A Cappella

030: The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women’s Choir (Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares) – ‘Pilentze Pee’

Bulgarian folk music predates our European tradition!! It wasn’t affected by early polyphony; it remained duophonic long after the Europeans Renaissanced. The singers use throat resonance to hold a steady pitch for 5 minutes. It’s full of modal scales, dissonant harmonies (abundant second, seventh, and ninth intervals). And if you’ll give it a chance, you just might find that it really is quite enchanting.

March 5, 2015 by jeff A Cappella Other Song Of the week 4

189: Choir of Young Believers, ‘Hollow Talk’ (Nordic Noir TV)

Why do I think Nordic music is so fine? Because it’s on a continuum with the world outside.
And why am I infatuated with dark, murky, gloomy, angst-ridden, terrifying Nordic Noir television?
Are you kidding?

February 21, 2014 by jeff A Cappella Nordic Song Of the week 2

188: Imogen Heap/Vocal Line, ‘Let Go’

In which we discuss Leo Da Vinci, Finnish surf jazz, my futile struggle to keep up with the music world, the great Danish rhythm choir Vocal Line, and their treatment of Imogen Heap’s (Frou Frou’s) Pinteresque ‘Let Go’. Oh yeah, and magic gloves.

January 31, 2014 by jeff A Cappella Rock Song Of the week 4

174: Vocal Line, ‘Don’t Give Up’

If you don’t know the music of Vocal Line, the 32-voice Danish rhythm choir led by Jens Johansen, you should. It’s what all art should aspire to – pure, unadulterated beauty.

May 24, 2013 by jeff A Cappella Nordic Song Of the week 2

Aarhus Vocal Festival, 2013

A subjective glance at the Aarhus Vocal Festival, 2013

May 23, 2013 by jeff A Cappella Writings 7

161, The Swingle Singers, ‘Sinfonia from Partita No.2 in C Minor’

The 2013 Swingle Singers are great. The 1963 Swingle Singers weren’t bad, either. (Caution: This posting contains a clip of Glenn Gould practicing which may not be suitable for younger audiences.)

January 25, 2013 by jeff A Cappella Classical Song Of the week 5

059: The Real Group, ‘Joy Spring’

Joy Spring, Walking Down the Street, There Will Never Be Another You Ok, I confess. I am a member of a cult. A proud, card-carrying, dues-paying proselyte, full of missionary zeal, collaring unsuspecting wedding guests,...

July 28, 2010 by jeff A Cappella Jazz Nordic Song Of the week Vocalists 2

047: Bobby McFerrin, ‘The Garden’ (“VOCAbuLarieS”)

I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby McFerrin in concert last night. I was blown away, as always, by his immeasurable virtuosity; and charmed by his warmth and class. I hardly had time to wonder “Where’s the beef?”

April 19, 2010 by jeff A Cappella Song Of the week Vocalists 5