Friday Night Jazz

[seldear]

Went to a concert at my old church: ‘Freedom in the Groove: a Night of Jazz.’ Performers included the a capella band ‘Idea Of North’, jazz singer Emma Pask, and musical legend James Morrison.

Awesome. I can’t describe just how awesome in words.

It was groove, gospel, jazz, and an awesome amount of fun. I haven’t been to a concert in years, and I loved it. Ended up buying all four of the ‘Idea of North’ albums for $80. Okay, so I liked their music! They sing a capella which means it’s without instruments, just voices. And they sang both some beautifully complex ones and sweetly simple ones. Probably my favourite one was the German song, ‘Mein hut der hat drei ecken’ - or ‘My Hat It Has Three Corners’ - where they sang it through twice, then kept singing it through, but began replacing words with noises. So, first it was ‘My *pop* it has three corners,’ then ‘My *pop* it has three *whistle*,’ and just kept going, until it was all noise.

‘Idea of North’ were probably my favourite performers of the evening. I love four-part harmony, and the kind of vocal skill that it takes to keep in tune, in control, and with such delicacy... distant_cord, you have to hear their version of Sarah McLachlan’s ‘When She Loved Me’ from ‘Toy Story 2’. I have it on disc! And they made the less serious ones (and even some of the serious ones) very funny! You should see them perform the old hymn ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’ - they ‘air-guitar’ their instruments: double bass, banjos, and trumpets. Howling. Simply howling.

Not to diss the others, of course. Emma has an incredible voice - the kind of voice more often found in black gospel singers than statuesque blonde women. Con Campbell is an Australian saxophonist, and he was great fun. And words can’t describe James Morrison. He played trombone, trumpet and piano in the course of the night along with the members of his band - who all had hairstyles from the ‘60s and ‘70s. *giggle* So funny. But the music was mindblowing.

Currently listening to Idea of North’s rendition of ‘Man In The Mirror’. And you should have heard their encore piece. ‘Staying Alive’ - no, really! The tenor sang the vocals with occasional harmony from the others. Their bass singer is absolutely stunning.

So, I had a good night. Anyone else?

Comments

[iainc.livejournal.com]

Sounds like it would have been an awesome evening. I must admit to being somewhat of a jazz person myself :)

Emma Pask does have a very nice voice, and quite often you will find her singing on some of James Morrison's albums (In particular i'm thinking of his album 'Three Minds'). And what can you say about James. Definately a musical legend.

Never heard of 'Idea of North', but they sound really good. Will have to go searching for some of their music :)

All I can say is, wish I was there *bg*

[hwcarnage.livejournal.com]

>>Sarah McLachlan’s ‘When She Loved Me’ from ‘Toy Story 2’<<

So thats who sarah mclachlan is, i like that song :)

[seldearslj.livejournal.com]

It's such a lovely, sweet, sad song. *sniffles*