to small duggi, shekere, bass hand drum and rattle drum. What's incredible is the stunning vitality, power and freshness of this music. 14 songs, several striking originals by group member Gabriella Schiavone, "Tonga," "Elleipsis," "Uecumba," "Maha Te Song," "Spirits" (written with Guiseppe D'Ambrosio), and "Petra." The soaring, romantic traditional "Spondo" contrasts with the percussion tunes, and the 14th century "Questa Fanciull'Amor" is brought rhythmically up to date. Complex, dissonant harmonies on "Fescenne" somehow find their way to a rolling island rhythm, tossing in a manic Carnivale percussion riff. "Faraualla" is a surprising, original CD, winner of several world music and vocal music awards, and acclaimed as a masterwork!

The name of this New Hampshire women's septet literally translates "woman, my friend." From soaring harmonies to full voiced choral arrangements, they choose to share a woman's view of the world. The diversity of material is wonderful. Of the original songs, our favorite is "Sea Glass" which is a glorious piece of music and a marvelous metaphorical view of the possibilities of life. In feel, it is a modern classical composition. You will find a madrigal ("Amaryllis' Lament) about menopause! It's hysterical. A couple of Linda Hirschorn's rounds are presented. One of our favorite songs of hope was written by Fred Small, "Everything Possible," It is treated with a simple elegance. A wider cultural excursion into the world of the spirit is the arrangement of the traditional Sanskrit chant, "Om Namo Bagavatae" which is sung in a harmonic complexity of unsurpassed beauty. Live free or die! Songlist

Fifteen most traditional songs, many sung in this Canadian trio's folk a cappella harmonies. Includes "Bright Shining Morning," "Shepherd of the Downs," "Sweet Forget-Me-Not," an a cappella arrangement of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'," plus a great version of Carole King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow."

We remember when the prayer chants of the Guyoto Monks were first released in 1986. Micky Hart, one of the drummers of the Grateful Dead, was the producer and the weight of his name was enough to make us sit up and listen. Then the chanting itself captured our undivided attentions. It was the first time many of us had heard overtone singing, which is to say when a person is able to sing a primary note and the harmonic overtone at the same time. It was an illuminating experience! Please note, that the chanting on this recording is not performance, for the prayers are said anew each time the recording is played. Their power and effectiveness depends, of course, on the degree of attention and compassion which one brings to bear on the experience. The positive effects can therefore vary from merely an illuminating understanding of a vocal technique right on up to a moment of spiritual enlightenment.

With an introduction by Jacey Bedford of Artisan, this women's trio, named with self-effacing mockery, also hails from that fine English folk tradition that Artisan represents (though Hen Party borrows a tune or two from its upstart colonialist cousins). Uncomplicated technically, the simple changes and diatonic melodies of folk tunes are also some of the prettiest, and are easy to harmonize. Songs such as "Normandy Orchards" and "The L & N Don't Stop Here Anymore" offer comfort during hard times, or may be the only form of protest available to the working-class; as such, their strength can be more visceral than more supposedly cultured forms.

In Armenian, Hover (Hoh-vér) evokes the image on song soaring on the wind, and it's also the name of one of the most beautiful Armenian folk songs by Komitas vardapet, a revered name in Armenian folk and sacred music, also part of Hover's repertoire. The 24-strong mixed-voice Choir came together in Yerevan in 1992 as a volunteer performing arts group, mostly students and graduates of the Komitas National Conservatory; led by founder and artistic director Sona Hovhannisyan. There are 21 folk and sacred songs here, particularly nice are Kodaly's "Esti Dal" (Evening Song), Britten's "Carol" and "Ye that Pasen By," Poulenc's "Timor et Tremor," Ravel's "Nicolette," and a number of wonderful tunes by Armenia's Komitas: "Ode," "Threshing Song," "Ploughing Song of Lori," "A Pumpkin Grows on the Garden Wall," and "Greeting The Morning," Gershwin's "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and Lennon/McCartney's "Michelle." A joyful, well-chosen mix, beautifully performed by this fine mixed Choir. The extensive, colorful liner notes tell us about the music and lyrics.

Hover performs the Choral Mystery, a work based on the fables of the The Armenian Renaissance fabulist and monk Vardan Aigektsi (1170-1235). The fables were adapted for the stage by Yuri Sahakyan, and set to music specially for Hover by Stepan Babatorosyan, and performed under the direction of Mikayel Vatinyan and Arthur Manukyan at the Io-Theatre, Although thoroughly modern and innovative, the Choral Mystery springs from the traditions of ancient theater and contemporary opera. Like its predecessors, including the Christian mystery plays, classical cantata, comedia della arte, this work is morality theater in the manner of an oratorio. The Aigektsi fables with their varied themes and colorful characters provide the perfect material for fusing the dramatic, graphic, kinetic and musical capabilities of Hover. Although 700 years old, the Aigektsi Fables are as relevant today as when they were written. They combine modern and traditional Armenian musical elements with dramatic device dating to early Greek drama.

The five talented Johnson Girls love singing folk tunes together, but let us be more specificÑthey love singing authentic a cappella sea chanteys and maritime music. They are a refreshing incongruous part of a traditionally male community of singers who come together at festivals and gatherings to sing the old songs. 20 tunes, some of our favorites: "Round Cape Horn," "Sailor's Way," "Essequibo River," "Fisherman's Lassie," "Come Love Come," the fairly racy "Huckleberry Hunting," "Drummer and the Cook," "Yankee Man o' War," "Jump, Isabel, Slide Water" (a rowing song written by slaves before the Civil War), "Pump Shanty," "Fisherman's Wife" and "Goodbye, Fare You Well." These are heart-tugging songs of the life of the sailor, songs that made his labor seem easier, and helped to ease his loneliness or a broken heart. The Johnson Girls sing them with conviction, spirit and deep feeling, making us believe that they are the sailor in question, or that he is their lover, son or husband. An impressive, focused first recording by New York City's talented folk quintet! Liner notes have comments and info on all the songs.

Sparingly accompanied by Renaissance flute, piccolo and a guitar, these traditionals, and the descriptions that accompany them, are a charming introduction to the musical history of Britain. The famous "Danny Boy," (a cappella) somehow manages to summarize the grace and suffering of the Irish experience in its earnest melody; likewise, "Loch Lomond," (Scottish, also a cappella) brings the rough yet delicate beauty of Scotland to life. Several nineteenth century parlor songs are also included, such as "Home Sweet Home" and "Golden Slumbers." Also, the familiar "Scarborough Fair," "Greensleeves" and "What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor?"

The remarkable women of Kitka-eight in number-perform Eastern European songs (occasionally accompanied by folk harp, lute and hand percussion) of unusual beauty. Though sung in their native languages (the subject matter is explained in the text) the fundamental essence of emotion is as immediate as the earth itself. The Russian "Na Gore, Na Gorinke" is placid and serene, the Bulgarian "Malo Selo," with it's plunging vocal descent, an alarm to the senses. Some, such as "Shto Mi E Milo," are derived from folk dances. A variety of textures and intervals (the use of drone notes on "Szerelem, Szerelem" for example) add distinction.

Oakland-based 8-woman World/Folk group Kitka, founded in 1979, performs stunning, emotion-filled songs from the Eastern European folk tradition. Occasional accompaniment, in the form of harp, rebec & vielle, and percussion draws little attention from the voices of these women or their strong material. 19 songs, with text and explanations in the beautiful full-color liner notes, from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Georgia and Bosnia. Kitka's first two releases, "Nectar" and "Voices on the Eastern Wind" are hard acts to follow, but "The Vine" is the group's best yet. Listen to powerful rhythms of the opening cut, the Bulgarian folk tune "Subrali Sa Se Subrali" or have your heart broken by the Croatian lament "Zaspo Janko"--it's all amazing. We loved Kitka's performance at the West Coast Summit, and their recordings are as bell-like and pure as any choral group we've heard. Recommended!

Listen to "Shen Khar Venakhi" and "Zaspo Janko" in Real Audio.

1992 recording from this powerful, San Francisco Bay-Area based, ten-voice women's group. Founded in 1979, their material is derived from the Eastern European folk tradition, and is both aesthetically pure and emotionally wrenching. With exquisite control and flawless skill, Kitka imbues these frequently somber-sounding compositions with passion, realism and humanity. "Bratets Kosi," (Croatia) is a vital outburst, "Haydutin Stuyan," (Bulgaria) ascends to the tri-tone to establish its tragic theme. A solo period instrument minimally accompanies four tracks. With explanations in English of the native texts, these songs offer a unique glimpse into another world.

The Konevets Quartet was founded by graduates and students of the St. Petersburg Music Conservatoire in July 1992. The Quartet takes its name from the Konevets Island and Monastery, some 160 kilometers northeast of St. Petersburg, on Lake Ladoga. It was there, over 600 years ago, that St. Arseny Konevsky founded a cloister in the honour of the birth of Mary, Mother of God. The repertoire on this, their sixth recording is comprised of Russian folk songs based on ballads, dances and regimental songs and marches of the Tsarist armies, and from the old military academies, forbidden during Communist times. If you have ever been moved by the glorious, robust singing of the Russian peoples, this is a chance to experience the same music polished to perfection by a concert trained quartet. Wonderful!

'Ritual' is an unusual recording for the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir. For one thing, two male guest artists make appearances on two of the songs and a measure of instrumentation on half a dozen tunes includes one instrumental (gasp!). It's a wonderful dance tune which only enhances the feel of the recording dealing mostly with tunes meant for St. Lazar's Day and also Christmas carols. This recording (1994) is the first studio album since the group's two Le Mystere anthologies of the late 1980's. The tradition established by Philip Koutev in the 1950's of applying the compositional methods of concert practice to folk material is still the origin of the famous sound of this choir, now directed by Dora Hristova. Another fascinating aside on this recording is the group singing "A Jewish Triptych (Sephardic)" composed and arranged by Nikolai Kaufmann. This is glorious music that anyone literate in world music should know

"No Boundaries" is a rare treat, combining the talents of legendary Ladysmith with the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by by Finnish pianist and composer Ralf Gothoni, with most arrangements by Swedish composer Isak Roux. 12 songs, some of our favorites were written by Ladysmith's Joseph Shabalala, the powerful "Jabulani-Rejoice," "Homeless," Awu Wemadoda," "Ngingenwe Emoyeni" (Wind of the Spirit of God), and "Lifikile Ivangeli." Other favorites are the Paul Simon and Shabalala-arranged "Amazing Grace," the playful Roux arrangement of "Dona Nobis Pacem," the moving "Umzuzu Nayi Ujesu," Schubert's "Sanctus," Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus" and Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" are given a rhythmic, African flavor, and the Roux-arranged "Walil' Umtwana" (The Child is Crying) is a beautiful finish to a joyful cross-cultural collaboration of musical talent! Gorgeous, colorful liner notes.

Ladysmith crosses cultural boundaries more than ever before to bring their musical message to a wider audience. The lineup of musicians who with whom they work is fabulous. The album begins with one of the most complex pieces of music imaginable from Joseph who admits that his music is very difficult to sing. Dolly Parton leads "Knockin' On Heavens Door." "O Happy Day" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord" features vocalist Betty Griffin. Phoebe Snow is lead singer on "People Get Ready." Bill Champlin does the lead vocal on "River Of Dreams." You'll find Lou Rawls in lead on "Chain Gang" and Hana "Coyote" Motijoane sings lead on "I'll Take You There." Among these instrumentally accompanied guest appearances which explore American gospel and R&B are an equal number of Ladysmith familiars. It's wonderful how many artists seek to share the message of hope and joy with Ladysmith Black Mambazo!

This recording is the third in a trilogy which began with "A Circle is Cast" and "Fire Within." For the selections music was sought which reflects the cyclical nature of existence and which would soothingly resonate with the totality of existence. Themes of life, death, renewal and the connection which is the underlying theme of existence, love, are presented here in sixteen songs from the far and near corners of the world. The common thread which ties all these together is the peaceful effect of the songs all of which seem to have a circular quality. Libana has been singing these songs in moments of passage and times of transition for people from coast to coast, sharing grace, peace, and beauty in those moments of significance in other's lives. All the while this sharing is their own exploration into the divine mysteries within which our existence is rooted. So come and share with them the words of Rumi set to music, along side of which you'll find music from South Africa (Xhosa), Jewish traditions, American Shakers, Sweden, Sicily, West Africa (Yoruba), and a bevy of individuals who are inspired to craft music of peace. Some of the songs have a touch of instrumentation to enhance the feel sought by the musicians. The theme for the recording which Susan Robbins chose to grace the notes comes from Rumi. "...Whatever circles comes from the center."

Fire Within is a collection of 18 songs, chants and rounds with origins which span seven centuries and come from many cultures. The unifying spirit of such a collection is the reverence and respect for Earth's elemental power and sensual beauty. It is truly no exaggeration to use the description of the vocal qualities of the eleven women as crystalline and hauntingly beautiful. If you open your heart to their music, we guarantee the literal phenomena of thrills moving up the spine. Your spiritual tour will begin with a new round by Marytha Paffrath, "Fire Within." "Hotaru Koi" is a traditional Japanese piece of music in which the voices float and dance as lightly as the firefly whom they address. Wonderful! We haven't time to do descriptive justice to equally wonderful songs from Renaissance Spain, Hawaiian traditions, Native American, 14th century Spain, Sweden, Shaker, Jewish, Kenya and all those written by the members of this excellent group. You will have to do that for yourself!

Libana was formed by twenty-five women in 1979 to investigate and perform cross-cultural music written for, by, and about women. By the release of this album in 1986, there were a dozen performing members under the artistic direction of Susan Robbins. A Circle Is Cast exemplifies the joyous spirit of singing in a community. The material is drawn from African, Israeli, European Renaissance, Native American and contemporary folk sources to create a collection of twenty-two rounds, chants and songs. It is a beautiful recording which engenders a feeling of peace and a meditative internal quiet, reflective of the seasons and cycles. It shares a sense of ritual and continuance which are vital for dynamic community. Besides, "Sisters, Now Our Meeting Is Over" gives one a thrill of exquisite beauty.

The Lingonberries are a bilingual (English and Swedish) three-women/one man a cappella quartet based in Ottawa, Canada. Their repertoire centers around traditional Swedish folk songs, although three of the four recently moved to Canada from Sweden and audiences are hearing more and more English lyrics lately. There are 12 songs, all with Swedish titles, nice harmonies and the women's pure, sweet voices soar over the anchoring bass of the man. A brief paragraph in English follows each selection, giving us the meaning of each song. Enjoyable and celebratory choral music by some of our talented friends in the north country.

Manitoba, Canada-based 6-woman World/Folk group Madrigaia's repertoire reflects their love for the many cultures of the world while giving special attention to their French-Canadian roots. On "Viva Voce" they sing wonderful versions of ancient and modern folk songs in French, Spanish, Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Mic mac, Croatian, Hebrew, Yiddish, and more, both a cappella and lightly accompanied by bass, viola, drums and percussion. Some favorites: "Niska Banja," "Odi, odi," "Vus vet zayn," "En filant ma quenouille," "Vichten" and "Grain de mil." A fresh, spirited sound from the north country!

Four lovely Canadian women with roots in Africa and Mexico form Malaika, an upbeat, reggae/bluesy World group. This is a live CD, and the songs include: "Zeze," "Georgia Come Home," "Home To Mexico," "Survival," "Always," the tongue-in-cheek "I Should Have Been David Duchovny's Bride," "Pilipili," "Beautiful Girl," "Who Is Safe," "Family Matters," the "Sound of Music" song that was never written, "In Vienna," "To Paradise" ("Show me the way to Paradise, Escape the games, run from the lies"), a stunning arrangement of "All In The Game," and "Come Home Someday" ("Maybe I'd open up my patio door to a beach scene that's never been found"). This is honest music, blue-collar, in survival, coping with aging, no movie happy ending, but we can still dream on, laugh and celebrate life, music. We can relate, and judging by the audience response, so can everyone who hears Malaika. A breath of real, tropical, fresh air from Canada!

Listen to "Always" in Real Audio.

"Muungano has been aptly described as "Emissaries of Kenyan Culture," and has just completed a remarkable third tour of the US. The 30-strong, mixed-voice Choir creates a powerful, rhythmic, infectious sound with sweet, powerful solos. Some light percussion accompaniment, but the emphasis is on these amazing voices and harmonies. 13 songs, some favorites are the title tune, "Maina," "Wanamichezo," "Malaika," "Niwaro Nono," "Bhazo" (a South African freedom song), "Selena," "Msichana Mrembo," and "Sikuta," but there's really not a weak or uninteresting cut here. The authentic rhythms and joyful singing flow like an African river throughout "Mateso!"

The Patriarchal Choir, Moscow was formed in 1983, and consists of professional singers, both men and women. The choir take part in the services of the Moscow Church of the Resurrection, basing its work on old Russian choral tradition, from the 17th century to works of bortnyansky, Rachmaninov and others. The Choir began touring abroad in 1987. "Folk Songs" features 17 a cappella songs; some of our favorites are "Down the River Mother Volga," "In The dark forest," "The bell tolls," "O, the sweet night," "Do not reproach me, do not blame," "The troika-mail is running," "Along the river" and "Dark Eyes." There is tremendous depth of feeling here; wonderful solos supported by solid background harmonies. A powerful and moving CD!

Slavei means "nightingale" in Bulgarian language and we understand the choice of this word when we listen to these great voices that combine with clarity and emotion and strength of Bulgarian tradition. The female quartet are former soloists of the Philippe Koutev famous ensembles : Mysteries of Bulgarian Voices and Angelite. Their repertoire comes from orthodox religious songs from Eastern Europe (usually only sung by men), and from traditional secular songs. Four great women, four magnificent voices, a perfect skill of a difficult and specific vocal technique, a unique repertoire as it takes in traditional secular songs, but also in orthodox songs from XIVe to XXe century, usually dedicated to men. To hear these two genres, sung by divine voices, side by side, is a profoundly moving and fascinating experience.

Listen to "Sviri Neno" in Real Audio.

Folk songs exist in all countries and come from all centuries, whether in the form of lullabies, love songs or narrative ballads. These songs reflect our societies and diverse cultures. The Quink Vocal Ensemble has captured some of these songs from Europe, the United States and Israel. A number of them were arranged by classical composers such as Ralph Vaughn Williams who actively collected and studied folk songs and Arnold Schoenberg, best known for his less tonal works, set texts from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries to create works that rival the best Renaissance madrigals. This CD brings together a quite varied but interesting group of songs.

There is an ancient mythology sung by the followers of Orpheus which has been preserved as folk song in the Rhodope mountains of Bulgaria. These are the sort of songs which have been given a concert hall exposure by the Bulgarian Women's Choir. The Rhodopea Kaba Trio are the musical living treasury of these ancient songs. The Kaba portion of their name refers to the fact that they are singing in a low register which corresponds to the sound of the kaba bagpipe, a favorite instrument in the Rhodope mountain area.You will hear not only a fascinating style of singing which begins with a monophonic melody and splits into three polyphonic planes but also, on four of the twenty-one songs, you will hear Ivelina Balcheva, a jazz singer, take off into her own improvisational embellishments of ancient tradition. We strongly suggest this recording to those who love the songs of Bulgarian women.

Four vivacious young Frenchwomen, including the acclaimed Evelyn Girardon, interpret songs from the traditional repertoire with the spirit of today. These 21 musical "petit fours" are a delight, and everything about this recording, from the art to the production, is rendered with care and attention. Though sung in French, the four imbue their performances with such conviction that the emotion is clearly sensed. Placing their notes with the utmost mastery of pitch, they can be somberly discordant, even eerie ("La Jeune Soeur"), or fluently melodic ("Le Beau Collier"), while utilizing close harmony, solo voice or polyphony, and variations thereof. The Roulez Fillettes are a tuneful refreshment.

For over thirty years The Rustavi Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Anzor Erkomaishvili, have been painstaking in collecting and sometimes recreating the songs, instrumental music and dance of all the regions of Georgia which were the domains of separate tribes and therefore unique musical traditions. The songs on this recording were chosen from an anthology entitled "100 Georgian Folk Songs" which had been commissioned by Melodiya, the Soviet recording company, in the mid 1980's. The compiler was Ted Levin who, with Anzor, picked a wide stylistic representation of the three part polyphony which is unique to the area. The music sounds Eastern and Western, religious and secular, modern and archaic all at the same time. Among the singing techniques on this disc you'll find a unique, high-register, sustained yodel called krimanchuli to be a completely original sound found nowhere else in the world. It is amazing!

Susan, Jamie and Rebecca are activists, teachers, musicians and artists, whose inspirations include Rhiannon, Copperwimmin, Sweet Honey in the Rock and many others. This a cappella women's trio "unites fierce, passionate struggles for justice with extraordinary vocal music." "Wild Roses" is a collection of 12 songs, some, "I Painted Peace," "Take Care" and "This Battle's Harvest," originals written by group members; others , like the title tune, which began as a few lines of a Clayoquot lullaby, and "Jasper, TX," based on a poem from Samsara's Prison Poetry Project, were given melody, arrangement and even new verses by the group. Songs like the traditional Bulgarian folk song "Mo lih ta," "Eli, Eli," the Yiddish songs "Es Brent" and "Mayn Ruhe Platz," "Oh, Death Have Mercy" and "Bread and Roses" inspire while they break the heart. "Roses" is filled with beautifully sung feeling that touches and moves us in many ways.

If you share our fascination with the vocal inventiveness of human beings, this is for you. The Tuvan people are said to be descendants of Ghengis Kahn. They live just north of Mongolia in the exact center of the Asia, surrounded by mountains which have helped to keep them isolated. As a nomadic herding culture a closeness with nature permeates their lives and is the mainstay of musical culture. It is said that the throat singing for which the Tuvan's have become so well known came from listening to the resonance of the empty steppe. The singing of multiple notes at the same time by one singer can be historically traced back to the eighth century and may well be much older. Shu-De is a troupe of five musician/singers with an arranger who share with us exquisite examples of the five varieties of throat singing in both accompanied and unaccompanied arrangements. The Tuvans are the best practitioners of singing harmonic overtones, and Shu-De is one of the best groups in Tuva. Explore your world!

This album presents songs from the time of King Shaka (1795-1828) as well as songs in his praise. The a cappella songs include war cries of the Zulu army, hunting songs, celebration songs and other traditional songs from the time of the Zulu kings. Two groups of traditional Zulu singers, Amagugu Akwazulu and Abalendeli Bengoma perform the 32 tracks. Amagugu Akwazulu is a group of the older members of a choir. Abelendeli Bengoma, a group of male singers, sing and perform traditional Zulu dance styles to great local acclaim. The informative booklet enclosed with the CD provides extensive information about the history and music, as well as each song. Some songs accompanied by stamping and clapping.

Stravaig is a quartet of fine soloists who have combined their talents to give voice to traditional (and the occasional not so traditional) songs. The members are Susan Kelly, Phyllis Martin, Jean McMonies and Moire Greenwood (Jean and Moire are sisters). They are collectors of traditional music, particularly from the area of south-western Scotland where they live. Stravaig is a Scottish word which means "to sally forth, go up and down, to ramble aimlessly." You will frequently see an artist beginning a tour referred to as embarking upon a stravaig. So share a musical stravaig with Scotland's top a cappella group as they ramble through traditional songs and music hall parodies to finally arrive at a Zulu traditional song which they found on the Miriam Makeba album, Sangoma.

All-woman Folk quintet from the Scottish lowlands Stairheid Gossip bring us a well-crafted collection of traditional tunes. The South Aftrican song "Bahele Bonke" is about leaders imprisoned in Longweni Prison moves us even though we have no idea what the words mean. The children's chant "King of the Castle" by Colum Sands, is given far deeper meaning. "Rantin' Dog" tells the timeless tale of an unmarried mother worried about getting help to care for her child. Stairheid's versions "High Germany" and the great labor song "Women o' Dundee," and "Johnny I Hardly Knew You" touch the heart and bring a tear to the eye, and "Didn't Leave Nobody But the Baby" from the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou" is particularly wonderful. Back to Scotland for "Aye Waukin O," a song of unrequited love, and they nail "Cotton Mill Girls," a spirited American working woman's song. 17 tracks, with some light percussion and guitar, which take us through the centuries and around the world with spirit, deep feeling and magic, which must only be multiplied in their live performances.

First getting together in a local bar following the rained-out English Crumlin Wakes Festival of June, 1970, the 3 men and 2 women of Swan Arcade spent the next 20-odd years delighting Folk audiences, singing songs to raise the spirits, support a cause or tell a tale. "Round Again" is a sumptuous retrospective of the best of the group's music from that era, 23 songs, each with Swan Arcade's trademark tight, ringing harmonies and pure love of singing. Covers that the group makes their own like Lennon/McCartney's "Paperback Writer" Sting's "Black Seam" and Blind Faith's "Lola," inspirational tunes like "Keep the Faith," and "Raise Your Banner," workingmen's laments like "Donibristle Mine Disaster" and "Four Green Fields," songs of faith like "Dwelling In Beulahland," sea chanties like "Weary Whaling Grounds," and anti-war songs like "Peat Bog Soldiers" and "Children's Crusade," this is all powerful, beautifully sung stuff by one of the best-loved folk groups of all time. Some light accompaniment.

The songs from "Raise Your Voice!" come from two live benefit concerts from 2003. Acclaimed filmmaker and Emmy winner Stanley Nelson documented Sweet Honey's activities in this, Sweet Honey's 30th anniversary year, and this CD is the soundtrack to that film. It features 22 favorites such as "I Remember, I Believe," "Joan Little," "In The Upper Room with Jesus," "In the Morning When I Rise," "Denko," "The Women Gather," "Run," "Come Unto Me," "Old Ship of Zion" and "Movin' On." "Ballad of the Broken Word/Give the People Their Right to Vote!" features SH's collaboration with Toshi Reagon (daughter of founder Bernice Johnson Reagon) and her band Big Lovely. All other songs are a cappella, with occasional tamborine and light percussion. "Raise Your Voice!" puts us in the audience to experience this inspirational, soulful, powerful music from these a cappella legends!

Listen to "The Women Gather" in Real Audio.