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...The Real Group
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...105: The Boswell Sisters, ‘Crazy People’
The Boswell Sisters had 20 hits in the early 1930s, and are arguably THE best vocal jazz group ever. Their 3-part harmonies are tighter than Aunt Bertha’s girdle. An education and a delight, 90 years on.
Continue reading...273: The Necks, ‘Sex’
Jeff’s Top Ten from the last fortnight–surprises, non-surprises, and Rachael Price going ‘Ooh-ooh–ooh’.
Continue reading...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...192: Les Double Six of Paris, “Moanin'”
The hard-bop jazz vocal sextet Les Double Six of Paris–their sources, their contemporaries and their followers; and why vocal jazz groups loved singing Count Basie.
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...The Origins of The Real Group and Modern A Cappella — Interview with Peder Karlsson
An extensive interview with Peder Karlsson about the history of The Real Group and their impact on Modern A Cappella.
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