For those not familiar with a cappella music, we’d like to direct your attention to the music sensation Straight No Chaser. Not your typical choir boy group, they are talented but also very entertaining. And they are the real deal – no voice editing.

Straight No Chaser is made up of 10 members who are a combination of talented singers, arrangers, and songwriters. Having formed 12 years ago, they have reemerged as a phenomenon, with a huge fanbase, millions of viewers on YouTube, and a contract with Atlantic Records. The group, originally formed at Indiana University, has reunited for their release Holiday Spirits. It features a live version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” and 13 other holiday songs (including two originals).

Be sure to check out the interview we did with this talented group.

Holiday Spirits brings together a great collection of familiar Christmas music. Having written their own “a cappella” versions of the songs, their attempt was to keep the music true to their original versions. Member Dan Ponce describes their approach to this album:

“The goal was to deliver powerful arrangements of the Christmas
music that everyone loves. So many Christmas albums stray too
far away from the original songs, and I think that can be a turn-off.
Ultimately, it’s the time of year when people want to hear songs
they’re familiar with and be able to sing along. We want our
arrangements to re-energize the classics that everyone loves.”

Listen to their track “Hark the Herald Angels Sing / Angels We Have Heard On High”
(from Hoilday Spirits)

Also be sure to check out their YouTube video:

Be sure to visit their site for more information about Straight No Chaser
and their new release Holiday Spirits:
http://www.sncmusic.com/

Thanks to On Target Media Group for materials.

Related Posts

1. Talented a cappella Group Straight No Chaser performs at “Christmas in Washington”
2. All Your Jazz Interview: A conversation with a capella group Straight No Chaser
3. Christian Scott Releases New Album On Concord Jazz: Live At Newport CD+DVD
4. Wayne Bergeron & After Hours Brass Release Christmas Album: “Music & Mistletoe”
5. Concord Music Group To Release Tonny Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings