Customer Reviews

In Concert

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...has the musical talent gone? The five men of Rockapella have talent in overflow. In a society where shameless displays of special effects, fanfare, hoopla, and digital alterations qualify as "music," it is refreshing to hear true vocal talent. I have seen Rockapella live several times, and this CD captures a taste of that amazing experience - their onstage banter, their repoire with the audience, and so much more. It is a perfect blend of brilliant originals (People Change, Keep On Smilin') and covers of songs we all know and love (Pretty Woman, Stand By Me), with that unique Rockapella twist - and of course, their signature song, Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Scott's soaring high tenor, Elliot's oh-so-smooth baritone, Barry's booming bass, Kevin's sweet, tender tenor, and Jeff's showstopping vocal percussion meld into the ultimate sound. Just five guys, singing their hearts out. True talent, true music.

I have seen Rockapella in concert many times, and nothing beats hearing these guys live! This cd captures that experience wonderfully. This is the perfect cd for both first time listeners and Rockapella veterans because the songs are a great mix of old favorites and never before recorded tunes such as Use Me and my personal favorite Keep on Smilin', 2 songs which you could only hear at one of their concerts. Be sure to listen for Jeff's vocal percussion solo in Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego...don't be fooled into thinking there's a drum set on stage, there's not, it's all Jeff! I was happy to hear Barry's intro to Long Cool Woman was on the album, too! These guys have a great banter with each other and the audience at their concerts, and it was nice to hear some of it included. If you get a chance to see them in concert, I strongly urge you to go, it's an experience you'll never forget!

I am a huge fan of a capella music and I am in a group myself. Out of all the Rockapella CD's, this is still my favorite by far. First of all, it is the best buy you will find if you are interested in Rockapella. There are 22 songs on this CD as opposed to a meager 12-14 on the others. But besides the economic aspect, I simply believe this CD has the best quality music that I've heard from their recorded music. Some of the same songs are on their other CD's but when I listen to the other CD's, I just don't get the same feeling. Maybe I just prefer hearing Rockapella "sing their guts out" as Barry Carl would put it... but I think their studio recordings are overblended and saccharine sweet. So if you want what I feel is the true sound of great modern a capella music, buy this CD first.

One of these reviews is from an uninformed music patron from Lansing, MI. Please disregard this person's mistaken identification of Rockapella. The following is a quote from this review: "They now incorporate instruments and sound like bubblegum rock." While I am in no position to bash this music fan's personal taste, I feel it necessary to point out that Rockapella does not incorporate ANY instruments in their recordings. The note "this is a contemporary a capella recording: all sounds on these tracks were produced by the voices and appendages of Rockapella" appears on every CD, including the live one. And it is truthful for each and every one. It is true that Rockapella is so talented that sometimes it is hard to believe that they do not use instruments, but it is unfair to jump to conclusions that they do. Say what you will about their style of music, but it is entirely necessary that everyone including this confused music fan realize that there are no instruments, and proper research should be done before making such a rash accusation of this phenomenal a capella group and amazing album.

This fast-paced album never lets you catch your breath. From beginning to end, Rockapella takes you on a ride through various musical styles with their amazing talent. Be sure to listen to "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego", and catch a simply staggering drum solo...without drums!!

I have 3 other Rockapella albums, and I thought that this might simply be a rehash of the others, but I was wrong. There are many songs here that do not appear on the other albums, but are a whole lot of fun!

There are a few live albums that I like...in most cases I prefer studio cuts. This is one live performance that is truly worth adding to your collection.

When someone new to Rockapella asks which CD they should buy first, my recommendation has always been Vocobeat or Primer.... until now. In a way previously untouched by their American wide-releases, "Rockapella In Concert" runs the gamut of everything these guys can do. It is a worthy showcase of their ability to master pretty much any music style they choose to employ, from the "corny" (Barry's word, not mine) "16 Tons" to their funky, previously-unrecorded cover of "Use Me" to a "That's the Way" that absolutely rocks live.

Fans of Rockapella's music attending a concert the first time are blown away by the experience. Most have a reaction along the lines of, "I knew their music was good, but THIS...!!!" And you get a little taste of that here. There is a palatable energy between the audience and the band, and the overall sound is more organic than in the studio releases. The rhythm section's on even footing with the rest of the guys here, and having them audible is a special treat.

Highlights include the long-awaited release of "Keep On Smilin'" with a five-man vocal percussion riff that is worth the price of the CD alone. Also, "Long Cool Woman," charismatically performed live, is here in almost double-time compared with a previous recording. "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" includes Jeff Thacher's two-minute "drum" solo; unbelievable.

The only downside of this recording is the minimal appearance of Elliott Kerman. His rendition of "Let's Get Away From It All," a crowd favorite, is smooth, cool scatting at its finest. Apparently the band decided democratically what songs they would perform and I'm at a loss as to why "Don't Do It" was dropped.

Still, it's hard to complain about a 22-track CD with enough variety to appeal to die-hards and newbies alike. And while Barry's concert staple "60 Minute Man" was cut, it's awesome to hear his in- and between-song narrations; the rest of the concert banter was eliminated to make room for the hour's worth of music that's on here.

Even songs that aren't my favorites are fun to listen to live, for some reason. This CD really is a must-have; it's superb music and great fun!

Normally I'm not a fan of "live" albums, but "Rockapella In Concert" goes against the grain. If you think their studio albums are impressive, listen to this recording... You'll discover just how gifted these five men truly are.

Highlights include Jeff Thacher's always mind-blowing solo in "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?;" a beautifully harmonious "Up on the Roof/Wonderful World;" the sexy "Use Me;" and "Keep On Smilin'," a cover song which always puts a smile on any listener's face. The only "flaw" (and it's a minor one at that) is "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." While Rockapella's version is very nice, I'm at a loss as to why the guys included this tired song in the setlist.

Whether you've attended many Rockapella concerts or have yet to go to your first show, "Rockapella In Concert" will make you feel like the guys are giving a private performance in your own home. If you've never been to a show, you'll want to attend one as soon as possible after hearing this wonderful CD.

I thought I knew all about Rockapella. I mean, I owned all their CD's, right? True, I'd never seen them live in concert, but that was just a minor quibble, and who's keeping score? Well, now I am. Especially after listening to their latest effort. "Live In Concert" is brilliant from start to finish. These five guys set the standard in contemporary acappella music, and anyone that tells you differently has recently suffered a cranial injury. From the start, you know this CD is going to be packed with energy due to the audience's reaction to Scott Leonard just singing the first TWO WORDS of "I Am Your Man". It all goes UPhill from there. My personal favorite tracks include "That's The Way", "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?" (it's all about that Jeff Thacher solo, baby!!), "Zombie Jamboree", "Use Me", "Keep On Smilin'", "Moments of You", and "Stand By Me". If you're wavering over a CD, make *THIS* the one you turn over your hard-earned money to buy. Utterly amazing from start to finish.

I always wondered how to fully explain to people how amazing Rockapella sounds live in concert. Now I know how. Just play this CD.

While there are noteworthy bits of classic Rockapella banter that aren't included on the CD, it does have 22 songs and 68 minutes of pure a cappella-fueled bliss. For fans that have seen the group in concert, just close your eyes and you almost feel as though you're seeing them again. People who are new to the group will likely want to see the guys live after hearing this.

Most of Rockapella's concert staples and audience favorites are included on this CD, most importantly, perhaps recordings of Keep On Smilin' and Use Me, fan favorites that have not been recorded before now. Many of the songs on this CD sound better live than recorded in the studio, a case in point being Change In My Life which, while absolutely gorgeous on the album Don't Tell Me You Do, comes through as much more heartfelt and emotional on this CD. You can just hear Kevin Wright smiling while he sings on this one and on Dancin' In The Streets. Jeff Thacher's drum solo in Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiago is worth the entire price of the CD.

All in all, this CD really shows a good range of Rockapella's talent and beautiful voices and is a wonderful credit to add to their long career. Go get this one!

I preordered this CD, as I own the previous two US releases. I love all types of music, but these guys are just too cool! The live CD did not disappoint in any way (except that it ENDS!). I quickly purchased the live DVD, which is just a blast to watch. My children, ages 10, 9, and 7, sat absolutely mesmerized through the entire show on DVD, and love to re-watch it. If you don't know Rockapella ("the Folgers coffee guys"), do yourself a huge favor and get this CD. And remember, that drum solo in "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" is Jeff Thatcher and his mouth...no drum machine!