Watch American Harmony

American Harmony is a captivating documentary film that chronicles the fascinating world of competitive a cappella singing, following some of the country's top groups as they prepare for the National Harmony Sweepstakes Championship. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Aengus James, the film blends insightful interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and jaw-dropping musical performances to offer a unique glimpse into this popular and growing art form.

The story begins with a brief history of a cappella music, tracing its roots from African-American gospel choirs to the barbershop quartets of the early 20th century. From there, the film focuses on several groups from around the country with different musical styles and personalities. There's the jovial, all-male quartet 'Max Q', the soulful and dynamic 'Platinum', and the all-female 'Four Bettys', just to name a few.

As we follow these groups through their intense rehearsal schedules, we see first-hand the intricate process of building a flawless a cappella performance. The singers carefully craft each note, harmony, and dynamic shift, often spending months perfecting a single song. We also learn about the various techniques and styles used by different groups, from the traditional barbershop quartets to the more modern and edgy groups like 'The GrooveBarbers'.

Beyond the music, we also get a glimpse into the personal lives of the singers and the challenges they face. Some are young and still in college, struggling to balance school with their passion for music. Others are older and have families, trying to find time to rehearse and perform while also maintaining their careers. Still others have overcome personal struggles, such as addiction, to find a sense of community and belonging in their a cappella groups.

As the film builds towards the climactic National Harmony Sweepstakes Championship, we feel the excitement and tension mounting. The finalists are all top-notch, and the winning group will be decided by the thinnest of margins. We see the pressure weighing on the singers as they step onto the stage and pour their hearts and souls into their performances. The audience is drawn in by the spectacle of harmonies, which still manage to awe us even in our current age of technology.

Overall, American Harmony is a must-see documentary for anyone with an appreciation for music, particularly the power and beauty of unaccompanied vocal performances. The film provides a great introduction to the world and culture of a cappella, but also offers much to those who are already familiar with it. The spectacular voices and amazing harmonies heard throughout the film leave a lasting impression, making American Harmony a truly unforgettable experience.

American Harmony is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.