In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones.
The Singers Unlimited produced 15 albums of material over about a decade of recording together, plus innumerable recordings for commercials, background vocals, etc. The ensemble itself, and all 15 albums, were vital in shaping my approach to vocal harmony, arranging, and singing. Just check out the wall in my family room…
But the album that I turn to when I need to be uplifted by music is A Capella III. As its title suggests, it is the third and final of the three exclusively a cappella albums TSU recorded. (Actually, it’s the fourth if you count Christmas.) It was release in 1980, the ensemble’s penultimate release.
When I first got my copy of Magic Voices – the remastered seven-CD boxset released in 1998 – the first track I put on was the heavenly “All The Things You Are.” Headphones and a DiscMan, and I melted.
The album is replete with splendors. “All The Things You Are” might be my first go-to track but I love the album immoderately from beginning to end.
From the great six-part swing a cappella writing of “Sweet Lorraine” to the experimental sounds of “One More Time, Chuck Corea” (which somehow became a hit on the marching band scene?!) to Gene Puerling’s utterly transformative reimagining of Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”, the album delights throughout. The songs selected range from jazz and standards to Americana (“Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair” and “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”) to Seventies pop tunes (“Someone To Light Up My Life” and “The Way We Were”).
I can’t recommend the album highly enough, and still learn new things with successive listenings. It’s one of my touchstones.
Touchstones is an ongoing series of posts I’ll be writing during the COVID-19 season, reflecting on the works of art that support me in times of upheaval. I encourage you to make a list of your own “touchstones” and if you like, share them with me to publish here.