Where to begin? I was introduced to a capella by a co-worker nearly eight years ago and have greedily purchased tapes and CDs since. I see that someone has referenced the Primarily A Capella site, so let me add the other big gun, Mainely A Capella, based in — you guessed it — Maine.
I have dealt with both and find the people there unbelievably friendly and the service good.
There are nearly as many breeds of a capella music as there are accompanied vocal music. Classical, jazz, folk, contemporary, world, collegiate, Christian, country, even klezmer a capella.
So if you know what sort of music you like to begin with, it can help. Both large websites have lots of helpful information and samples.
A note about accompanyment. Some groups pride themselves on just singing vocal harmonies. Others have members to do “vocal percussion,” imitating the swish of a brush on the cymbals, or the beat of a drum. Still others imitate instruments as well. Others add drum machines or light accompaniment (guitar or piano). Still others use a full orchestra (Hi-los, Four Freshmen) but are listed in a capella catalogues because of their superb harmonies and the fact the do some unaccompanied numbers. There are fans who snub each of the descending categories, but I wouldn’ t let that worry you. Yes, the Nylons relied more and more on their drum machine, but I don’t let that stop me from enjoying their work. Pick up a copy of “Four on the Floor,” one of their live efforts, and tell me you don’t enjoy it, beatbox or no.
Many excellent suggestions have already been made, though I should point out for neophytes that The Bobs run heavily to a lovely twisted sense of humor. If that appeals to you, let me also suggest Throat Culture, whose paeans to “Jack Bates, Bail Bonds” and the giant “Easter Island Heads” are nothing short of hilarious.
Here are a few outstanding groups that have yet to be mentioned:
Real Group, based in Sweden is one of the premier jazz vocal groups in the world. Many of their songs are in English, and they are smooothly professional. A standout is “A Capella in Acapulco” with vocal percussion and music so complex and well done you would swear they were backed by a band.
The Blenders are probably my favorite group. Their Christmas album, “Nog,” has some humor but also some of the absolute best treatments of traditional Christmas music I’ve yet to discover. I can put on the headphones and get lost in that luscious harmony.
The 17th Avenue All Stars are also in heavy rotation on my playlist for fine contemporary a capella as are The Coats , formerly known as The Trenchcoats, who shortened their name after the Columbine massacre. They’re based in the Northwest, and I’ve had a chance to see them live. They put on a great show.
And if Purplycow can make it to a live gig of any kind, it would be well worth the effort. There are groups in every region of the country, which compete in an annual Harmony Sweepstakes. A few years back, we made a trip to the regional finals in Olympia, Wash. and had a blast, with a dozen groups singing their hearts out. The finals in northern California are reported to be even better. Check the Harmony Sweepstakes schedule and see whether there is a regional final in reach. Also, the national finals are recorded each year and are available on the websites. I love the ambience, crowd noise and all, and the chance to hear many of the up-and-coming groups.
Also highly recommended for fans of contemporary music is the BOCA (Best of College A Capella) series, which dates back five or six years. The CD is picked from college groups around the country doing mostly covers and a few originals. The quality of musicianship is striking, and eclectic.
Good luck in your explorations. It’s a real kick.
—Hometownboy, who own vocal control is shaky at best, but loves to listen to good harmony
Will be checking out everything you guys mentioned!
so no watching anything in the US for me, sigh …