My buddies Vocal Line are going to back The Stones on stage in Copenhagen. While pretending to not be jealous, I remember The Stones as I saw them on their first tour of the US, in 1964. You can’t always get what you want, but that memory does Not Fade Away.
Continue reading...Vocal Line
188: Imogen Heap/Vocal Line, ‘Let Go’
In which we discuss Leo Da Vinci, Finnish surf jazz, my futile struggle to keep up with the music world, the great Danish rhythm choir Vocal Line, and their treatment of Imogen Heap’s (Frou Frou’s) Pinteresque ‘Let Go’. Oh yeah, and magic gloves.
Continue reading...174: Vocal Line, ‘Don’t Give Up’
If you don’t know the music of Vocal Line, the 32-voice Danish rhythm choir led by Jens Johansen, you should. It’s what all art should aspire to – pure, unadulterated beauty.
Continue reading...The New A Cappella
I’ve just returned from the inspiring The Real Group Festival in Stockholm, four days of workshops, lectures, concerts and hugging, a celebration of a music shared passionately by a small but growing number of adherent fanatics worldwide — The New A Cappella. Many of the participants expressed frustration at the difficulty in explaining just what this genre is. Here’s my attempt to provide an overview.
Continue reading...047: Bobby McFerrin, ‘The Garden’ (“VOCAbuLarieS”)
I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby McFerrin in concert last night. I was blown away, as always, by his immeasurable virtuosity; and charmed by his warmth and class. I hardly had time to wonder “Where’s the beef?”
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