The internet is full of fun and unexpected treasures to be discovered from time to time. This one comes to me from the Kim Komando site. Kim is a computer advisor with her own nationally syndicated radio program and a series of web sites and email newsletters filled with uncommonly good advice.
Kim also features a Video of the Day in one of her newsletters. Today she included a you-tube clip of an enchanting remake of “Africa” originally sung by the 1980’s rock band ToTo. The original song was nearly left out of the Toto IV album because the band had become almost tired of it in rehearsals and it was very different from the normal sound of the band with unusual instrumental and percussion tracks. But the song hit #1 on the Billboard charts in February 1983 and became the most recognizable song from the band and was featured in all the bands tours until their eventual break up in 2008.
This video version is performed by Perpetuum Jazzile – a Slovenian a cappella jazz choir (?!!) with 40– 50 members. The video opens with the band recreating an African rain storm with their hands (and occasional thunder from their feet). You will enjoy the show. (approx 6 min 17 sec). A group since 1983, Perpetuum Jazzile is the only Slovenian jazz choir. (Slovenia is located between Austria and Croatia in Eastern Europe). They have four albums (none available on Amazon – I am working on a European order). They have several of their songs streaming on their MySpace page. No instruments here – all effects and percussion are voice.
Enjoy
My source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ip-N0H1Ig
Ted - Great post... First, I love Kim Kommando's radio show and newsletters. She offers great tech tips and they are all available free from her website. Second, nice find on the jazz choir... great presentation... I loved the start of the video with the snaps, slaps and jumps...
Ted - absolutely fantastic. I listen to Kim sometimes but missed this. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Ryan and Mike for stopping by. Nice to see you.
I should mention that I have linked the original ToTo version under the "originally sung" words in the paragraph about the ToTo version. Also, if you enjoy the Perpetuum Jazzile sound, I provided a link to the group's myspace page which has several of their songs available to listen to on line. Great stuff.
Ted,
They were a pleasure to listen to.
Thanks, Hugh - always trying to brighten your day
Ted,
Thank you. That was a nice uplifting video. It's always nice to have a change of pace...a break from some of the heavy lifting going around these days, so....
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Thanks, Rebecca, for feature. I hope everybody enjoys this clip as much as I did. The song is familiar and an old favorite of mine. The arrangement and treatment of the material is fresh and new. The group is made up of talented young people and I welcome their transfusion of energy to their listeners.
There are a number of songs on You-Tube.com by this group. Search for "Perpetuum Jazzile"
enjoy
Ted,
Amazinf and well spent 6+ minutes. It was really uplifting.
Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia until its violent break-up relatively recently. You really bring terrific stuff
Ted,
Funny to come across your post... 1/2 hour ago I got a facebook note from a friend with the same link! I had to listen to the video twice... it was really great, and one of my favorite songs! Thanks for letting more folks know about this amazing group.