The Buzz

The show opened with Sounds Of Concord (http://www.soundsofconcord.org), who were quickly interrupted by Minimum Wage, bearing take-out food and a large “bill” to be paid. Eventually, Minimum Wage agreed to accept a spot in the show in lieu of payment, and the show continued. Sounds Of Concord then sang two numbers that seemed to lack energy. In fact, all of the groups seemed lacking in volume, with the exception of The Buzz. Perhaps that was a result of the hall itself, but then one would expect it to be the case for all the groups. Though Sounds Of Concord are a good 30+ strong, the sound was surprisingly tinny. One must give the group credit, however, for the age range of its members, which seem to run the gamut from high school to….well, it would be rude to surmise! SOC is also under new direction (Joe Cerutti), and may be finding their way musically, this being their first show under their new director. 

SOC broke out a quartet for the next song, which was received enthusiastically despite some fairly significant tuning issues. Then back to the full Sounds Of Concord, and onto another quartet, who showed more energy and engaged well with the audience. The bass, particularly, impressed. Back to the whole group, before Minimum Wage introduced with another bit…

Concord Express is a quartet of men from the ranks of Sounds Of Concord. They did a short set of songs that seemed to all have relationship themes (“Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do”, “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You”, etc.). Their tone was good and there were some very nice quiet chords, but again, everything sung forte seemed to suffer. The power that one expects from a strong barbershop sound just wasn’t there. http://www.concord-express.org

Minimum Wage returned with a bit where member Bradbury confesses he has been dating his pitch pipe (which he has named “Iona”) for several months. “You know that’s the forbidden love”, he is told. Somehow they segue from pitch-pipe love to their next introduction…

Boston Accent, a women’s quartet based in the metro Boston area, fared well despite having a sub on their high end. The energy was good and the low end impressive. Dynamics were well executed, effective and moving. Lead Cheryl Brusket’s voice was versatile, and Karen Rourke’s bass was rock-solid as they moved through selections that included “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “If You Love Me”. As with all of the above groups, more volume would have improved the overall sound. http://www.bostonaccentquartet.com

Minimum Wage’s (the only non-barbershop group of the day) set started out the second act, with a partially improv’d version of “Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood”, where audience members shouted out “ophthalmologist” and “art school student” as professions that were inserted into the song. They did a country song medley, which includes musical references to “Stairway To Heaven” and the “Brady Bunch” theme. They finished with an Italian tune that included more audience interaction and an adorable little girl pulled onstage. Great fun! http://www.miniwage.com

The Buzz took the stage and impressed from the very start. Based in FL, NJ and NH, these 4 ladies are 2005 International Quartet Champions, and it was clear as to why. Their energy was high, and they were professional and tight. Each individual voice was strong and so well-matched to each other, and when bass Jeannie Froelich took the lead for “Turn Around”, the bar was instantly raised. Their performance was completely polished but also managed to be sincere and engaging. http://www.thebuzzquartet.com

Sounds Of Concord returned for a few more tunes, and all groups joined them for a rendition of “America The Beautiful”. A job well done by all involved.

Photo gallery of the show here: http://casa.org/index.php?option=com_zoom&Itemid=80&catid=30 

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved