The Vocal Heritage Project

Andrew Kesler’s ambition and talent is nearly as broad as the Canadian sky he grew up under and he offers us an inside look into the formation and dynamics of Accent, a modern a cappella sextet who has been lauded as one of the most talented vocal groups anywhere by Hollywood composers and vocal jazz legends alike. Andrew also shares with us what it takes to be successful in the music business and where he sees vocal music heading next, as we wrap up this season of The Vocal Heritage Project.

What do you get with an autodidact who is raised in conductor’s family and on some of the most outstanding vocal jazz groups of the last 80 years? Simon Akesson, of course. Take a trip into the brilliant mind of this singer who forms part of the a cappella phenom group Accent and whose vocal range is nearly as unlimited as his creativity.

Tierney Sutton has been bringing her own approach to jazz vocals and arranging for three decades and we are all the better for it! Tierney takes us into the anatomy of approaching an arrangement differently and gives us a refreshing perspective on what it means to achieve success.

For a cappella fans from around the world, The Real Group lies on a pedestal few will ever achieve. Known for their flawless intonation, effortless blend, and impeccable arrangements that translate across cultures, the group has won fans the world over. Hear about the evolution of the group and some little-known stories from founding member, Katarina Henryson.

Bass extraordinaire Alvin Chea didn’t set out to become one of the vocal community’s most reputable sub-ledger-line singers, but he joined a quartet in college that would go on to be one of the most award-winning groups in modern history, Take 6. Alvin takes us beyond the music though, to share about a work ethic and life perspective that will lift you to your feet!

Mervyn Warren has had a prodigious talent at the keyboard and with harmony since childhood. He brought it to the fore as a member of Take 6, but his talents and influence extend well beyond. Hear how he was instrumental in shaping some of the most well-known recording projects and soundtracks in recent years and what he sees as key to enduring music.

Few have had the measure of success that Sally Stevens has enjoyed in her decades-long career as a versatile session singer and contractor.  Sally has been involved with projects for nearly every major composer in Hollywood and is a big part of the reason many movies sound the way they do.  She’s also a fierce advocate of singers’ rights and shares her wisdom on being successful in the singer community.

Known by many in the industry as a hitmaker, Ron Hicklin sang on over a hundred Billboard #1s and was responsible for bringing together the singers that would make many more. Ron takes us through Hollywood’s Golden Years of variety shows and jingles and shares about the sacrifices and the miracles of a successful recording project.

Known to many as the signature tenor lead of the legendary Hi-Lo’s vocal quartet, a group that set the standard for vocal groups for decades, Clark Burroughs describes an unlikely coming together of four singers who took jazz harmony to unheard-of heights in the 50’s and 60’s.  Hear behind-the-scenes stories of the Hi-Lo’s and how an unexpected reunion led them to some of their greatest moments together.

One of the most talented singers from the Big Band Era and then most distinguished philanthropists for the vocal and jazz communities, Ginny Mancini shares with us some moments that marked her life as a musician and what it felt like enjoying moments at the apex of popular music culture.