Magic Voices [Box set]

Singers Unlimited | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 29, 1998)
• Original Release Date: September 29, 1998
• Number of Discs: 7
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B00000AFFQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #137,654 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The state of the vocal and recording arts, even after 20 yrs, April 6, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic Voices (Audio CD)

Incredible engineering with inspired arrangements interpreted by flawless voices on CD? 5 stars is not enough, the Singers Unlimited shouldn't be put in the same catagory with those that emulate them (without due credit). If you don't already know about this music, you won't part with the 100 bucks, your loss. I now I have the digital back up for my precious, volitile vinyl. For the fan, the interviews in the companion booklet cut right to the issues that a disciple has always wondered. I feel like I know Ms. Herman a little better, and I am still rendered hypnotic when she sings. Gene Puerling is to vocal jazz arrangement what Oscar Peterson is to Jazz Piano, what Buddy Rich was to Drums, solidly etched as the top of the art form for all forseeable future. And beyond that, still modest and a gentleman. (I would have liked to known more about Mssrs Dressler and Shelton.) Emily, email me. Buy Christmas separately, it is God's favorite CD, and we have to keep it in print. SU, please make one more a capella for us, please!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Musician's Feast that's Tasty Enough for Anyone!, September 24, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Greenwich, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic Voices (Audio CD)

The Singers Unlimited are a marvelous convergence of (1)a pioneering vocal arranger, (2)four voices which not only can stand on their own but know how, why, and when teamwork makes more beauty, (3)an experimentalist, perfectionist risk-taker on the audio equipment, (4)and some of the world's finest jazz artists to back up/front up (whatever) when appropriate. One can spend hours trying to comprehend why such unusual chording and changes work so perfectly. Every time I listen to one of these marvelous disks I hear some previously undiscovered nuance. Or forget analysis and just simply listen and be carried away on waves of the smoothest or swinging-est numbers you've ever heard. And did Puerling happen to choose all my favorite titles or, by choosing and arranging them, turn them into my favorite titles? Who cares!

Years ago a friend (thanks much, Warren) gave me a tape of the McConnell-backed set. Afraid the tape would eventually go (it was losing its highs and lows) and I'd be missing a critical piece of my beloved McConnell connection, I searched the web for the single--out of print!! Oh, no!! Then I saw it could be covered by purchasing the boxed set. I thought it was worth it to get the one disk! And then....WOW! Puerling is the vocal arranging counterpart to McConnell, adding extra voices, experimenting with close harmonies, and even throwing in occasional subtle humor. The artists are similar to McConnell's collection of great individuals, all working together selflessly because the charts are sooo good to play or sing. And sadly, neither McConnell nor Singers Unlimited go live (with the exception of McConnell's practice sessions in Toronto.) Thank goodness for the technology that enables all of us to share the joy of hearing these master artisans, wherever we are.

Finally, thanks Gene, Bonnie, Len, Don, Georg...and guests. You've brought me more aural pleasure than you'll ever know!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars listening music, August 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Magic Voices (Audio CD)

SU's music is a giant leap in style for the vast majority of today's music buying public. The bulk of their catalog is material from the 40's & 50's and their style has roots in the popular music style from that era. On the surface, this is your mother's/grandmother's music. Melodies are sung in breathy, straight-tone unison, which is characteristic of fluffy easy-listening. Familiar tunes are rephrased in a lounge-act swing style. Many people simply will not be able to get past the catalog or style elements to hear what is underneath.

Ahhh, but for those who listen, what's here is sublime. Puerling uses standard tunes as a playground for vocal arranging. Communicating a lyric is not the priority. It's all about creative harmonic textures, reharmonizing, voice leading, and chord voicings - all performed with tremendous accuracy and exquisite blend. SU is harmonic movement and surprise. This is the essence of SU's contribution.

I bought this set after hearing "Christmas" and a few snippets of other songs on the Internet. On first listen, I only really liked about a third of the material because of style or song choice. After a couple of weeks, I've grown to enjoy nearly all of it. Since this is their entire catalog (except Christmas), there are certainly cases where the song choice, arrangement or production does not work for me. But I'm glad I have the choice of what to listen to rather than getting a pared down best-of set. All in all I'm very happy with my purchase and recommend it to vocal harmony or big-band jazz fans. If you perform vocal or instrumental jazz this set is Highly recommended ear-training.

SU is not for everybody. It's not dance music or sing-a-long music. It's listening music that demands attention to fully appreciate.