"Songs in Soul" by Heart to Heart

The human voice is said to be the first musical instrument and the most intimate expression of sound. Its tone vibration contains the seed of the divine. Sacred chants of the monastic traditions recently have made their way internationally to myriad radio airwaves and hit record charts. The resurgence and success of this ancient form of vocal music says something about the beauty, power and purity about a group of people singing a capella (without instrumental accompaniment).

In the1950s, street corner "doo-wop" groups composed of young men with slick hair and tight pants crooned harmonious songs of teen yearning without the aid of drums or electric guitars. Barbershop quartets were the rage of the 1890s. Early recordings from the 1920s reveal Gospel a cappella vocal groups whose rhythmic, soul-stirring songs of praise featured tight instrument-like arrangements.

With the groundbreaking recording Graceland, songwriter Paul Simon brought the world's attention to the fabulous a cappella music of the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Anyone who has even only heard the ubiquitous TV commercial for Lifesavers candy knows the rich, sweet quality of this group's sound.

Following in those a cappella traditions is Heart to Heart, a spirited young vocal group from Ghana, West Africa. Songs in Soul in their second and latest CD release.

Recorded at Creative Aire Studios in Minnetonka, Minn., while the group was on a recent U.S. tour, the CD opens with "Spiritual Exercises." Heart to Heart's music pulsates and pops with soulful African rhythms and melodies that just urge you to sing with them. Leader Selasee Atiase has a warm, sweet tenor voice that glides and dances on the bubbling foundation provided by the other seven members of the group. In the frothy mix of sound, you can hear the jingling of Afro-pop guitars and vocalese trumpets. Bassman Richard Henries provides a pumping, thumping vocal bottom that invites you to kick off your shoes and dance for joy.

"Where the HU Goes" is a direct throwback to the doo-wop sound of the '50s except the love here, as in the poetry of Rumi, refers to the mystical wine of the divine. The Teen Angels here are singing in a higher, universal key. In the musical style of traditional gospel vocal combos, plus some contemporary mouth percussion and Take 6-type arrangements, "By the Riverside" is an up tempo, finger-snappin' meeting with remarkable spiritual masters of the Varagi, like Peddar Zaskq (Paul Twitchell). "Jama for the Mahanta" is an exuberant African jam session that shows Ghanaian traditional vocal style with percussion, xylophones and drumming. "Amazing HU," which showcases tight vocal harmonies and a swinging groove, updates the classic "Amazing Grace" in a rhythmic, soulful mix that is at once both relaxed and exciting.

In addition to the outstanding a capella songs, there are some beautiful, uplifting pop-style songs like "Attributes of Soul" and "Heaven is Here," as well as several soothing instrumentals along with the required spiritual rap song for the teen set.

The CD Songs in Soul is not only soulful, spiritual and swingin', it will put a smile on your heart.

CDs and tapes by Heart to Heart are available on the web at http://songs4soul.homestead.com, can be purchased by sending a check for $15, plus $2.50 for shipping, to: Love for All, P.O. Box 750278, Torrey Utah 84775, or leave a voice message at (952) 903-4078.