Review: Volume 14 of an a cappella doo-wop retrospective series on New York-based Starlight Discs. There are 20 cuts on this CD, featuring Dino & the Heartspinners, The Paragons, The Bob Knight Four, Yesterday's Today, Street Corner Serenade, Tears of Joy and Elements of Life. The tunes are all standards like 'Mr. Blue,' 'Blue Velvet,' 'Believe It Or Not' and 'I Love You So' or might-have-been hits, like 'Sugar Lump,' 'Last Night I Dreamed' and 'Betty.' A classic pic of the Bob Knight Four is on the front.

Songlist: Sweet Was the Wine, Blue Velvet, P.S. I Love You, Shadrack, For Your Precious Love, There's a Moon Out Tonight, Jitterbug Mary, Brown Eyed Girl, Goodbye to Love, Last Night I Dreamed, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Come Back My Love, Sugar Lump, Believe It or Not, I Love You So, Mr. Blue, Ready For Your Love, Love Potion No. 9, Disco Mama Disco Man

Review: Outstanding holiday doo wop set featuring the fabulous harmonies of favorite vocal groups including Kenny Vance & The Planotones, Larry Chance & The Earls and many others.

Songlist: Doo Wop Christmas, After New Year's Eve, Here Comes Santa Claus, You're My Christmas Present, Mr. Santa, Like A Kid At Christmas, A Christmas Long Ago, Another Lonely New Years Eve, Merry Christmas, No Christmas Cheer

Voicing: doowop/doowopchristmas/

Review: This CD is a collection of colourful music from South Africa. A number of tracks are religious in nature and are sung in multi-part harmony with heartfelt spiritual feeling and intensity. The musical styles presented here include Mbube, Zulu gospel, South Sotho choral and Tswana gospel, all representing different choral approaches and arrangements.

Songlist: Newcastle Five Roses, Ivangeli Loxolo, The Mighty Hot African Boys, Ntu Bhekani Brosthers, Bakgethoa Ba Morena, Enista, The Agents, S.D. Church Choir, New Castle Five Roses, Amahlokohloko, Enista, Ntu Bhekani Brothers, The Mighty Hot African Boys, Ivangeli Loxolo, The Agents

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: Estonia is a small nation, and again and again a quarter of them get together on the Song Festival Ground, with its massive "Arch of Song" and grounds, by the high limestone bank of Lasnamae, Tallinn, to take part in this wonderful festival, either as a singer or a listener. They arrive in a long, colorful parade, and then the fanfares start sounding, playing the theme from Ludig's song "The Dawn." The first of these festivals took place in 1869, and they have always been an expression of national consciousness and pride in this small Soviet-bloc nation as it strove for self-governance and freedom from oppression. "The Dawn" is joined by U. Vinter's powerful, a cappella "The Song of the Northern Land" as the two songs that resonate most in the hearts of the oppressed nation. There are 24 songs here, anthems that express the Estonians' pride and love for their country, beautiful examples are A. Kunleid's "My Fatherland Thou Are My Love" and "Until I Die;" K.A. Hermann's "Let Us Go Up To the Hills," R. Tobias' "The Young Blacksmiths" and "Wouldn't You Know;" G. Erneasaks' "The Young Spring" and "The Reaping Song;" M. Saar's "The Northern Spirit" and R. Eespere's "The Era of Awakening." There is occasional accompaniment, and extensive, colorful liner notes tell the story in both Estonian and English. A joyous collection from this powerful, phenomenal Festival of Song!

Songlist: Laulupeo Fanfaard, Mu Isamaa On Minu Arm, Sind Surmani, Laul Roomule, Enne Ja Nuud, Kaunimad Laulud, Mingem Ules Magedele, Noored Sepad, Eks Teie Tea, Laulik, Sirisege Sirbikesed, Noor Kevade, Arge Unustage Laulu, Loikuse Laul, Mets, Rukkiraak, Someralt Sormikule, Pohjavaim, Nokturn, Kes Selle Tamme Istutas?, Laul Pohjamaast, Laulu Algus, Arkamise Aeg, Tuljak

Voicing: cds/estonian-choral-music/

Review: This CD is the second of the Bulgarian Choral Art Series. It presents some of the best samples of choral music in Bulgaria. All of the pieces are arrangements by Bulgarian composers of original folk melodies. The recording includes performances by a variety of choirs: mixed, male, female and children's. The singing heard on this CD is in a Western classical style rather than the very pointed sound often associated with Bulgarian singing. The liner notes give translations of the songs.

Songlist: Rachenitsa (Dobri Hristov), Hey, Maiden (Dobri Hristov), A Madcap (Marin Golminov), Fisherman's Toast (Georgi Dimitrov), A Snowdrop Has Blossomed (Georgi Dimitrov), Bagpipe Player (Svetoslav Obretenov), Swings (Philip Koutev), Dragana and the Nightingale (Philip Koutev), You Do Not Lie to Your Old Mother (Todor Popov), Dilmano, Dilbero (Zdravko Manalov), A Drum Is Drumming (Zdravkno Manolov), Delyu the Haiduk (Dimitar Petkov), Night Has Overtaken Lalitsa (Jules Levy), I Have a Big Care (Alexander Tanev), Yova, You Little Girl (Alexander Tanev), Two Drums Are Beaten (Ivan Spassov), Hey Rada, Beautiful Rada (Ivan Spassov), Yana (Kiril Stefanov), Hey, Petrunka (Krassimir Kyurkchiiski), Gyore Sat Down (Stefan Mutafchiev), A Lesson in Gadulka (Nikolai Stoikov), The Miraculous Horo (Georgi Kostov), Winter (Milko Kolarov), At the Horo Dancing (Petar Lyondev)

Review: "Global Voices" is exactly as it says, 19 songs of praise from around the world, from the Sistine Choir in Italy's "Rorate Caeli-Song of Advent/Gregorian Chant," and Brazil's Wayna Picchu singing "Jesus Christo," to the Cook Island Choir's "Imenetuki Mangaia" and Baswa Ba Tumela, Sotho Gospel group of South Africa, singing "Jesu Oa Re Lwela." In addition, Greece, Russia, Slovakia, Croatia, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Marquesas Islands, Fiji, Sri Lanka and "Mbube" and "Zulu" choirs of South Africa. What is impressive about this compilation goes beyond the high quality of the songs, from composition and arrangement to the incredible singing-it's the commonality of feeling and purpose that runs through the various cultures: praising God. An inspiring and impressive collection!

Songlist: Italy - The Sistine Choir, Russia - Russky Kamerny Khor, Slovakia - Local Choir/Landrak, Croatia - Zagreb Folk Ensemble, Greek Orthodox - Greek Orthodox Congregation, Germany - Norddeutscher Figuralchor, Canada - Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Early Mexico - SAVAE, Bolivia - SKRUK, Brazil - Wayna Picchu, Early Peru - SAVAE, Dominican Republic - Hermandad Cultural De Villa Mella, Marquesas Islands - Voix des Isles, Cook Islands - Cook Island Choir, Fiji - Viseisei Methodist Church Choir, Sri Lanka - Local Choir / Negombo, South Africa "Mbube" - Masibuyele Kujehova, South Africa "Zulu" - Amaxusa Ka Jesu, South Africa "Sotho Gospel" - Baswa Ba Tumela

Voicing: world/music-cds/

Review: This CD is a fabulous mix of a cappella and accompanied lullabies. With songs from Bobby McFerrin, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Take 6, this is sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Songlist: Swedish Lullaby, Courtyard Lullaby, A La Nanita Nana, Be Still My Child, Sakura/ Owayare, All The Pretty Horses, Lullaby, Down By The Salley Gardens, Sleep, Little One, Sleep, Sweet Lullaby, Spirit Lullaby, Common Thread

Voicing: a-cappella/lullabies/

Review: The choral music of the Russian Orthodox Church is designed to set the soul soaring beyond earthly cares. Sung by the finest Russian and Bulgarian choirs, this extraordinary collection of transcendent prayers and hymns highlights a timeless Russian tradition of faith and devotion. Lush harmonies float in space, angelic high voices pour down from heaven, deep bass voices intone from the center of the earth, and the great bronze bells toll with awesome grandeur. The solemn ecstasy in the music of the Russian Orthodox Church can trace its roots back to the earliest days of Christian worship, via the great Byzantine Empire of the Near East. It presents an uncompromising search for peaks and depths of expressive fervor, aloof from all gimmicks. That was true of the music's multi-cultural roots as monastic chant, and was maintained as it evolved into full choral harmony in the late Romantic period.

Songlist: Russian Cathedral Bells, Great Ektenia, Hymn of Praise, Hymn of the Cherubim, Hymn of the Cherumbim, Our Father, Fervent Supplication, The Noble Joseph, Amen, And with Thy Spirit, I Have Chosen the Blissful, Hymn of the Cherubim, Final Bells

Voicing: cds/russian-choral-music/

Review: The psalm "Miserere mei Deus" is a prayer for mercy, contrition and renewal. Since the 1630s, Gregorio Allegri's famous setting has been sung at dawn during Holy Week, while the Pope kneels in prayer in the solemn candlelit atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel. This contemporary version, recorded in the spectral grandeur of Osnabruck Cathedral, adds new material composed by Vladimir Ivanoff to the ethereal harmonies of the Osnabruck Youth Choir and the elegiac brass tones of the cornetto, recreating the mysterious beauty of this sacred classic.

Songlist: Miserere Mei, Et Secundum, Amplius, Tibi Soli, Ecce Enim, Asperges Me, Averte Faciem, Cor Mundum, Danza I, Quoniam Si Voluisses, Tunc Acceptabis, Sofferenza, Tunc Imponent, Danza II

Voicing: cds/russian-choral-music/

Review: What could be more sublime than a wall of dark, rotund Russian voices shimmering against the rising, ornate walls of a great cathedral? Not much, and this compilation of absolutely magnificent music proves it. The label Hearts of Space returns on this third choral collection to the ominous Slavic chant of their first choral album, Sacred Treasures I, which gathered together recordings of stunning Bulgarian and Russian choirs portraying the sacred works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and other composers. Whereas Treasures I pulled from varied sections of sacred liturgies, including solo passages, Treasures III most often stays in harmonic chant with select voices occasionally rising and rolling in polyphonic heavenly calls. The collective voice draws the emotive tension taut here, as on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Our Father," which uses the absence of darkness to later juxtapose bold, rising drama. The Kiev chant "Blessed Art Thou O Lord" sends chills down the spine as the whispering consonants of the Russian language skip across the ancient repetition like sand skitters over a stormy beach. This is a collection as breathtakingly beautiful as the Cathedral of the Dormition itself. Not to be missed.

Songlist: Alleluia, Behold the Bridegroom, Sourp Sourp (Holy Holy), Lord Have Mercy, The Mercy of Peace, Komm, susser Tod, Serenade, Grant Us This O Lord, Our Father, Gloria (Excerpt), Peaceful Light, Praise the Lord O My My Soul (Greek Chant), Blessed art thou, O Lord, Chorali, Amen, Alleluia

Voicing: cds/russian-choral-music/

Review: The talented and creative singer-songwriter Ben Folds became enamored of collegiate a cappella after hearing some of the groups on YouTube. On this release he recorded some of his favorite campus a cappella groups as they each perform one of his songs and the result is a delight. The Spartones open the disc with a stella arrangement of "Not the Same" with the Leading Tones of Ohio University giving a solid rendition of "Brick". Ben Folds himself sings a cappella (with multi tracking) on "Boxing" and the fun "Effington". Mosaic Whispers sings "Still Fighting It" with conviction while the more jazz arrangement of "Selfless, Cold and Composed" helps show why Ben Folds songs are so much fun to arrange and perform unaccompanied. The University of Chicago's Voices in Your Head perform a very interesting arrangement of "Magic" and the Newtones soothing treatment of "Evaporate" surprises. Fifth Element is remarkable performing "Fair" and the closing "The Luckiest" wraps up the recording perfectly. This release certainly shows how talented today's collegiate a cappella groups have become and although a few individual voices may not always be pitch perfect the arrangements are almost all top notch and impressive. Recommended.

Songlist: Not the Same, Jesusland, Brick, You Don't Know Me, Still Fighting It, Boxing, Selfless, Cold and Composed, Magic, Landed, Time, Effington, Evaporated, Fred Jones Part 2, Army, Fair, The Luckiest

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: This highly-popular series has become a yearly event to satisfy the appetites of collegiate music lovers, and it's a great way to expose oneself to the up-and-coming talent proliferating at our nation's higher institutions. Whether the Stanford Counterpoints "Don't Speak," the Tufts Amalgamates "I Don't Want to Wait" or "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by UPenn Off The Beat, the selections offer a tuneful portion of what's hip now in current or retro pop, and the quality is entirely professional. Over half the tracks were CARA nominated, a surefire harbinger of success. Many members of professional and semi-professional contemporary vocal bands started out in these very ensembles, so heads up!

Songlist: Don't Stand So Close To Me, You're All I Need To Get By, Ghost Train, You Make Me Wanna, Bethlehem, Crazy Love, Semi-Charmed Life, Fear, I Can't Make You love Me, Sour Times, Angel, How Deep Is Your Love?, I Don't Want To Wait, Verdi Cries, Stupid Girl, Don't Speak, Pretty Good Year, Fame, Stay

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: The series continues, with a variety of well-known college ensembles contributing tracks, such as U. of Penn Off The Beat, Tuft's Belezebubs, Duke Out Of The Blue, Notre Dame Undertones, Harvard Opportunes and the Brown Derbies. Per usual, nearly all the tunes are skimmed from chart topping artists such as Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos and Elton John, but there are some unexpected covers too - from the soundtrack of the film "Roja" and our favorite, "Snow On The Sahara", originally performed by Anggun, sung here by the Stanford Harmonics. It's also clear how prominent the female voice has become in today's marketplace, and that's reflected here in the percentage of mixed or exclusively female groups. The skill level of these ensembles ranges from solid to professional quality, with everybody hitting their marks on cue.

Songlist:

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: Perhaps rather grandiosley named this recording nevertheless does indeed feature some of the most accomplised men's a cappella groups perforining on campuses today. Two tracks apiece from Duke's Pitchforks, Tufts Beelzebubs, Notre Dame's Undertones, Univ. of Illinois's The Other Guys, Indiana Univ. Straight No Chaser and UC Berkeley's Men's Octet.. As one might expect the testosorone level is way up yet there are several ballads that are sweet and tender.

Songlist: Tonight - The Other Guys, I Belong to You - Straight No Chaser, Dreams - Men's Octet, Bills - Beelzbubs, Jambo - Undertones, It's Gonna Be Me- Pitchforks, You'll Be In My Heart - Straight No Chaser, You Can't Hurry Love - Men's Octet, Amazing Grace - The Other Guys, Breaking the Girl - Beelzbubs, Steal My Kisses - Pitchforks, On the Sea - Undertones

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review:

Songlist:

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: We have to say two things about the BOCA series-one, the studio production on the tracks keeps getting more professional, and two, so do the groups! Michigan (my alma mater) Amazin' Blues' "Millennium," for instance, will get you up and boogying, and Iowa State U's Shaggy Boys (see above cd review) "Owner of a Lonely Heart" is unbelievable. UPenn Off the Beat, represented on 7 BOCAs, ride with "Wild Horses," and York University's Wibijazz'n grooves on Steely Dan's "Peg." All 17 tunes are good, but some notables: Stanford's Mixed Company, "Someday;" USC's Sirens, "Ray of Light" and SoCal VoCals, "Total Eclipse of the Heart;" Illinois Extension Chords, "Inside Out" and Northwestern Purple Haze, "Cornflake Girl." Smooth, energetic and entertaining.

Songlist: Peg - York University Wibijazz'n, I'm Your Baby Tonight - Tufts University Armalgametes, Someday - Stanford University Mixed Company, Owner of a Lovely Heart - Iowa State University Shaggy Boys, Good Enough - Stanford University Counterpoint, Get Set - Virginia Tech Juxtaposition, Total Eclipse of the Heart - University of Southern California SoCal VoCals, Ray of Light - University of Southern California Sirens, Now and Forever - University of Rochester Yellowjackets, Insideout - University of Illinois Xtension Chords, Millennium - Universiy of Michigan Amazin' Blue, Wild Horses - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Happy Together - Stanford University Mendicants, Truly Madly Deeply - University of Rochester Midnight Ramblers, Uninvited - Bostonians of Boston College, Cornflake Girl - Northwestern University Purple Haze, Rainbow Connection - Utah State That One

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: Another BOCA collection of the best of the collegiate vocal groups never fails to impress us with the humor, arrangements and sheer talent of these young voices. 19 tracks, from UCLA Awaken's "Walk Like An Egyptian," and Indiana Straight No Chaser's "I Belong to You," to Duke Out of the Blue's "Eve" and Tufts Beelzebubs' "The Trial." As admirers of Michigan Amazin' Blue, who give us "She," we were pleased to note that two other Ann Arbor groups made the cut, Michigan Compulsive Lyres singing "Limp" and Michigan Dicks & Janes, with "Everything You Want." Other good stuff: U-Madison-Wisconsin's Tangled Up In Blue's "Breathless," Stanford Everyday People's "Billie Jean/No Diggity" and USC Sirens' "Beautiful." But it's all good, really-BOCA 2002 is a treat!

Songlist: Walk Like An Egyptian - UCLA Awaken, I Belong to You - Indiana University Straight No Chaser, Drive Me Crazy - USC Socal Vocals, Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover - Claremont College Shades, Beautiful - USC Sirens, I Was Brought to My Senses - University of Wisconsin Madison Madhatters, Here With Me - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Everything You Want - University of Michigan Dicks & Janes, Billie Jean / No Diggity (EP Remix) Everyday People (Stanford University), She - University of Michigan Amazin' Blue, Breathless - University of Wisconsin Madison Tangled Up in Blue, Fields of Gold, Limp - University of Michigan Compulsive Lyres, Father Figure - University of North Carolina Clef Hangers, Rhythm Nation - Washington University Mosaic Whispers, Eve - Duke University Out of the Blue, Alleluia - Northwest Missouri State University Millennium, The Trial - Tufts University Beelzebubs

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: This year BOCA had the most submissions ever from collegiate groups to choose from, over 2,000 songs, and each collection, beginning in 1995, is more successful than the last! When these collections come out about this time every year, it's always a joy to see the enthusiasm and love for a cappella in these excellent college groups. 18 songs, from the Upenn Off the Beat's "Crawling In The Dark," Dartmouth College Aires' "Workin' for the Weekend," and the U of Michigan Dicks & Janes' "Tonight and the Rest of My Life," to York U.'s Wibijazzn's "Rosanna," Tufts Univ. Amalgamates' "Killing Me Softly" and Stanford University Harmonics' "Lady Marmalade," this CD is a revelation. Many excellent collegiate groups sent songs, few were chosen, and the quality of those is very fine indeed!

Songlist: Crawling in the Dark - University of Pennsylvania Off the Beat, Workin' for the Weekend - Dartmouth College Aries, Tonight and the Rest of My Life - University of Michigan Dicks and Janes, Best I Ever Had - Stanford University Mixed Company, Rosanna - York University Wibijazz'n, 6 Underground - Harvard University Callbacks, The Way It Is - Indiana University Straight No Chaser, Comedown - University of North Carolina Clef Hangers, Killing Me Softly with His Song, Girl from the Gutter - University of Southern California Sirens, Hey Jealousy - Virginia Tech Juxtaposition, K'mo B'tmunah - Tufts University Shir Appeal, Everywhere - Northwestern University Purple Haze, Lady Marmalade - Stanford University Harmonics, Black Balloon - Massachussetts Institute of Technology Logarhythms, Can't Fight the Moonlight - Bostonians of Boston College, Wrong Impression - University of Virginia Sil'hooettes, O Magnum Mysterium - University of Illinois No Strings Attached

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: The 2004 Best of Collegiate A Cappella recording boasts an impressive assortment of cover songs performed by our nation's premiere, young vocal groups. From the USC Sirens to the The Bostonians of Boston College, the groups performing on this CD are the best in their class, ousting hundreds of collegiate vocal groups that sought the BOCA title. Fans of collegiate a cappella, old and new, will enjoy the University of Virginia Academical Village People's rendition of Ben Folds' "Kate," or the University of Oregon on the Rocks' cover of Coldplay's hauntingly beautiful love ballad, "Yellow."

Songlist: Let Me Entertain You (Brandeis VoiceMale), Bring Me To Life (John Hopkins Octopodes), Slumber (USC SoCal VoCals), Always (The Bostonians of Boston College), Gravity (UCLA Awaken A Cappella), Kate (University of Virginia Academical Village People), Broken Wings (Elizabethan College Phalanx), Write Me A Song (The Pitchforks of Duke University), No Such Thing (MIT Logarhythms), Sadder Day (Stanford Harmonics), Take Me Home (Tufts Beelzebubs), Porcelain (University of Michigan Dicks & Janes), Winter (UC Santa Barbara Naked Voices), Yellow (University of Oregon on the Rocks), China (University of Michigan Amazin' Blue), Cry (USC Sirens), Candleburn (Northwestern Purple Haze), Enjoy the Silence (Dartmouth Cords)

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: We always enjoy listening to the BOCA collection that arrives this time of year, because (a) it's exciting, spirited stuff from a cappella groups across the country we don't usually get to hear, and (b) it reminds us how alive and juicy the a cappella scene is on the country's campuses! Picking favorites from CASA's picks for the 20 best collegiate a cappella tunes, we have: Stanford U. Everyday People's "Whatever You Want," the Dartmouth Aires' rendition of Caedmon's Call's "Somewhere North," MIT Logarhythms' vocal percussion gem "The Kids Aren't Alright," U of North Carolina Clef Hangers' rap-flavored version of Outkast's "The Way You Move," UCLA Random Voices' lovely cover of Tori Amos' "A Sorta Fairytale," the Claremont Shades' cover of Garbage's nasty "Push It," Stanford Mixed Company's cover of Collective Soul's "Run," Clemson U TIGEROAR's cover of Matchbox 20's "Unwell," Duke Out of the Blue's cover of Maroon Five's "She Will Be Loved," Stanford Mendicants' cover of Wham!'s "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go," the Michigan Amazin' Blue's cover of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" and the U of Virginia Hullabahoos' raucous cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya." Some incredible voices, cutting-edge arrangements, hot vocal percussion and wonderful song selection-BOCA 2005 is another stone winner!

Songlist: The Kids Aren't Alright (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Logarhythms), Everlong (Tufts Amalgamates), Breathe (The Bostonians of Boston College), Somewhere North (Dartmouth Aires), Whatever You Want (Stanford University Everyday People), Going Under (University of Pennsylvania Off The Beat), The Way You Move (University of North Carolina Clef Hangers), A Sorta Fairytale (University of California Losa Angeles Random Voices), Tragic Kingdom (Johns Hopkins University Octopodes), Push It (Claremont Shades), Where Would You Be (University of Virginia Sil hooettes), Run (Stanford University Mixed Company), Ga'agua (Tufts Shir Appeal), Unwell (Clemson University TIGEROAR), Mona Lisa (New York University Mass Transit), She Will Be Loved (Duke Out of the Blue), Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Stanford University Mendicants), Time Is Running Out (University of Southern California Sirens), Angel (University of Michigan Amazin Blue), Hey Ya (University of Virginia Hullabahoos)

Review: A new reissue combining the BOCA '97 and '98 CDs in their entirety.

Songlist:

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: With so many great collegiate a cappella groups out there, how does one hear them all? The BOCA series CD's are the way to go, and "Wasting Our Parents' Money" has the added benefit of humor as a selling point. Some of the best known collegiate ensembles, such as The Stanford Fleet Street Singers, Penn-Six 500, Harvard Krokodiloes and Brown Derbies, contribute, but it's not all Ivy League glamour here. UNH Gentlemen, BYU Vocal Point and U Illinois Other Guys, among others, are in attendance. Many, if not most, of today's a cappella luminaries learned their chops on campus stages, so take note!

Songlist: Ran, Scottish Spring, One More Minute, You Always Hurt The One You Love, Cheesecake Truck, Berkeley School Dropout, PC Love Song, Masochism Tango, Taco Bell Canon, My Name Is Not Merv Griffin, Circumcision, Regretting What I Said, Walk Of Shame, Cool Cool Kelly, Funny Feeling, Conrad Bain, Commercial, Prayer to the God of Partial Credit, Telephone Message, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Basket Case

Voicing: a-cappella/collegiate

Review: Leading up to the emergence of doo-wop was the tradition of black quartet singing. It is one of the major tributaries of our musical evolution which led to rock 'n roll and R&B which led to... But we digress. Let's go back to the quartets. Between the World Wars was a period during which this style evolved from the schoolyards and churches of the southern Atlantic seaboard to finally become the sophisticated sounds of groups like the Golden Gate Quartet and the Silver Leaf Quartet Of Norfolk. This recording traces that evolution with some early, raw recordings from quartets at the beginning of the movement and lots of the highly sophisticated groups of the later years. It is a historian's dream as well as a testament to the human spirit. The accompanying booklet has wonderful notes to leave you much richer for the experience.

Songlist: Daniel in the lions' den (Norfolk Juilee Quartette), I got a Home in that Rock (T.C.I. Women's Four), Jog a-long boys (Pullman Porters Quartette), So glad I've got the stone (Bethel Quartet), Jesus, the light of the world (Bethel Quartet), I am a Pilgrim (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), Our Father (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), My soul is a witness for my Lord (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), You better let that Liar Alone (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), Sleep on, Mother (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), The ship is at the landing (Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk), I'm Going Home on the Chickasaw train (I.C. Glee Quartet), Do you want to be a lover of the Lord (Davis Bible Singers), Daniel Saw the Stone (Davis Bible Singers), Light of the World (Davis Bible Singers), I'm leaning on the Lord (Famous Blue Jay Singers of Birmingham Alabama), New Dry Bones (Heavenly Gospel Singers), Going back with Jesus (Heavenly Gospel Singers), A Warrior on the Battlefield (Golden Eagle Gospel Singers), The Prodigal Son (Golden Eagle Gospel Singers), Jonah (Golden Gate Quartet), Found a wonderful Savior (Golden Gate Quartet), Blind Barnabus (Golden Gate Quartet), He Never said a Mumblin' Word (Golden Gate Quartet), Run On (Golden Gate Quartet)

Voicing: gospel/music-cds/

Review: Memphis has long been illustrious for its blues, jazz and soul roots. The essence of Memphis musical heritage is showcased in this collection of Gospel Quartets featuring: The Gospel Writers, Holy Ghost Spirituals, The Harmonizers, The Harps of Melody, The Pattersonaires, and the Spirit of Memphis Quartet. Reflecting on styles from the 30's through 80's, you will be taken on a historical and musical journey throughout the neighborhoods of Memphis.

Songlist: The Gospel Writers - Gospel Writer Boys Are We, Holy Ghost Spirituals - Old Landmark, The Gospel Writers - Oh My Lordy Lord, The Harmonizers - Roll, Jordan, Roll, Harps Of Melody - Blind Bartimus, The Harmonizers - Trampin', The Gospel Writers - New Born Soul, The Harmonizers - My Lord is Writing, The Pattersonaires - Why Not Try My God?, The Gospel Writers - Blind Barnabas, The Harmonizers - Leaning on The Everlasting Arms, Holy Ghost Spirituals - Talk To The Man Upstairs, Spirit of Memphis Quartet - Swing Down, Chariot, The Harmonizers - I'll Be Satisfied, Harps Of Melody - Sing and Make Melody Unto The Lord, The Gospel Writers - Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air, The Pattersonaires - He's Worthy, Holy Ghost Spirituals - Ninety-nine and A Half Won't Do, Spirit of Memphis Quartet - Just To Behold His Face

Review: "I Belong to This Band" follows the practice of shape-note singing from 1922 through to the present, offering 30 distinct cuts, spanning a mess of geographies, years, and intentions. Shape-note singing, a church-based southern song system based in four notes (sung as fa, sol, la, and mi), was initially designed as an all-inclusive, participatory choral tradition - it's not necessary to know how to read music to sing shape notes, most songs are transposed a cappella, and each piece is specifically engineered for swarms of singers, meaning the whole always trumps the parts. Although there are several shape note songbooks, The Sacred Harp is the most celebrated collection (published in 1844, by Benjamin Franklin Wright and Elisha J. King, it contains over 250 songs), and somewhere along the way, it became the movement's lone manifesto and remains tucked under the pillows of dedicated shape-note singers everywhere - appropriately, each track included here was born from The Sacred Harp.

Songlist: The Christian Hope 134, Antioch 277, Christian Soldier 57, Jubilee 144, Save, Lord, Or We Perish 224, Cuba 401, Invocation 131B, The Christian Warfare 179, Concord 313T, Morning 163T, Reverential Anthem 234, The Morning Trumpet 85, New Morning Sun 436, The Child of Grace 77T, Ninety-Fifth 36B, Consecration 448T, Blooming Youth 176B, Marlborough 228, North Port 324, Farewell Anthem 260, The Good Old Way 213T, Weeping Mary 408, Ninety-Fifth 36B, Present Joys 318, Corinth 32T, White 288, Coronation 63, Sabbath Morning 283, Whitestown 211, Traveling Pilgrim 278B

Voicing: gospel/sacred-harp/

Review: United Records was one of the first successful black-owned record companies and was operated by Leonard Allen, a former policeman. With impecable taste Allen recorded some of the best performances of the top jazz, gospel and R&B acts between 1951 and 1957, especially in the Chicago area. This recording features some of United mightest gospel quartets who by this time had introduced a more modern sound that had taken the place of the more conservative jubilee tradition, and included knee-drop, ad-lib interjections, swing lead and exaggerated vocal ornamentation. Great stuff!

Songlist:

Voicing: gospel/music-cds/

Review: An important collection of original recordings of some of the earliest Sacred Harp singing groups. Extensive liner notes makes this compilation a must have for people intested in the Shape Note tradition.

Songlist: Hallelujah (Daniels-Deason Sacred Harp Singers), Long Sought Home (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Long Sought Home (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Rocky Road (Alabama Sacerd Harp Singers), Calvary (Dye's Sacred Harp Singers), I'm on My Journey Home (Denson's Scare Harp Singers), Happy Land (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Relgion Is a Fortune (Alabama Sacred Harp Singers), Happy on the Way (Fa-So-La Singers), Land of Beulah (Dye's Sacred Harp Singers), Pleyel's Hymn (Daniels-Deason Sacred Harp Singers), Journey Home (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Edom (Okeh Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers), Relgion Is a Fortune (Wells, Lee Sacred Harp Singers), Not Made With Hands - 2:39 (Allison's Sacred Harp Singers), Odem (Roswell Sacred Harp Singers), Ragan (Denson-Parris Sacred Harp Singers), Ninety-Fifth (Okeh Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers), Promised Land (Prioneer Sacred Harp Singers)

Voicing: gospel/sacred-harp/

Review: Bluegrass, a brand of music appreciated for its intricate musicianship and instrumental virtuosity, has always maintained a fresh appeal while staying true to the gospel roots inherent to the genre. Sacred Voices is a gathering of Bluegrass big shots who have put down their instruments and opened their voices, sounding out an integrated variety of Gospel songs and continuing a tradition that started with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sing 'Climbing Up The Mountain' and 'That New Jerusalem'. Peter Rowan & The Rowan Brothers sing a haunting 'Lone Pilgrim' while also making an appearance with the Nashville Bluegrass Band on 'Jesus Made the Wine'. 'Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee' and 'Roll Jordan Roll' also feature the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Tim & Mollie O'Brien contribute 'Shut De Do' and Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice 'Talk about Suffering'. New Grass Revival adds a touch of live performance to the mix with 'Walk In Jerusalem' while Robin & Linda Williams & Friends keep the faith with 'He's Coming Again So Soon' and 'Don't You Want To Go To Heaven'. Also featured are 'Vision Of A Golden Crown' by Don Rigsby and a whole cast of vocals, 'My Heavenly Home' by Front Range, and 'Feel Like My Time Ain't Long' by The Country Gentlemen. First published in 1855 is the oldest and most recognizable song 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus', a riveting solo performance given by Doc Watson. Bluegrass and Gospel music are both inspiring and timeless; strip down to the naked voice and the result is something sacred.

Songlist: Climbing Up the Mountain, Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee, Vision Of A Golden Crown, He's Coming Again So Soon, My Heavenly Home, Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, Lone Pilgrim, Shut De Do, Talk About Suffering, Didn't You Want To Go To Heaven, Jesus Made the Wine, Walk In Jerusalem, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, That New Jerusalem, Roll Jordan Roll

Voicing: gospel/southern-gospel/

Review: A collection of some of today's top Southern Gospel artists get together to record an all a cappella recording. Artists include Reggie Smith, Mike Bowling, Jason Crabb, Kim Rubbe Lord, Ernie Haase, Jessica King and many others.

Songlist: Sheltered In The Arms Of God, Not Even A Stone, Yes I Know, Midnight Cry, He Made A Change, When He Was On the Cross, No Other Word For Grace But Amazing, Shouting Time, Grace, Daystar

Voicing: gospel/music-cds/

Review: While students of American a cappella history can find many re-issues of gospel groups from the 1930's and beyond, this import from Austria is one of the few that captures the music from the roaring '20s. Of the four groups represented here, The Sunset Four were most productive with 13 of the 25 songs on CD They have snippets of future bass imitation on 'Jerusalem Morn' and barbershop - like chord ringing on 'Didn't He Ramble.' But perhaps 'Barnum's Steam Calliope' is most notable, for its unique vocal imitation of the famed circus instrument. The audio quality reflects the fact that old (and sometimes scratched) '78s were used to make the CD, but anyone interested in early 20th Century a cappella will happily overlook those flaws because of the unique performances captured here, all but two are a cappella.

Songlist: Sing On - Original Valentine Choral Club Quintette, Give Me That Old Time Religion - Original Valentine Choral Club Quintette, Jerusalem Morn - Sunset Four, Do You Call That Religion? - Sunset Four, Barnum's Steam Calliope - Sunset Four, Didn't He Ramble - Sunset Four, Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John - Sunset Four, You Must Have That True Religion - Sunset Four, Good News Chariots Coming - Sunset Four, Oh Lord What a Mourning - Sunset Four, Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet, Gabriel - Sunset Four, Wade in the Water - Sunset Four, You Must Come in at the Door - Sunset Four, When I Came Out of the Wilderness - Sunset Four, Plantation Days - Grace Outlaw, I've Got a Home in That Rock - Grace Outlaw, In Some Lonesome Graveyard - Grace Outlaw, Sleep My Mother - Bessemer Melody Boys, Didn't They Crucify My Lord - Bessemer Melody Boys, Motherless Children - Bessemer Melody Boys, In My Father's House - Bessemer Melody Boys, When I Get Home - Bessemer Melody Boys, Sun Didn't Shine - Bessemer Singers

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: "That's The Rhythm" is a delicious collection of 20 examples of Black vocal group harmony from the early 1930s to the early 1950s, all at least lightly accompanied. The watershed moment for these groups was the rise of network radio, which made immediate stars of the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. By 1945 there were three routes an aspiring group could take, the "jubilee" gospel style of the Golden Gate Quartet, which enjoyed a crossover appeal, the jump/jive stylings of the Four Vagabonds, which had an almost entirely Black following, or going into the pop crossover stylings of the Ink Spots/Mills Brothers, whose huge success was due to the support of a vast white audience. So many treats: The Three Keys' cartoon-like "Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn," Three Sharps and a Flat's wonderful title tune, the raunchy, double-entendre "Garbage Man" by the Four Aces, the very funny "Wig Blues" by The Melody Masters, who also star on "Subway Cutie," The Four Vagabonds' swinging "Choo Choo," The Four Blues' boogie-woogie anthem "It Takes A Long Tall Brown Skinned Girl," the Four Knights' sweet "Wrapped Up In A Dream," The Three Riffs' silly "Cherry In My Lemon And Lime," The Beavers' torch song "I'd Rather Be Wrong Than Blue"-these are unknown musical treasures on many levels. Funny, poignant, hip, romantic-it's all here, and some of the sweetest leads and harmonies you could imagine. We love this collection!

Songlist: Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn, Za Zu Swing, That's the Rhythm, Milk Shake Stand, Satchelmouth Baby, Garbage Man, Wig Blues, Hurry Home, Let's Be Sweethearts Again, (I Wonder) Where Is My Love, Nicholas, Subway Cutie, Choo Choo, It Takes A Long Tall Skinned Girl, Yesterday Rose's, Wrapped Up In A Dream Again, Cherry in My Lemon and Lime, I'd Rather Be Wrong that Blue, I Don't Mind Being All Alone, Yes Sir That's My Baby

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: If you're a fan of a cappella gospel from the 1930s and '40s, you won't want to miss this CD! Best known of the five groups is the Soul Stirrers, who are credited with reshaping gospel and paving the way for modern R&B. Their historic first recordings are here and have never before been rereleased on CD.

Songlist: Home In The Sky, Let Me Ride The Chariot, Shelter In The Time Of Storm, Sorrow Valley, Dig A Little Deeper, Rough And Rocky Road, Standing By The Bedside Of A Neighbor, Stand By Me, Today, Where Shall I Be, Jesus Met The Woman At The Well, There Are Some Things, I Know The Lord, My Soul Is A Witness, I'm On My Way, Trouble All About My Soul, Walk Around, He's My Rock, Precious Lord, Freedom After A While

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: David Fanshawe presents important highlights from his monumental Pacific Collection, recorded over fourteen year (1978-92). The album focuses on the rich variety of authentic himene (hymns) indigenous to Tahiti, the Cook Islands, the Society Islands and others. The 44-page booklet provides extensive information about the music, transcriptions and translations of the lyrics and is richly illustrated with colour photos.

Songlist:

Voicing: world/south-seas/

Review: This CD presents the miracle of the unique vocal tradition and compelling choral arrangements of Corsica and Sardinia. On both these islands, a unique choral tradition has developed over the centuries. The repertoire includes religious songs, folk songs, love songs, shepherd's songs, and madrigals from several centuries. The polyphonic singing of Sardinia and Corsica is virtually unknown in the rest of Europe. An article in the leading German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung described this music as an "infinite wonder of tonal beauty and archaic phrasing" and went on to claim that "the musical development often has something of the majestic architectural quality of a liturgical chant." The collection presents Sardinia's five leading choirs, collected during a WDR recording tour, and the launneddas playing of Luigi Lai. The Tenores di Bitti, currently recording in Peter Gabriel's Realworld-Studios, were greatly admired by none other than Frank Zappa. The revival of traditional culture by Canta u Populu Corsu & A Filleta has contributed towards a new Corsican self-awareness. The five singers of Donnisulana, outstanding soloists of Corsican polyphonic music, are the islands' only female choir.

Songlist: Paghjella Four Hymns/Introitus, Four Hymns/Kyrie, Four Hymns/Sanctus, Four Hymns/Tantum Ergo, Diu VI Salvi Regina, Terzetti, Barbara Furtuna, Paghjella di Ponte Novu, Chjama/Paghjella, Eramu in Campu, Punto d'Organo, Boghe 'E Notte, Su Sartiu, Anninnia, Boch 'E Notte, Su Passu Torradu, Spinello

Voicing: a-cappella/mediterranean/

Review: Grammy nominated singers Alex E. Smith & Cheevers Toppah join Nitanis "Kit" Landry and effortlessly blend their vocal talents to create stirring songs woven in lush harmonies. Raised in Weatherford, Oklahoma, Cheevers Toppah comes from a strong family of line of singers and has spent most of his life around the Pow-wow drum. While in high school, he studied choir and eventually sang and traveled with the All-State chorus. This experience later inspired Cheevers to combine his choral training with this extensive knowledge of Pow-Wow singing. With uplifting soul and touching ethereality, these performances let shine the brilliance and expressive power of the human voice. This is an unprecedented vocal sound blending southern plains Pow-wow singing with choral hymnody. Featuring guest artists Louie Gonnie, Anthony Wakeman and Thunder Hill.

Songlist: Beautiful Angel, Harmony Nights, Southern Man, Dookoosliid, Saturday Night, Leavin' Me, Never Too Far, Purdy's Word, Calendar Girl, The World is Yours, Takin' It Back

Voicing: sheet-music/native-american/

Review: Irish traditional singing has made an important contribution to the popular repertoire as well as to folk tradition. Irish Voices brings together 17 brilliant vocal performances, some recent and some classics from the archive. Included are earlier singing styles such as "Sean-Nos," the still ornamented (but more accesible) styles of singers like Paddy Tunney, the group harmony singing of The McPeake Family of Belfast and such current musical hotshot groups as Patrick Street and Four Men And A Dog.

Songlist: The Humours Of The King Of Ballyholey, Stor Mo Chroi, Balckwaterside, The Traveller All Over The World, The Raggle Taggle Gypsy, P For Paddy, The Rollicking Boys Of Tandaragee, A Bucket Of The Mountain Dew, Bean An Leanna, The Wind That Shakes Barley, The Song Of The Riddles, A Sgelpin Droighneach, The Maid On The Shore, The Lake Of Coolfin, John Reilly, The Green Fields Of America, High On A Mountain

Voicing: world/ireland

Review: Inspired by the earlier Bahamian recordings of Sam Charters, Jody Stecher (now a renown singer and multi-instrumentalist of traditional music) traveled with Peter Siegel to the Bahamas in 1965 to record the rhyming singers whose songs were, even then, beginning to disappear. Rhyming, a distant relation to rap, seems to have come from communities of sponge fishermen off the west coast of Andros. Mostly the songs are spirituals though there are occasionally ballads and anthems. In this unique Bahamian vocal development a singer intones verses, called "rhymes" (though the verses don't necessarily have to rhyme), in rhythmic cycles usually supported by bass and treble harmonies. The best known of the singers on this extraordinary recording is Joseph Spence with, of course, the Pinder Family. A close cousin of this music can be found on the recordings of the Sea Island Singers. We're talkin' roots here.

Songlist: my lord help me to play, standing in the need of prayer, kneelin' Down inside the gate, run come see jerusalem, be engaged unto the lord, i met my mother this morning, cecil gone in the time of storm, long summer days, hallelujah, my mother gone over, shepherd moan, shepherd moan, oh jesus my baby, there is good news, just a little talk with jesus, what a beautiful home

Review: In 1954, Alan Lomax and Diego Carpitella set out on a yearlong voyage of discovery that resulted in an exhaustive documentation of Italian folk music. This recording is from their journey to Liguria's western Riviera, featuring performances by the Compagnia Sacco from the village of Ceriana: a unique and splendid vocal polyphony distinct from, and yet as exciting as, the Genoese trallalero.

Songlist: A Figlia du Capitanu, U Camijin Bagnau I, U Camijin Bagnau II, Lauda da Madona da Vila, Donna Lombarda, La Fontanella, Lenga Serpentina, Paire de Catarina, Se ti u Savesi Couse fa e Done, En ta Vale de Pigna, O Come Mai, Mia Cara Ema?, O Pinota, Bella Pinota, Ghe N'Eiran tre Figliete, Io L'Amavo una Sola Bambina, Mi me ne Fon Ina Sciura

Review: This compilation features the acclaimed singing group Te Vaka as well as recordings by David Fanshawe and more. Tracklisting: E keli (The Digging), Siva mai (Let's Dance), Te Maeva Welcome, Manihiki Action Song, Tautai e (The Master Fisherman), Ua Vii Keee Na Te Hatu (Lord's Message), Saki saki tu ni noqu bula marau, Na Ai Tutu Tuetue? Group Moana Nui, Lakalaka hihifo, Aparima Puurai, Aparima te maeva.

Songlist: E keli, Siva mai, Te Maeva Welcome, Manihiki Action Song, Tautai e, Ua Vii Keee Na Te Hatu, Sakisaki tu ni noqu bula marau, Na Ai Tutu Tuetue?, Lakalaka Hihifo, Aparima Puurai, Aparima Te Maev

Voicing: world/south-seas/

Review: This recording features some of the finest artists practising the academic choral art in Bulgaria. The release contains a compilation of performances of Bulgarian choirs, starting with the children's, through the female, chamber, mixed, and ending with the male choirs. The earliest recording in the release is of the song "I'm leading a Horse, Mother" by Georgi Dimitrov. It is performed by one of the earliest children's choirs - Bodra Smyana Choir. Then follow a number of children's choirs, all with acknowledged international prestige: Bulgaria National Radio Children's Choir, Sofia Boys' Choir, etc. Then come the female choirs: Hristina Morfova Female Choir, Polyphonia Chamber Choir, Vassil Arnaudov Sofia Chamber Choir, and the mixed and male choirs: Dobrudjanski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Morski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Kaval Male Choir, Gusla Male Choir, etc. A wonderful selection from a country that produces world class choral music.

Songlist: Native Song, I'm Leading a Horse, Mother, A Cuckoo Called Out, Aquarelle, Devilish Song, The Port of El Granny, Pizzicati, A Nightingale Is Singing, Zara, You Maiden, Reverie, Like Snow, Like Snow, Indeed, Mehmetyo, My Woe, Hey, Yana, Evening Dusk, A Love Night, A Morning by the Sea, Get Up, Mother, Sechenata, A Young Lad Has Fallen Asleep, My Native Land, Divertimento, Dafina, You Wine, How Dear It Is To Me

Review: This recording is a historical wonder, particularly valuable for putting the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in context. One of the obvious distinctions of mbube groups were who sang soprano parts in the absence of women. The earliest of the recordings is from 1932 and the history extends to 1967, ending with the song, "Umama Lo" by Ladysmith Mambazo which is a transcription of their first radio appearance. They didn't record their first album until six years later. The other most notable recording is the 1939 recording of "Mbube" by Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds. This was the song which became "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" when western artists tried to phonetically recreate what they heard from the record. Oh well. Other notable groups are the King Star Brothers, Crocodiles and the Shooting Stars.

Songlist: Jim Takata kanfani, hewul kwaqaqamba anathambo, ina ma wala, kuyekeleni kukule, mbube, ngazula emagumeni, anoku gonda, yek' emerabini, izindaba ezinkulu zika "Kawa", hamba stutubaker, ngi-e kaya, nsigoduke, akasangibhaleli, cothoza mfana, mus' ukuqubuda, umama lo

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: Here are the roots of Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Solomon Linda's Evening Birds - it's a thorough documentation of the whole genre of Worker Choirs, featuring 7 different groups; included are full lyric transcriptions with translation into English. Fascinating fun stuff!

Songlist: Go Girl, Why are you Happy?, She no Longer Writes to Me, I Have Discovered Wonders, I Want Money, Come Back Africa?, Greetings Girl, Be Quiet my Love, You are Inconsistent like a Witchdoctor, Here at iSandlwana, We Shall See, Lion, Greetings to you Father

Voicing: world/africa/

Review: The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) created the Urban Harmony Movement to bring music, via free materials, coaching, and concerts to public high schools in need. For more information call (415) 563-5224. In the mean time buy and listen to another outstanding compilation of 16 tracks sung by both well known groups and four of the best college a cappella groups, with whom CASA is uniquely connected. Other notable contributors are The House Jacks, Five Live, The Persuasions, Bobby McFerrin, Vox One, The Nylons and M-Pact.

Songlist: 'Cause We All Got A Mouth, Stay With Me Tonight, I Feel Good, Respect, Change In My Life, Drift Away, Papa Oow Mow Mow, Sister, Back II Life, The Way It Makes Me Feel, Yesterday, I'll Be Whatever You Want Me To Be, Always Be My Baby, 29 Ways, Ya Gotta Be, I'll Be There

Voicing: a-cappella/contemporary/cds-mixed/

Review: A truly Gregorian Christmas album, this prayerful recording of seven different chant choirs includes the Benedictine Abbeys of Montserrat, Maumont, Einsiedeln, the Dominican Schola of France, the Paris Gregorian Choir and more. Outstanding performances of 23 chants for Masses and other liturgical events on Christmas Eve, Christmas Night and Christmas Day.

Songlist: Christmas Eve, Antiphone: Judaea Et Jerusalem, Reponsory: Salve VIrginale, Antiphon Completi Sunt Dies Mariae, Christmas Night, Responsory Hodie Nobis De Caelo, Reading: Genealogy According to Saint Matthew, Responsory: Verbum Caro, Introit: Dominus Dixit Ad Me, Kyrie IV, Offertory: Laetentur Caeli, Agnus Dei IV, Offertory: Laetentur Caeli, Agnus Dei IV, Communion: In Splendoribus, Christmas Day, Hymn: A Solis Ortus Cardine, Mass of the Day, Introit: Puer Natus Est Nobis, Kyrie XI, Gloria XI, Gradual: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae, Alleluia: Dies Sanctificatus, Offertory Tui Sunt Caeli, Sanctus XI, Agnus Dei XI, Communion: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae, Antiphon: Natus Est Nobis Hodie, Alma Redemptoris Mater

Voicing: choral/earlymusicchristmas/

Review: This second volume moves us chronologically into the 1930's, a time when slicker, smoother, more polished and sophisticated vocal groups were gaining ascendancy in pop quarters. The groups included here show some of the barbershop stylings and imitations of instruments made popular at the time by groups such as the Mills Brothers. These groups were capturing the imaginations of popular fans and Harlem hipsters alike with their smooth, sweet and sometimes swinging harmonies.

Songlist: My Little Dixie Home - Red Cap Quartet, They Kicked The Devil Out Of Heaven - Red Cap Quartet, Mammy Lou - Four Southern Singers, Be Ready - Four Southern Singers, Hambone Am Sweet - Four Southern Singers, You're Sweet To Your Mammy/Mudder Knows - Four Southern Singers, Old Man Harlem - Four Southern Singers, Careless Love - Four Southern Singers, Take My Seat And Sit Down - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Bring It On Home To Grandma - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Let's Go To Dinner - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Don't 'Low No Quartet Singin' In Here - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Moonglow - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Tiger Rag - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Cushion Foot - Five Jinks, Za Zu Swing - Five Jinks, I' m Moaning All Day For You - Five Jinks, There Goes My Headache - Five Jinks, Found A Baby Down Dixie Way - Five Jinks, Dirt-Dishing Daisy - Five Jinks, Just Dream Of You - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Shim Sham Shimmie At The Cricket's Ball - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Mama Don't Allow It - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Ol' Man Mose - Norfolk Jazz Quartet

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: These are some of the very earliest recordings Black vocal groups and is an outstanding example of the genre including vaudeville, blues and spirituals sung in both the "old style" with its integrated parts blending smoothly as if sung by one person, and the "new" with its foregrounding of wailing, blue notes and syncopation. The most well known groups here come from the incredibly fertile area of Norfolk Virginia, known for its astonishing number of vocal quartets in the 1920's and 30's. In all there is plenty of top-notch material here for lovers of pre-war vocal groups, with some churning quartet blues recordings that are irresistible.

Songlist: Aunt Hagar's Children Blues - Black Devil Four, Miss Annabelle Lee - Variety Four, I'm Coming, Virginia - Variety Four, Every Time I Feel The Spirit - Pulman Porters Quartette, Good News Chariot's Coming - Pulman Porters Quartette, Jog-A-Long Boys - Pulman Porters Quartette, Won't Be Worried No More - Starlight Quartette, Oh, You Better Mind - Starlight Quartette, Monkey Man Blues - Starlight Quartette, Gone Jazz Crazy - Starlight Quartette, Doodlin' Back - Triangle Quartette, She Done Quit Me Blues - Triangle Quartette, Queen Street Rag - Triangle Quartette, What's The Matter Now? - Quartette of Norfolk, Just Too Late - Quartette of Norfolk, Pleading Blues - Quartette of Norfolk, Four Or Five Times - Quartette of Norfolk, When I Was A Moaner - Quartette of Norfolk, King Jesus, Stand By Me - Quartette of Norfolk, When Death Shall Shake This Frame - Quartette of Norfolk, Somebody's Wrong - Quartette of Norfolk, Pullman Passenger Train - Quartette of Norfolk, Ain't Got No Mama Now - Quartette of Norfolk, Somebody's Always Talking About Me - Quartette of Norfolk, I Ain't Got Nobody (And Nobody Cares For Me) - Quartette of Norfolk

Voicing: group/black-vocal-groups/

Review: 18 songs from the amazing 25th Anniversary Finals, featuring "Book of Love," "Cat is High" and "Ghost Train" from 3rd Place winner Rezonate, "Bye Bye Norman" and "Bill Bailey Medley" from 2nd Place winner and Audience Favorite, the Bay Area's own The Love Notes, and "Brand New Day" and "Don't Break The Heart" by National Champs Maxx Factor. Also included are "When the Lilacs Bloom" and "Nothing At All" from 2008 Champs Vocaldente, plus tunes from Road Show, Mouth Beats, 3 Men and a Melody, Cartoon Johnny and Evolution. It always seems to us that every Harmony Sweeps National Finals is even better than the last, but there's really no comparison, because they all are wonderfully unique. So, for a very reasonable price, treat yourself to this Sweeps banquet, and, as we have, settle back and savor each of the a cappella goodies within!

Songlist: 16 Tons, Tron, Bye Bye Norman, When the White Lilacs Bloom, Brand New Day, Book of Love, The Future Pt. 2, Don't Break the Heart, Nothing at All, Bill Bailey Medley, Angel, Cat is High, Ghost Train, What I Like, Bless the Broken Road

Voicing: cds/harmony-sweepstakes/

Various Artists : Harmony Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary

Review: This 25th Anniversary collection is 2 discs of prize-winning tunes and Big Fun from the first 25 years of the best a cappella show on the planet, The Harmony Sweepstakes National Finals! The first disc has 23 of our favorites from these shows, and it was, you might imagine, very hard to pick from:- let's see-8 Regional Winners per show times 25 equals 200 great groups, times 3 or 4 songs per group, well, you get the picture. How can we forget The Idea of North's "Mas Que Nada," Naturally Seven's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Chapter 6's marvelous "Wizard of Oz Medley" or Moosebutter's hilarious "Star Wars?" Now we, and you, don't have to! Just to give you a taste of all the goodies on Disc 1, we present a list of the groups that are included: 17th Avenue All Stars, The Idea of North, +4db, Hi-Fidelity, Naturally Seven, Moira Smiley & Voco, Chapter 6, Clockwork, Traces, Harmonytrix, Acapelicans, Moodswing, The Coats, The New Originals, Pickups, Chicago Voice Exchange, Metropolis, Moosebutter, Face, Citylights and SoVoSo. The second disc has 18 songs from the amazing 25th Anniversary Finals, featuring "Book of Love," "Cat is High" and "Ghost Train" from 3rd Place winner Rezonate, "Bye Bye Norman" and "Bill Bailey Medley" from 2nd Place winner and Audience Favorite, the Bay Area's own The Love Notes, and "Brand New Day" and "Don't Break The Heart" by National Champs Maxx Factor. Also included are "When the Lilacs Bloom" and "Nothing At All" from 2008 Champs Vocaldente, plus tunes from Road Show, Mouth Beats, 3 Men and a Melody, Cartoon Johnny and Evolution. It always seems to us that every Harmony Sweeps National Finals is even better than the last, but there's really no comparison, because they all are wonderfully unique. So, for a very reasonable price, treat yourself to this Sweeps banquet, and, as we have, settle back and savor each of the a cappella goodies within!

Songlist: Sly and the Family Stone Medley, Mas Que Nada, In a Mellow Tone, Blackbird, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie, Wizard of Oz Medley, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Mary Don't You Weep, O Sinfuni Mungu, Get Down Tonight, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Paper Moon, Stray Cat Strut, Plastic Jesus, Route 66, Spiderman, Sweet Georgia Brown, Change in My Life, Star Wars, O Fortuna, That's How You Jazz, Say

Voicing: cds/harmony-sweepstakes/

Review: This two CD collection is a great value, containing over 50 tracks from the top vocal groups of the 1940's. Some rare tracks here as well including The Stardusters, Snowflakes and The Song Spinners along with many of the big hits of the era. This is a well-put together compilation and listeners well really get the feel for this great period for vocal harmony groups.

Songlist: Disc One:, Cheek to Cheek (Boswell Sisters), Rock and Roll (Boswell Sisters), You Always Hurt The One You Love (Mills Brothers), Across The Alley From The Alamo (Mills Brothers), Paper Doll (Mills Brothers), Dream (Pied Piper), My Happiness (Pied Piper), There Are Such Things (Pied Piper), Brazil (Dinning Sisters), Buttons and Bows (Dinning Sisters), Once In A While (Dinning Sisters), You'll Never Know (Song Spinners), Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer (Song Spinners), On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Clark Sisters), On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe (Clark Sisters), Tuxedo Junction (Four Freshman), There's A Small Hotel (The Snowflakes), Little White Lies (Four Hits & A Miss), The Honeydripper (Delta Rhythm Boys), You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Six Hits & A Miss), Lullaby of Broadway (The Skylines), Guilty (The Mel-Tones), What Is This Thing Called Love?, If This Isn't Love (The Sportsmen), Great Day (The Sportsmen), Love For Sale (The Smoothies), Disc Two:, Java Jive (The Ink Spots), If I Didn't Care (The Ink Spots), We Three (The Ink Spots), Shoo Shoo Baby (Andrew Sisters), I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time (Andrew Sisters), Rumours Are Flying (Andrew Sisters), Mairzy Doats And Dozy Doats (Merry Macs), Jingle, Jangle, Jingle (Merry Macs), Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition (Merry Macs), Jersey Bounce (King Sisters), Ferry Boat Serenade (King Sisters), In The Mood (King Sisters), People Like You And Me (The Stardusters), Make Believe Ballroom (The Modernaires), I Guess I'll Have To Dream The Rest (The Modernaires), Stompin' At The Savoy (The Modernaires), Managua, Nicaragua (The Campus Kids), Love On A Greyhound Bus (The Campus Kids), Undecided (Ames Brothers), Rag Mop (Ames Brothers), On Top Of Old Smokey (The Weavers), Goodnight, Irene (The Weavers), Tumbling Tumbleweeds (Sons Of The Pioneers), Oh! Lady Be Good (The Foursome), Tell Me Why (The Foursome), Does Your Heart Beat For Me (Fontane Sisters)

Voicing: jazz/vintage/cds-mixed-voice-groups/

Review: Since its debut in 1998, the Pacific International Children's Choir Festival has established itself as one of the finest events of its kind in the US. This is a double CD set, featuring a collection of performances fom festival years 1998 through 2001 on Disc 1 and highlights from PICCFEST 2002 on Disc 2. There are 19 live, accompanied, wonderful, spirited songs on Disc 1, by some of the best children's choirs we've heard: from "Panis Angelicus," by the Phoenix Boys Choir and "Jabberwocky," by the Seattle Children's Chorus, to "On suuri sun rantas autius" by the Surrey Children's Choir and "It Don't Mean a Thing" by the Youth Choir of Central Oregon--it's all pure, sweet stuff. Disc 2, from 2002, features 13 live cuts by 13 different groups, from Indianapolis Children's Choir Kantorei, Northwest Girlchoir Vivace Choir and Pacific Chorale Children's Chorus to the Piedmont Choirs Concert Choir, the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir (one of our favorites), and Young Voices of Colorado--there's not a bad cut here. This is a real feel-good CD on many levels. Though all accompanied, the focus is on the voices of the children, which are incredible! Recommended.

Songlist: PICCFEST 1998, Panis Angelicus (Phoenix Boys Choir), Beauty of the Trees (Coastal Sound Music Academy), I's the B'y (Die Meistersinger Children's Chorus), 1998 Festival Chorus:, Laudamus Te, Mayim, Mayim, Children, Go When I Send Thee, PICCFEST 1999, Niska Banja (Campbell River Children's Choir), Jabberwocky (Seattle Children's Choir), 1999 Festival Chorus:, Ave Verum Corpus, Lord, Bow Thine Ear, Alleluia, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, PICCFEST 2000, On suuri sun rantas autius (Surrey Children's Choir), Duet - Cantata No. 9 (Temple University Children's Choir), 2000 Festival Chorus:, Laudate Dominum, PICCFEST 2001, 2001 Festival Chorus:, Bist Du Bei Mir, For In His Own Hand, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), PICCFEST 2002, Untraveled Worlds (Alaska Children's Choir), Weep No More (Oregone Festival Chois Forza), Rise Up My Love (Seattle Children's Chorus), Magnificat (Seattle Children's Chorus), Psalm of Life (Seattle Children's Chorus), Festival Chorus:, Ode to Music, The World is Full of Poetry, As the Moon, Domine Deus, Laudate Pueri, Psalm 92, Inscription of Hope, Thou My Everlasting Portion

Voicing: cds/mixed-voice-childrens-choir-recordings/