A Capella

The Standard

11/20/2008
John Berkowitz
Artist: 
Take 6

Take 6 is in perfect harmony as a collaborative a cappella powerhouse dishes out swinging grooves in a jazzy R&B rhythm that is uplifting on their album, The Standard. It's superb as they work together to produce unprecedented music through just sheer vocals. There's a bit of a twist incorporated as these guys have built on their gospel roots. Some of the songs really get you in the groove, generating vibes that really can make your hips swing.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

Slammin

6/12/2006
Alexander Rogers
Artist: 
All-Body Band

What's this? A music group without instruments except what God gave them? Yes folks, at last the college sensation that's sweeping the/country is coming to a CD player or walkman right near you. A cappella groups have continued to be all the rage on college campuses, and while there was always something amusing about the various clicks, whirs, sputters and gargles that would pass for accompaniment in the various takes on soft rock, pop or hip-hop tunes I really never found any of it "good" in the classical sense of the word.

Reviewer Rating: 
2.50Stars

Boston to Beijing

6/24/2005
Michael Mardings
Artist: 
Tonic Sol-Fa

I love a capella. That said, this is one of the first a capella albums that I've heard which combines originals and covers. Usually they are covers of others' work. The good news here is that the originals here are pretty damn good. I am in love and partial to the cover of Michael McDonald's "Takin' it To the Streets." I also fell in love with "Sleep On" and "So Easy," which seemed to pull away from traditional Doo Wop a capella and seemed a bit more modern.

Great work, we'd love to see them in concert.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.50Stars

Larger Than Life

11/1/2004
Maria Spanadoris
Artist: 
Ten Tenors

Yes, clearly the name alone is an homage/copy from the Three Tenors and, no, they aren't as operatic as the others. However, they are ten guys who sing a cross between choir, Broadway, opera and a capella. That said, you'll find these guys captivating. First of all, the operatic aspect is a misnomer, because when they're having fun, they're at their best. Listen to them do their Dancing Queen Melody. Not only is it well done, it's fun and hysterical.

This all said, the CD contains a bonus DVD disc, which in my opinion blows away the CD.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.50Stars

Couldn't Be Hotter

9/23/2003
Michael
Artist: 
Manhattan Transfer

Only Manhattan Transfer could make a song like "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" sound hip. The four-person, a cappella group practically created the genre and put it on the map! Their newest CD is hip, hot and jazzy and makes listening to a cappella a bit more fun. This is jazz for moving, cleaning the house and getting things done. Not just for sitting around.

--Michael

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

The Women Gather

3/25/2003
Michael
Artist: 
Sweet Honey in the Rock

It's a unique idea, or at least unique to me, but a choir of six women who take a capella music to an entirely new level. They clearly sing with an Afro-centric influence, but their music also has a "World Music" feel. They sing with strength, inspiration and feeling, with moving lyrics that really make you think. Think not just about what they're saying, but the message behind it and the struggle and social responsibility that we all have.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars
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