Contemporary a cappella
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Contemporary a cappella is a genre in which contemporary popular music is sung a cappella: without accompaniment by instruments. The songs may be original works in a popular style, or may be covers of popular songs, arranged for a cappella voices. There are many professional groups around the world, as well as recreational groups (aka "weekend warriors") and a growing number of contemporary a cappella choruses.
Contemporary a cappella is increasingly found on college campuses. See collegiate a cappella, and a number of high school (usually "college prep") groups are forming, emulating college groups.
Contemporary a cappella grew out of the traditions of barbershop and doo-wop, both of which were, at their inception, contemporary a cappella, reflecting the contemporary music of their time.
Contemporary a cappella can include a number of elements not commonly found in these older styles. The most prominent is probably the use of vocal percussion, in which one or more group members use their mouths to imitate drums and other percussion instruments. These vocal percussionists usually fill the role a drum set or drum machine plays in a more traditional popular music group. In addition, the voice is used to replicate instruments and weave complex textures. Nowadays, there are a cappella groups that sing in every style of music: pop, rock, jazz, classical, bossanova, sea shanty, etc.
Professional groups that are noted for performances in the contemporary a cappella style include The Bobs, The House Jacks, Boyz Nite Out, The EDLOS, Da Vinci's Notebook, and Rockapella.
External links
- [1] (http://www.casa.org) The Contemporary A Cappella Society (of America), aka CASA, is a great place to find out more about contemporary a cappella.
- [2] (http://www.a-cappella.com) a-cappella.com is the definitive online source for a cappella recordings and sheet music.
- [3] (http://www.totalvocal.com) TotalVocal: a cappella arrangements, coaching, directing, production.
- www.collegiate-acappella.com (http://www.collegiate-acappella.com/CA-Directory.html) - directory of college a cappella groups.