The Ray Conniff Singers

The sound of the Ray Conniff Singers is the ultimate expression of mid-century optimism, characterized by a 'wall of voices' that functions more like an orchestral section than a traditional choir. It is bright, bouncy, and impeccably arranged, often featuring wordless vocalizing that doubles the melody of the brass or woodwinds. The music carries a distinct rhythmic 'shuffle' that makes even the most sentimental ballads feel light on their feet.

What truly distinguishes this group is Ray Conniff's unique arranging technique where he treated the human voice as an instrument. Instead of the singers leading with lyrics, they often provide rhythmic punctuation or harmonic textures that blend seamlessly with the trombone and trumpet sections. This creates a shimmering, stereo-optimized experience that was designed to show off the high-fidelity home audio systems of the 1960s.

For the best introduction, start with their mid-60s movie theme collections or their iconic holiday recordings. These tracks perfectly encapsulate the 'Conniff Shuffle' and the lush, effortless sophistication that made them staples of the easy listening era. It is music that doesn't demand your attention but rewards it with a sense of total, sunny composure.