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The Standard

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Take 6

September 30, 2008
I've waited years for this amazing a cappella gospel group to make a recording of jazz standards, and the results were worth the wait. Their incredibly tight harmonies, ambitious arrangements (kudos to Mark Kibble), and glorious ensemble sound bring a cappella singing to another level entirely. Sweet Georgia Brown is pure joy, Straighten Up And Fly Right is pure swing, and A Tisket A Tasket is pure fun. There's also a lushly beautiful Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans, with Aaron Neville's honeyed voice and a delightful brass band imitation. Their greatest achievement here, though, is the R&B classic What's Going On, which their unaccompanied voices soulfully blend into a soaring, powerful groove that demands repeated listening. ... Read More:

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Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Take 6, Al Jarreau

September 29, 1992
Quincy Jones already rocks my world. I have nothing but respect for him and the level of musical excellence that has always surrounded anything he put his considerable mind and talent to. But this re-imagining of Handel's Messiah from an African-American perspective is exceptional, extraordinary, unabated joy--especially in "And He Shall Purify" and "Hallelujah!" I am a middle-aged white musician/pianist/voice teacher in New York City. I got my Master's at Indiana University in voice. I was raised a Southern-Baptist even! I only offer up this information to suggest what an unlikely candidate I might be to enjoy this CD. I can't stop smiling and moving with these extraordinary performances when I put this CD on. God bless Michael O. Jackson ... Read More:

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He is Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Take 6

September 10, 1991
This is, in my opinion, the greatest Christmas album ever! I've had it for 7 years now and NEVER tire of it. The arrangements are bold and brilliantly inventive. Their harmonies are as fresh as ever, and I know this music will endure and excite throughout my honkey life. My fav is Drummer Boy. I have all their stuff, and this and So Much 2 Say are my favs. Their other Christmas CD might appeal to more mainstream listeners, whereas this feeds the ears/sensibilities of those wanting excitement - wanting the proverbial chills-up-spine thrills. The cover design appropriately reflects this.

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Sacred Ground

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Sweet Honey in the Rock

October 24, 1995
I first encountered Sweet Honey and the Rock in 2003 at Michigan Wymns Music Festival. They were fantastic. Recently, one of my chorus mates suggested the track I Remeber, I Believe as something we should sing in our spring concert. Our director agreed and I couldn't be more trilled. I purchased two copies of the CD, one for myself and one for the daughter of a friend of mine. It is a permanent part of my car audio collection. Try Sweet Honey out and you'll fall in love with their five part harmonies, their personal touch, and the sweet voices of a wonderful, soulful group of wymn.

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Do It A Cappella (1990 Television Show)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Spike Lee

September 24, 1990
I love this CD. When I am feeling a little blue I put it on and bop around to Zombie Jamboree and it makes me laugh. I'm sure plenty of morning commute drivers in Tampa have seen me and just wonder what is going on. The version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight is fantastic, and Higher and Higher is my other favorite although there isn't a bad song in the bunch!

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Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Singers Unlimited

October 25, 1990
I've heard a lot of great Christmas albums but this is my favorite. If this doesn't get you into the spirit of Christmas, nothing will. All the songs are wonderful but the Alfred Burt carols make this album very special. Gene Puerling's arrangements really bring out the holiday warmth of the traditional music contained in the album. So, stoke the fireplace, get the hot chocolate ready and snuggle up with your "significant other" because this music will make your Christmas.

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Take 6

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Take 6

October 25, 1990
I listended to a snipet of this cd on Amazon, 'A Quiet Place'.
Sometimes those samples don't give you the complete picture.
In other words you need more than two seconds to judge a song.
I did'nt care for this cd as a whole. It sounds dated, though
I am a big fan of Take 6. I especially like their sessions with
Stevie Wonder, but this cd comes across as just another one of
thoses Boy Bands from the 80s and 90s.

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Christmas with Chanticleer (Featuring Dawn Upshaw)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
from: Teldec

October 16, 2001
Chanticleer is an incredibly musical and blended clear-tone vocal group that performs each piece on the album with perfection and insightful musicianship. Overall, the album is very peaceful and perfect for getting your head and spirit out of the chaos of the Christmas season and really brings your focus back to the beauty of the Christmas. All of the arrangements are beautiful, and my favorite is Hugo Distler's variations on "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" (in German, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen). The close and weaving harmonies make this piece and others songs you want to listen closely to, and not just have them playing in the background of your Christmas party.

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The Best of the Nylons

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: The Nylons

January 12, 1993
This is a replacement cd for one that got scratched up from love and use. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes acapella singing or just good fun music!

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Experience...101

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > A Cappella
by: Sweet Honey in the Rock

September 25, 2007
This CD is fantastic! My two year old repeatedly asks for "the Dog song". But even the adults can't help but get up and move to the rythm! Great lessons, and great sounds. I love it.