They did it again!
Gnubee | Minneapolis, MN | 02/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An A Capella Trek - it's a capella and it's a trek, as we shall see.
I've been listening to Voice Trek since the 80's, yet they never cease to amaze me with their freshness, their vitality, their versatility and their virtuosity.
The first time I heard them at the original Dakota Bar and Grill, I was thrilled to hear Gene Puerling's "Singers Unlimited" sound again. They were stunning, brilliant, and they captured my heart. But over the years could they break the mold, go beyond, develop their own sound and style, be innovative? The answer is a resounding yes - They've done it again with this release!
The opening and closing tune titles set up a musical travelogue, a trek if you will, through space and time. Let's take the tour!
Start with a Minnesota/Brazil connection with Manfredo Fest's classic "That's What She Says", a delightful contemporary sound combining the coolness of a Minnesota winter with the steamy jungle heat of Manfredo's homeland.
Next stop, the UK, with the Beatles's "Ticket To Ride" ala hip jazz-rock.
Time to lay back with a cool, refreshing "Take Five". A key change signals a switchup from the percussive background harmonies of the beginning to the lush sustained chords in the next "take".
Continue your break with a philosophical contemplation of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", good conversation with your best friend or lover, sometimes quiet, sometimes dynamic.
Next, put on your tux - we're going to the opera! Rossini's "William Tell Overture" is a dazzling display of Voice Trek's pyrotechnic abilities and dynamic range, but they don't take themselves too seriously as they expose the sense of humor always present in their live performances.
Experience the warm romantic glow of a fireplace with "A Little Luck". But who needs luck when you're this good?
Time for some fun. Let's samba to the Moon! At my place, we'd start a conga line. Don't blink or you'll miss Kevin sneaking in a tritonal transition on bass here and there. Ole!
How about tilting at some "Windmills", but not in Holland. The impressionistic rubato opening verse ensemble work is perfect for Michel LeGrand's pensiveness. Then we get to boogie with a nice mix of Denis's warmth and some hip street smarts.
"Rosanna" reminds us that love TOTOlly exists in the eternal, yet also in the immediate "now". Scat a bit, be obsessed with Rosanna, scat, obsess as you hold her tight. Oh, the glory of young love!
And now the journey comes to a close. Let's not forget who we are and where we come from - "America, The Beautiful". Please pass the hankies.
Vocal jazz is considered to be a very narrow genre, but Voice Trek will not be constrained by any musical boundaries. Buy this cd and take the Voice Trek today!
By the way, who am I? Just a jazz fan who happens to live in the Twin City area. I've never written any kind of review beyond than a 3-word "Hey, that's great", until today. Voice Trek moves me. They are sure to have the same effect on you.
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Track Listings (10) - Disc #1