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In my humble opinion, only the very best singers can manage to shine a cappella, using only their voices to weave musical tapestries. Hailing from northern Utah, Eclipse is a brightly shining, award-winning band of six male singers: Kirk Mecham, Shayne Taylor, Dan Kartchner, Brandon Ellison, Kevin Jones, and Paul Hansen. Three Kings is pure a cappella; in other words, every single sound on this pop album is produced by human vocal chords. Given some of the interesting rhythmic percussion found here, that's quite a statement. These guys are consummate professionals at their craft.

This holiday album will be a joyous stuffer in the stocking of any a cappella aficionado this Christmas season. Although some barber shop "boy bands" are a little too funkadelic doo-wop--more silly novelty than serious music--for my tastes, Eclipse does not fall into that trap. Instead, these six gentlemen present a cappella stylings that are straightforward and intensely creative, with tight harmonies and crystal clean musicality.

Three Kings has eleven tracks; eight are well-known seasonal favorites. The remaining three are apparently newly written ("This Year," "Lullaby," and "Room in the Inn"); even so, these fresh cuts have a familiar feel the first time you hear them on your audio system. "This Year" (written by Chuck Poll, Patrick Rose, Shayne Taylor) is a delightfully catchy song that had me swaying in my chair with a broad smile on my face. Hush--"Lullaby" (written by Russ Dixon) is all sweetness and charm for the rockabye babe. The opening title track "Three Kings" features impressive vocal "percussion;" not surprisingly, "Drummer Boy" presents similar vocal gymnastics to fine effect. In contrast, Eclipse's smooth and simple "What Child Is This?" and "Silent Night" are understated gifts of beauty and grace.

Just lovely. Looking for pristine, unadorned voices this holiday season? Invite Eclipse and their Three Kings into your home--just be certain there's room at your inn.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Eclipse is: Kirk Mecham, Shayne Taylor, Dan Kartchner, Patrick Rose, Brandon Ellison, Kevin Jones, Paul Hansen.

Produced by Eclipse

Engineer: Patrick Rose

Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 11 arranged by Patrick Rose
Tracks 3 & 8-10 arranged by Derek Furch

All sounds on this album were produced vocally.

From the Web site:

Eclipse is a vocal group of six creating explosive sound, driving rhythms, and lush harmonies using only one instrument: the human mouth.

The six members of Eclipse originally met while performing in a public relations /ambassador-oriented group that was part of the department of Programs and Entertainment at Utah State University. They began by arranging their own vocal covers of popular songs and performing them on campus and in the Logan area. Increasing public interest and performance opportunities led to the recording of their first album released in April 2001.

Eclipse

Three Kings

Artist link

Track List