Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers

Subject: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 01 Mar 00 - 11:32 PM

I'm always on the lookout for tunes to post to Mudcat MIDI's, and now in particular I'm trying to track down some vocal harmony arrangements that we can share. I'm told that the King's Singers has published a 25th Anniversary Collection, but cannot find it in print here.

If someone has a copy could you please advise me of the songs contents page please. Given my limited understanding of their repertoire it is entirely possible that they will have some songs of interest to this Forum.

Many thanks in advance, John

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Callie
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 01:11 AM

John:

I have bought their Beatles book and Irish folk song book through Amazon. The Irish one was very disappointing - lots of over the top, inappropriate arrangements for songs that don't really require intricate 'clever' arrangements at all. The Beatles book is funnier. My group does "Can't Buy Me Love" from that book. It's in madrigal style!

Maybe other books they have published would be of interest to Catters, but I can honestly say that I don't think the ones I own would be.

--Callie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: GeorgeH
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 06:48 AM

I'd say that very little of the King's Singers repetoire is of direct relevence to Mudcat, although (knowing what an eclectic lot we are!) I'd guess much of it would be of interest. (Their repetoire is distinctly broad! "Timepiece" is the only recording we've felt was musically strong enough to want to buy, but that's more a strong preference for hearing that sort of vocal harmonising "live" rather than in our living room.)

G.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 07:43 AM

I feel it's a case of knowing, without knowing, that it wouldn't fit here.

I would sooner listen to gangsta rap than those Brian Sewell soundalike voices sounding like some pompous dickheads harmonising about the pleasures of LSD. I've sat through a military brass band doing Lucy in the Sky in march time, which was anathema to me.

I apologise for the strident opinion, and while conceding we are the broadest musical church, I feel this dooby dooby stuff with silly facial movements is beyond our gazette.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 05:44 PM

Thanks for the feedback all - Skipjack, could you please let us know your real opinion instead of pussy-footing around the subject. We're all grown-ups here! Consider the subject dead. Regards, John

PS If anyone has access to any collections that have relevant folk harmonies please let us know. Between those of us who notate tunes we can share the load to get at least some of them done.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 05:47 PM

Come on Skipjack -the King singers wore those very nice polo necks and pringle sweaters......

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Callie
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 06:14 PM

Thanks Skipjack. You translated my thread very well!! Send me an invoice ....

--Callie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Callie
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 06:16 PM

John: If after this tiarade you're still keen to see some sheet music, e-mail me your postal details. I'd be happy to oblige. --Callie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 06:21 PM

Callie, is their version of Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' an interesting arrangement? I've seen SSAA and SATB MIDIs of this song kicking around the Web but am not sure of their lineage. Thanks again, John

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 06:23 PM

Hey, if I wanted to listen to the spoken word, Brian Sewell would be very close to the top of the list. The fact that I may listen to folk music does not mean I have to be deaf to the music of properly spoken English. I also like the sound of various Caribbean patios.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Callie
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 08:11 PM

Funny you should mention that song. I do have their version of the song, but it's not very good. I have an EXCELLENT 4-part rrangement of the song, by Kirby Shaw. My quartet sings it after hearing it performed by Isabella A Cappella (from Lismore). I'd be happy to copy it and send it to you - it's absolutely beautiful to sing and very satisfying to hear. I've never heard Billy's version, but after hearing Kirby Shaw's, I'm not sure I need to! --Callie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Helen
Date: 02 Mar 00 - 08:46 PM

John,

My sister ordered soem folk tune music in parts from Celtic Southern Cross Celtic Southern Cross music in Tasmania. Some very nice although fairly simple/easy arrangements of some Irish standards e.g. some jigs, some airs, and also some O'Carolan tunes. Prices were very reasonable and they were friendly & prompt. (Disclaimer: I am not in any way connected to this company)

Have a look at their catalogue. They send you a hard copy of the catalogue if you ask them for it too.

http://www.tassie.net.au/~celtic/order.html

Helen

Subject: RE: Mudcat Harmonies - King's Singers
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 03 Mar 00 - 09:16 AM

Richard, I'm struggling to think what a Carribean patio sounds like, but I know I'd like it better than the subject matter in hand!

John, I am a nasty cruel narrow minded bigot, and I now publish a fulsome apology for my tirade.

Each to their peculiar own, and vive la difference. You'd lauch buckets if you crawled around my record collection. I've even got Big War Movie Themes!

Good luck to yer mate, and if my road to Damascus conversion comes, you will be the first to know.

Sorry

Skipjack