Search - Spike Lee :: Do It A Cappella (1990 Television Show)

A gateway cd to great a capella music

Hannah Foster | Massachusetts | 06/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After I saw the video of this production in my chorus class in high school, I was turned on to the beautiful harmonies that are a cappella music. Each of the groups have different styles and techniques that make them stand out (Ladysmith uses native african music while Rockapella uses humor, for example). Since I've gotten this cd, I've become a huge Rockapella fan, and a big fan of the Mint Juleps as well. I also loved how the different groups sang together on some of the songs: a once in a lifetime opportunity. This collection of some recognizable songs and some new ones will have you singing along, and make you realize the power and magic of a person's voice."

The best darn CD I've ever heard

Hannah Foster | 03/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You'll love this CD! It almost has every style of a capella I've heard. My favorites were "Zombie Jamoree" by Rockapella and "Under the Boardwalk" by Rockapella and True Image. It's also a great tool in teaching people harmony, sing parts, and more. It makes you wonder why hasn't there been a sequal to the television production."

Still fresh after all these years!

Gregory Spoto | Philadelphia, PA USA | 08/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"15 years ago I sat down with my dad and watched this crazy show on PBS. I had never really listened to any a Cappella music before, and I really wasn't to happy to start. But with only one TV what dad wanted to watch was what ruled the house. And what I heard from that show opened my ears up to a whole new realm of music.

Produced by Spike Lee the Do It A Cappella special showcased a number of modern and traditional A Cappella groups first in local settings (subways and bathrooms and such) where there was a natural echo, and then the same groups in an organized show at a music hall.

The most experienced of the performers, the Persuasions, with three tracks on the soundtrack, steal the show. You can really hear true pasion for their music in Looking for an Echo and display that they are masters of their craft with Pass on the Love. But the younger Mint Julips bring a fresh voice to A Cappella while showing clear influence from music greats like Jackie Wilson with their cover of Higher and Higher. And their finally team up with Lady Smith Black Mombaso teaming to sing the Lion Sleeps tonight is pure magic. Not to be overlooked in the recording sessions is capturing two great tracks from Rockappella while they were at their best, representing the best of purly new school A Cappella.

Fifteen years ago this show introduced me to a rich musical form and tradition, and showed there was still life in the medium. And fifteen years later this soundtrack still holds as one of my favorite albums. It is a great overall sampler for anyone to get introduced into A Cappella music and still acts as a great compilation of talent for those already familiar."