TheCoolJew.com Review of New Maccabeats Album by Mordy Tiefenbrunn

You know פסח is coming when the ספירה albums start rolling in. Hot off the presses, the first of this year’s brand-new a cappella CDs is already a smash hit! Voices from the Heights, the handiwork of the YU-based a cappella group, the Maccabeats, was released yesterday in conjunction with a largely attended release concert and after party. The group has been around already for three years, giving performances at different functions, שמחות, and parties throughout the tri-state area and even beyond. Consisting of 14 young men, the group has 4 high tenors, 4 low tenors, 3 baritones, and 3 basses, each one individually talented and together a blend of beautiful harmonies, rhythm, and melody.

The album itself is a masterpiece, each song was arranged by members of the group themselves and recorded and mixed by Mike Boxer, of Six13 fame.

The CD starts with a fun and upbeat song, Ma Rabu, originally from the London Girls Choir, re-arranged by the group’s leader, Chaim Horowitz, and beat boxed by Meir Shapiro, the group’s vocal percussionist.

Next is a slow, emotional, and powerful Hebrew song called Arim Roshi, which discusses how although at times things may seem bleak, we always can turn to Heaven and raise our heads up high to overcome any struggle we may be faced with.

Featured on this album is the Maccabeats’ very own arrangement of their original Lecha Dodi, set to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. As this is clearly “their song”, the song that brought them together as a group as well as the first one performed under the name “Maccabeats”, in my opinion it is the best track on the CD.

The song “Shaleshudis Medley” contains classic oldies but goodies, “Ein Aroch” and “Kol B’rama”. This track also features a special guest star, Mr. Richard Joel, President of Yeshiva University himself, singing as lead vocalist in the second half of the track.

Lastly, in a surprise bonus track, the Maccabeats get their groove on with an excellent cover of Matisyahu’s hit, One Day, off of his newest album, as well as the official song of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

This CD will make a wonderful addition to its peers in the A Cappella world, such as Six13 and A.K.A. Pella. Just in time before ספירה, you will cherish the vocals, harmonies, and beats of this wonderful album.