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

SONOS HANDBELL ENSEMBLE

The SONOS HANDBELL ENSEMBLE is recognized by their peers and the public as America’s premiere professional handbell ensemble. They are a favorite on “A Prairie Home Companion” and have been referred to as the “Stradivarius” of handbell ensembles. Their performances are a treat for the eyes as well as the ears. Their wonderful stage presence enhances their incredible musicality. “Their music stunned us all. The four thousand audience members went wild, just as we knew they would,” Steve Beck, Associate Producer - A Prairie Home Companion.

www.sonos.org

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

The Modern Mandolin Quartet

The Modern Mandolin Quartet was formed in 1985 to give a new voice to that most American of musical instruments, the mandolin. Following the tradition of the mandolin orchestras and chamber groups from the early twentieth century, the MMQ uses the instruments of the mandolin family which correspond to the conventional string quartet (two mandolins, mandola, and mandocello). The Quartet's goals are to introduce audiences to the modern mandolin family of instruments, to increase the repertoire of original and arranged music for the instrument, and to bring the mandolin into the next millennium by commissioning new works. The Modern Mandolin Quartet began recording in 1988 with Windham Hill/BMG. They have released four albums to date, with sales in excess of 130,000 units worldwide.

www.modernmandolinquartet.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

WILLIAM FLORIAN

Visionary folk singer William Florian, formerly of the New Christy Minstrels, performs "America's Favorite Folk Songs of the 60's" - An upbeat, energetic, musical journey of America's greatest folk songs of the 60's including songs he performed as a lead singer of the famous New Christy Minstrels plus the music of Peter, Paul, & Mary, John Denver, and others, and also uplifting Vision Folk originals, presented with amusing stories in an intimate, heart warming show.

DANA HUBBARD

Dana Hubbard's career started as a solo acoustic guitarist in the singer/songwriter tradition, with deep roots in acoustic folk and country blues. Then he strapped on an electric guitar to lead his band through the burgeoning blues scene. Now, as his singing and songwriting have become more prominent, the acoustic guitar has once again become his main instrument. Now that he's come full circle back to his "acoustic roots", he draws from the best of both worlds as he performs startling originals backed by amazing guitar playing. Imagine a Michael Hedges or Leo Kottke with the voice and songwriting prowess of a John Hiatt or Jackson Browne and you get the idea of what Dana is striving for (and actually accomplishes!!). And, whatever format he's performing in, you get to see a someone who's wonderfully engaging and very confident on stage, having spent so much time there!

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.