Roomful of Teeth

Founded in 2009 by Brad Wells, Roomful of Teeth consists of eight classically-trained vocalists. During their annual residency at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the ensemble has studied Tuvan throat singing, belting and pop techniques, yodeling, Inuit throat singing and, in their summer 2012 residency, new techniques from Sardinia and Korea. Roomful of Teeth's debut album features seven composers who each incorporate the ensemble's polystylistic virtuosity in unique ways. From Rinde Eckert's neo-alpine yodel "Cesca's View" to Caleb Burhans's post-minimalist take on bel canto singing in "No", the album breathes fresh life into the a cappella landscape. One of this generation's most dynamic vocal talents, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs, contributes two stunning compositions. Garbus's tunes find a range of world-inspired grooves, from African pygmy yodels, Inuit rhythmic pulsing, and Appalachian hymn tunes to bracing eastern European belting, all filtered through her powerful compositional voice. New Amsterdam co-directors Judd Greenstein, Sarah Kirkland Snider, and William Brittelle each contribute debut pieces highlighting Roomful's blazingly unique skill set.