Christian Sonic » Acapella

The Ball Brothers – Snowball (2010)

Matthew — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:52:10 +0000

Artist: The Ball Brothers

(Andrew, Daniel, Stephen, Joshua & Gibson)
Album: Snowball
Release Date: November 9th, 2010
Style: Blues / Acapella / Quartet
Label: Song Garden Music Group
Location: Chickamauga, GA

About:

Anyone who thinks a Christian young person is “missing out” on something, has obviously never met the Ball Brothers. These brothers, Andrew, Daniel, Stephen and Josh are young, exciting and love to have a good time doing what God has called them to do. “We like to have fun!”, says Daniel. “No one told us siblings couldn’t be best friends.” The bond these brothers have is an integral part of their unique musical blend. Their youthful energy is apparent to all who meet them and enjoy their exciting live performances. The Ball Brothers showcase a creative confidence and intuitive grasp of harmony that would be rare in artists twice their age.

Listen to 3 songs below:

Central Illinois, where the guys grew up, is more known for flat farm land, than singers. Yet at an early age, The Ball Brothers began practicing the beautiful harmonies that would catapult them into the spotlight. When they began singing with their family, these young men entered into a strong tradition of family harmony groups in gospel music. However, The Ball Brothers bring their own youthful energy to these traditions, creating a style that encompasses all that is great about the family groups of the past with their own unique sensibilities.

With their mix of new and old, The Ball Brothers have great potential to appeal to a broad audience. They will surely attract young people with their exciting performances and older audiences will enjoy gospel harmony at its finest. No matter the age or musical preference, the Ball Brothers have a fresh sound that will appeal to everyone.

In 2006 the Ball Brothers were introduced to thousands of Gospel music fan’s at sold out events all across America on the Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Summer Tour. They performed numbers off their debut self-titled CD. In addition to the great success of the summer tour, in 2007 the Ball Brothers made a special guest appearance on EHSS certified gold selling DVD “Get Away Jordan” plus guest appearances on the extremely popular Gaither Homecoming Video Series.

Despite the rapid climb towards success, the Ball Brothers remain focused on their goal of reaching people through music. Andrew states, “When we started off a couple years ago, we had dreams and goals and it’s amazing to see how God has helped us meet them. Right now we’re focusing on the future… “The future includes an expansion of their popular Christmas tour and more touring dates for 2011.

In addition to wowing listeners with their music and expanding their musical horizons, the Ball Brothers take pride in living their lives practicing what they sing. They have a calling from God to see souls saved and people encouraged through their music. With their talent, energy, and the Lord behind them, the Ball Brothers can look forward to even greater recognition for their incredible talents. One can expect that the Ball Brothers will be a fixture in Christian music for many years to come.

“Winter Wonderland”:

“O Holy Night”:

“Angels We Have Heard On High”:

Track Listing:

1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. O Holy Night
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Tiny Little Christmas
5. Little Saint Nick
6. Angels We Have Heard On High
7. Winter Wonderland
8. Silent Night
9. Let It Snow
10. Bless This House

Take 6 – The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2010)

Krack — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 18:19:46 +0000

Artist: Take 6
Album: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Release Date: October 5th, 2010
Style: Acappella / Jazz / Vocal
Label: Heads Up / Concord Music Group Inc.
Location: Nashville TN, Los Angeles CA

About:

It might be the parties. Or maybe it’s the roasting of chestnuts. Or the caroling out in the snow. Whatever the reason, most people consider the holiday season to be the most wonderful time of the year. That’s certainly the case among the members of Take 6, the a cappella group that has been mixing elements of jazz, gospel, R&B and vintage doo-wop for nearly 25 years. Winners of 10 GRAMMY® Awards, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Awards, the group has made an indelible musical and cultural mark in the past quarter century whatever the season.

Every member of this brilliant vocal team Claude McKnight III, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, David Thomas, Dr. Cedric Dent and Alvin Chea has held onto fond childhood memories of the holidays and made them a part of their adult lives. The timeless magic is very much a part of the their new holiday CD, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a collection of seasonal favorites that are as heartwarming as a crackling fire and a festooned evergreen.

The primary objective in the making of the album was to create a sense of familiarity, says McKnight, who founded Take 6 in the ‘80s with some classmates from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. “We wanted all the songs on this album to be the kind that people would hear and say, ‘Oh, yeah, I sing that at Christmas time,’” he says. “We each picked songs that we sing with our families every year at the holidays… We just wanted to make a record that would, for most people, just put out a really cool, all-around Christmas vibe.”

Mark Kibble, who arranged six of the album’s ten tracks, focused on keeping things simple, yet incorporating some of the harmonic spin that has become the Take 6 trademark. “The basic idea was to just let the Christmas melody ring through, and present it in a way that’s interesting but still familiar,” he says. “You shouldn’t have to bend your ear too hard to enjoy a Christmas song. It should take you right back to those early Christmases when you were a child.”

In the end, says Kibble, accessibility was the overriding objective in crafting these holiday tracks. “We wanted to record songs that were simple enough so that anybody listening could follow the melodies and sing along,” he says, “and yet still be ourselves and give a little bit of the harmonic backdrop that Take 6 is known for.”

This holiday season, when there’s much mistloeing and hearts are glowing when loved ones are near, sit back with Take 6 and enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Reviews & Opinions:

“I got extremely happy when I heard that Take 6 was coming out with a new Christmas album. On the other hand, I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure how this one would stand with the previous 2 Holiday albums (which were amazing). Well, now that I have heard the entire album I can honestly sat that I absolutely love it! The harmonies, for a group that have been around for 20 years, are just perfect! I cannot think of anything negative to say about these guys, their music or voices. I have yet to hear a group (acapella or not) on the same level as these guys. You will not be disappointed by this album. It can be played with family, friends, at parties, etc. Each song still has its classical sound with a spin to it.” - TexasGurl

“I’m a pretty big Take 6 fan, as I have all but I think 2 of their albums. So when I heard that they were dropping a project, I HAD to order…and they didn’t disappoint. For their 3rd project, it’s very much similar to some of the arrangements on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” It’s full of many familiar Christmas songs that are all altered with their their signature acapella sound.

I wouldn’t say that they stretch that much on this project, but that doesn’t mean that the songs lack that stylistic complexity that we always see from the group. The bass exchanges on “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” are simply amazing, and it almost displays the amazing personality that they bring to their live performances. Shelea Frazier joins the group (same singer on their last album who was featured on the song “Someone To Watch Over Me”) and she provides a great contrast to the warmness of the group. Even “The Sugarplum Dance” is fun to listen to. And they had some cool ideas for “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells”

If you’re a Take 6 fan…or just like hearing some amazing vocal arrangements, I’d say that this is a must have. If you’re not hip to Take 6, I’d still say try it out…especially if you like Glee. (Hate I had to reference that, by the way!) Glad they’re still rolling well and making great music. They’re truly jazz (and good music) ambassadors. ” - Brian

“This is a very good album! Every song on it is very well done! And, the harmonies, they are just out of this world! “Christmas Time Is Here” is my favorite song on the album, it is so beautiful, but, again, all the songs are very good. I’ll tell you what, if you’re trying to decide on whether or not you should buy the album, stop thinking about it, go ahead and buy it! You will be so glad you did, trust me:) ” - J.T.

Track Listing:
1. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
2. White Christmas
3. Grinch Intro / The Grinch
4. Sleigh Ride
5. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
6. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
7. The Sugarplum Dance
8. I Saw Three Ships
9. Jingle Bells
10. Christmas Time Is Here

Susan Boyle – The Gift (2010)

Matthew — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:51:03 +0000

Artist: Susan Boyle
Album: The Gift
Release Date: November 9th, 2010
Style: Acapella / Pop
Label: Integrity / Columbia
Location: Blackburn, Scotland

About:

She catapulted to international stardom overnight with 500 million YouTube hits, smashed music records around the world with her triumphant debut album and now Susan Boyle returns with her eagerly awaited second album, The Gift.

The Gift, sees Susan Boyle and world acclaimed producer Steve Mac reunited to present a breathtaking seasonal album. Featuring yule time favourites ‘The First Noel’ and ‘O Holy Night’, Susan also fearlessly takes on iconic pop songs including ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘Perfect Day’ giving them a new identity. Also making her musical debut on The Gift is American medic and winner of the International Susan Search, Amber Stassi. Amber & Susan perform a stunning and inimitable rendition of ‘Do you Hear What I Hear’.

Now with a beautiful seasonal album she will, once again, defy critics and preconceptions. Susan explained; “When making this album, I really wanted the songs to touch hearts. Music has always been a companion to me, particularly on special occasions. I wanted there to be a mix of songs that would flow with all our moods this holiday season. As much as the season is a time for reflection, it is also a time for fun and enjoyment with those closest to us.”

Track Listing:

1. Perfect Day
2. Hallelujah
3. Do You Hear What I Hear (Duet with Amber Stassi)
4. Don’t Dream It’s Over
5. The First Noel
6. O Holy Night
7. Away in A Manger
8. Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace
9. Auld Lang Syne
10. O Come All Ye Faithful

Various Artists – 20 All-Time Favorite Hymns (2010)

Matthew — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:28:31 +0000

Artist: Various Artists
Album: 20 All-Time Favorite Hymns
Release Date: June 8th, 2010
Style: Southern Gospel / Bluegrass / Contemporary
Label: Spring Hill Music Group
Location: Various, USA

About:

Whether you entered the marbled halls of a classic cathedral where you learned catechisms or you sang in the Methodist church choir or you sauntered in casually to that wooden pew in a little white church on the hill, you will not mistake the familiarity and warmth of the classic hymns. Their timeless words ring true from generation to generation, and their tunes can often be sung by children’s chorales worldwide as well as hummed by elderly people at home who can no longer recite the words. There’s something both moving and sacred about the hymn.

Enjoy 20 All-Time Favorite Hymns, a 2-CD set release that features everything from big band and bluegrass renditions to soft, worshipful arrangements and a capella harmonies. From the inspirational stylings of The Martins and Babbie Mason to the foot-stompin’ fun of Steve “Rabbit” Easter and Wanda Vick (featuring Vestal Goodman), this release has something for everyone while celebrating a history that created a firm foundation that will stand the test of time.

Track Listing Disc 1:
1. I Sing The Mighty Power Of God – The Hoppers
2. Redeemed – The Martins
3. All Of Me – The Booth Brothers
4. He Keeps Me Singing – Babbie Mason
5. In The Garden – Jeff And Sheri Easter
6. This Little Light Of Mine – Oak Ridge Boys
7. Just As I Am – Steve Easter
8. No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus – Ivan Parker
9. Higher Ground – Ponder, Sykes & Wright
10. I Surrender All – Gordon Mote

Track Listing Disc 2:
1. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Cynthia Clawson
2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – Guy Penrod
3. In The Sweet By And By – The Cluster Pluckers
4. Amazing Grace – Oak Ridge Boys
5. What A Friend We Have In Jesus – Wanda Vick
6. Let Us Break Bread Together – Janet Paschal
7. Be Thou My Vision – The Martins
8. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder – Gordon Mote
9. Rock Of Ages – Cynthia Clawson
10. Live Right, Die Right – Crossway

The Gospel Music Of The Statler Brothers Volume Two (2010)

Matthew — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 10:06:41 +0000

Artist: The Statler Brothers
Album: Gospel Music Volume Two
Release Date: May 18th, 2010
Style: Southern Gospel / Quartet / Acapella
Label: Spring House / EMI
Location: Staunton, Virginia

About:

The Gospel Music Of The Statler Brothers Volume Two CD highlights the Statler Brothers’ best-loved gospel performances that takes you deep into the hearts of these four legendary performers.

Reviews & Opinions:

“These CDs are the Statler Brothers at their very best. Great country gospel songs sung with inspiration and conviction. These are their all time best country gospel. The harmony is great as always, and the feeling put into each song is completely awesome!” – Grubber

Track Listing:
1. Turn Your Radio On
2. Just A Little Talk
3. We’ll Soon Be Done with Troubles and Trials
4. I’m Feeling Fine
5. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
6. Revive Us Again
7. Wonderful Words Of Life
8. Fourth Man
9. Farther Along
10. The Other Side Of The Cross
11. Are You Washed In The Blood?
12. Jesus Hold My Hand
13. Hide Thou Me
14. The Eastern Gate
15. Since Jesus Came Into My Heart
16. Keep On The Firing Line
17. Jesus Loves Me
18. Amazing Grace
19. Life’s Railway To Heaven

The Gospel Music Of The Statler Brothers Volume One (2010)

Matthew — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:53:33 +0000

About:

Hosted by Bill Gaither, The Gospel Music Of The Statler Brothers Volume Two highlights the Statler Brothers best-loved gospel performances woven around a truly inspiring interview that takes you deep into the hearts of these four legendary performers. In this tribute, the Statler Brothers share stories, reflections and lots of laughs together while offering an unprecedented glimpse into what gospel music meant to them not only professionally, but personally.

Reviews & Opinions:

“As a 40 year fan of the Statler Brothers I was very pleased with both Vol. 1 and Vol.2 of their Dvds of their Gospel Music. Most of the songs were from the groups Nashville Network TV shows. The interviews were done this year.The 4 looked great and their stories were priceless. As you can imagine Harold steals the show with his humor,Don and Jimmy give insight into all the years the group spent together. It was especially nice to hear Phil and the others speak of their family and how each would like to be remembered. Both Vol.1 and Vol.2 are a must have for any loyal Statler Brothers fan. They will live forever in both their Country and Gospel music. I only wish a Gospel song featuring Lew had been included.” - Robert

Track Listing:
1. I Shall Not Be Moved
2. Everyday Will Be Sunday (By and By)
3. Daddy Sang Bass
4. I’ll Have A New Life
5. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
6. Sweet By and By
7. This Ole House
8. I Never Shall Forget the Day
9. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
10. Whispering Hope
11. `Til The Storm Passes By
12. Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord
13. This World Is Not My Home
14. The King Is Coming
15. His Eye Is On the Sparrow
16. Little Is Much When God Is In It
17. Lord, I’m Coming Home
18. How Great Thou Art
19. Precious Memories

Pilgrim Choir – Come To Lourdes (2008)

Matthew — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:33 +0000

Artist: Pilgrim Choir
Album: Come to Lourdes (150th Anniversary of Apparitions)
Release Date: August 11th, 2008
Style: Choir / Acapella
Label: Pilgrim
Location: England, UK

About:

Live recording of beautiful old church choir music.

Track Listing:
1. Ave Maria / Cardinal Hume
2. Bernadette / Our Lady Speaks
3. Our Lady Speaks
4. Immaculate Mary
5. The Baths
6. Ave Maria/Holy Virgin
7. Pius X Basilica
8. Credo / Gloria
9. The Sick
10. The Pilgrims
11. Medical Helpers
12. Thank You Mary

Purchase | Amazon | iTunes

Pope Benedict XVI – Alma Mater ’2009

solomon — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:11:47 +0000

Artist: Pope Benedict XVI
Album: Alma Mater
Release Date: November 23, 2009
Style: Church music
Label: Decca Records

About:

From the Artist
” I am convinced that music really is the universal language of beauty which can bring together all people of good will on earth” – Pope Benedict XVI
Product Description
Alma Mater is a stirring and highly emotional collection of eight original pieces of modern classical music. The release is a true event, marking the very first time that the Voice of Pope Benedict XVI has been captured on disc, speaking and singing in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, thanks to the audio recordings of Vatican Radio. Proceeds from the album sales will be used to provide music education for underprivileged children around the world.

The album will feature His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, reciting and singing passages and prayers, accompanied by The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome, conducted by Monsignor Pablo Colino, Maestro Emeritus of St. Peter’s Basilica and recorded in St Peter’s Basilica. The world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays on all of the specially commissioned contemporary tracks, and was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road studios in London.

Simon Boswell, Stefano Mainetti and Nour Eddine are the three contemporary composers who have contributed the eight specially commissioned pieces of music for Alma Mater. Vincent Messina, producer of Alma Mater, commented, “These three composers are world class and my first choices for the album. A happy co-incidence is that Stefano is Catholic, Simon is `undeclared’ and Nour Eddine is Muslim, thus perfectly representing our aim to produce an album that has universal appeal to all of those who love beautiful music.” Collectively, the trio of writers boasts an impressive resume of film scores, TV series and stage productions from around the world.

Track Listing:
1.Sancta Dei Genitrix
2.Mater Ecclesiae
3.Advocata Nostra
4.Benedicta Tu
5.Causa Nostrae Laetitiae
6.Auxilium Christianorum
7.Regina Coeli
8.Magistra Nostra

Josh Groban – Awake Live ‘ 2008 (DVD9)

solomon — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:58:34 +0000

Artist: Josh Groban
Album: Awake Live
Release Date: May 6, 2008
Style: Pop, Vocal, Classical
Label: Warner Brothers

About:

Following the best-selling album of 2007-the #1 Pop, quadruple-platinum Noël-singer, Josh Groban headlines a new CD+DVD set, featuring live versions of several of his hits plus appearances by Angelique Kidjo and Lucia Micarelli. Filmed in 2007 in Salt Lake City, in honor of his first arena concert, which was held in the same city where he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies, Awake Live raises up ever higher the most popular young Adult Contemporary star of our era.

Track Listing:

02. Mai
03. Un Dia Llegara
04. Un Giorno Per Noir
05. Now Or Never
06. So She Dances
07. February Song
08. Alla Luce Del Aole
09. Aurora (Excerpt From The Sibelius Violin Concerto) – Lucia Micarelli Solo
10. Kashmir – Lucia Micarelli Solo With Band Accompany
11. In Her Eyes
12. Pearls (Angelique Kidjo Song) – Josh Groban Duet With Angelique Kidjo
13. L’ultima Notte
14. Remember When It Rained
15. Lullaby
16. Weeping
17. Machine
18. Canto Alla Vita
19. You Raise Me Up
20. Awake

DVD Bonus material:
1. Making of “Awake live”
2. Behind the big orange curtainDirected by Hamish Hamilton, Awake Live captures the Grammy Award-winning singer Josh Groban’s exhilarating performance at Salt Lake City’s Energy Solutions Arena before a sold-out crowd of 15,000 thrilled fans on August 28th, 2007.

Not the Christian Artist!

Josh Groban – Awake Live’2008

solomon — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 03:40:28 +0000

Artist: Josh Groban
Album: Awake Live
Release Date: May 6, 2008
Style: Pop / Classic
Label: Warner Brothers

About:

Groban’s hands on approach in the creative process of “Awake” is reflected in several Groban penned and produced songs along with musical contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dave Matthews, Glen Ballard, Eric Mouquet, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) Marius DeVries, David Foster, Imogen Heap and Herbie Hancock. “Awake’s” 13 new songs including the just released first single, “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)” show the Grammy nominated Groban’s tremendous growth as a vocalist, producer and songwriter since he first appeared on the musical landscape.

Track Listing:

01. Josh Groban / Mai 04:42
02. Josh Groban / February Song 05:11
03. Josh Groban / In Her Eyes 04:55
04. Josh Groban / So She Dances 05:00
05. Josh Groban / Un Dia Llegara 04:27
06. Josh Groban; Angelique Kidjo / Pearls 05:54
07. Josh Groban / Weeping 05:34
08. Josh Groban / Machine 05:16
09. Josh Groban / Awake 07:04

It not the Christian singer!