From: EveDeCuir@aol.com
Date sent: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 23:19:27 EDT
Subject: HARMONET REPORT ROUND ONE
To: BBSHOP@ADMIN.HUMBERC.ON.CAQuartet Semi Finals Report
First Session
Solid Four - #32, Bjorklin, Sweden
Attire: Black floor length with top half knock out, classy sequins. Very elegant!
Song #1: The Moment I Saw Your Eyes
Fun up tune! This group gives this happy tune a joyous feel of youth, adventure, and excitement.
Song #2: All the World and its Gold
Soulful ballad about the love of a child mother and the emotion is clear in this fine quartet's delivery. Sincere and thought provoking for the listener.From the Edge - #1 Fairfield, Connecticut
Attire: Red floor length gowns with matching waste level jacket.
Song #1: Strangers
This is a strong ballad choice. Excellent use of tenor at key points at crescendo. At emotional highlight of the song, the group stopped the sound and the last chord echoed dramatically in the Georgia Dome. Amazing effect to hear the chord linger in the air! Nice Tag
Song # 2: How's Every Little Thing In Dixie
Fun uptune, recognizable to this audience! Great tempo that led to a Ruboto interlude that was well done. Ringing chords here join in the four part harmony! Great bass patter to provide great rhythmic contrast. Last chorus has great effect of soft but a tempo pace that grows in an exciting fashion. Bass sustain in tag, growing, great build of excitement!Fanatix - #21 - Diamond Bar, California
Attire: Black suits with each member showing her own jewel tone color.
Song #1: "Singing Your Love Songs to Someone Else."
Command from the onset. Amazing when this group takes a loud down to a soft and the chords blend to make an eight part chord that delivers shivers. Excellent treatment for this inspiring ballad. This group made great choices in the interpretation. They left us with the clear bell tone of the tenor note that was sad and reflective.
Song#2: "I Love to Hear that Old Barbershop Style"
This group had me on the edge of my seat on this intro with innovative treatment of duet that then mixed with the other two voices to bring suh--weet resolve. What a chord. Spontaneous applause from the early, sparse audience. But those of us here recognized the pure Barbershop Sound with the awesome BARITONE swipe that brings such a thrill.ConTempo - #21 - Tucson, Arizona
Attire: Silver and black tops with a solid black skirt that hit right below the knee
Song #1: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
A fast start to this moving ballad made famous by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Great effect on the word "dare" in which the group pushed the word out in unison and created a sincere effect. Baritone effect had tremendous impact before emotional pause and left an echo in the hall. "If happy little blue bird fly beyond the rainbow, why oh why…" Great run. Strong finish on the tag.
Song #2: "This Joint is Jumpin'"
Great use of choreography right off the bat! From my point of view, this group REALLY loves singing this song and swept me away in the joy of it. Great transition from atempo section to a key change that milked the rich chords and then…right back to the insane rhythm and right on it, too! Slick moves that look easy…tag EXPLODED to the rafters! I love those kind of surprises!Blue Razzberry Rhythm - #12 - Foster City, California
Attire: White jacket over a silky pant suit. This stunning outfits moves well
Song #1: Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone/All By Yourself Feeling Lonely Medley
Fun treatment of these two contrasting numbers. First, the driving rhythm of Please Don't Talk that lead into a very adorable section of All by Yourself and Feeling Lonely (HA). Strong finish with Please Don't Talk section with interesting and innovative rhythm.
Song #2: Strangers
An interpretation of depth and clarity that made the crescendo surprising. This group demonstrates clear commitment to the unity it takes to sell the message. The rise and fall of each phrase was placed well. Inside of each phrase, a small interpretation that showed attention to the whole emotional message of the song.Upbeat! - #8 - Bountiful, Utah
Attire: Red tailored pantsuit trimmed in gold. A yellow/gold flower bouquet on each lapel finished off the look.
Song #1: All American Rose/Must've Been a Beautiful Baby Medley
Classy up tune that this reporter has never heard before! Toe tapping rhythm that transitioned well through the songs seamlessly.
Song #2: Nobody's Rose
Desperate ballad about a woman cast aside. Tender delivery with dynamic tag that gives this song a fresh sound!14 Karat - #14 - Cary, North Carolina
Attire: A fresh look in Navy with solid skirt and a jacket that is very flattering and creates a fluid line to the group.
Song #1: Original One Step From Dixieland
"Your one step from Dixie land.,." great tempo start to a middle stomp section that had some unique twists that holds attention and then back to a killer tempo, straight to the tag, stacked on top of a strong bass sustain that built to a great finish! Good job and an entertaining, toe tapping song!
Song #2: "May I Never Love Again"
Gentle ballad. This group's interp creates a freedom to feel the strong emotional message. Great softs and wonderful, impactful crescendos.A Cappella Gold - #21 - Oceanside, California
Attire: Black and Gold
Song #1: Nobody Knows What a Red Headed Mama Can Do
Swinging tempo but STILL powerful. End of intro….WOW. Terrific picture of choreography, tempo, and transition…this group is very entertaining. Note, for the record, the clear ringing sound. A rich sound. Great job of tag with a surprise stop in sound and movement…still in time….and then back to the end.
Song #2: Nobody's Rose
"Nobody's rose worn and faded,…you have traded your beauty so fair for somebody's gladness, I know…" goes this plaintive song about a woman cast by the wayside. This message can't be much more desperate and is terrific for the Barbershop Ballad. Smooth is this group as the softs and louds, the intensity, the whole picture is complete, strong, and so sincere.Crescendo! - #4 - West Chester, Ohio
Attire: Black print that sparkles on top of solid black slacks with a dressy feel. Creates a clean line to the group.
Song #1: "Who'll Be the Next One to Cry Over You"
Strong unity is in this foursome, giving and taking everything together and flawless transitions through many levels of different intensity. Unison note showed pure center tuning. A rich, resonant sound that rang the Dome.
Song #2: Alabama Jazzbo Band
No blemish on this tempo from the start. Excellent control of loud to soft…Subtle choreography was just enough of the right touch to set off the perfect picture…great vocal affectations to enhance a driving tempo song with an emotional message…a HARD thing to do. Screaming O.T.Chord Company - #6 - Forest Lake Minnesota
Attire: Purple swing skits below the knee, topped off with a contrasting
print form fitting coat…
Song #1: Who's Sorry Now
Happy swing tempo to this crowd pleaser,…bass did not disappoint. Some refreshing affectations when words were emphasized in innovative ways. And they can put the tag in the rafters…powerful ending!
Song #2: Who'll Take My Place
This is not an easy lead line. Bravo to this lead…masterful on the intervals that are such a challenge. Great soft section that brought the ambiance of the room to a warm focus…building and falling from there, building more and powering into the tag. Ringing band right with the melody singer, on notes and words AND on breaths…innovative tag with ringing O.T. Well Done!Rhythm Station - #3 - Valparaiso, Indiana
Attire: A glittering Navy two-piece dress with skirt slit in the back and falls about ankle length.
Song #1: Come Take Your Place in My Heart Once Again
A solid, ringing song…interp had good use of louds and softs. Notice how the bass did not disappoint in critical points of excitement, rising to the melody. A new song for this reporter so many surprises.
Song #2: Jazz Baby
Cool song…and a crazy and insane rhythm mid-section that had me working to stay on my seat and then we turned left into a swing beat and then we turned right to a driving tempo to the tag with a tenor sustain…! Wonderful job.
Second Session
Symmetry - #10 - Richmond, Texas
Attire: Electric Blue with a glistening look… Very Rich. Skirt at a sexy knee l ine and swings freely.
Song #1: The Moment I Saw Your Eyes
Smooth look and sound. This group has chosen a song that lets them play…a joy to watch and listen…great slow down mid-section and effective build in excitement to the tag.
Song #2: Oh, How I Miss You Tonight
Quiet and controlled intro captured the attention of the audience. Expert control illustrated in the rise of intensity and then pull back to a soft…tag so soft, you could hear a pin drop in the Dome.Night Magic - #15 & 19 - Wallingford, Pennsyvania
Attire: A purple layered pantsuit. Top coat is glittered fare with one button…creates a sexy slit in front to match side slits….great line to this group.
Song #1: You'd Better Keep Babying Baby
Rich sound from this foursome…fund and sext swing tempo…great internal interpretation. Very emphatic level that backs down and then builds to a vibrant tag.
Song #2: For All We Know
Grrreat Ballad. The last public cover was found in The Prince of Tides with Barbra Striesand. This group takes this soulful tale of love and flavors it with a touch of bittersweet, from major to minor to major to resolve with command! Well done.Great Day - #5 - Springfield, Illinois
Attire: A theme of color built upon black with each member showing off her unique personality. Some with jackets, one sleeveless, white behind a black jacket, one with a netted top over an attractive low cut neck line, two in skirt, two in pantsuit…Four elegant ladies that could be out on the town with their honey's or hammin' it up at a SA competition! It's a go-everywhere outfit and very attractive.
Song #1: The Old Piano Roll Blues
Swingy tempo and great tempo change up. Tempo heated up later on and scorched on the tag with a hot baritone slide on an exciting tag.
Song #2: I Miss You Most of All
Poignant treatment for this standard. No real fancy tricks here…square barbershop cuisine…excellent interpSurround Sound - #3 - Hanover Park, Illinois
Attire: A black print jacket a glittery black and white pattern (what looks like a fire stitch) over a black solid skirt that falls at the knee line.
Song #1: Keep You Eye On The Girlie You Love/Bill Baily Medley
Great composure for this first time competitor. One of the members slipped to one knee on the walk out and the group recovered. No distraction - they went on to wow with this great up tune and NAILED the tag.
Song #2: You're Keeping Secrets From Me
Poise on this ballad…Transitioned through the key change with an increased intensity (Very HARD to do.)…Loud down to soft under control. Well crafted interp. Haunting tag with Baritone solo to resolve.Brava! - #26 - Surrey, British Columbia, Ontario
Attire: Crushed Velvet look solid black with sleeves that contrast with gold and black pattern…eye-catching and a great line.
Song #1: Toot Tootsie Good-bye
A refreshing lead voice that has a grown, mature, sexy sound to it. This group took some risks with this standard both on rhythm and on arrangement,…wonderful key change to the point of emphasis,…"again, and again." Great Stuff….Lifting tag. Wow!
Song #2: Kiss Me One More Time
Strong intro to this passionate story. This song needed this grown up sound. This group savors the words and synch together well. Great effective pause and then a build out of soft lines into intensity of the message, reaching the desperate heart of the song with Tenor on top! Ringing O.T. on last chord.Crystal Clear - #9 - Lakeland, Florida
Attire: Electric purple with a rhinestone pattern…Jacket over matching slacks
Song #1: Original One Step Dixieland Band
Rich and resonant sound and the bass, early, asserts her personality. A tease in the first chorus and then a full menu of bass counter beat and leading the rhythm. The group has a wonderful ringing sound.
Song #2: Oh How I Miss You Tonight
Skill is evident here. Dexterity in the vocal interpretation led into warm chords, softer, softer, softer still while the lead sustained on the tag.Natural High - #10 - San Marcos, Texas
Attire: Satin short, sassy skirts, with sequined tops, all in an Emerald Green
Song #1: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
A unique phrasing of this traditional standard. Great louds and softs at the right places. Almost a secondary rhythm at play at times. How fun! Good Tag and a strong finish.
Song #2: Jazz Baby
Swingy and sassy tempo to match the sassy skits and sassy personalities. The planned moves enhanced this overall picture…the center section tempo doubled and what a contrast,…then into a slow campy section.**Note: The security personnel became very distracting due to their attempting to locate a patron that had fallen but had returned herself to her seat. Let's hope that in the future, security personnel will demonstrate more tact when tending to the needs of a patron. The patron herself appeared very embarrassed because of the to do since she herself was trying to exercise courtesy for the quartet, Natural High, on stage.
Razzcals - #12 - Roseville, California
Attire: Sleeveless, backless, long gown, slit up the back from the hem, sequined gown that segued from a blue at the hem to a bright silver at the neck line.
Song #1: Changes/Who's Sorry Now/After You've Gone Medley
Great Tempo up to a sudden stomp and swing tempo. Tenor post on tag amazing…! Love it!
Song #2: Oh, How I Miss You Tonight
Strength in this moving love song. Sensitive interpretation with an understanding of the sub-messages of the song.Swinglish Mix - #4 & #22 - Louisville, Kentucky and Huddinge, Sweden
Attire: An attractive jacket of blue-green with some purple flecks with a short, sassy black skirt that falls at the knee
Song #1: Mistakes
This song is known for its rich, close chords. A well-crafted interpretive plan. The build on this ballad magnificent from its lowest point to its highest.
Song #2: Last Night on the Back Porch I Loved Him Best Of All
Swingy tempo to the middle section and great control of dynamic plan. The slow down in the middle section let the group set the audience up for an exciting drive to the tag that made this swingy tempo as exciting as any driving tempo song.Daybreak - #16 - East Aurora, New York
Attire: Baseball Uniforms
Song #1: There Used to Be a Ballpark
Wistful ballad about the thrill of baseball from yesterday. With a precise understanding of the excitement of a ball game and what it meant. Good crafting of the emotional message. Great octave unison and soft respite. Beautiful singing. Smooth sound and the synch well done…they got me on the tag…sniff!
Song #2: Runnin' Wild
Merry driving tempo vehicle…amazing personality leaping off the stage…it is refreshing to see a group take such a personal risk…putting it "out there" with no fear…and great singing, too! On the funny side, the quip from Joe Liles, "a great example of uniform singing." More than that, it was just plain great singing, IMHO.Innovation - #2 - London, Ontario, Canada
Attire: Black, long gown with a silver waist bodice that glitters with black and silver
Song #1: Jazz Man
"If you don't want it fast, don't want it slow, take your time sweet professor and play it sweet and low…" Great swingy tune and some innovative arrangement points that provide an impressive contrast ….some unison that explode into popping chords. A wind up tag and build to a ringing O.T. Well done!
Song #2: Oh, How I Miss You Tonight.
Lamenting ballad with a strong emotional message. This group took a different way on the tag to the thrill of the audience. A tenor sustain, not quite so loud, with all voice parts building to a great finale.
Third Session
The Rolling Tones - #4 - Columbus, Ohio
Attire: Black skirt hit below the knee with black sparkly bodice, long sleeves…simple elegance, clean lines
Song # 1: For All the Gold in the World
Solid, smooth, grounded sound…very musical…in sync…beyond technique, this quartet glitters musically.
Song #2: Flirtty Eyes
Catchy up tune from the early part of the decade…made this "old" tune seem fresh and new. Good transitions from contrasting rhythms and through the key change. Solid tag that was well in control.Seattle Style - #13 - Covington, Washington
Attire: Black skirt to the ankle with multi colored, sequined tops with a glittery flower print on black with rose, purple, and green beaded pattern.
Song # 1: Hard Hearted Hannah
Set the mood in this song well with a swing beat and kept it true to the meter. This is a crowd pleaser tune and even when we know the punch line, its still funny…carried off well by this foursome.
Song #2: Tired of Me
Good technique! Solid BBS going on in this Rubato interpretation of "Tired of Me."4's Company - #7 - Kansas City, Missouri
Attire: Character costumes: Siamese Twins
Song # 1: I'm all by Myself
A RIOT…These Siamese twins (one girl set and one boy set…"I'm all by myself playing "double" solitaire." Actually, this fun loving group delivers a solid and well blended barbershop ballad. The effect of their hilarious costume was that the more serious they sang, the louder the audience laughed.
Song #2: I Double Dare You
Again, dressed in full comedy costume, this quartet plants their feet and sings…well…this group has NO trouble capturing the favorable attention of an audience.Harmony Street - #3 - Schaumburg, Illinios
Attire: An emerald Green two piece suit…satin skirt hits right below the knew…top coat is sequined and shimmering
Song # 1: Louisville Lou
Attention getting intro with screaming O.T. There is some composure and style going on here…a very sexy rendition with voice affectation…plenty of appropriate timing in the camping section. Solid, ringing tag. Command.
Song #2: Pal of My Cradle Days
Taken with the intensity and genuineness of the message…innovative interpretive crafting here…a solid, well done BBS balladMain Event - #11 - Fresno, California
Attire: A tasteful top coat of many colors over a black floor length gown. Top coat trimmed in beige, colors soft reds, soft blues…very attractive.
Song # 1: You'd Better Keep Babyin' Baby
Fast pace, rockin' tempo with a fun interlude of "goody good bye my baby…" this pounding rhythm never stopped until the tag.
Song #2: I wish I Had My Old Pal Back Again
Choice choice in BBS ballads. Intelligent plan of interpretation that seemed to build, and build, and a mystery where they kept getting more and more to build it,…but they did. Ringing tag with great O.T.sNo Exception - #35 - Auckland, New Zealand
Attire: Black skirt below the knew…top is a silver glitter with a Peter Pan effect.
Song # 1: You'd Better Keep Babyin' Baby
Vocal affectations impress the message…a coy group…Powerful tempo at the mid section…ringing "mms" in the bridge…a "toot toot tootsie" into the "good bye" section gets a strong reaction from this audience.
Song #2: Oh, How I Miss You Tonight
Restful moments in this sample of strong feelings about unrequited love. This foursome takes their time to savor the strongest chords. An obvious understanding of the passionate emotional message.New Attitude - #19 - Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Attire: A refreshing white ensemble, two piece with skirt hitting at the calf. A jacket tailored and sharp looking
Song # 1: Two Tickets to Georgia/That Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia Medley
Good use of contrast in this intriguing uptune using two songs that were already interesting as stand alone vehicles. Good blend of songs. Solid treatment of this rocking tempo tune.
Song #2: Bandstand in the Park
Moving ballad. Good transition from loud emphatic moments to quiet reflective ones.Angel City - #11 - Arcadia, California
Attire: Brown-gold sequined jacket over chocolate brown satin street length dress
Song # 1: Angry/Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home Medley
Impressive treatment to this medley and good technique. This group shows intelligence toward the basics and beyond with attention to the rhythmic sophistications in this difficult piece.
Song #2: Dancing This Dance In the Wrong Romance
Wonderful ballad with a powerful message. Delicate interpretive plan with all the right attention to power contrasting soft intensities.Total Dutch - #33 - Lelystad, Netherlands
Attire: Cool look in all black pantsuit, pants and coat (looks leather!) With a neck bow tie around the neck and a dark blue/black shining shell.
Song # 1: He's a Devil in His Own Hometime
This group is joyous and having fun…what it is ALL about. There is a spark in this group of confidence and elation that is a pleasure to experience.
Song #2: You Were a Wonderful Mother
An appreciative salute to Mom…this group has a frank and open feeling about this tune that permeates their performance. Striking was the movement of this group's hands…not exactly choreographed and not rigid…soft, fluid, and imploring…A wonderful presentation!Debut! - #15 - Quakerstown, Pennsylvania
Attire: Black Pantaloons that move fluidly. Zipper top, tailored to fit well and a multi color sequin effect…purple, green, blue on a black background.
Song # 1: Will It Be Me This Time
Exuberance from this group for this particular message. There is a rich, full sound from this group. Such a sincere, purposeful middle part of the chorus! I believe it. This foursome broke the fourth wall on this message. We got two tags for the price of one with a dynamic bass post…only to then have the lead pull out of the chord into un-resolve and bring it HOME.
Song #2: Opening Night on Broadway
This group is confident and in command and even can have some fun with the lyrics. Not in a hurry…no tempos getting away here…there is a drawn out savoring for the rich harmonies…purposeful. Facials from this group draw me into the story and I believe their characters. This is a story telling group and they know how to deliver the punch line in the tag!Persuasion - #21 - Garden Grove, California
Attire: A theme of black in crushed velvet, satin, chiffon, and more…all are comfortable and unique in skits to the floor.
Song # 1: Take Another Guess/Please Don't Talk Medley
An "I dare you" up tune with a clear message from every quarter that these find females "will be just fine." Right on tempo with a way out tag.
Song #2: If You Love Me, Really Love Me
Sweet persuasion to let love bloom. An interesting and innovative verse with a contrasting fast rhythm that was done superbly. Pull back from emphatic to a soft intensity well done and we dwelt for a time in soft reflection until this intuitive group returned us to emphasis, a tenor post and a strong tag.Cahoots - #22 - Milwaukee, Wisconson
Attire: A honeycomb pattern of gold and black on top of a solid black swing skirt that hits at the calf. Swings fluidly
Song # 1: Jazz Baby
"Wah, Wah," goes the bass, "Because I'm a Jazz Baby," and the tempo was groovy. The mid section got into a new groove of a fast, contrasting tempo. Again, we are served two tag as the tenor posts…the rest "leave her hanging" and the come back and nail it.
Song #2: Just A Bundle of Old Love Letters
"It's a beautiful play with an unhappy ending,…Weary and Blue, I read them through, they're all I have to remind me of you…tear drops of mine beneath every line, in those old love letters of mine…" Ahem…I love this song. Wow. This group carries the flow well as it ebbs, rising and falling, and finally coming to rest. Well done.
Fourth Session
Park Avenue - #17 - Bedford, Ohio
Attire: Black dress with a crust velvet look with an over jacket which hit
below the thigh…glistening over coat.
Song # 1: Goody, Goody
Mood one…happy tempo that led into a contrasting "I dare you" and what Betty Lou Coleman calls "P&V" and then back to the driving tempo. Strong tag with fancy Baritone moves that added to the excitement.
Song #2: Kiss Me One More Time
Quiet control of the first part of this woeful ballad. "You said at the beginning that you would always stay…now you're the one who's winning and I'm the one to pay.." lifted into the key change with a dynamic intensity and then back to a softer moment…rising and falling with amazing control…the lead sustained through the tag with mighty control and they locked and rang.Georgia Jive - #23 - Conyers, Georgia
Attire: Red gowns, short sleeved with a sequined top bodice.
Song # 1: Lulu's Back In Town
Wanna snap my fingers to this infectious tempo. Set up for what might have been a slow midsection, but no, they went double time into a slow down…nice surprises.
Song #2: Someday You'll Want Me To Want You
This is a ballad I've never heard before. Well done with the arrangement lifting and lifting to a bell like tenor sustain and then down to a very soft tag.Premiere - #20 - W. Des Moines, Iowa
Attire: Two piece…stunning fabric black that shone. Skirt to the angle and top cut at the thigh
Song # 1: Cry Baby
Driving tempo from this group and choreography that moved together with fluidity and strength.
Song #2: Last Night Was The End of the World
This famous tag has a song! Beautiful story of a broken heart. This group treated with sensitivity and rose the message to the point of desperation and finished with an that amazing tag!Obsession - #9 - Coral Springs, Flordia
Attire: White! Neat pleats in a white skirt that cuts at the lower calf. Top bodices are sequined patterns …give a creamy, dreamy look. Very nice.
Song # 1: Runnin' Wild
Drivin' rhythm with no let down. Energy pouring from this group throughout
Song #2: After My Laughter Came Tears
A ballad I'm not very familiar with but a touching story crafted well. This group has a new bass although you wouldn't be able to tell as strong a showing as the put on. Interpretation done sensitively.Alliance - #3 - Wheatorn, Illinois
Attire: Purple and silver full length gown. Skirt solid purple with silver bodice.
Song # 1: All By Myself
Intelligent crafting and fine execution. Quiet moments are focused and intense and rise with control. Beautiful chords at the tag. Lead sustain and no rush to conclude…locked and rung!
Song #2: The Old Piano Roll Blues
They love this song! More locking and ringing on the finer BBS chords. A neat double time tempo in the middle that reposes at "We cuddle closer it seems,…and while we kiss, kiss, kiss….razz a ma tazz." Locking and ringing and then back to atempo with a fun vamp toward the tag and the classic bass "Bah loooos" and then what a tag! Nicely done.Sound Bites - #31 - Notts, England
Attire: Black two piece, black solid skirt to the calf with a sequined top
Song # 1: Honey Do I Love You Deed I Do
Very good delivery of this energetic up tune. This group from England has captured the barbershop essence.
Song #2: You Made Me Love You
A swing tempo with a fluidity of sound up to the cute vamp section. Nice tag with a soft ending. Well done.Success Express - #4 - Dublin, Ohio
Attire: Red dresses with a short, sassy look…hem line above the knee.
Song # 1: Forgive Me
The lead started out bravely as a solo, joined by baritone and then bass and tenor. Tremendous maturity and stamina for such a young group extending the Rubato styling in rich pulled out phrases. At the moment of desperation, the quartet let the echo fill the hall. Quiet heartfelt song and ballad.
Song #2: Huddle Up Cuddle Up Blues/Them There Eyes Medleys
Such joy is seen in this quartet in this two-song treatment. Tremendous Bass sustain for an exciting end…bringing the house down!Quatro! - #21 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Attire: Black dress pants with a wide leg. The top is a sparkling green and blue.
Song # 1: Cry Baby
A vibrant sound and rhythm…remarkable sync…bass sustain on the tag and then a tremendous rush of power.
Song #2: Sweet Adeline
The lead starts alone, joined with the tenor, baritone, and then finally the bass to the anthem of SA all over the world. The verse done well and with that same vibrant sound. A crowd pleaser everytime. Some powerful chords in the 2nd visit of the chorus.Rhythmix - #25 - Kennedale, Texas
Attire: Red suit coats on top of wide leg pantaloons
Song # 1: Huddle Up Cuddle Up Blues/Them There Eyes Medley
Great energy with lower formants which give a "wider" sound. Those of us in the audience call that "mature" and it rings in a grown up way. This treatment gives a whole new take on the song…building to the tag the bass vamps it home and sustain and powers down amazingly…..and rehangs it out there…Excitement.
Song #2: Last Night Was the End of the World
Terrific interp on this difficult ballad. Such command and poise in this foursome.Out of Bounds - #24 - Portland, Oregon
Attire: First impression is that they have a black flapper dress with a slanted hem
Song # 1: How's Every Little Thing in Dixie
Lots of exuberance in this tempo…to the verse and a wistful "How's my dear old Mammy…Lord I Love her so…." And accelerated back to the tempo, driving, a repeat on the chorus with terrif sync…we got five tags for the price of one. Good job!
Song #2: Tired of Me
Stirring message and this group shows a good instinct for the finer points in a barbershop ballad.Signature Sound - #19 - Glen Burnie, Maryland
Attire: Red skirt suits
Song # 1: Cry Baby
What a big sound! Lower voice formants make for a resonant ringing sounds….great tempo treatments…cain't keep up and can't wait til get there..,!!! To the vamp to "Oh Shut Up…" for a laugh…great hand movements…A wave of four! Oh My God What A Tag!
Song #2: Here Am I Broken Hearted
How very sad…and phrases that last and savor…You would think the big sound might because they are in front of the marks…closer into the mikes…but no, there they stand on the marks and this big should and controlled softs that keep you keen on what comes next…seamless, breathless moments…Pauses that you feel …..Lock and Ring…Rang…Rung….Baby you can ring my bell!Important Note: SA announces that top fifteen quartets will be eligible to return to compete at each International effective next year and that 10 wildcard quartets will be selected starting with Regional competitions next
year.Humorous note: SA flashes intermitently throughout contest Welcome Harmonet Reporter, Debbie Warwick. Hope she can teach me how to be in two places at one time.
Sincerely,
Janice DeCuir