WagooMusic

We are down to twelve groups on the Sing-Off and tonight the first six groups that survived are back.

Tonight is even harder, as the groups will have two rounds to prove themselves: first round, reinvent one of today’s hottest chart toppers and second round, they must re-imagine the biggest hits of the 1960s.

All the groups kick off the show singing “Somewhere only We Know” by Keane…a song also done by Glee in the past. Time to get your own songs here the Sing-Off.

Vocal Point is first to hit the stage, who was missing member Ben during the first show so he could go home to his sick father. We find out this episode that his dad has passed away from leukemia…such a sad story. So, in honor of Ben, they will be singing “Never Say Never” by Justin Bieber. this was a solid performance. Bieber is not one of my favorite singers and I enjoyed this song. very entertaining and good choreography.

The all-female super group, Delilah, is back for their second chance. They’ll be singing “Whataya Want from Me” by Adam Lambert. they struggled in the warm-ups for this song and for me, it continued into this performance. they tried these different harmonies being built upon each other and it just seemed awkward to me. it improved as the song went on, but to me I wasn’t impressed.

Urban Method, featuring the show’s first rapper, makes it way back to the stage. their song will be from the Black Eyed Peas, “Just Can’t get Enough.” and folks, we have my new favorite in the competition. this performance was amazing. the arrangement was so good and the rapping…phenomenal! he did so good and they all worked that stage. Loved it!!!

Now time for my original favorite, Afro-Blue…can they win it back? They’re trying to bring their jazz sound to “American Boy” by Estelle. Standing ovations were given for this performance, but to me they didn’t win it back yet. I thought the performance was great with a great lead vocal…I just wanted more from them.

The YellowJackets are trying their hand at “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz. I was thinking they would do awesome with this song and they did not disappoint. it was very fun and energetic. they had a few guys come out and be in the spotlight, which was cool.

Kinfolk 9, in the bottom two last week, is looking to redeem themselves this week. they will be singing “Price Tag” by Jessie J, a favorite of mine. this started out slow for them and I thought no way they are redeeming themselves, but towards the end they pulled it together. Not the best, but ended better then it started.

We switch it from today’s radio hits to hits from the 1960s and Delilah is up first with “Heat Wave” by Martha & the Vandellas. this was cute and fun, which I think most of these songs will be from that era. it was, however, just there for me…nothing too special with the performance.

Next up is Urban Method singing “Dance To the Music” by Sly & the Family Stone. Now, I think this is going to be a good one. After watching it, I was disappointed. I think these groups are going to struggle through these ‘60s songs. the bass was very good for the performance, but it was just fun and cute up there…again, nothing special for me.

Vocal Point takes on the Rat Pack when they come out singing “The way You look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. and they proved me wrong…these all won’t be just fun and cute. this was a darn good performance. they had moves and great vocals. Sinatra would be proud.

Will they officially win me back? with “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye I think Afro-Blue can. and win me back they did. the arrangement, I thought, was very well done. they are an excellent group and had plenty of soul. Great job!

Moving it right along, the YellowJackets return to the stage singing “Can’t Take my Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli. Singing his heart out to Sara Bareilles, the vocals were really good. the all-guy groups nailed it with the ‘60s. Great choreography.

We are down to our last performance of the night. Kinfolk 9 ends the night singing “Let it Be” by the Beatles. What a great ending to the ‘60s era. that was an amazing performance. like Shawn Stockman said, they changed a Beatles song to make it have a gospel-feel. So powerful.

Now, sadly, one of these groups must be sent home. Vocal Point, Urban Method, YellowJackets and Afro-Blue are told they are safe. this leaves us with Delilah and Kinfolk 9. Which one will be going home??? another chance for Delilah, as Kinfolk 9 is sent home.

The Sing-Off airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

Follow Todd @tbetzold

You may want to concentrate on pop music. Singing lessons are available for every genre. however, all singers no matter what genre they sing all have to go through the same basic singing lessons in order to build a strong foundation. all singers have to know how to warmup. They are all taught the exercises used to gradually stretch their vocal chords in order to prevent damaging their voice. all singers have to learn how to breathe when singing in order to sound professional. Each and every singer must exercise in order to strengthen their diaphragm and the surrounding muscles. all singers have to practice, practice, and practice.

There is no way fast way round building a solid foundation for singing. in fact, this is so important that it is connected to whether you succeed or not. There are people who are convinced their voice suits a specific genre. Unfortunately, no matter how much they may love this genre of music they may be better with a different genre. When you take singing lessons you must ask your teacher to analyze your voice. he or she can give a professional opinion as to whether you should concentrate on pop or not. It could save you a lot of time if you know where your strengths are.

Pop is a genre that is enjoyed by most people whether they sing or listen. If your voice is right for pop music, singing lessons will show which range is right for you. you will also need to be taught how to interpret the songs you sing. This is done with your voice and also with your eyes, expression, body and hands. Pop may be a light genre but it also requires proper interpretation for the songs to be appreciated and enjoyed. Usually a singing course will allow you to try out many genres.

Sept. 9, 2011 |(0) Comments

Q.My curiosity about an unusual record, by the Jack Halloran Singers, prompted an Internet search, which directed me to one of your December 2001 columns.

That week you got a letter from Jack’s daughter confirming his 1957 original "little Drummer Boy."

That was one year before Harry Simeone’s famous version.

What I have is a 7-inch Columbia Transcription (ZPC-8684). The label also states: "Pressed in U.S.A. but Not Recorded By Columbia Records."

The label credits "The Jack Halloren Singers." A typo, perhaps?

- Kevin Blomgren, Springfield, Ill.

A. This recording is unusual in many ways. You have a Columbia custom pressing, the client here being St. Louis-based Griesedieck Brothers Brewery. The identification number points to this being a 1948 or ’49 production, which would only have been made at 78 rpm.

The "G/B" has a dual meaning; either Griesedieck Brothers or great Beer.

At first glance, one might think this disc contains typical radio commercials, such as the :30 and :60 spots so commonly heard. That’s not the case. "G/B for Me" is a complete, professionally produced 2:14 song. Apart from the message, it’s similar to most any popular recording at the time. The lyrics sing the praises of the brewery’s aging process.

The Griesedieck family began brewing beer more than 100 years ago. They’re well known in the Midwest.

As for the "Halloren" spelling, that’s an error. it should be Halloran.

Q.In the pop and rock vinyl era, there were many two-record albums, but sets of three or more were rare.

I remember only three: "All Things Must Pass" (George Harrison), the first "Woodstock" album, and Chicago’s "Live at Carnegie Hall." Are there any others?

- Warren Langlois, Racine, Wis.

A. even if we eliminate classical, jazz, soundtracks, various artists compilations, mail-order special products and foreign albums, there are still too many to list.

That said, here are just a few of the better known multi-disc sets by some of the vinyl era’s top artists:

Elvis Presley: "Elvis Aron Presley" (eight LPs); "A Golden Celebration" (six LPs); "Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Vol. 1" (four LPs); "The other Sides – Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Vol. 2" (four LPs)

Rod Stewart: "Storyteller – The Complete Anthology (1964-1990)" (seven LPs)

Eric Clapton: "Crossroads" (six LPs)

Bob Dylan: "Biograph" (five LPs)

Rolling Stones: "The Singles Collection – The London Years" (four LPs)

Frank Sinatra: "Trilogy: Past, Present, Future" (three LPs)

Kiss: "The Originals" (three LPs)

Supremes: "Anthology (1962-1969)" (three LPs)

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles: "Anthology" (three LPs)

Marvin Gaye: "Anthology" (three LPs)

Grateful Dead: "Europe ’72" (three LPs)

Neil Young: "Decade" (three LPs)

Paul McCartney: "Wings Over America" (three LPs)

The Band: "The Last Waltz" (three LPs)

Stevie Wonder: "looking Back" (three LPs)

Write Jerry Osborne at Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368; email him at or go to jerryosborne.com. World Features Syndicate