American River College Vocal Jazz Ensemble

The American River College Vocal Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Arthur Lapierre has been in existence for 13 years. American River College is a two-year institute of learning in the Los Rios Community College District in Sacramento, California. During this time the Vocal Jazz Ensemble has received 7 DownBeat Awards from DownBeat Magazine. Most recently, in 2010, the ensemble won the Best Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Ensemble Award for their newly released CD; Your Eyes. The ensemble has previously appeared before the International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences in Toronto, Long Beach, and New York. In 2010 the ensemble appeared before the ACDA Western Division Conference. In March of 20111 the ensemble will sing before the national conference in Chicago.

An Octave Above

An Octave Above is a group of eight professional vocalists who blend years of experience and a love of a cappella harmony to every style of music they sing. From doo-wop to jazz, standards to pop, Bacharach to The Beatles, An Octave Above creates a new standard for excellence on the Chicago music scene.

Also members of prestigious Chicago-area choral ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, An Octave Above members hold degrees from Elmhurst College, Northern Illinois University, Bradley University, University of Illinois at Champaign, Western Michigan and the University of Miami.

Anita Kerr Singers

In the 1950s and '60s, the Anita Kerr Singers were one of the most popular group of backup vocalists in all of country music, appearing on countless recordings by renowned Nashville artists. Kerr was the group's leader, but was joined by alto Dottie Dillard, tenor Gil Wright, and baritone Louis Nunley, as the quartet initially gained attention by performing on the NBC radio program Sunday Down South in the early '50s, which led to a contract with Decca Records. In 1956, the Anita Kerr Singers landed a spot on the New York-based Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts TV show, which led to further broadcast appearances (although the group never let their session work for others subside). Around the same time, Chet Atkins (then the head of RCA Records' country division) took the group under his wing, which led to the quartet appearing on countless recordings by renowned artists. The Singers continued to record and tour straight through the '60s, even managing to issue several of their own albums, including Anita Kerr Singers Reflect on the Hits of Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Velvet Voices and Bold Brass, and Simon & Garfunkel Songbook, among others.

Avante

Avante Vocal Jazz is eight accomplished singers, based in Raleigh, NC with a truly unique contemporary style. A bold fusion of jazz and contemporary a cappella singing, Avante performs repertoire paying tribute to the great masters of vocal jazz, while adding a new twist to many familiar standards. Their repertoire ranges from contemporary choral works to cutting edge jazz with a modern flair. Routinely praised for its high standard of musicianship and unique arrangements, Avante tours the United States, appearing in concert, corporate venues and on college campuses. Avante's educational outreach provides workshops to students of all ages and boasts two nationally regarded clinicians within its membership.,

Beachfront Property

"Beachfront" is not a piece of real estate along the ocean, but it is a hot property nonetheless. Described as sounding like "Manhattan Transfer" meets "Take 6," their smooth singing style combines the rich sounds of jazz with the fun and energy of pop music. They have shared the stage with Mel Torme, "The Four Freshman," "The Hi-los," Kenny Rankin, Crystal Lewis, "The Brothers Four" and "Emerson, Lake & Palmer." The success of Beachfront Property is found not only in a successful blending of harmonies, but in a blending of personalities.

"Not everyone can sing in a group like this," says Tom Dustman, Beachfront's artistic director and bass vocalist. "It takes a special person to give, and give, and give." The object is to entertain while also preserving some of America's most beloved classics, he says. "No one person is the star." Achieving this feat takes a great deal of effort and a lot of self-control, as the key is to blend the voices. Beachfront's four-part blend is spun out in seemingly effortless fashion creating mellow and exciting, woven-together-like-cloth chords that treat the listener to arrangements of familiar songs with a whole new sound.

Berlin Voices

Four seasoned jazz singer, who previously made a name soloist, above all do together and pay homage to the group sound - four singers, four voices blend into a sound.

The press now says: "One of the most vocal groups span be the Republic." (Zitty) or "New Sound of fresh throats! ... You can expect a lot from this new jazz quartet from Berlin. "(Berliner Morgenpost)

For all the vocal harmony, the four are united not always vigorously debating and struggling together for the best sound. This positive voltage is transmitted to the music of Berlin Voices.

The group draws the possibility of a deep personal and musical familiarity: Esther Kaiser, Marc Secara and Kristofer Benn sang in 1998 in the Vocal Section of the Federal Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO) under the direction of Peter Herbolzheimer. During the joint vocal studies at the jazz department of the Academy of Music "Hanns Eisler" under Prof. Judy Niemack (USA) and Prof. Jiggs Whigham (USA) they learn about Sarah Kaiser and exist in its current form since 2000. All complete their studies with the highest rating a major in singing.

BR6

BR6 has a story that is similar to that of other Brazilian vocal groups: singer-friends who know other singers and get together to make a vocal group. Unlike so many others who did it with voice and guitar, the group (6 musicians and arrangers with elaborate musical schooling) picked the most difficult way of making vocal music: without any instruments.

The group was influenced by the history of various generations of Brazilian vocal groups and by the first recording of the group Take 6, at the beginning of the 90s, a recording that changed the direction of international vocal music. Crismarie Hackenberg (mezzo), Deco Fiori (tenor), Andre Protasio (baritone), Marcelo Caldi (tenor), Simo (bass) and Naife Simoes (Vocal Percussion) go after two dreams: foment the creation of the market for Brazilian a cappella music and reverence national vocal music with their talent and creativity. On this same road, BR6 sums up the efforts of many groups, but stands out as pioneer in the art of making music without instruments, opening the way for new generations, that will certainly come.

Clockwork

Clockwork is a vocal quartet who sing mostly close-harmony jazz but also our own twists on pop and rock tunes.

Clockwork, an award-winning San Francisco based vocal quartet with a signature sound and style, performs a banquet of music from funk to gospel and R&B to standards. Rooted in the tradition of great vocal jazz groups such as the Hi-Lo's and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, the Clockwork "sound" draws inspiration from all styles. As the great Duke Ellington said, "If it sounds good, it is good."

Experienced in both accompanied and a cappella performing, the group has arrangements for duos, trios and an 18-piece big band. Members of Clockwork have performed live with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, The Hi-Lo's , Meredith Monk, Don Shelton, Gene Puerling, Barbara Lewis, Sufjan Stevens, John Zorn, Barbara Morrison, Kent Nagano with the Deutches Symphonie Orchester and the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, The PM Singers, Heatwave, GQ, Barbara Lynn, Richie Cole, M-Pact!, the House Jacks, Boyz Nite Out, InFusion, Vocal Flight, and on Ward Swingle's Instructional video "Swingle Singing."

Cluster

Considered among the best vocal groups in Italy, the clusters were established in 2004 with the idea of 5 students of the Conservatorio Niccolo Paganini. In recent years the group has performed throughout Italy and abroad, distinguished by its unique style that combines elements of jazz, pop and fusion.

Their 2008/09 tour dates and counted over seventy brought the group to perform on stage some of the most important musical events in the country, including: Umbria Jazz Festival, The Blue Note Milan, Feronia Festival, Bordighera Jazz & Blues Festival Lavagnino, Alpe Adria Cantat, Musicomic For Children, Palazzo Ducale Genoa, Veneto Jazz Festival, Sing Sing Festival Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome.

Cool and Jazzy

Cool & Jazzy, vocal a cappella group, the Winner of Ward Swingle Award, laureate and winner of international contests and festivals, promotes the live, dynamic and energetic music ranging from classic to house, including jazz, jazz-rock, fusion, latino, pop, rock, folk and buff with show elements. We sing in main world languages like English, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ukrainian and Georgian. We create our own arrangements that possess the label "made by Cool & Jazzy".

Cuesta Voce

Voce is the premier vocal jazz ensemble at Cuesta Community College in California. Since it's inception in 1981, the ensemble has toured extensively through the West Coast and has toured Europe eight times. Voce has received numerous awards including an Outstanding Performance Award from Downbeat Magazine, First Place at the 1998 Reno Jazz Festival, Second Place at the 2003 Reno Jazz Festival, and invitations to perform at the 26th and 30th Annual Conferences of the International Association of Jazz Educators in 1998 and 2003. In 2005 Voce was one of three vocal jazz ensembles from the nation that performed, by special invitation, at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association. Voce also traveled to Europe in 2005 with the Cuesta Chamber Singers. The tour included two performances at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Voce returned to Europe in summer 2008 to perform at the Festival en Provence in France. Voce has recently released two CDs, "Just One of Those Things," in April 2007 and "Timepieces" in January 2008.

Down 4 The Count

Down 4 The Count began in 2003, when six CSU Northridge students in the University's vocal jazz ensemble found they shared a common interest: wanting to sing ensemble vocal jazz without those pesky instrumentalists: in other words, A Cappella! Since that time, Down 4 The Count has won multiple awards (including three song-arrangement awards and 1st place at the 2009 San Diego A Cappella Competition) and they have performed at venues all over the greater Los Angeles and San Diego area, including the Jazz Bakery, The Coach House, The Coffee Gallery Backstage, San Diego IndieFest, and many more.

First Call

The Christian a cappella group, First Call, have reinvigorated the familiar Christmas classics with fresh arrangements and sincere renditions of the old favorites. Appearances by guest vocalists and multi-tracking allow for a multiplicity of textures and sounds. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" will rekindle good will toward all in even the most cynical holiday Grinch. "The New Twelve Days of Christmas" replaces the partridge and pear tree with shopping malls and choir rehearsals, and segues brilliantly into "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The shimmering, pure vocal tones are augmented by the crisp, digital production. This is an "Evening" you won't want to miss!

Gold Company

The Gold Company Program is widely recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious collegiate vocal jazz programs in the world. The award-winning ensembles perform a wide variety of repertoire which covers all styles in the contemporary vocal idiom. Gold Company has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa. The groups have appeared at Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, the World Symposium on Choral Music, the national conventions of MENC and IAJE, and divisional and national conventions of ACDA, as well as performing at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the 1st Annual Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Jazz Festival. Gold Company has also appeared with guest artists including Bobby McFerrin, Janis Siegel, Mark Murphy, Rosemary Clooney, Kurt Elling, The Manhattan Transfer, Jon Hendricks, Darmon Meader, and Don Shelton and Bonnie Herman of The Singers Unlimited.

Good Company

Good Company is a seven-member vocal group based out of Midland, Michigan. They began singing together in 1999. Their repertoire covers classical to jazz with an emphasis on contemporary vocal harmonies and blends; Good Company is under the direction of Jim Hohmeyer. They have performed with Steve Zegree's Jazz Quartet from Western Michigan University and opened for the well-known Michigan Comedy Ensemble "Three Men and a Tenor", Kirby Shaw's vocal group "Just 4 Kicks", the fabulous "Four Freshmen" and for Doc Severinson and his big band on the MCFTA stage. In 2004, they were one of three vocal jazz groups invited to perform in Los Angeles for the ACDA National Conference.

Groove For Thought

Infectious grooves, stunning arrangements, and electrifying solos are just some of the phrases used to describe Seattle based vocal group Groove For Thought. Since 1998, GFT has brought their unique brand of jazz and R&B infused tunes to festival, concert, school, and nightclub audiences throughout the United States and abroad.

High Five

High Five is an award winning, mixed voice, 5-part, a cappella jazz quintet from the Baltimore-Washington area creating music and fun wherever music lovers can be found. With more than a century of combined musical experience, this full-chord sound and tight harmonies are indicative of their unique style. This, combined with an undisputable jazz influence & champion arranger, makes Janet, Christy, Lori, Joe and Mike the ensemble that is unmistakably High Five.

Idea of North

The Idea of North defies categorisation. As a quartet of musicians, their voices are their instruments: soprano, alto, tenor and bass, with a bit of vocal percussion thrown in. Their sound and style is distinct, yet they cross many musical genres: jazz, pop, folk, gospel, even comedy.

Their arrangements are extraordinary. They take songs you know and songs you don't and create songs you'll love. But it's not just about the music:

"A pitch-perfect ensemble negotiating complex modulations with ease, constant seamless transition between lead and accompaniment parts, and the whole thing strung together by low-key, humorous conversational patter..." The Courier-Mail

Inner Voices

Inner Voicesare Los Angeles-based session singers led by vocal arranger Morgan Ames. They have been performing together since the 80s. They have been profiled on CBS Sunday Morning, have toured Japan, performed on KCET, KTLA Morning News, the Jim Belushi Show and many others. They have recorded albums for Rhino, Laurel, Song River and Japanese Victor. They have performed for the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Betty Ford Center, the Society of Singers, the AME Church and twice for President Reagan. They have sung and/or recorded with Kenny Loggins, David Benoit, Dave Grusin, Johnny Mathis, Dori Caymmi, Smokey Robinson and others. Each Christmas season they perform their highly acclaimed, sold out a cappella show in Los Angeles.

Between them, they have performed, recorded and/or toured with almost every major artist in the business.

Johnny Mann Singers

Johnny Mann is best known for the forty-two albums he arranged and conducted for his Johnny Mann Singers resulting in five Grammy Award nominations and two Grammy Awards.

He is a composer, arranger, conductor, entertainer and recording star. His group of super-talented young singers appeared with him in Chevrolet's weekly syndicated series, "Stand Up And Cheer," which enjoyed a three-year run on national TV and many tours around the country.

Born August 30, 1928, in Baltimore, MD, Johnny got his start in Hollywood arranging scores for seven full-length motion pictures for Warner Brothers, Twentieth Century Fox and Columbia Studios. He then became the choral director of the "NBC Comedy Hour," which led to the formation of The Johnny Mann Singers and a record contract.

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross

In 1962 Ross, tired of touring, called it quits. Lambert and Hendricks choose Yolande Bavan for the impossible job of replacing Ross. Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan recorded three albums for RCA. None were as successful as those of the previous trio, and the group broke up in 1964. Sadly, Dave Lambert was killed in a car accident in 1966. Jon Hendricks continues to perform. Annie Ross also continued singing and working in films. Though they only graced the musical landscape for a few short years, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross left an indelible mark in the world of vocal jazz that has yet to be equaled to this day.

Les Double Six

The group was not long-lasting. Due to Perrin's health problems (she had contracted tuberculosis in 1949), Les Double Six dissolved in 1966. They recorded four albums between 1959 and 1964. Many members of the group went on to join the Swingle Singers, which notably reproduced the works of Bach in the jazz vocal style.

The Double Six were nominated for Best Vocal Group Performance at the 1965 Grammy Awards for their LP The Double Six of Paris Sing Ray Charles, and were beaten by The Beatles' A Hard Day's Night.

Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattan Transfer is a jazz vocal group founded in 1969 that has explored a capella, vocalese, swing, standards, Brazilian jazz, rhythm and blues, and pop music.

There have been two editions of the Manhattan Transfer, with Tim Hauser the only person to be part of both. The first group consisted of Hauser, Erin Dickins, Marty Nelson, Pat Rosalia, and Gene Pistilli. The second version of the group, formed in 1972, consisted of Hauser, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, and Laurel Masse. In 1979, Masse left the group after being badly injured in a car accident and was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne. The group's long-time pianist, Yaron Gershovsky, accompanied the group on tour and served as music director.

Mel Torme & The Mel-Tones

Mel Torme was a child actor and musical prodigy. He began singing at the age of three, studied piano and drums, and at 15 published his first song which was recorded by Harry James. In 1942 he joined the band of comedian Chico Marx as drummer, singer, and vocal arranger, and in 1943 he formed his own group, the Mel-Tones, and appeared in his first film, Higher and Higher, with Frank Sinatra. The Mel-Tones, a precursor of contemporary vocal jazz, were popular during WWII and enjoyed several hits on their own as well as with Artie Shaw's band.

Merry Macs

The group continued to perform worldwide. They recorded commercials with Gilda Maiken (Anderson) of The Skylarks singing melody. The group stayed with Decca until 1949, when they moved over to Capitol and later to Era. In 1954 Vern Rowe took over for Dick Baldwin. The foursome of Judd and Ted McMichael, Marjorie Garland McMichael, and Vern Rowe continued the group's activities until 1964 when the act retired. Their last American performance was a 1968 reunion at the Hollywood Bowl. One of Ted's daughters, Geri Benson, became a second-generation lead singer of the Marry Macs, keeping the group's tradition alive. Ted is the only surviving member of the group and lives in Hemet, California, with his wife Carolyn.

Mike Sammes Singers

Michael Sammes was born in Reigate, Surrey, and studied cello, singing, and arranging. He went to work for a music publisher and formed the Mike Sammes Singers during the mid-'50s. A vocal ensemble of varying size whose members were often divided up into smaller ensembles for session work, the Mike Sammes Singers were busy from the start, making regular appearances on the BBC, singing on the bill of variety shows at the London Palladium, doing guest appearances on television programs, and singing on recording sessions backing up various singers. The group intersected with skiffle and rock & roll surprisingly early, singing backup to the Vipers Skiffle Group. Members of the Mike Sammes Singers were also present for the first recording session by Cliff Richard & The Shadows on July 24, 1958, where they backed the band up singing "Schoolboy Crush," the original A-side of their first single (which was quickly flipped over in favor of the harder rocking Ian Samwell original "Move It").

Modernaires

When one thinks or speaks of "The Modernaires", immediately you relate to their classic 1941-1942 association with "American's Number One Dance Band," Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. Yet, superb as each and every one of their Miller performances were, "The Modernaires", had already existed, performed and recorded for several years prior and would continue to do so for more than half a century after their sensational 19-month stint with that legendary leader.

Talent springs from all over, and in the early 1930's, Buffalo, New York was the wellspring for a trio of young men who liked to sing. Harold Dickinson (lead and second tenor), Bill Conway (baritone) and Chuck Goldstein (first tenor) were three Lafayette High School students from the wintry city of Buffalo. In 1935 as Glenn Miller Rehersal a trio, they called the group the "The Three Weary Willies", performing at high school functions and then on WGR local radio.

Moss

They unite their creative ideas and talents; presenting their original compositions and resetting them for five voices. You are likely to hear standards, poetry, original music and spontaneous improvisation under one umbrella - MOSS.

Peter Eldridge and Lauren Kinhan are members of the Grammy award winning New York Voices and also have their own solo projects of original music; Theo Bleckmann is one of the vocal magicians with Meredith Monk and his own genre-bending work; Kate McGarry has been gracing New Yorkers with her soulful timbre for many years; Luciana Souza is seen all over the world in all her incarnations, Brazilian, Jazz, and Poetry inspired.

New York Voices

New York Voices is the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. Like the great groups that have come before, such as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, they have learned from the best and taken the art form to new levels. Their interests are rooted in jazz, but often Brazilian, R & B, classical, and pop influences are included with equal creativity and authenticity. The group was formed in 1987 by Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, Caprice Fox and Sara Krieger. By way of explanation, Darmon, Peter, Kim and Caprice attended Ithaca College in NY and were part of an invitational alumni group formed to tour the European Jazz Festivals in the summer of '86. As a result of this exciting experience, the idea of forming a professional group was born.

P.M. Singers

Formed in 1982 by students of the esteemed director Phil Mattson, members of the P.M. Singers became identified with the Phil Mattson School and many have gone on to great professional and academic success in their own right. (Two examples are Joe Finetti, who now sings with The Bobs, and Michele Weir, a respected educator and arranger.) This mixed group has the talent and range to master the most technical of charts, as well as the warmth and emotion to stir the heart-witness"A Child Is Born," with a facile piano accompaniment by Phil Mattson himself, who plays keyboards throughout. Many of the arrangements allow one voice to solo, adding and subtracting harmonies for interest and variety. "I'll Be Seeing You" is a cappella and allows the melody to shine, gradually opening up the song with a frugal harmony that never interferes, but builds to a subtle crescendo and then resolves to an elegant closing cadence, the lead voice holding the final note while the lower parts complete the subject. A pleasure to listen to and a model of arranging virtuosity.

Pieces of 8

Powerful, entertaining and bursting with energy, this contemporary a cappella octet blends familiar sounds to create its own expression of American vocal music. The ensemble's voices -- pairs of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses -- combine in rich harmony to create a seamless blend of sound. Saluting the boundless and unpredictable American spirit, Pieces of 8 combines classical music influences with the sounds of jazz, pop, rock, Reggae, doo-wop, gospel and soul to create a multilayered, nearly orchestral texture. Pieces of 8 was founded by Charles Mead, the ensembles artistic director, with support from the Professional Studies Program at the St. Louis Symphony Community Music School (formerly the St. Louis Conservatory and School for the Arts).

Pied Pipers

Originally consisting of eight members, The Pied Pipers had their greatest success after nearly half of the members left the group. The remaining Pipers (Billy Wilson, Chuck Lowry, Jo Stafford, and her then-husband John Huddleston) joined the Tommy Dorsey Band in 1939, backing Sinatra on many classic recordings. In 1942 The Pied Pipers broke away from Dorsey, and Huddleston joined the army, to be replaced by Hal Hopper, one of the original eight members. The group backed Johnny Mercer on several tracks during the early 40s, including "Candy" and "Blues in the Night." Their first single ("Deacon Jones"/"Pistol Packin' Mama") was released in 1943. Stafford had become quite busy with her solo career and left the group in 1944, to be replaced by June Hutton. Throughout the rest of the decade The Pied Pipers charted frequently, yet their popularity waned in the '50s.

Pust

PUST means breath in Norwegian. It also means to take a break, to get away, to breathe. You can hold it too, but that's not a very good idea when you're singing.

PUST is six skilled singers based in Oslo. The group's key qualities are versatility, creativity and "voiceplay" in addition to improvisation combined with a high level of musicianship. The singers are highly scholared and music-educated, with long experience from various vocal ensembles.

PUST finds inspiration somewhere between folksong, jazz and ethnic vocal music. Tradition and innovation are a part of the groups musical expression. All compositions and arrangements are written for or by the group.

Ray Charles Singers

Ray Charles is the stage name of Charles Raymond Offenberg (born September 13, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois), an American musician, songwriter, and vocal conductor. He is best known for a series of easy listening record albums which he produced in the 1950s and 1960s as the Ray Charles Singers. This vocal group also sang backup on most of the recordings of Perry Como from 1950 to 1987, and Charles and his singers also appeared with Como in his live performances and on television. The Ray Charles Singers (with Charles featured prominently as lead male vocalist) sang the theme song to the television series Three's Company ("Come and Knock on Our Door"). He is sometimes known humorously as "The Other Ray Charles" to distinguish him from the great soul musician of the same name.

Ray Conniff Singers

Ray Conniff was born on November 6, 1916, in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Ray was exposed to music at an early age, his father was the leader/trombonist of the local Jewelry City Band and his mother played the piano. As a junior in Attleboro High School, Ray and some of his buddies decided to start a dance orchestra. Taking some musical tips from his father, Ray started practicing trombone and wound up playing first trombone for the band. It was for this group that Ray did his first arrangement, his fellow musicians loved his interpretation of "Sweet Georgia Brown."

Ray survived in the music business for over 65 years, he recorded over 100 albums and sold over 70 million albums, cassettes and CD's. He was the proud recipient of a Grammy Award for his recording of "Somewhere My Love", two Grammy nominations, over 10 gold albums, 2 platinum albums ("Somewhere My Love" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"), CBS Records-Best Selling Artist for 1962 Award and countless international awards. On 12th October 2002 Ray Conniff passed away in San Diego.

Ready, Willing and Mabel

This Los Angeles-based vocal jazz group has been singing together since 2003, and has developed a loyal and enthusiastic following for its unique A Cappella style and lively personality. The group's sound has been described as "compelling," "mesmerizing," and "a cocktail for the ears!" The foursome, who describe themselves as "self-confessed chord freaks", share a passion for "dangerously close harmonies" and "songs that can melt the heart!" A powerful combination indeed!

The Group Members: Caroline McLean, the group's lead singer, hails from Leeds, England.Kate Walker, alto, originates from beautiful Christchurch, New Zealand.Peter Neushul, tenor, is a native Los Angelino (claiming to be a descendent of Attila the Hun!). Jim Campbell, bass, has been singing professionally since 1991 when he moved to Los Angeles from Louisville, KY.

Real Group

The Real Group was formed in 1984 by five students at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. The original members were eager to explore the artistic world of vocal music with an emphasis on jazz, pop and folk music. The group quickly gained an international audience and has grown to become one of the cornerstones of modern a cappella.

Today the legacy of The Real Group is maintained and further developed by worldwide concert tours, recordings, educational mentoring and published scores. The mentorship has evolved over the years and continuously seeks to integrate artistic aspirations with human rights, ecological awareness, global concern and a feministic mindset.

Royal Bopsters

New York's The Royal Bopsters bring a new and refreshing approach to the art of vocal jazz. Vocalists Amy London, Jeanne O'Conner, Pete McGuiness and Dylan Pramuk pay tribute to their jazz heroes thru intricate harmonies and energetic delivery, bringing jazz classics and Bebop style to the next generation and beyond. The Bopsters delve deeply into vocal improvisation; vocalese, the art of penning lyrics to instrumental jazz solos; and their original songs and arrangements further the tradition of modern jazz, bebop, and the blues.

Sacramento State Vocal Jazz Singers

The vocal jazz program at Sacramento State is under the direction of Kerry Marsh. The program consists of the Jazz Singers, C-Sus and Vox 2, all of which are formed by audition. The sounds of Sac State Vocal Jazz are influenced by the great vocal jazz groups of the past and present: The Hi-Lo's, Singers Unlimited, Take 6, New York Voices, The Real Group, Manhattan Transfer and others. However, the program strives to explore.

Although much of the study focuses on group sound, improvisation and solo singing are also important aspects of the program, with a thriving bachelor's program in jazz studies/voice. Jazz voice majors (currently eleven in the program) study privately with the outstanding jazz vocal artist Julia Dollison.

Singers Unlimited

The Singers Unlimited were born out of a strange combination of stark commercialism and rare innovation that somehow yielded some pretty high art. Gene Puerling was the vocal arranger as well as a singer with The Hi-Lo's, and later moved into jingle singing and arranging in Chicago. Don Shelton had been a Hi-Lo as well, and joined Puerling in the commercial field. Along the way they joined with Len Dresslar (the voice of the Jolly Green Giant) and vocalist/voiceover artist Bonnie Herman. This led to the formation in 1967 of a ready-to-go jingle-singing quartet. Then Puerling began experimenting with the new technology of multi-track recording, and the Singers expanded their four voices into eight, twelve, sixteen, and later into practically a hundred or more! The Singers produced around 15 LP's in the period between 1971 and 1981.

Sixth Wave

January 2005 brought on a season of change for us, as Amy Fogerson left the group and was replaced by Jennifer Barnes. Shortly thereafter, both Gerald White and Gary Rosen also made the decision to leave the group to pursue other ventures, which created openings filled by tenor Greg Whipple and baritone Greg Jasperse. This 50% new group is now eagerly working towards the goal of being a powerful and cohesive musical unit, adding exciting new repertoire while maintaining the spirit and integrity for which Sixth Wave has always been known. Please keep checking back for new and exciting news and updates as things progress.....

Stripped

Stripped is a vocal band that continues to stretch ideas about what a cappella music can be. Their concerts are highly focused on improvisation, audience participation, and making music that moves the spirit. The voices gathered here have blend and unity, but frequently remind the listener that individual expression can flourish within the context of a group sound, like a single flower enhances the garden with its own particular bouquet and color.

Stripped has performed throughout Chicago, singing original vocal jazz music at the Green Mill, HotHouse, Fitzgerald's, Lyon's Den, Uncommon Ground, Beat Kitchen, and 4th Presbyterian Church. Stripped received awards at the Chicago Cultural Center Cx2 competition and the 2004 Harmony Sweepstakes Regional competition. Stripped opened for jazz and R&B legend Patti Austin in summer 2004. Keep your eyes open for performances coming your way, then open your ears and prepare to be Stripped!

Swingle Singers

There are few music lovers who haven't heard the name the Swingle Singers. Since the release of that ground-breaking debut album in 1963, this virtuosic eight-voice a cappella group (complete with their own vocal rhythm section) has performed on the world's most famous stages, sustaining over four decades a level of international popularity beyond the dreams of its founder, American-born Ward Swingle. The current London-based line-up of young and talented singers is, of course, several incarnations of "Swingles" older than the original team (Ward Swingle affectionately refers to them as his "grandchildren"). They represent a modern incarnation of an ensemble whose music has evolved and expanded to encompass styles far and beyond the swung Baroque and infamous "ba va da" of the 1960s, although audiences will usually hear a tribute to the original French group. Along with the repertoire, the stage show has also grown into a full-blown lights-and-choreography spectacle. The beauty is that however the group has changed, the sound remains unmistakeably that of the Swingle Singers, the same sound which caught the world's attention all those years ago.

Syncopation

The Boston Globe calls Syncopation "the 21st Century Manhattan Transfer or Lambert, Hendricks and Ross" and it is easy to see why. Like those legendary vocal groups, Syncopation performs jazz and pop music in four-part harmony with a style that is both timeless and up-to-the-minute. As an added treat each of the singers also plays an instrument or two like trumpet, trombone piano and percussion providing the excitement of a band much larger in size.

You may have seen Syncopation on WBZ-TV singing with the Boston Pops on their 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (2009). The group often performs with instrumental accompaniment of piano, bass and drums, but they are equally renowned for their a cappella singing, which has earned them regional and national awards from Harmony Sweepstakes.

Three Hits and A Miss

A multi-talented quartet of vocalists and musicians, THREE HITS AND A MISS is a nationally recognized vocal group having performed in top venues throughout the United States and abroad. Collectively they sing, write, arrange and play a variety of instruments, showcasing their critically acclaimed "Amazingly Tight Harmonies."

Their current concert show, AMERICAN POP features billboard hits from the mid 1950's through the mid-80's with a musical heartbeat inspired by such stellar groups as The Beatles, The Fifth Dimension, The Temptations, Simon and Garfunkle, The Beach Boys, The Association, The Mamas and the Papas, Fleetwood Mac, The Carpenters, Three Dog Night, Van Morrison, Queen, Abba, Blondie, The Bee Gees and more.

UNC Vocal Jazz Ensembles

The award-winning jazz ensembles at the University of Northern Colorado offer students performance opportunities in big bands, combos, vocal jazz groups, and Latin jazz. With over 30 years of history, UNC's jazz ensembles have earned numerous accolades, including: More than 90 Downbeat Student Music Awards, GRAMMY nomination for the album Hot IV by Vocal Jazz Iand Numerous performances at national and international conferences including IAJE, Midwest Band, and others. More than 150 students participate in jazz ensembles. Although the groups are comprised primarily of music majors, they are open to all students by audition. Placement auditions are held at the beginning of the fall semester.

Vocalogy

Vocalogy is a vocal jazz quintet which brings an exciting and distinctive sound to the world of vocal music. Vocalogy has delighted audiences internationally in festivals, concerts, clinics and clubs since the groups formation in 1998.

Christine Guter (Helferich) is the group's dynamic lead singer; tenors David Thorne Scott and John Knutson, baritone Gerhard Guter, and bass Chris Morey provide rock-solid harmonies and take outstanding solo features. The group utilizes its range of five-and-a-half octaves to execute intricate and vocally demanding material in a way that seems effortless. They thrill audiences with their improvised solos, tight ensemble work, and dazzling harmonies.

Vocalogy arose from an artist-in-residency program under Grammy-Award nominee Phil Mattson. Now self-directed, Vocalogy performs a collection of their own innovative arrangements.

Vocation

Vocation was formed in 2000 at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden. It is not only an a cappella group, but also a group accompanied by either a quartet or a big band. Reviews, given in Swedish newspapers during a tour in Sweden, closely linked Vocation to The Real Group, Take 6, Gals and Pals, as well as to Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices. Although the group has performed for Swedish radio as well as Swedish television, Vocations main arenas vary from private parties and jazz clubs, to churches and various concert halls. Vocation was given the Choice of the Audience Award at the International Vocal Group Festival in Tilburg, Holland in 2002.

Vocation is today a well-known act in Swedish Jazz, and even though it is a tough business and their career has but started the future of Vocation looks bright, mainly because the singers see the work of the group not only as their occupation but also as their Vocation.

Voice Trek

Voice Trek has been thrilling listeners with their impeccable vocal skills since 1987. Their astonishing adaptability and inventive arrangements have defined this vocal quintet as one of the topmost in their genre. Based in Minnesota, the all-original members of Voice Trek are Shelley, Vicki, and Rae Plaster - three sisters who are known for their dazzling vocal mix; the group's tenor, Denis Allaire, specialist in vocal percussion and vocal instrumental sounds; and bringing up the bass is the dynamic Kevin Smith - the irreplaceable bottom line.

A multitalented and prolific group with numerous CD's in their catalog, Voice Trek has appeared in performance venues around the globe. Voice Trek's newly released CD "An A cappella Trek" is already receiving enthusiastic reviews from fans and critics alike.

Vox One

Vox One is an award-winning a cappella jazz quintet that combines elements of blues, funk, gospel, and folk into their own brand of vocal music, which is "most adventurous and distinctive." - San Francisco Examiner. The group, formed in 1988, has since developed a unique style considered to be the cutting edge of a cappella. "This jazz quintet puts all kinds of throat sounds to such funky good use that listeners break into applause and - better - feel like dancing." - Boston Magazine.

Vox One has performed internationally, and has opened for Ray Charles, Chicago, the Persuasions, the Bobs, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Count Basie Orchestra. The group earns wide acclaim for their performances and CDs. Their awards include "Best A cappella Group, Jazz" - Boston Magazine. Vox One's eponymous debut CD was named "Best Album" and awarded "Best Song" by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA): "Creative arrangements and soulful spark... fabulous lead vocalists, and exquisite blend, a great vocal percussion sound, and lots of class." Their second US release "Out There," won "Album of the Year," "Best Jazz Song," and "Best R&B song" by CASA. "...as defining an album for vocal jazz as Singers Unlimited "A Capella" and Take 6's debut album...it's that good." - Primarily A Cappella. With their 1998 album "Chameleon," Vox One was named "Artist of the Year," and once again it earned "Best Jazz Album" and "Best Jazz Song."