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Our Review

So beautiful! I truly love controlled a cappella voices; there is no more perfect sound in the universe. Chanson is a bright star in that expansive sky. This cool, little (six-voice) male group masters 16 holiday carols on Sing We Noel, and the results are bliss.

This ensemble is of the classical variety; no beatboxing, no be-bopping, no cutesy sound effects. The sound is rich, the pitches are measured, and the harmonies are spot-on. This is what great music is all about. In other words, if you are hoping for a cappella street-corner Doo-Wop, that's not happening here.

Chanson is pure professionalism; I could listen to these guys all day and all night. They enunciate carefully and cleanly, but do not sound antiseptic. In fact, they emote surprisingly well, given their fine technical expertise.

On Sing We Noel, Chanson covers serious territory, sacred songs that tell of the Nativity, the gifts for the newborn king, and the attendant celebrations. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming is delicate, yet profound; The Boar's Head Carol is ebullient and bold; the richly-woven Still, Still, Still closes the album with style and grace.

If you enjoy a cappella music on the serious side, then Chanson's Sing We Noel should draw your praise and applause. Check it out!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Chanson
Matthew Kneefe, tenor
Micah Lamb, tenor
Peter Lovett, baritone
Aaron McDermid, tenor
Brett McDermid, bass
Aaron Zinter, tenor/baritone

Credits:
Produced by Chanson
Recording Engineer: Tom Mudge
CD Mastering and Post-production: Tom Mudge


From the Website:

Formed in 1997 at Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota, Chanson continues to share their love of choral music and a capella singing with audiences across the country. Praised for their engaging concerts, these six voices join together in "close harmonies, excellent diction, and a vocal blend and finesse that far surpass many ensembles that have been in the business longer" (Louisville Courier-Journal).

The music of Chanson features a wide variety of styles including folk songs, Renaissance motets, Russian anthems, energetic spirituals, and popular/contemporary music. Chanson is also committed to expanding the oeuvre of male a capella music by featuring newly commissioned works at every concert, which has become a highlight for their audiences.

Chanson

Sing We Noel

Artist link

Track List