The Roches • The Hallelujah Chorus

I don't know if there is a better way to welcome in Sunday than with the "Hallelujah Chorus". But in saying that, I do hear a voice in my head that says "if you have the 'Hallelujah Chorus' sung by those sisters you like so much, that would be even better." So there we have it, if I bring Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy in for the song, that would make is amazing. So here it is, everyone, The Roches with their own version of "The Hallelujah Chorus".

To learn more about the Roches, visit the official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook. The "Hallelujah Chorus" can be found on their third album, "Keep On Doin'". You can purchase the album from iTunes and Amazon.

Sunday Morning with The Roches

On Thursday, I recalled the brilliant first album by three sisters who perhaps didn't have a great impact on Pop music, but certainly had a big one on me. I spoke about how I was introduced to them by my friend, Allen Moyer. But I also seem to remember seeing them on Saturday Night Live, bowling me over. I think they did an incredible a cappella version of the Hallelujah Chorus. And I thought that would be perfect for this Sunday morning.



The Roches acappella version of "Hallelujah Chorus" can be found on their third album, "Keep On Doin'". You can purchase the album from iTunes and Amazon.

Revisiting The Roches Debut Album

Left to Right: Maggie, Terre & Suzzy Roche.

When I think back, I have my friend Allen Moyer, now regularly designing sets for big time theater and opera, for this particular addiction. I remember when I was in college in Reading, Pennsylvania, working in the theater. Allen, who was a theater major at Penn State, would visit with designs and such, and stay for weekends. During one of those trips, I got to know Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy Roche. Well, at least their music. Allen was a fan, and shared it with me.



It was their eponymous debut, with some really incredible music on it. It was a breathe of fresh air when it was released in 1979, and I still listen to it. In fact, while writing this, I am playing it once again. But I can't think of a better way to introduce the sisters than to have them introduce themselves. Here is the first cut off the debut album, written by all three sisters. The Roches sing "We" at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in 2006.



They are smart, witty, and just a bit on the quirky side, but so gifted and amazing. The second cut on the album was "Hammond Song", a gorgeous song with such beauty, and such depth, it never fails to move me. In 1985, one of my favorite British singer/songwriters, Terry Hall, covered the song on with his band, Colourfield. Watch and listen as the Roche sisters deliver the goods.



That track is followed by the adorable "Mr. Sellack", another of my favorites. IT is a tale of the insecurities of youth, and the desperate need for that first job. There is a delightful youth in the songs, or at least captured in the spirit of the music. And if you have ever left a job, and had to go back to ask your boss for that job back, then you will understand exactly what Terre Roche thought when she wrote "Mr. Sellack".



Like "Hammond Song", "The Troubles" was written by Maggie Roche. Both exhibit a sophistication in the structure, and a real depth of spirit. The opening minute of the song sets the mood, with an emotional journey that follows, with all the worries and concerns, both real and a silly, that can come to mind. Listen to this gorgeous song, "The Troubles".



To learn more about Maggie, Terre & Suzzy, aka The Roches, visit their official website. You can find the debut album, The Roches on iTunes and Amazon. It is really a must have in any music collection. And one I still thank Allen Moyer for, all these years later.

Christmas Spirit

A very long time ago, my mother gave the speech that Santa Claus lived in all our hearts, and it is the joy, love, and giving that keeps his spirit alive. I might have scoffed a bit at the time, but now have to think it is true. I think it is fairly evident that there is plenty of Christmas Spirit in Rosemary Clooney when she sings Let It Snow.



And there is such joy and beauty when The Carpenters sing a Christmas Medley, it is hard to think otherwise. After all, the gorgeous sound made by Karen Carpenter whenever she sang had to have some affect on your spirit and mood.



If having Bing Crosby sing White Christmas wasn't special enough, when he is joined by Frank Sinatra to sing it could make it something that certainly shifts your spirits into an accelerated Christmas spirit, right?



And if Maggie, Terre and Suzzy Roche can't bring you to a new level in your Christmas spirit, I would have to think you need a check up from your doctor immediately. The sisters are a big part of my holiday soundtrack, so check out their Christmas Medley.



Merry Christmas Eve!

Worth Another Listen - The Roches

In the spirit of the memorial service held for Michael Jackson, I thought perhaps a nice video might be in order. So I thought of the Hallelujah Chorus, as sung by sisters Maggie and Terre and Suzzy, better known as The Roches.



Their use of harmonies is just mind-boggling to me. Their self-titled album was just a breathe of fresh air when it was released in 1979, and I still listen to it. They are smart, witty, and just a bit on the quirky side, but still amazing.



They also put out a Christmas CD that is one of my favorites of the season. I am so happy to pull out We Three Kings every Thanksgiving, just to hear them have such great fun with some classic music.



You can find out more about The Roches on their website.