Sunday, January 31, 2016

Musical Monday - Adele - Hello / Lacrimosa (Mozart) – ThePianoGuys

Last Monday, we had a marvellous Canadian group, Walk Off the Earth doing a take on Adele's "Hello".  
It was so fun with unique instruments and movements including some great tap dance moves.  Now, check out what our amazing Piano Guys have given us.  Not only is the music fabulous but they are playing with "light sabers".  Well, they look just like light sabers.  Listen carefully to how they meld the two seemingly disparate pieces.  Oh yeah.


Friday, January 29, 2016

Fun Friday - Pachelbel Rant

We love Pachelbel's Canon but we haven't played the cello part.  This explains why maybe cellists don't like Pachelbel.  He is really funny.  

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Wonderful Wednesday - Africa - Angel City Chorale

You have to turn your sound up to hear the hand rubbing at the beginning properly.  Creativity is the name of the game.  We had something like this posted a couple of years ago but this one is even more creative.  Enjoy the storm of sound and some great harmony. 

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Musical Monday - Hello - Walk off the Earth - Canadian Group With Creativity Plus - Wait for the KICK!!

Oh my goodness this is amazing indeed.  Watch it on the biggest screen you have available to you.  Check out their smiles especially with the zipper slides.  The cymbal kick nearer the end is simply spectacular as are the tap dance bits.  I wish they had videos of coming up with these ideas.  Fun, musical, and really creative.  

Friday, January 22, 2016

Fun Friday - Pentatonix - Wizard Of Ahhhs

Now this is a really fun take on the Wizard of Oz.  The Thistle Theatre did a swell job of doing the actual musical a couple of years ago.  This is a very different sound and interpretation.  Thanks for finding it for us Elaine. 

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Wonderful Wednesday - Jimmy Fallon, The Roots & "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

This set up is a bit reminiscent of the old Hollywood Squares game but the sound is quite awesome.  Look for some really famous people singing away.  Doesn't this give you the idea that we could use this same format to sing some fun tunes?  Hmmm.  Thanks Elaine. 

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Musical Monday - Accent the Correct Syllable - Hallelujah

When we sing, we are communicating with our audience.  One of the ways we do that is with the words of the songs we choose.  
There are times when the music makes getting the accent in the correct places a challenge.  The song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is just such a challenge.  Indeed, anytime you sing the word hallelujah, depending on the length of the phrase and thus your need for air, it is tempting to accent the last syllable.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  
Halle- LU-jah is the correct accent of course.  Please listen to this beautiful rendition of Hallelujah and notice how he accents his phrases.  The syllable that would be LU is on the down stroke and thus stronger.  The last syllable - jah- is on the upstroke and of course creates that softer accent.  Listen carefully and then sing it as it is played here.  

Friday, January 15, 2016

Fun Friday - Optical Illusion Dance

On Musical Monday we had a fun rhythmic performance.  Here is a fascinating dance or movement performance enhanced by creative costuming.  Again, there are a number of groups who would love to do something like this who wouldn't think of singing.  It all works. 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

"We Remember" on Wednesday - Surfin' USA - The Beach Boys

If you want to sing then how about singing along with this one.  Many of us can remember watching these young guys and it just seems like yesterday.  The overdubbing in the sound tracks was precedent setting.  Listen carefully.  Now listen to some more modern sounds.  Hear the difference?


Sunday, January 10, 2016

Musical Monday - Hand Clap Skit - The Original!

Musical performances do not have to be orchestras, bands, choirs or soloists.  These young men have a wonderful performance with some complicated rhythms that are a treat to watch.  Remember this when you want to do something musical but people are loath to sing or play.  Imagine the fun of the rehearsals.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

"We Remember" on Wednesday - Ríu Ríu Chíu by the Monkees - 1967

The Monkees was a group formed just to do a television show.  Little did anyone know that these fellows would get on so well and create such a unique sound that they became a force in the music world.  This is one I had not heard before.  How about you?

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Musical Monday - The Prayer - David Archuleta & Nathan Pacheco

As the children go back to school and work is a more normal pace, here is a lovely reminder of the Christmas Season and the celebration of Epiphany on Wednesday.  

Friday, January 1, 2016

Fun Friday - Home - Blake Shelton & Michael Bublé

This is a beautiful duet with wonderful words.  As we begin another new year, may we count our many blessings.  My family is a huge blessing and I count among my family my amazing choir members in the Embro Thistle Singers.  
We begin our 6th year this new year and I look forward to each and every chance to be with these amazing people.  Thank you for the music, your generous gift of time and all your amazing talents. Here we go!!!!