Sam Vigil Jr.'s Music Page

"I've got music, I've got rhythm ... Who could ask for anything more?"

Top Deck, my NEW barbershop quartet: since April 2000

My previous barbershop quartet, Northern Lights: 1996-1999

What's a Singing Valentine?

Page Contents: On this page you'll find information and links to my music interests and loves:

• Barbershop Quartet Music and the Barbershop Harmony Society
• Other a cappella music and CASA
• Contemporary Christian Music
• Some of my favorite Jazz artists
• Hawaiian Music Sources, and this isn't that "tourist" kind of Hawaiian music you hear at the touristy places ... it's often called "local" music, too
• My other music interests and favorite artists

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I've been a "barbershopper," singing four-part a cappella harmony, for about 15 years as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.)

Find barbershop arrangements, recordings, and related paraphenalia at the Harmony Marketplace: harmonymarketplace.com

Top Deck, my NEW barbershop quartet: since April 2000

From 1996 to 1999, I sang in Northern Lights.

I sing Lead, which is usually the melody (second tenor range) around which the other three parts harmonize.

I've been actively involved in three SPEBSQSA chapters: Honolulu's Aloha Chapter, Sounds of Aloha Chorus (1985-1994); and the Modesto (California) Chapter, Modesto Melody Makers (1982-1985) (now defunct). I've sung in both the choruses and a few quartets.

Besides singing, I've also been active in chapter administration, serving on the chapter board and chairing PR & Marketing activities. I've also been involved in planning and holding the 1996 and 2000 Evergreen District Conventions in Portland, both hosted by the Greater Portland Chapter.

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More a cappella music information & locations:

CASA (Contemporary A Cappella Society of America) Home Page @ www.CASA.org, a great resource for many things a cappella, including hundreds of links

Find and purchase a cappella music -- charts and recordings:

• Mainely Acappella: www.a-cappella.com
• Primarily Acappella: www.singers.com/

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Contemporary Christiam Music Links to some of my favorite artists

• CCM Online, Contemporary Christian Music Magazine's Website, including a comprehensive U.S. tour schedule
• Glad is one of my favorite groups. They're a fine-sounding band also known for their tight harmonies; they've done several a cappella recordings.
• Acappella, the group, and The Acappella Company
• 4 Him, a great foursome with a terrific sound. I met them at an autograph party here in Portland, and then they sang a great a cappella medley. I'd sure love to hear them do an all a cappella album!
• Twila Paris, Christian Songwriter of the Year for the second year in a row
• Amy Grant: OK, I'll admit it, I've liked Amy Grant's music since about 1980 or so.

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Jazz:

Mt. Hood Jazz Festival -- right here in my neighborhood

• John Pizzarelli -- terrific young stylist
• Jane Monheit -- great young artist
• Michael Civisca -- close your eyes while listening and who comes to mind? Just like a young chairman of the board
• Earl Klugh
• Bob James
• Flim and the BB's
• Pat Metheny Group Listener Network-- Berklee Commencement Address 1996
• Michael Franks
• Kenny Rankin
• Mel Torme -- Biography || Discography || Biography 2
• Jazz Online
• Jazz 101 at JazzOnline
• JazzSpace

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Hawaiian Music:

While living in Hawaii I grew to love and enjoy much of the local Hawaiian music, which is rarely that steel guitar stuff that's stereotypically thought of as Hawaiian that you frequently find in all the tourist places, although a lot of good Hawaiian music does make use of the "Hawaiian steel guitar."

• Wink's Hawaiian Music Webpage

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Other Faves:

• James Taylor, one of my all-time favorites. I got to see James in concert once in Portland's Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
• Tom Chapin -- He writes music for the family -- adults and kids -- that the whole family of all ages can enjoy together. Check out "Zag Zig." It's a great release that my daughter and I like to listen to over and over ... without getting tired of it! And, yes, he's Harry Chapin's brother. We were in the TV studio audience when Tom was here in Portland in the mid-'90s.
• Kenny Loggins
• The Moody Blues
• Mannheim Steamroller and American Gramaphone

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