CD REVIEW: Sonos takes a cappella vocals to cutting edge

By Diana Nollen

The a cappella shape-shifters known as Sonos are reinventing the wheel.

The sextet based in Los Angeles is leaping out of the vocal jazz genre to create their own sound in whatever mode their mood takes them.

On their debut disc, “SonoSings,” they play with vibes from world music and ethereal realms to funk and urbane grooves. The result is a mesmerizing seduction of soundscapes.

The entire collection takes songs recorded by the likes of Radiohead, Bjork, the Jackson 5 and Depeche Mode and turns them upside down and inside out to make them all sound utterly new. You may recognize a phrase here and there, but you won't recognize the songs in their bold, new finery.

They keep Bon Iver's gentle flavor on “Re: Stacks,” but add a supporting line with little glimpses reminiscent of the African phrasing in “Circle of Life.” 

One of the best surprises is the way they beautifully age “I Want You Back,” turning the Jackson 5's boyish pop sound into lovely, mature jazz.

Other highlights are the dreamy feel of Imogen Heap's “Come Here Boy” and the New York sophistication of Rufus Wainwright's “Oh What a World.”

“Joga” is still as out there as Bjork, but “White Winter Hymnal” - already pretty when sung by Fleet Foxes - is even more beautiful when Jessica Freedman's glorious voice floats it to the heavens.

This exciting new ensemble will make its Iowa debut Saturday night, May 3, at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. The show is sure to be stunning.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.legionarts.org/music/Sonos.htm or www.sonosings.com

Title: “SonoSings”

Artist: Sonos

Label: Verve Forecast

Performance: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $14 in advance at www.midwestix.com or $18 at the door