New Album From Take 6: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Take 6, one of the premiere a cappella groups in the world, released their third Christmas album in October, entitled The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Not all of their albums over the years have been a cappella, but this one sounds more like their first Christmas album, He Is Christmas, in that the arrangements play more to their a cappella jazz strengths, while being fun at times such as with You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch from the classic Dr. Seuss and reverent when necessary as with It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. They even put a jazzy spin on a classical tune with Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker.

You won't find as many religious Christmas songs on this album I think simply because they have covered many of those on their previous two Christmas albums, both of which are outstanding. If I had to have a beef with this album this might be the only one, however it's hard to hold a grudge against such amazing arranging and singing.

If you love jazz, a cappella, Christmas, or all of the above, do yourself a favor and pick up this album. Or you can always get it as a Christmas present for someone you know who might like Take 6. I'll just hint that I don't have it yet and I love Take 6.

The Sing-Off Season 2 Is Here

In case you missed it, The Sing-Off began last night. You can find clips and episodes on the Sing-Off website with reviews and comments from Ben Folds. There is some great talent this season, so look forward to some great performances.

On the show is a group from my home state, a group with a couple people that I know, one with an a cappella legend, and others I have never heard before that are a pleasant surprise. I only wish the show was on longer than three weeks and had more groups!

This show proving that a cappella is cool and takes some real talent. American Idol eat your heart out.

The Sing-Off Season 2 Premieres Dec. 6

The second season of The Sing-Off premieres December 6th on NBC. The announcement was made today along with a list of the groups competing. All three judges from last season will be returning, along with Nick Lachey returning as host.

I expect great a cappella performances from high school groups all the way up to groups already at the professional level, including performances from last year's winners Nota. If this season is anything like last year, we should probably even expect to see guest appearances from other celebrity vocalists.

The ten groups are:
► Committed - Huntsville, Alabama
► Eleventh Hour - Kettering, Ohio
► Pitch Slapped - Boston, Massachusetts
► Groove For Thought - Seattle, Washington
► Jerry Lawson & Talk Of The Town - Oakland, California
► Men Of Note - Cherry Hill, New Jersey
► The Backbeats - Los Angeles, California
► On The Rocks - Eugene, Oregon
► Street Corner Symphony - Nashville, Tennessee
► The Whiffenpoofs - New Haven, Connecticut

Detailed notes about the show schedule and the ten groups can be found at the NBC Universal Media Center.

Video Tutorial #3 Crash Cymbal

I have had several people ask me how I do my crash cymbal. Here is a quick tip on how to imitate a crash cymbal. I hope it is helpful!

New Album from Rockapella: Bang

Apparently this is the time to release new albums, but this is something that a cappella fans have been waiting for for quite some time. Rockapella is a pioneer in a cappella music, and their new album, Bang, is available for download now and the physical CD will be available October 12th.

A couple of their members have changed since their last album, but they have the same classic Rockapella sound with Scott Leonard on soaring tenors and Jeff Thacher on his solid and unique vocal percussion style.

For the real a cappella aficianados, they are selling the album in a deluxe package which includes the physical CD along with digital downloads and two live bonus tracks on a microphone shaped 2GB USB drive. If you really need more incentive to get the album, they are offering a free download of one of the tracks: A-Punk, with previews of all the other tracks.

New Album from Cadence: Speak Easy

One of my favorite a cappella groups is Cadence, so much so that we used one of their songs (Sunshine) in our wedding. Needless to say, I was a little excited to learn that they are releasing Speak Easy, their third studio album on October 4, 2010.

Cadence is one of those groups that is as good live as they are on a CD, producing albums that reflect their musical talent accurately. There is something so natural sounding about their recordings that at times sounds like four guys using no effects standing on a street corner, but other times their use of effects and layered voices make you forget that you are listening to a cappella music.

If you live near Torono, you must get tickets to their release party on October 4th. If not, then you are like me and must get the CD with the hope they come within driving distance sometime soon.

New EP from Rescue: InDependence

Rescue is an a cappella group that I used to work with as a sound engineer several years ago. They are releasing their new patriotic EP titled InDependence on September 11. A date with such meaning should not be taken for granted, but with such interesting arrangements and talented vocalists, this album will not disappoint.

You can visit their website for more information about the group and you can become their fan on Facebook and hear a few clips of the new album.

Video Tutorial #2 Bass Kick Drum

This is a quick tutorial on how to make a bass kick drum sound, including a quick tip on how to increase your speed with this sound. Feel free to add comments if you find this tutorial helpful or if you have something else to add to help others with this sound.

Video Tutorial #1: Pf Snare

This is my first video tutorial, so bear with me as I figure out how to do this better. Here, I am teaching the basics of the Pf Snare as I know how to do it. Please leave comments if you find this helpful or if you have some thoughts to add.

The Sing-Off Season 2

NBC's The Sing-Off is doing casting starting today in New York and going through the next couple of weeks in other cities. If you missed the first season, this is a competition for a cappella groups that could land a group a recording contract and publicity. In fact, it is good publicity for any participants, and a cappella in general. It was the hottest new reality TV show last year. A must watch for a cappella fans.

Last year, special guests included Smokey Robinson, Boyz II Men, and the one and only Bobby McFerrin.

Here are the casting call dates:

• NEW YORK: Saturday, May 22nd (Callbacks May 23rd)
• NASHVILLE: Saturday, May 29th
• CHICAGO: Monday, May 31st
• LOS ANGELES: Saturday, June 5th (Callbacks June 6th)

UPDATE: Season 2 casting has been extended to July 1st! They are accepting video auditions. More details on the casting website: www.singoffcasting.com

Josh Wheeler of Legacy on Pitch Pipecast

Recently a buddy of mine, Josh Wheeler of the group Legacy, was on the Pitch Pipecast, a podcast dedicated to Christian a cappella music. You can hear him talk about Legacy's new album and how they are now a full-time a cappella group. (it can be done!)

Catch a sneak preview on the Pitch Pipecast! This will be Legacy's third album, and preorders are now available on their website.

Let's Do This

This is something I recorded on a whim. I hope you enjoy. All sounds are made by my mouth.