Voices instrumental in group's unique sound

by Mary Eileen O'Connor features editor

If you have found yourself bumming along to the recent Folgers Coffee commercials, you may have wondered who that group of guys are that bas helped put the "doo-wop" in a morning cup of java.

They are Rockapella, an a cappella group of five guys who are bitting the big time with their appearance in the Folgers commercial and a newly released CD, entitled "Don't Tell Me You Do." This is their fourth United States release, and despite their very American sound, their largest following bas been in Japan. This new CD is their first release on a United States record label.

The five hip guys that make up the group are Barry Carl, Elliot Kerman, Scott Leonard, Jeff Thatcher and Kevin Wright. Rockapella's style evolved from street-comer barbershop harmony into a mix of rock, pop, jazz and R&B.

Original members Carl, Kerman and Leonard first started performing on New York City street comers when they came together in 1987 (Thatcher and Wright joined in the mid '90s.). They began gaining recognition and have since performed around the United States and toured extensively in Japan.

Rockapella have a small but strong following in the United States. Their biggest claim to fame is probably their five-year gig on the PBS children's game show "Where in the World is Cann.en Sandiego?" on which they spiced up the show with music and corny antics. In 1997, they won the Contemporary A Cappella. Recording Award for best artist of the year.

''Don't Tell Me You Do" is a fun, fresh and snappy new CD, with a great mix of rock. doo-wop and romantic songs. At first listen, Rockpella has a similar sound to Boys II Men or Backstreet Boys, but one thing separates those boys photo obtained from the Internet from these men-Rockapella does not use any musical instruments to make their music. The album rightly boasts that "all sounds on these tracks were made by the voices and appendages of Rockapella."

Once known as the band from the Fo/gers commercial, Rockapel/a is quickly gathering a U.S. following.

This seems impossible, especially on a song entitled simply, "Song." It sounds as though some type of synthesizer was used to make most of the noises and vocal inflections in the music.

As you listen, the fact that this album is 100 percent a cappella sinks in, and you can appreciate the immense talent of these guys. Their voices are incredibly seasoned

(Carl, the group's bass, performed with the New York City Opera) and perfectly blended.

One can only imagine bow much fun these guys bad when they got together to record this album. You will find yourself tapping your toes, snapping your fingers and singing along, trying desperately to match the guys' beautiful harmonizing. The title song, "Don't Tell Me You Do" is smooth and mellow, a prime example of their harmony.

The rhythms and lyrics of the songs "Have a Little Faith" and "Lift Up" are fun and upbeat and reflect the group's whimsical nature. They have the perfect music for working out. However, there are also several sentimental love songs. There is even a surprise 14th track.

The album is very fast-paced, structured in such a way that the songs are almost seamless, with very little pause between them. This does not allow the listener to really savor the songs, as they should be, and also creates confusion as to when one song begins and another ends.

Watching Rockapella perform live would almost certainly be more fun than listening to a recording. Although the group is currently touring throughout the United States, there are no concerts scheduled in this area in the near future.

Once you hear the spirited sounds of Rockapella, you will definitely want to hear more. In addition to their own albums, they have been featured on several compilations. Unfortunately, since six of their albums have been released in Japan, some are pricey and difficult to get a bold of.

Their music can be purchased online through their web site (www.rockapella.com) or at various online music stores. ''Don't Tell Me You Do" is available online and at music stores such as Sam Goody.

Hopefully, Rockapella's national exposure will gain them further popularity, allowing us to hear the unique stylings of this talented group for as long as there are street corners .