Customer Reviews

Folk Song Album

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

 

 

The well know a capella group goes around the world with selections that are both classic and strong. Perfect harmonies that are uplifting with impeccable execution.

The original, Paris-based Swingle Singers (1962-1972) had established its reputation by scatting and jazzyfying the classical music of Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, the Romantics and the early 20th-century Spanish composers (see my reviews of Jazz Sebastian Bach, Anyone For Mozart, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi?, Getting Romantic, Les Quatre Saisons and Concerto D Aranjuez), and had rarely strayed away from that field: there had been the jazzy compositions of founder Ward Swingle on the occasion of a collaboration writing the soundtrack of some obscure Italian film in 1968 (Going Baroque Operazione San Pietro), a Christmas album the same year (Christmastime), an album of American vernacular music in 1969 (American Look), and the Paris Swingles' last album, a jazz composition by French jazzman and critic André Hodeir, ironically titled "Bitter Ending" (not reissued on CD).

It is when when Ward Swingle moved to London after disbanding the original group, and reformed a new vocal octet now called Swingle II, that he started tackling more systematically the jazz and ragtime standards, the popular pop and rock standards of the day, film music. That "middle" period of the Swingle Singers (1973-late 1980s) has not been well documented on CD; a small sample can be found on the compilation Swing Sing.

So it is logical that they should have tackled a collection of folk songs - in fact, it is surprising that (other than the 1969 American album) it took them so long - this Virgin CD was published in 1991, and as far as I could establish, only one track is a reprise from an earlier album, Cachapaya of Peru from the rare Polydor album "Instrumentals" from 1986. The Swingles did sing a medley of US Country Dances in their American album, but it was purely scatted; this one (track 10) is a new or substantially modified arrangement, with words - and it's much funnier, too.

The collection is entertaining - but, let's face it, lightweight, fluffy rather than nourishing. There is nothing here that sends me to heaven as surely and immediately as the Swingles' Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi. The collection alternates between the lively and the sentimental - I found the former more enjoyable than the latter: the ringing Cachapaya from Peru (track 1), El Paisanito of Argentina (track 3), De Punta y Taco of Chile (track 4), The Drunken Sailor (track 7), Ciao Bella Ciao (track 8), Country Dances (10), Sakkijarven Polka of Finland (19). The vocal hurdy gurdy in Danny Boy of Ireland (track 11) is fun - but it doesn't last very long.

TT is 61:45, so there's no complaint here (other Swingle discs have been more stingy). For entertainment, you can stop here. For heaven, go to the Bach to Vivaldi CDs referenced above.

Ever since my original purchase of this great album I had wanted a replacement for the copy I had damaged. After 15 years of trying to buy this CD and seeing that it was discontinued by the publisher I had just about given up on finding this rare gem. Then, along came Amazon. They had the album, it was in stock and after 15 years of searching I received my new copy just a few days after ordering. The vocal harmonies are exceptional, the timing impeccable and the freshness of the rhythms is exceptional. Thank you so much for a great 'new' CD by the best A Capella group in the world.

Diverse compilation. I couldn't afford it new, but the used copy is in fine condition. One of the best purchases I've made this year. We're all looking for value!