Paul & all,..Here is a short demo example I recorded of the type of song arrangement I like to do in Studio multitracking using a TC Helicon Harmony M & Yamaha arranger S910.. song by a Philadelphia Doo Wopp group The "Four J's"
"By Love Possessed",....enjoy!..

Wonderful voice, as always, Donny...

But it illustrates why live harmonizer stuff rarely works with arrangers... The backing singers rarely EVER sing exactly what the lead voice does. They are often a call and response thing (like here, in several places) and support the lead singer, but with different timing.

It's really why I've never got into VH much. I don't do much Andrews Sisters or other 'Block Harmony' type stuff. It has been a dated style for well over 50 years. And I also agree with you: the less 'fakery' the better, unless you want the 'K' word used on you!

Thanx Diki...I highly agree with you, but, I had to learn what your saying the hard way...

Thank you Donny, very nice work!

Top notch stuff there Donny. I understand now why you'd use a back up vocal harmony on a tune like that one. Thanks for sharing!

Thanx everyone..it's the passing chordal harmonies that are always moving that complicate doing some songs live as Dave can also attest to...but at the end of the day no matter how you do it, because it has to sound at it's best to you & your audience.

take care..

I do love that track. Thanks Donny!

Joe