COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- Those not present at the sold out Packard Hall (in Colorado Springs, CO) on Saturday, April 8th missed an a cappella concert of the highest order. With the intimacy of a coffee house open mic night, the polish of a European concert hall, and the energy of a packed rock concert, the House Jacks, quite simply, “rocked.”
Blazing through an hour and a half set with no intermission, the Jacks demonstrated once again why they are considered one of the foremost contemporary a cappella groups working today. Wes Carroll (who must be seen to believe…his recordings really don’t do him credit) shook the floor, and quite a few audience members, with his patented vocal percussion; Troy Horne, new to the group, supplied not only a rock-solid bass, but a killer solo on “Use Me;” Austin Willacy and Roopak Ahuja both contributed sizzling lead vocals, and let's not forget Deke Sharon, whose vocal “muted trumpet” garnered a standing ovation after “Summertime.”
Though a cappella as a musical style is almost universally known for its “covers”, the House Jacks provided a full set of almost entirely original music. Highlights included the opener “I Want It All,” which was documented on their live album “Drive” (it’s wonderful to see how this song has progressed from the recording. I could practically hear the eyes popping when the percussion kicked in), and a new composition “Ride,” which featured the two main soloists, Austin and Roo. The climax of the evening, however, was when the Jacks took requests for their “unrehearsed set.” From Bruce Springsteen to Britney Spears (a LOT of Britney Spears…what are they listening to in Colorado Springs?), the Jacks fielded requests from every genre of music, and performed them flawlessly.
With great performances by opening acts Room 42, and The Back Row (both collegiate groups from Colorado College), the night was a perfect example of the beauty and versatility of a cappella music.
Nic Widhalm is the vocal percussionist for Curious Gage (http://www.curiousgage.com) and the northern Colorado area CASA ambassador Add as favorites (41) | Quote this article on your site | Views: 3742
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