55 years ago I dreamed a dream. Last week the tapes arrived.
Continue reading...A Cappella
209: The Real Group: ‘Monica Vals’ (‘Waltz for Debby’)
When they say ‘The voice is the only instrument made by God’, they’re thinking of Margareta Bengston of The Real Group singing Bill Evans’ ‘Waltz for Debby’. Four minutes in heaven.
Continue reading...173: The Real Group, ‘Nature Boy’
An immaculate union of the pristine and the passionate – The Real Group in a breathtaking take on ‘Nature Boy’. It’s just a little perfect.
Continue reading...172: Anúna, ‘Jerusalem’
Michael McGlynn’s Anúna invents traditional Irish Holy Music, Folk Music,neo-Gregorian Chants, New Age and Riverdance–all a cappella, in costume, in candlelight.
Continue reading...158: Paul Simon, ‘Surfer Girl’
‘Surfer Girl’ is a schlocky, heartfelt ballad of unrequited teenage love, Brian Wilson clawing his way out of the gooey larva of his California pubescence. Paul Simon works his magic on it, tapping the genius that is Brian, elevating it to a work of great beauty.
Continue reading...139: The Swingle Singers, ‘On the 4th of July’ (James Taylor)
This week we talk about the United States’ bar mitzvah, how we discovered Bach, the history of The Swingle Singers, the marvels of Scandinavian a cappella festivals, and older people falling in love.
Continue reading...288: Accent, ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ (Vocalmente 2018)
I’ve just returned from the Aarhus Vocal Festival, the most moving musical gathering I’ve been at since Woodstock.
Continue reading...208: Vocalocity, ‘Is Your Love Big Enough?’
Hi all you loyal readers!
Vocalocity is a 40-voice a cappella group I had the great fortune to co-found in 2013.
It was the apple of my eye, the (musical) love of my life. I think we’re did some pretty great and even groundbreaking music.