Straight No Chaser
Concert review in a few words: Funny, haunting, beautiful, wonderful.
Expanded:
There are few concerts where I enjoy every moment and every song. This was one such show. I love vocal performance from solo to quartets to choirs. Each has its nuances and advantages. Since I was in choir in 7th and 8th grades, I have a bit of insight into the work involved to get several voices all working together to bring a song to life. Last night's show at the Royal Oak Music Theater in Royal Oak, MI was an excellent example of when the work pays off.
The guys were funny and playful with both the crowd and each other. The fact that they like each other showed very well. They were joking with each other as much as the set up jokes for the crowd. And that camaraderie came through in the music as well. In order to achieve the tightness needed to make a cappella work, you need to like and respect each other. With a choir, it's easy to hide the imperfections. With only 10 voices, even one out of place becomes glaringly obvious. And I heard none out of place last night. I don't have a perfect ear by any means, but this cooperation and dedication to the work and music was a joy to hear.
Known for their Christmas music, they did many of the classics, both done normally and some slightly twisted. They did everyone's favorite, 12 Days of Christmas, in their own unique style as well as my personal favorite, Carol of the Bells, in the traditional style. Both were perfect examples of vocal done right. The final encore, O Holy Night, was performed with no speakers or amplification of any kind. I doubt anyone in the theater had trouble hearing it. It was beautiful and haunting and brought some to tears.
They also gave some wonderful examples of non-Christmas music including covers of Amy Winehouse (Rehab) and Red Hot Chili Peppers(The Bridge). I'm really looking forward to their coming non-Christmas CD (Records? Really? ;) ) due out in the spring.
If you get the chance to see these guys in concert, go. Do not pass up the chance, do not collect $200, just go. You won't regret it.
Expanded:
There are few concerts where I enjoy every moment and every song. This was one such show. I love vocal performance from solo to quartets to choirs. Each has its nuances and advantages. Since I was in choir in 7th and 8th grades, I have a bit of insight into the work involved to get several voices all working together to bring a song to life. Last night's show at the Royal Oak Music Theater in Royal Oak, MI was an excellent example of when the work pays off.
The guys were funny and playful with both the crowd and each other. The fact that they like each other showed very well. They were joking with each other as much as the set up jokes for the crowd. And that camaraderie came through in the music as well. In order to achieve the tightness needed to make a cappella work, you need to like and respect each other. With a choir, it's easy to hide the imperfections. With only 10 voices, even one out of place becomes glaringly obvious. And I heard none out of place last night. I don't have a perfect ear by any means, but this cooperation and dedication to the work and music was a joy to hear.
Known for their Christmas music, they did many of the classics, both done normally and some slightly twisted. They did everyone's favorite, 12 Days of Christmas, in their own unique style as well as my personal favorite, Carol of the Bells, in the traditional style. Both were perfect examples of vocal done right. The final encore, O Holy Night, was performed with no speakers or amplification of any kind. I doubt anyone in the theater had trouble hearing it. It was beautiful and haunting and brought some to tears.
They also gave some wonderful examples of non-Christmas music including covers of Amy Winehouse (Rehab) and Red Hot Chili Peppers(The Bridge). I'm really looking forward to their coming non-Christmas CD (Records? Really? ;) ) due out in the spring.
If you get the chance to see these guys in concert, go. Do not pass up the chance, do not collect $200, just go. You won't regret it.