"Absolutely the best a cappella group in the world! (In my humble opinion.) I've loved Talisman since 1993, and have watched them grow from a talented college group to one of the most decorated and recognized vocal ensembles in the country. They deserve the awards - their consummate musicianship, their soaring harmonies, their clever arrangements and their eclectic, intelligent choice of songs raises them far above the pack. I've seen them sing at the Atlanta Olympics and memorably, in a South African townships - one Xhosa woman grabbed me in amazement and yelled, "They sing Xhosa like Xhosa people!" The real thing. Do yourself a HUGE favor and buy this CD. Buy two, even. You won't regret it for a minute."
Outstanding, surprising, thoughtful mix of quality music.
Esther Pan | 09/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This epic two-disc set is a refreshing mix of exotic, unusual tunes sung in unfamiliar tongues, and great standards expressed in fresh, unique ways. The striking thing about this music is its energy. Every track is sung with a thoughtful enthusiasm which makes it universal. The musicians are talented, and the composition and arrangements are brilliant."
A Choral Group That Shines
Perry Martin | Cheyenne, WY United States | 02/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been involved in choral music all my life and have become super critical of how people abuse their voices. Talisman is a group that deserves the highest praises. Their close harmony and precision, melded with real feeling, make them a pleasure to listen to."
This is the story of a group...
Christopher Van Houten | Chicago | 10/17/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Through a 2-disc compilation of music and a beautifully detailed insert, "Shine" leads the listener through the evolution of Stanford Talisman, America's most prestigious college a cappella group specializing in world music.
For those who, like myself, sing or have sung with a college a cappella group, the year-by-year account of the group's trials and breakthroughs resonates with familiarity and is quite inspirational. I couldn't help but thnk about how my group has been going through similar stages of rebirth recently.
The music also tells the story of the group. Fans of Talisman's recent album "Passage" will find "Shine" a much more humble album with most tracks having a traditional choral sound that in "Passage" is blended with more ambitious song choices and given more complex treatment.
But the simplicity of the songs in "Shine" does not imply a lack fo talent. Rather, it's a comforting album- the listener feels like the members of the group are friends from high school or from around the corner. You'll probably look back on the person who sang at your graduation or in all the school musicals and think, "They should join this group!". It's nice to listen to music with that kind of honesty and humility, when even the world of college a cappella is becoming overwhelmed with slick recording effects."