Voice Trek: An A Cappella Trek

St. Paul, MN-based 3-woman, 2-man jazz quintet Voice Trek has a rich, clean, poised sound, and arrangements that can turn very familiar tunes like the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," Dave Brubeck's jazz anthem "Take Five," Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and Michel LeGrand's "Windmills of Your Mind" and turn them into new songs, unexpectedly tasty musical treats. There's a spirited, sassy cover of Rossini's "William Tell Overture" that would have the Swingles looking over their shoulders, Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon" becomes a (lightly accompanied) scattish, salsa romp, and Toto's "Rosanna" is a finger-snapping winner, as is Brazilian composer Manfredo Fest's energetic "That's What She Says." A bonus track, "America the Beautiful," was included "after the tremendous response from the a cappella community when they performed it at the West Coast Summit!" 11 songs, each a many-faceted gem. "An A cappella Trek," Voice Trek's 5th recording, is a joy from beginning to end, one of the best Vocal Jazz CDs we've heard this year!

Voice Trek: At Last!

Voice Trek established their reputation as one of the premiere vocal groups through the release of three seasonal albums (Christmas). For years they have been implored by fans to record a jazz record to which their lush harmonies are so suited. Thus, after 10 years of singing together, they recorded At Last. Three sisters, Shelley, Vicki, and Rae, are complemented by tenor Denis Alaire, and baritone Howard Hilde in this primarily accompanied selection of 9 songs which are each long enough for thorough expression.Though accompaniment includes a piano/bass/drum combo and midi, rich vocals toward the easy listening end of the jazz spectrum are substance of this recording.

Voice Trek: Celestial Voices of Harmony

Voice Trek: Celestial Voices of Peace

Twenty-strong, mixed-voice RSVP was founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Julie Adams, with the purpose of bringing people together through the arts and giving back to the community. They have presented uplifting and powerful live performances, donating all proceeds to to 15 local charities. RSVP's concerts have supported programs for the elderly, the abused, the neglected, the hungry, the poor, the illiterate and the homeless. We like the chosen purpose of this talented ensemble, and we love their music!

Voice Trek: Christmas Live

It's a contemporary jazz Christmas with bright, talented Voice Trek, Shelley Plaster, Vicki Plaster, Rae Plaster, Denis Allaire and Kevin Smith. There's only one a cappella cut on this CD, "Coventry Carol"- that said, the jazz accompaniment is hot, and this CD cooks! This is a great CD to heat up the crowd at your Christmas party. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" grabs you and slaps an eggnog in your hand. Just listen to the scat singing on "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." 12 songs, mostly of brilliantly arranged carols you may or may not recognize. Look out, Old Santa's back!

Voice Trek: The Lord's Prayer

Voice Trek: The Spirit Of Christmas

Three sisters - Rae, Vicki and Shelley - are the core of this mixed group's clean and contemporary jazz sound. About half accompanied, the CD begins with a Gene Puerling arrangement of "The Christmas Song" (a second Puerling chart, "Deck The Halls," is a cappella). Michele Weir's version of "A Child Is Born" (certainly one of the loveliest of Christmas carols) includes a vocal trombone solo by Denis Allaire. Phil Mattson's a cappella "Here We Come A Caroling" offsets the first verse with a delightful four-bar countermelody; it's these little touches that elevate a song from the pedestrian to the remarkable.

Voice Trek: Voices Of Light

An American six-piece ensemble featuring three sisters, Voice Trek has a fluid sound as smooth and light as just-fallen snow. The CD is mostly accompanied by piano and a restrained orchestra, and also combines elements of nature, such as birds chirping, church bells and valley streams. These added elements are pleasant and are used harmoniously, as in the gusts of wintery wind that introduce "The First Noel." "O Come, O Come Emanuel," "Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming" and "The Coventry Carol" are strictly a cappella.