Contemporary A Cappella Reviews (Continued)
If you thought that knowing French is a prerequisite to appreciating
the humor and cleverness of a Quebec vocal band this will prove
otherwise. Nor are we referring to the several occasions the band
breaks into English such as on "Don't Stand By So Close To
Me" (a mix up of Ben. E. King and Sting) or the hysterical
"High." No, I'm speaking of the incredibly clever use
of vocal horns, occasional animal sounds, yodeling and other vocal
pyrotechnics which embellish the tunes. All of this is performed
by a mixed quintet of superior singers under the loose leadership
of Victor Jacques Menard. Songlist
2611 CD$14.98
Beautiful! Simply beautiful. One of the wonders about listening
to a cappella music created from differing cultural backgrounds
is that the ideas of harmony are sufficiently different to be
fresh and invigorating. Quebec is not so far afield as to be exotic,
merely delightful. Much of the music on this second album has
a feel of the cafe, Piaf-ish, so to speak. None the less, here
and there are the unusual elements of voice as in the first recording
that let you know this isn't merely a disc of beautiful harmonies
embellishing traditional ballads. La Bande is rarely unique. Songlist
2610 CD$14.98
"When the world's only pop-klezmer-jazz-Yiddish-Hebrew-country-western-band
(with no instruments) has too much time on their hands, there
is cause for concern." True!! They wrote that on the back
of this, their second cd. Vocal inventions are of increasing importance
such as the vocal calliope and violin with hand clap metronome
on Ner Li. Then there's the four-square gospel version of "Maoz
Tzur" which has you wondering just what in the world is going
on just before the medley transition into "Rock of Ages."
Unusual juxtapositions of musical styles and forms are the delight
of Listen Up.
2226 CD 14.98 Tape 9.98
To use the term crossover for Listen Up is a little bland.
How about we use extreme crossover? That comes closer to describing
a group whose Jewish roots are found in Hebrew chant, whose rhythmic
roots are Klezmer, whose environmental roots are doo-wop, and
whose goofy roots are country. Thus we find a liturgical blessing
mixed up with "Under The Chopah" (if the Drifters performed
at a Jewish wedding), "Jewish Food Jive" which stereotypes
most of the traditional cuisine, and back and forth among the
religious and secular leavened with with a heavy dose of humor
throughout. Songlist
2225 CD$14.98
Four incredibly smart women have combined their musical abilities
to write and create some of the cleverest, thought provoking,
and humorous tunes available. For humor, check out "I Put
You There" and "Little Fish." The politically inspired,
classical sounding "Uterus" is a no nonsense getoutofmyface
tune. All in all the thought provoking reflections are leavened
by a collective intellect seldom encountered in in a field so
frequently thought of as "merely entertainment." If
you are willing to be harmonized into thinking differently than
you do now, this is for you!
2670 CD$14.98
1996 Harmony Sweepstakes winners m-pact are back with this, their second CD.
Two new members have joined the group: Britt Quentin and Greg Whipple. Britt's
tenor voice-and-soul are shown to impressive advantage in the Earth, Wind &
Fire song "Fantasy," the album's only cover. The original songs demonstrate
an R&B sensibility, coupled with pop hooks. The standout songs are "Hold
On My Heart" and"Without Your Love," which combines great material,
a powerhouse vocal (by Greg), and an exceptional bass performance. In general
the bass is placed and articulated so that it really fills up the bottom end,
and is one of the main reasons this CD feels so good. We expected no less! Listen
to Hold On My Heart
2581 CD 14.98
OK lets take it from the top. That must have been what someone
told this quintet of men and they heard, "lets start at the
top," instead. That's what they did all right. After just
a few months together they entered the Harmony Sweepstakes and
won! This release was recorded later that year to satisfy the
clamor of fans everywhere. There are some slow ones, some fast
ones, and two which have become signature tunes, "Got A Friend?"
and "Change In My Life." Other memorable originals are
"All Of My Love," "If I Lost You" and "Why
Can't We?" Songlist
2580 CD$14.98
Michael is a young German musician/writer/producer but most
of all, singer, who has created a solo work by overdubbing many
tracks to amass a fabulously rich vocal tapestry. Horns, drums,
synth sounds and more are all created vocally, at least initially
before electronic manipulation. His compositions are cutting-edge
modern but within the recording he also interprets JS Bach's "Prelude
#3." "I Want You Back" is provided with screaming
guitar, multiple falsettos, a scat like percussion break and complete
chorus on the refrain. This release is very important to the future
of a cappella.
2698 CD$15.98
Six women became instant international celebrities (rather
than just British) when Spike Lee chose them to participate on
his television special of a cappella groups in 1990. Among their
tunes was "Higher and Higher," and theirs has become
the styling and phrasing copied by almost everyone since. Round
Our way is a fine live recording of these singers doing that well
known song as well as another from that special, "Don't Let
Your Heart." Among the 14 tunes are "Baby, Baby,"
"I Want To Live Easy" and "Hey Girl" in addition
to the title track, "Round Our Way."
Songlist.
9220 CD$15.98 Tape$10.98
These 14 songs were captured in 1996 when this Dutch group
toured Germany. This is a well above average live recording, capturing
the group's energy, edge and raw sex appeal without too much sonic
compromise. There are a lot of great songs: Randy Newman's sizzling
"You Can Leave Your Hat On," Seal's "Future Love
Paradise," a unique setting of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone,"
Sting's "Fragile," and several originals. Songlist
2777 CD$14.98
Hip Dutch group Montezuma's Revenge is back with this simply-produced contemporary recording. Allowing the songs and lead vocals center stage, the five men of Montezuma take on pop hits as well as lesser-known compositions from familiar artists, such as Prince's "Sometimes It Snows In April" and John Lennon's "Mother," in addition to self-penned originals (the sexy "I'm da 1-4-U"). "Plateau" has a hypnotic repeating minor-third accompaniment that drives the verse; the swirling descent of notes that are the setting of "Sometimes It Snows" are a modern tone-painting. The radio-friendly "Virtual Insanity" (Jamiroquai) lends itself well to this a cappella version; anyone who has heard the chorus once will recognize it instantly. This CD reveals more with each listen.
2776 CD 15.98
This male Italian sextet provides an infectious brand of contemporary
a cappella. Though in Italian (the lyrics are therefore a mystery
to us), our appetites are whetted by catchy melodies and sated
by enthusiastic and charismatic delivery. The songs groove, with
smooth syncopated bass lines. The harmonies are polished, but
not too slick. We believe the compositions to be all originals,
and they are sung without accompaniment, save for piano on "Un
Po' Cosi" and "Volare Via." The group's work has
been very hard to obtain in North America, and we were lucky indeed
to arrange this special purchase. Neri Per Caso is a welcome infusion
of Mediterranean heat! Songlist
2527 CD 15.98
The CARA Award winning "No Place For Jennifer" (1997,
"Tell My Feet") are back with their 1998 release, "Witness."
Including three originals (written by Lizzie Kean, who is also
the group's arranger), these five Dutch women have assembled a
dense patchwork of parts into an aural quilt that is unmistakeably
their own. Weaving in and out of challenging intervals and unexpected
chords, tailored with an intricacy that requires repeated listening
to appreciate fully, "She's Leaving Home," (Lennon/McCartney)
is worth special mention. Other tracks include "You Learn,"
"At Seventeen" and "Constant Craving."
2141 CD 14.98
The Dutch "No Place For Jennifer" have produced an
idiosyncratic CD to accompany the theatre production of the same
name: "Welcome to the Game." These are five strong
females who tell it like it is, without stridency, but with a
welcome sense of truth. Songs like "Blood and Gold,"
with its depiction of war, and "Another Suitcase In The Hall,"
("I don't expect my love affairs to last" is the opening
line) display a maturity not often encountered. The sound is
eclectic; consonant one moment, dissonant the next; melodies slippery,
even demanding. A depthful and intense recording.
2140 CD 14.98
This Canadian Contemporary a cappella institution experienced
tremendous popularity in the 1980's with their strong harmonic
renditions of popular tunes (usually with percussion). After recent
personnel changes The Nylons are now back with their traditional
smooth vocal harmonies. For more on The Nylons, see their profile.
After fifteen years with Scotti Brothers and Attic Records,
the Nylons continued their recording career on Primarily A Cappella
with a collection of tunes superbly produced by Ian Prince who
also wrote six of the songs, three in collaboration with Garth
Mosbaugh. The heavily R&B album even treats the covers of "Ruby
Baby," "Let It Be," "Ain't No Sunshine"
and Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That" to an R&B make
over. Don't get caught by by the orchestration which sounds synthesized
until a great fiddle break on "I Can't Go For That."
Surprise!
2500 CD$14.98
| Run For Cover 2411 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
The Nylons 2400 CD$12.98 Tape$8.98 |
Perfect Fit 2412 CD$14.98 |
| Best of... Songlist 2407 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
Because... Songlist 2409 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
Four on the Floor 2403 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
| One Size Fits All Songlist 2405 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
Live to Love Songlist 2406 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
Happy Together Songlist 2401 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
| Hits of the 60's
A Cappella Style 2413 CD$13.98 Special price! |
Seamless
Songlist 2404 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
Rockappella Songlist 2402 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98 |
One of the hottest groups in the U.S., known to millions of schoolchildren around the continent for their five years' work on Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego. They've also appeared on everything else from the Today Show to the Tonight Show, and played to sold-out crowds around the U.S. and Japan. For more on Rockapella, click here.
Tight. Exciting. Explosive. This is Rockapella, circa 1999:
the freshest, most contemporary vocal band sound ever, and new
tracks: the Folgers commercial (a 45 second, bonus hidden cut),
Hold Out For Christmas, and Moments of You, (the latter song never
before released in the U.S.) . The remaining songs were on their
Rockapella self-titled CD, but have been given a new sheen and
a boost in production values. Featuring the charismatic presence
of Scott Leonard and the fiery vocal percussion of Jeff Thacher-
providing the current that throws the switch on the Rockapella
sound- the group has melded into a force that is undeniable. Their
popularity owes much to solid songwriting: classic harmonic progressions
that are new, yet familar at the same time, a "I Am Your
Man". Rockapella's notes stack up in perfect formation, creating
a Spectoresque wall-of-sound; this precision, where each note
is crafted and placed, performing its specific role in relation
to the other, creates a brilliance of tone that soaks right into
the skin. Their many live radio appearances - Rockapella are favored
guests of the Mark and Brian show on KLOS, and the Scott and Todd
program on WPLJ- have created a demand that is unheard of in a
cappella, and is threatening to break free of earth's gravity.
Dont miss this one! Songlist
2514 CD$15.98
| Primer 2512 CD $15.98 |
Lucky 7 2513 CD$15.98 Tape$10.98 |
"This recording was made in audio verite, with no special signal processing
or post production additives. It is five bare voices standing in a circle."
That's a quoted notation from the back of the CD and does alert us to the raw
quality of the recording and subsequent CD. That's not the whole picture, however.
Five fine singers with a sense of musical humor let their vocal imaginations
loose on such diverse tunes as "Bolero," "All Along The Watchtower"(with
a screaming guitar which, well, Take That, Jimi!), "Take Five" (what
a trumpet!) and lots of other vocal invention. Songlist
2307 CD 14.98
The student body of the University of Texas at Austin has propagated this seven or nine member (depending on circumstances) contemporary/urban/hip hop/soul group that has it all goin' on....a little bit sexy, a little bit nasty, and a lot hip. An emphasis on vocal percussion drives the arrangements, and the group recognizes Bobby McFerrin as a primary inspiration, covering two McFerrin originals: "All I Want" and "Yes, You." "In Your Eyes" has an extended intro vamp before it breaks into the familiar chorus; "Sexual Healing" bumps and grinds, a rhythmically complex performance that enhances the vocal, without overpowering it. "Jump In The Line," with its rapid 2/4 syncopation, is a reflection of the many facets of the Texan music scene, encompassing Tejano, Spanish and Latin influences. "Lonesome Road" is a fitting closing track: delivered almost as a church hymn, the group gradually opens up the arrangement, accenting the final verse with tasty passing chords and allowing the melody to soar.Listen to Yes You and Jump in the Line
2171 CD 12.98 Special "New Artist Spotlight" price
Every now and then some quality of voice or specific refrain
just gets in your head to bounce stereoptically back and forth.
That occurred to your reviewer who listened to Helle Henning sing
"Calling You," over, and over, and over... She is one
of six Danish singers in Singers on the album Singers all of whom
are fine lead singers. The jazzy version of "Woody And Dutch
On The Slow Train To Peking" (Rickie Lee Jones) and "Perfect
Stranger" are positively splendid. After hearing the arrangement
of "Babylon Sisters" you'll be wondering why no one
else tries to cover it. On second and third listening you'll know
why. Songlist
2772 CD 14.98
The self-titled CD from this boisterous male three piece from
Australia is hilarious. From "Roofrack": "My car's
engine purrs like a llama, my car's fumes make the passengers
ill." From "It's Falling Out": "Well, some
call it hair loss, but the only loss I feel is of stupid friends
who think it's some big deal." Musically, the original compositions
are reminiscent of the sound of Sting, particularly "Disconnected,"
which is the most accomplished song on this recording. The accompaniments
are creative, ranging from spoken repeated phrases to a variety
of clicking and popping mouth noises. The campy vocal style is
probably not intended to be taken entirely seriously. "The
Sock Medley" sounds like a team fight song (before mutating
into a send-up of George Michael and Marvin Gaye) and was possibly
developed through many afternoons of screaming at rugby matches.
A new personal favorite.
2149 CD 14.98
Solfa are a Norwegian male quintet who sprinkle their contemporary songs with jazzy chord nuggets. Mixing about half original songs (some of which are sung in Norwegian) with tasty covers, they can funk too, as they do on the Temptations/Smokey Robinson classic, "Get Ready," which features a shredding guitar solo. Two Beatles numbers, "Drive My Car" and "You Can't Do That," retain all the joie de vivre of the Fab Four's originals, subtly accessorized-the bass part of "You Can't Do That" gives it a kick at the end. The swinging "Vem Vet" has a first-rate horn passage. The group members have studied at the Hamar College of Music in Norway, and are great admirers of the Real Group; this debut CD shows that they have learned their lessons well.
2991 CD 14.98
Twenty-one women gather to experience the joy of making music together and to share that joy with their audiences, performing songs in a multiplicity of styles (with elements of classical, world and folk, though strictly speaking, Sound Circle is none of these). Featuring composers such as Ysaye Maria Barnwell and Holly Near (but also original works commissioned specifically for the group), the ensemble has fashioned a full-spectrum, transparently textured recording that can be minimalist or celebratory in turn, though always congruent in its musicality. Artistic Director Sue Coffee's staunch credentials ensure Sound Circle's unmistakable grounding in the traditions of Western harmony, while providing the setting for the group's highly personal expression.
2992 CD 14.98
Timing, that is the key. Often we understand the magnitude of an event only
though the hindsight of history. In 1990 Spike Lee & Co. produced a television
special totally a cappella. It featured some of the finest rock/popular/doo-wop
groups in the world. Included in this sound track are Ladysmith Black Mambazo,
The Mint Juleps, The Persuasions, Rockapella, Take Six and True Image. In historical
terms this event was a watershed event bringing the renaissance of a cappella
of to the public consciousness. It still is a marvelous CD and a must for any
enthusiast of the genre. What ever happened to True Image, anyway?
2391 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98
A quartet of youthful Canadian men give us a totally unique
musical vision. Recording, sampling, overdubbing and all the studio
tricks available were used to produce this most inventive recording.
The only other cd in this realm is by Michael Schiefel. You won't
believe that all the sounds originated with the human voice, until
you listen carefully, very carefully. It is rock, verging on hip-hop.
It's from outer space; it's from inner space. If folk music is
your oeuvre, this won't be for you. However, if you're a rocker,
interested in the cutting edge music, this reviewer can't recommend
it highly enough! In 1998, Ignition relieved the CARA Award for
Best Pop/Rock Album. Songlist
2968 CD 14.98
This reviewer is an unabashed fan of Streetnix. High energy
rockers would be a casual catch-phrase category which would be
accurate, but superficial, for this Canadian quartet. This album
is a fascinating contrast to their second, Ignition, for it is
produced well but not a studio production extravaganza. Singing
rather than vocal manipulation is the substance. There is a fabulous
bass line on most of the arrangements rather than vocal percussion,
tight ringing harmony, and a full rich sound. A most memorable
example is the booming bass on "Caravan Of Love." There's
a Bee-Gees tune, "Stray Cat Strut" and Billy Joel's
"And So It Goes" found among the covers. Only one original
is our only complaint.. Songlist
2967 CD$14.98
Street
Sounds: Night Flight
Street Sounds: Street Sounds
Street Sounds was founded in 1989 by Louise Robinson, one of the original founders
of Sweet Honey In The Rock. As Artistic Director and founder of Street Sounds
her purpose is to present traditional, contemporary, and original music which
concerns the African American heritage. From the opening train whistle and infectious
rhythm of "Tschot Sho Losa/Sada Go Demo" to the final remembrance
of ancestors in "Breaths," we visit "Home Africa," sing
for "Change," remember Sister Rosa Parks and the view from the back
of the bus. By gospel, blues, and more, we share an wonderful musical tour of
an African-American perspective. Songlist.
2555 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98
This reviewer rants, raves and generally degenerates into rabid
fandom over Tam'Echo'Tam who are a Brussels-based mixed quartet
of French, Guyanese, Moroccon and Zairese extraction. They begin
composing with improv and vocal games, evolving from fun into
highly polished songs which retain their playful origins in sounds
never before heard. One totally original sound is a sort of warble
that the two women have created and others have termed a vocal
mandolin. Most of the songs are in French which all the members
have in common. If you love international a cappella, this is
one of the best! Songlist
2867 CD$15.98
Would you believe a quartet? One tenor amidst three baritone-basses
create a variety show. Lots of upbeat tunes from the doo-woppish/rock
world such as "I Do" and "Little Bitty Pretty One"
and an older beauty in "We Three (My Echo, My Shadow, and
Me)". Then there is a totally original arrangement of "Misty"
by vocal trombone, upright bass and drums while the cocktail lounge
audience ignores them in the background. Great! "Deep River"
has a beautiful tenor lead. There's humor in "Sweaty Hillbilly
Rap" and the Johnny Cash send up "Ring Of Fire."
More? How about three originals including one with guitar. Songlist
2914 CD$14.98
Describing themselves as "eclectic a cappella," Throat
Culture's second recording was produced by the Bobs' Richard Greene.
The diverse material draws upon a variety of influences, including
gospel, doo-wop, classic pop and Motown. Alto Betsy Brickey puts
her creamy tone to good use on "Chameleon" and "Sweet
Dreams" (Eurythmics). "Damaged Goods" is reminiscent
of the style and vocal inflection of Stevie Wonder. The CD's sound
is "dry" - there isn't much "sweetening,"
or vocal effects - and it has only a dollop of percussion; several
of the tunes were recorded live, including Van Morrison's Crazy Love . Their songwriting style
is personal and original, and tends toward dark themes of love
and loss, but with an irreverent twist. Songlist.
2479 CD 14.98
On this, their first album, we are treated to a mix of covers
and originals such as Jimi Hendrix's "Crosstown Traffic,"
Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover," "St.
James Infirmary" and Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle."
Though these are well sung and arranged, the outstanding songs
on this release are the originals. "Fonemate" could
easily have been an early Bob's tune, the humor is so similar.
"Jack Bates (bail bonds)" is a saga of a lost love being
traced. This is the cd which introduced us to the cult favorite,
"Easter Island Head." "I want a head like the head
you see on Easter Island..."
Songlist.
2480 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98
Talk about visionary! In 1985 Todd Rundgren created the first
solo multi-tracked a cappella recording. Strong rhythm and percussive
tracks were found on almost every track. If you are familiar with
his rock work, this is a natural extension of his multi instrument
talents. The voice is used to take the place of each instrument
in a band yielding a rich, almost baroque sound. (baroque rock?!)
The importance of this album can be understood by the fact that
slowly but surely the tunes are being covered by other groups.
The best known tunes are "Hodja," "Pretending To
Care" and "Mighty Love." Songlist.
2481 CD$14.98
The Tone Rangers sound as though a group of barbershop singers
felt the restrictions and formality of that style was too confining
and collectively expanded their horizons first to seven singers
and then to a wider variety of popular styles. Their tight, close
harmony lends credence to this supposition. Additional clues are
the beautiful version of "Loch Lomond" (beautiful tenor
lead) and "Shenandoah." Then they go wacky with Al Yankovic's
"One More Minute," "My Tzatzkele" and the
live gag tune, "Rubber Duckie." Gospel and doo-wop arrangements
round out the play list of familiar popular songs.
2359 CD$14.98
An absolutely beautiful, balanced group of five voices is what
makes Tonic Sol Fa stand out from the rest of the high energy,
young male groups. They are from the Midwest where they perform
250 or so gigs a year. The covers of "Cecelia," "Get
Here," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Listen To The
Music," are finely arranged with unusual melodic grace notes
and embellishments which eliminate comparison with any other version.
"El Paso" is positively inspired, Marty Robbins would
be proud. Two originals, "Love Me Or Leave Me" and "Give
It To A Good Man" are so well done it will seem impossible
that this is the first time you'll have heard them!! Songlist
2151 CD$14.98
This refreshing and cheerful CD is a welcome addition to the contemporary Christmas collection. Containing such favorites such as "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Baby King" (featuring the accompaniment of "little drummer Shaun and his Christmas tin"), the performances are uniformly excellent and the arrangements novel. On "Do You Hear What I Hear," the polyphony of the voices can be admired for the sheer expertise required to execute the complex parts, or just enjoyed for the harmonious result. This merry quintet has a surfeit of vocal talent and it's yours to enjoy!
2152 CD 14.98
The release of this CD has been eagerly awaited - fans of the group's live performances have been clamoring for it! This mixed quintet, based in Florida, has all kinds of chops, as singers as well as entertainers. They have a contemporary sound, including vocal percussion, but a jazzy influence can be detected, such as on the track "Loving You," (no surprise, as the song was arranged by Yumiko Matsuoka). Indeed, it is this facility that fleshes out the arrangements and gives the finished product substance. "Hooked On A Feeling" chugs along with its "ooga chaka" pulse - an example where humor also works musically. "My Cherie Amour" shows once again the tightness of the "rhythm section," "Big Yellow Taxi," arranged by the group, proves their facility in this area. Several original songs show another facet of the group's talent.
2143 CD 14.98
1995 Harmony Sweepstakes champs are a rising star in the a cappella world. For more info Click Here
Songlist
2438 CD$14.98
On the first album Trinovox rigidly adhered to a three part
polyphony though they extended the variety of sounds normally
heard. On this second album they give free reign to their vocal
orchestral vision. Innovative overdubbing techniques allow for
richer compositions. Vocal percussion, horns, and guitars are
all used with great enthusiasm as the three interpret the works
of six female poets and six male poets from a three thousand year
span of world literature, in the original languages, French, Hebrew,
Italian, Sicilian, Andalusian, Ancient Greek, Spanish, Sardinian,
Tuscan, Turkish, Latin and Arabic.! Songlist
2788 CD$15.98
Trinovox is an Italian trio who have been composing and performing
together since 1991. All singers, they believe the voice to be
one of the most direct means of communication we humans have.
Literature is the written voice. Thus they create a synthesis,
musical interpretation of some of the world's greatest pieces
of literature. On Incanto are Baudelaire's "The Albatross,"
King Solomon's "Song of Songs," Frederico Garcia Lorca's
"Cancion De Jinette," Japanese Poets from the 17th-19th
centuries and more! Their masterpiece on this release is interpreting
12 Verses of Dante's "Inferno." This is truly world
culture on disc. Songlist
2789 CD$15.98
2773 CD$15.98
Six studio professionals from the Los Angeles studio scene
combined their talents to create one of the most beautifully produced
cds, particularly for 1993! Most of the tunes are originals by
the members Angie Jarie. David Joyce, Randy Crenshaw, Carl Graves,
Bob Joyce, and Paul Kreilling. R&B, classical, rock, folk,
Caribbean, and Brazilian elements and rhythms are all found in
a fascinating mix of the widest variety one can imagine on one
album. Truly it is the case that extroadinary musicians have cut
loose when able to do so rather than being just hired voices!
Percussion is the only sweetening found on most tracks. Songlist.
2490 CD$14.98 Tape$9.98
If you have never had the chance to see one of the best a cappella
groups in the world this is your opportunity to almost be there.
For a live, outdoor, recording of extremely active singers, the
techs did a fine job of capturing the moment. All the songs performed
during the recording were available on their two earlier albums
but they go beyond the constraints of studio recording to add
flourishes and improvisations not heard on the earlier releases.
For example, "Que Bueno Baila Usted" was under four
minutes on the first cd but here we are treated to a nine and
a half minute extravaganza. We strongly recommend this to Vocal
Sampling fans!
2352 CD 14.98
They're back! With touring and an increasing world audience
to their credit the group is even better, if that is possible.
Though the Cuban traditional song styles are still their stock
in trade, the six singers have begun creating their own song book
of originals. So this time well find a bit of rap or scratch added
into an otherwise traditional sound, and you know, it sounds as
though it has been sung that was forever. These men, who met as
boys in music school and began singing for fun at parties, have
matured to be one of the best acts in the world, definitely on
anybody's top ten world music groups. Songlist
2351 CD$15.98 Tape$10.98
When Vocal Sampling first became members of the a cappella
scene everyone, simply everyone was blown away. Never before had
we heard such complex rhythms made by vocally recreating a traditional
Cuban dance band. Fabulous! This is their first album and an absolute
must for a capellan literacy. It is full of the best known Cuban
songs. Good notes give us understanding of the context of these
songs in Cuban life, but the music is so rich as to carry us away
with the horn sections, seeming endless varieties of percussion,
and guitars. Styles include the bolero, comparsa, palo monte,
rumba, salsa, son and trova. Wow! Songlist
2350 CD$15.98
Five music professionals from Edmonton, Alberta are classically
trained members of Voce (pronounced Voh-che). They formed in 1993
to be able to share their interpretations of popular music from
the tweedeledee of "Rockin' Robin" through a "Rocky
Mountain High" which has "Rivers Of Dreams" flowing
through it like "Tears In Heaven". Jazz, tight harmonies
that take on a close harmony sound, almost, and touches of classical
music are all incorporated in the covers found in the midst of
three sweet original tunes, the title track "So Many Ways"
and two spirit movers "The Light" and "Gift Of
Song."
2304 CD$14.98
Cuba has been sharing it's culture and traditions recently
with the world at large by exporting a cappella music as part
of its rich musical heritage. In Voces Mirtha Millan is the music
director and arranger of most of the songs which are sung by six
women. Heard for the first time are elements of vocal percussion
performed by women somewhat reminiscent of Vocal Sampling. Ballads
abound on this recording which is spiced with both jazzy and more
classical sounding arrangements. The most familiar tunes are "Como
Fue" and "Guantanamera." Several of the tunes are
accompanies by guitar and a bit of percussion. Songlist
2389 CD$15.98
We are fortunate indeed to have assembled such a truly talented group of finalists for the 1998 Harmony Sweeps. Winners Metropolis, the barbershop quartet from Southern California, sing "Some Lucky Day" and the entertaining "Yakko's World." Audience favorite (and second-place finishers) +4dB begin the festivities with "In A Mellow Tone" and also perform the Real Group's "Chile Con Carne." Other groups include Canadians the Heebee-jeebees, catalog favorites Blind Man's Bluff, Ball in the House and Acapelicans (from Australia), Cool Shooz and the third place winners, the Sweet Adelines' quartet City Lights. Bonus performance: An improvised jam by our evening's hosts, SoVoSo. Songlist
Listen to: Metropolis Yakko's World +4db In A Mellow Tone Acappelicans The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
2998 CD 14.98
2461 CD$11.98
The CARAs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards) are awarded
yearly by CASA. This reviewer has learned to take the rewards
as advice on which music to buy (without listening first) as their
choices are always worthy. Obtain this compilation in order to
learn about the best new recordings >from l997. Best Of Categories
include Pop Cover (SoVoSo), Jazz (the Real Group), Folk/Progressive
(Dale Warland Singers), Studio Album (Nylons), Gospel/Contemporary
Christian (Sweet Deliverance), Barbershop (The Gas House Gang),
Pop Cover (Five Live), Classical (The King's Singers) and more!
Songlist
2460 CD$11.98
Songlist
2155 CD$15.98
Jessica Diamond is well known in a cappella circles for her
extensive work with CASA and being the producer of the Canadian
a cappella contest known as Northern Harmony. She points out that
most of us thought Canadian a cappella was found only in barbershop
groups and the Nylons. Surprise! There are more than 60 a cappella
groups performing today. The contestants that first contest were
Asani, The Heebee-Jeebees, Scotch and Soda, Sven Blvd, The Polyesters
and S.M.A.K. The hosts for the evening were Standing Room Only.
This is a great way to be introduced to some young, talented singers
from Canada. The Heebee-Jeebees were the evening's winners.Songlist
1692 CD 12.98
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
2497 CD$12.98
In 1996 Primarily A Cappella assembled and released this blockbuster
compilation of original songs written by members of the groups
which sing them. All of them have become well known by now as
the groups are important members of our musical genre. You will
find Rockapella (as a quintet), Vox One, The Blenders, The Nylons,
17th Ave. All Stars, The Real Group, Vocal Sampling, The Accidentals,
Jezebelle, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Street Sounds, Throat Culture,
The Bobs, The Trenchcoats, The House Jacks and Toby Twining. This
CD plays like the best radio shows you've ever heard! Songlist
2600 CD$11.98
This is a must for any person who loves a cappella, particularly if yours is
a new-found love. Modern A Cappella was released in 1992 and in 16 tracks does
a wonderful job of presenting the breadth of a cappella at that time, with a
couple of rare tracks, Longhouse's "Heaven" and Yes' "Leave It."
Superior notes accompany the lineup of artists such as En Vogue, Bobby McFerrin,
The Flying Pickets, Rockapella (as a quartet), The Mint Juleps, Take Six, Ladysmith
Black Mambazo, The Nylons, The Bobs, The Persuasions, Todd Rundgren and more!
It's a wonderful way for new listeners to the field of a cappella music. Songlist
2599 CD$14.98 Tape$10.98