Search - Real Group :: Unreal

The best jazz vocal group around

David A. Beamer | Clawson, MI United States | 09/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording was the Real Group's first release targeted directly at American audiences. (Some of their previous CDs are primarily done in Swedish.) One cannot say enough about the quality of the voices, the arrangements, the performances, and the recording quality.The group is a descendent of the genre created by the Swingle Singers and Singers Unlimited (SU). They have all the musical talent of the Swingles, and the high-quality jazz arrangements of SU (although the Real Group's voices are better than SU).This recording is a pure delight. Completely a cappella (although you'd swear they snuck in a percussionist -- it's actually mouth-sounds a la Bobby McFerrin). Not only do they have terrific voices, but the great ears that are required to sing these marvelous arrangements. Some of the singing is reminiscent of high-voltage big-band arrangements ("It Don't Mean a Thing", "Flight of the Foobirds"); other cuts are so serenely seductive that they will melt the heart of stone ("Body and Soul", "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"). In addition to "normal" singing (i.e. words), they throw in a healthy helping of excellent scat singing -- both solos and ensemble scat.If you're new to vocal jazz, get this CD first. Then their "One for All", which is as good. And then perhaps their Live in Stockholm, and some old SU (if you can find it). Rockapella doesn't compare. The only group that can come close is Take 6."

How do you say "WOW" in Swedish?

Robert D.Scott | Centennial Colorado USA | 05/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shades of "Singers Unlimited" and that is saying something. Absolutely "awesome". "Acappella" at its best. Unfortunately the CD is only 51:49 playing time, I could take a lifetime listening to this talented group. This CD is under lock and key with my SU, Hi-Los and Four Freshmen classics. Get your kleenex ready when you listen to cut #9, "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life"? The entire world should take time out and listen, what wonderful therapy for us all."

Close harmony, upbeat, and quite excellent

Robert D.Scott | 05/11/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With impossibly tight vocals that have become the signature of the Real Group, this CD is the best that I have heard in a long while. For fans of great music done to perfection, this is a must-own. Actual tracks:Flight of the Foo-Brids / Walkin' / A Cappella in Acapulco / A Child is Born / Come Together / Wait and See / Skylark / I've Found a New Baby / What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life? / It Don't Mean a Thing / Body and Soul / Kristallen Den Fina / Jag Vet En Dejlig Rosa / For the One I Love"