Album Notes

This is where it all began, Talisman's first album.

Editorial Reviews
Sherry Winston | Jazz Flutist, Warlock Records
"Talisman is one of the most significant a cappella groups to come...a group truly worthy of national and international recognition."

Primarily A Cappella
"Diversity in people, through songs we unite. Talisman marked its genesis in 1990 and realized success in great proportions."

Mike Friedly | Author, Malcolm X: The Assassination
"To listen to them is to be trapped in the cadence of African song and the sentimentality of classic American music."

Christopher Harris | Author, Contemporary Books
"Even the most storied groups should take notice of this group emerging perhaps as the nation's finest."

Anton Armstrong, D.M.A. | Director, St. Olaf Choir
"The attention to nuance is most commendable as is the ensemble's pursuit of stylistically authentic performance techniques throughout the recording."

From the Artist
Talisman is a special experience dedicated to a common goal: to explore and express the musical stories or people from all over the globe. We think of ourselves as artists, students, and community members with the opportunity and obligation to support, reach out, and unify.

Musically, we aren't a typical a cappella group; we don't sing a lot of pop tunes. We sing substantive, cultural music from around the world - everything from rhythmic folk songs to rousing spirituals.

About the Artist

Talisman A Cappella was founded by Stanford University students to research and perform culturally substantive music. From its inception in October 1989, Talisman has been committed to the belief that harmoniously blending cultures of diverse origins creates the richest and most beautiful experience both in music and in life. Thus the group embraces varied musical genres and traditions, celebrating cultures not ordinarily represented by vocal ensembles. To challenge social and political injustice with both its music and its message has been an ambition central to Talisman since the group's founding.

Talisman has already been honored to sing in some of the most exciting venues in the country. They have been featured on ABC News, National Public Radio, and in the New York Times. The group has been commended by Nelson Mandela, President Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mbeki, and NBA star Hakeem Olajuwon. In 1996 the group traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to perform at the Olympic Games. In 1997, Talisman won the National Collegiate A Cappella Championship, and sang before a full house at Carnegie Hall. In 1999, Talisman was honored to sing "Amazing Grace" for President Clinton and his family at the White House. In 2000, Talisman traveled to South Africa to take its music and message abroad. In association with the world respected Amy Biehl Foundation, Talisman sang at elementary schools, high schools, and churches in the townships of Cape Town, South Africa.

Although such exposure has placed Talisman in extreme demand both on and off campus, the group continues to share its music with those who would otherwise be unable to experience it. Thus Talisman often gives either free or benefit performances in hospitals, elementary schools, retirement homes, and community outreach centers throughout the San Francisco Bay area.

Performed with: - The Chieftains - Urban Bush Women - Blind Boys of Alabama - Featured on "Now and Then: From from to Seniors," a follow-up film to the critically acclaimed 1993 documentary "Frosh: Nine Months in a Freshman Dorm."