If you are like me, most will recognize the Swingle Singers from their a cappella renditions of Bach instrumental works in the 60s and onward in various forms.
This recording only offers one 'Classical' work, taken from Arcangelo Corelli's Christmas Concerto, and highly truncated at that.
Otherwise, here they offer a mix of familiar yuletide tunes and Christmastime pop song arrangements from the eight-singer vocal ensemble.
As a cappella vocal jazz ensembles go, the Swingle Singers had their thing, but I don't sense much of their kitsch on hand here. To my ears, this could be any other vocal octet, complete with instrumental and percussive vocal effects and closely-recorded, tight-knit harmonies.
Don't get me wrong, this is wonderfully performed and recorded. Yet, the only standout arrangements which scream Swingle Singers, aside from the aforementioned Corelli, is Last Christmas, where the vocal accompaniment choices set itself apart as special from this ensemble. Of the traditional carols, O Tannenbaum was unusual for its octave shifting male solo, and perhaps Little Drummer Boy as well as some others. Among the radio tunes, River, Walking in the Air, and Happy Christmas were most enjoyable. Still this might be more the rarity of these popular songs on choral albums.
If you enjoy vocal jazz and popular songs, this recording will be very satisfying. I certainly enjoyed myself whilst listening too, but I doubt this will remain long in my memory.
Listen on YouTube
Performers
Swingle Singers
Joanna Forbes, soprano
Meinir Thomas, soprano
Johanna Marshall, alto
Kineret Erez, alto
Tom Bullard, tenor
Richard Eteson, tenor
Tobias Hug, bass
Jeremy Sadler, bass
Label: Signum
Year: 2007
Total Timing: 54.41
This one didn't strike me strongly, but I could hardly call it bad, nor unworthy.
Vocal Jazz lovers should snap it up, for sure!
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