Knudsen Productions

Swingle Singers

There are few music lovers in this world who haven't heard the name the swingle singers. Since the release of their groundbreaking debut album Jazz Sebastien Bach in 1963, this eight-voice a cappella group has performed in every continent and on the world's most famous stages, sustaining for over four decades a level of international popularity beyond the dreams of its founder, American-born Ward Swingle. The current lineup of young, gorgeous and talented singers is, of course, several incarnations of "swingles" older than the original team - Ward Swingle affectionately refers to them as his "grandchildren" - so, although their programme will usually include some tribute to the original French group with traditional swung Bach, audiences will also be treated to more modern compositions and arrangements, enhanced by dazzling choreography and lighting. The beauty is that, whatever the repertoire, the sound remains unmistakably the swingle singers. What defines this unique group is not the personnel, nor even the choice of music, but the intimate, close-microphone, quasi-instrumental sound with which they stunned the world all those years ago. The swingle singersa name has become synonymous with incredible vocal virtuosity, blend and agility, flawless excellence, and high-level entertainment. In the world of a cappella music, this group has always been and still is revered by all who followed its lead. It is hard to comprehend that it all began as an exercise in sight-reading, to alleviate the monotony of sixties backing vocals. Eight Paris-based jazz session singers sang through some Bach keyboard music one day and discovered a natural swing to the music. Without changing a note of the original score, they used jazz scat and phrasing, added a rhythm section and persuaded Philips record company to record it for them as Christmas presents for family and friends. Little did they know the level of fame to which this record would elevate them; they reached number one in the charts and won several Grammy awards.

Nowadays the swingle singers offer a huge variety of shows, from the traditional "Bach to Beatles" in concert halls and churches to jazz nights at Ronnie Scotts and Wavendon Stables, from orchestral concerts at Lincoln Center in New York City to contemporary opera at Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Chatelet Theatre in Paris and, of course, their famous Christmas extravaganza, culminating every December at Orchard Hall in Tokyo.

www.swinglesingers.com

STILE ANTICO

STILE ANTICO is an ensemble of young British singers, now established as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. Prizewinners at the 2005 Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, the group is now much in demand in concert performances, and records exclusively for Harmonia Mundi. Their first recording for the label, Music for Compline, met with international success and drew superlative reviews, winning the prestigious Diapason d'Or de l'AnnŽe, the Choc du Monde de la Musique, and attracting a nomination for the 50th GRAMMY awards. Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. During 2007 they collaborated extensively with Sting in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland. Notable engagements in 2008 include performances at Beaminster Festival, Lake District Summer Music, Bedford Music Club, Birmingham Early Music Festival, Stour Music, and in Europe at the Early Music Festival Bruges, the Rencontres Musicales de VŽzelay in France, and the Early Music Festival Utrecht. Stile Antico's second disc, Heavenly Harmonies, was released in early 2008 to critical acclaim.

www.stileantico.co.uk

THE EDLOS

The EDLOS, the Bad Boys of A Cappella, come with a truly remarkable performance pedigree. This dynamic group has performed with the likes of Waylon Jennings, Crystal Gayle, Ray Charles, Chicago, the Temptations, Lou Rawls, Bernadette Peters, Tower of Power, and many others, and can be seen in their own special on PBS’ “The Lonesome Pines Special”.
Described as an “a cappella quartet supreme... splendid... magnificent...” by the San Francisco Examiner, as well as “on the verge of world fame” by the San Francisco Chronicle, this powerhouse a cappella group is a do-not-miss musical experience, bringing music of all eras and styles to sold-out concert halls and theaters, all without benefit of instruments.

www.theedlos.com

VOCES8

Voces8 is an international award winning a cappella octet based in London, England that was founded in 2003 by ex-choristers of Westminster Abbey. With a repertoire ranging from 13th century polyphony to unique jazz and popular arrangements, Voces8 has entertained audiences across Europe and the UK.

The group has been praised for 'stunning performance', 'exquisite singing' and 'a sound that spans the entire range of vocal colour'. When not on the concert platform, Voces8 spends much of its time leading workshops and masterclasses around the world.

First achieving success in 2005 at the 44th International Choral Grand Prix in Gorizia, Italy,
Voces8 won first prize for best jazz performance and the audience vote for best performance. In October 2006, Voces8 took part in the 38th
International Choral Contest in Tolosa, Spain. The group won first prize in both the sacred and secular categories and was awarded the highest number of points in the overall competition.

Voces8 performs widely in the UK, Europe and the USA. Recent highlights include opening the National Choral Competition in Spain, appearances on Austrian and Slovenian television, a concert at Wartburg Castle for Deutschlandradio Kultur and a guest appearance for the International Federation of Choral Music in Belgium. In February 2007 Voces8 recorded their third album. Entitled 'Gibbons to Gershwin' the disc includes a variety of repertoire that maps a musical journey of 500 years and three continents. Their most recent release, Evensong, was released in 2008 and has been overwhelmingly praised by critics around the globe.

www.voces8.moonfruit.com

CRAICMORE

CRAICMORE plays contemporary traditional celtic music. With deep roots in the music of Scotland and Ireland, CRAICMORE features the critically acclaimed vocalist Nancy Johnston. Her deep, rich, contralto voice is rare in the genre. Driving rhythms from guitar, bass, Bohdran drum, conga and other percussion, along with high-spirited whistles, flutes and bagpipes, powerfully render jigs & reels. Four part harmony, rhythmic hardshoe dancing, an East Indian Shruti Box and rumbling Didjeridoo all accent the warmth and passion of CRAICMORE's fiery performances. They have toured for over eight years throughout the Western States and recently performed a 14 concert engagement in
Shanghai, China. Don't miss the chance to experience the excitement, the humor and the sheer joy of this music from CRAICMORE.

www.craicmore.com

CASCADA DE FLORES

CASCADA DE FLORES is rapidly becoming part of the SF Bay Area’s musical vocabulary. The trio, with its talent and passion for the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and Cuba, has elicited an extraordinary response from diverse audiences, media, and fellow musicians. Each performer has a capacity for emotion and impressive musicality that brings new life to traditional yet timeless song gems. Their performances are hailed for their warmth and spontaneity, and the listener is enveloped by expressive guitar melodies and the celestial harmonies of two wonderful voices.

www.cascadadeflores.com

TOM RIGNEY

Take the hottest electric violinist/composer this side of wherever and put him together with veterans of the great bands of Clifton Chenier, Queen Ida, Charles Brown, Roy Rogers, and the Sundogs, and what do you get? You get TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU a band that will tear the roof off of anyplace that has one and lift the spirits of everyone within earshot. The band specializes in fiery Cajun and zydeco two-steps, lowdown blues, heartbreakingly beautiful waltzes, and funky New Orleans dance grooves.