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CD Review - SoVoSó : World Jazz A
Cappella
Every
track of this superbly produced debut CD is a majestic group achievement
punctuated by striking individual highlights, from the opening live
improvisation through covers of Sly Stone's "Thank You" and Curtis Mayfield's
"People Get Ready," an innovative "Dirt" suite co-composed by McFerrin, and a
rousing "Down by the Riverside," to the closing, gorgeously soaring Rhiannon
feature, "Say a Prayer." Derk Richardson San Francisco Bay Guardian
Innovatively arranged ... SoVoSó really shines on its own work, including the
six-part suite "Dirt" which weaves together sounds of South America and South
Africa. James Sullivan
San Francisco Chronicle
A first CD release belies the fact that the six members of SoVoSó have sung
together for 10 years. They have created a beautiful, original aural feast for
the vocal gourmet. Welles Goodrich KUSP Radio, Santa Cruz,
California
Their spectacular voices takes listeners deep into fresh vocal territory.
William Friar The Oakland Tribune
The voices-only SoVoSó is a major innovative force in vocal music. The
culturally diverse group has honed its distinctly uplifting sound, one that
draws not only from vocal heritage, but also the singers' own styles, on such
original songs as "Say a Prayer" and more traditional vocal showcases including
"Down By The Riverside" and "People Get Ready." Larry Kelp KPFA Radio, Berkeley, California
CD Review - SoVoSó : Truth And Other
StoriesTruth and Other Stories soars...SoVoSó takes
you on an amazing musical journey.
Artbeat (aired on National Public Radio)
Truth and Other Stories boasts brilliant original compositions and a
stunning version of Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue," representing the breadth and
depth of this inspired and inspirational ensemble. San
Francisco Bay Guardian
The impossibility
of six lead singers in one group has been achieved, with glorious
results.
KUSP-FM, Santa
Cruz, California
Live Reviews: Concert presenters' comments:
Tim Jackson,
Monterey Jazz Festival: "SoVoSó
is a great act...very colorful and alive."
Greg Phillips,Marin JCC
Centerstage, San Rafael, CA: "We were thrilled to host
SoVoSó...they drew a full house and their performance was
mesmerizing, riveting and exhilarating...I'd have SoVoSó back in a
heartbeat."
Jan Takeshita, Yoshi's jazz club, Oakland,
CA: "SoVoSó is visually and soulfully stimulating...when my
staff starts raving, that's when you know they're really good."
Live Reviews: Journalists'
comments:"One of the
most soulful harmonizing ensembles imaginable." San Francisco Bay
Guardian
"SoVoSó has a way of leaving listeners awestruck by its vocal agility and
musical smarts."Oakland
Tribune
"One of the most inventive, exciting vocal groups in the country." Marin Independent
Journal
Live Reviews: Concert critic's
review:Santa Cruz A
Cappellafest March 6, 1999 by Welles B. Goodrich
The piece de resistance of the whole day was a performance by
endless-award-winners SoVoSó. My only response seemed to be babbling like a
litany, they really are that good, they really are that good. They were fun.
They were inspirational. They rocked. If you missed it, catch them soon,
somewhere. We had heard about their new singer, Destani Wolf, but to actually
hear her sing made hearing about her a pale shadow of the reality. So, as the
day wound down to exhausted completion, my only coherent thought was that any a
cappella fan should see SoVoSó...
Live Reviews: Workshop presenters'
comments:
Ken
Franklin, Modoc County, CA Arts Council:
"Your seemingly endless repertoire and diversity of program
content made each assembly appropriate, and exciting for the different
age groups. It was an honor and pleasure to work with such talented
artists. We would like to have you back in the spring of next year."
Yvonne Kuhlman,
Luther College, Decorah, Iowa: "SoVoSó's
vocal workshop left our students on cloud nine...they experienced
the possibilities of what vocal jazz can be and how far you can
take it......even instrumentalists were enriched and inspired by
SoVoSó's creative, unique presentation."
Marsha Carlisle,
Texas Choral
Directors' Association: "We haven't had such rave reviews
since the King Singers were here six years ago...I am very impressed
with their high degree of professionalism...their easy manner and
willingness to demonstrate their astounding vocal talents proves to
me that their message does truly come 'from the Soul to the Voice to
the Song.' They are truly world class!"
Susan Stone,
Tri-C Jazz Fest, Cleveland,
OH: "The educational value and experience for our school ensembles
was unmatched. The SoVoSó artists were knowledgeable and patient. Students have
a new respect for their voices and the ways they are able to express music and
ideas through the voice."
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