A Magical New Album

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Candice

The Mamajamas of Middlebury College in Vermont are a fun-loving co-ed a cappella group that enjoys few things more than the time its membership spends together singing. Self-described as “spicy,” they are all about having a good time, while also holding themselves to a high standard of musical excellence. It is with those aims in mind that they recorded their most recent album, “Magic House.”

And now, that album is available for digital download through A Cappella Records!

cover lg4 300x300 A Magical New Album

“Magic House” is an eleven-track feel-good album with songs to help you relax and smile the time away. Tunes such as “The Heart of the Matter” (as performed by India Arie) and “Dog Days Are Over” (Florence and the Machine) will serve as the perfect soundtrack to your day. The Mamajamas are also not afraid to get emotional, however, showing more grit on songs such as “Grenade” (Bruno Mars) and “Fallin‘” (Alicia Keys). It’s a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable experience that does well to represent the talented crop of students that comprise this group.

The Mamajamas were founded in 1994, and have been delighting audiences in New England and beyond ever since. With eclectic tastes, tight harmonies and unlimited energy,  the Mamajamas consistently put on awesome and awe-inspiring shows that have something for everyone. And if “Magic House” is any indication, they will keep going with it for many years to come.

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Turn Up the Music

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Candice

A cappella solo sensation Peter Hollens is no stranger to collaborations, and he doesn’t have to look far for extremely talented people with which to make music. In the past, he has worked with his beautiful wife Evynne, the Grammy-nominated and all-around-stellar Swingle Singers, fellow Sing-Off stars, and much more.

cover lg3 300x300 Turn Up the Music

This time, he’s going back to the Sing-Off for a duet partner – and he found one in Scott Hoying, the vocal run king from season three’s winners, Pentatonix. Together, the two have used their soulful sensibilities to bring life, heart and vocal excellence to Chris Brown’s “Turn Up the Music.” And now you can own this powerful, funky collaboration for yourself through A Cappella Records!

The track is everything one could want dance-appella to be, with driving beats and polished, futuristic production that still allows the fullness of the arrangement to shine, as well as the unabashed fun felt in both outstanding solo performances from Hollens and Hoying. Both men have impressive vocal ranges, a skill which allows them to simultaneously stoop low and soar high, adding to the depth and character of what could have just been another pop a cappella cover – and is now thankfully so much more.

Also, make sure to keep a lookout for the video, which should debut next week. We don’t want to say too much and spoil what’s in store, but we will say this – it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before, from Hollens or from the a cappella community in general.

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Sweet New Single From Blueprint!

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Candice

Up-and-coming sensation Blueprint has no interest in taking things slow – they already produced a second single. And now it is available for digital download through A Cappella Records!

cover lg2 300x300 Sweet New Single From Blueprint!

This time around, the group took on “Sweeter,” a tune performed by Gavin DeGraw. The original song exhibits a slightly harder edge than DeGraw’s previous hit singles, while still maintaining his smooth appeal. Blueprint emulates all of that – everything from the gritty, thumping bass line to the dancing, electric lead vocals to perfection – while offering in addition a full, juicy arrangement that at times even bests the tune upon which it’s based.

Blueprint is, collectively, a rising star in the community, after an outstanding debut weekend at BOSS 2012 and the Boston regional Harmony Sweepstakes.

Make sure to keep your eye on them (both literally, by watching a video of their take on “Sweeter” below, and figuratively), and you won’t be disappointed!

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A “Diary” of Riches from the Poor Richards

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Candice

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA plays home to the venerable Poor Richards. They are the oldest – and only – co-ed a cappella group on campus. And old they are – the Poor Richards are presently in their 45th year of existence, a true milestone for any ensemble.

To mark the occasion, the group has released “The Porch Diaries,” a 15-song anthology of their greatest hits. And now you can own it for yourself through digital download!

cover lg1 300x300 A Diary of Riches from the Poor Richards

The album spans the entire length of the group’s existence, with songs such as “House of the Rising Sun” (in the style of The Animals), “Two Points for Honesty” by Guster, “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” by The Four Seasons and “King of Anything” by Sara Bareilles showing off just some of the songs performed by the group throughout its extensive history. And all of it is absolutely fantastic, varied repertoire combined with solid performances that add up to much more than merely a yearbook album.

The Poor Richards are, according to their website, named after Ben Franklin’s famed tome, “The Poor Richard’s Almanack,” playing to the pseudonyms Poor Richard and Richard Saunders, both of which were frequently used by Franklin when writing his Almanacks. The term Almanack is also adopted by the group for their annual spring shows. The group was founded in 1967 as an all-male ensemble serving as a humor-centric offshoot from the school’s Glee Club. Over the years, the group widened its repertoire considerably and added some sirens to the mix – and have never looked back from either decision.

Take a trip down memory lane with the Poor Richards, and pick up “The Porch Diaries” on iTunes today!

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Acquire Tickets To This Festival Today!

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Candice

The campus of the University of California – Santa Cruz will be filled with the sounds of vocal music as ACQUIREFEST kicks off tonight!

The festival, the largest held on campus, will span the entire weekend, and feature outstanding performances given by groups hailing from Stanford University, the University of Oregon, the University of California – Davis, and many more! Both Friday’s and Saturday’s shows will have nationally-renowned acts such as On the Rocks, Divisi, Acquire, the Harmonics, the Fleet Street Singers and the Spokes on the bill (just to name a few).

Plus, you can get tickets for a song – and a few dollars. Admission is $5 for the general public, $3 for outside students, and just $1 for UCSC students!

Check out the Facebook event for more information, and if you’re in the area, make your way to the Stevenson Event Center on campus for two amazing nights of stellar singing!

Until the show starts, enjoy this clip from last year’s ACQUIREFEST…

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