Straight No Chaser – December 5, at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier The Montrealer November 30, 2013 3239 Straight No Chaser brings their stunning a capella show to Place des Arts on December 5 Straight No Chaser wowed their Montreal audience at Theatre de Maisonneuve during their sold-out 2102 show; and promoter Kim Zimmer has booked the larger and grand Salle Wilfrid Pelletier for the 10-man vocal group’s return engagement on December 5. A cappella vocal groups have enjoyed a solid following, in particular because the tight harmonies are so pleasing to listeners. The traditional group’s format is to have four of five vocalists. Straight No Chaser is made up of 10 outstanding singers who met at the Indiana University in the 1990s. They have a dynamic presentation and the 10 men fill the stage with their presence and voices. Watching and listening to their performance, there are many occasions where I found myself asking; “Wow, how did they do that?” The group’s newest album Under The Influence features guest appearances by several impressive popular music performers such as Phil Collins singing Against All Odds, Dolly Parton is featured on Jolene, Sara Bareilles on a take-your-breath-away version of The Jackson 5’s I Want You Back; and Elton John joins the group for Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. It’s a credit to the group’s stature that these established artists are enthusiastic about recording with the 10-man vocal ensemble. The group’s material has a broad appeal. Group member Seggie Isho said in a recent online interview; “During the autograph line after the show, something we hear all the time is that people are thankful we put on a show that multiple generations of a family can all enjoy. We do music from the ’40s all the way to music on the radio now. So there’s something there for everyone.” That includes a memorable performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Seggie is still a little in awe that major performers artists agreed to record with the group; “On the last album we have some of the biggest names on there and it’s such a surreal feeling, especially now, looking back to it, reading the liner notes, “featuring Phil Collins and Elton John,” All these artists. First of all, why did they agree to work with us? None of these people need that for their careers. It was great they leant their talents to us. A cappella music is important. It’s very raw and bringing music back to where it all started.” For people who enjoy A Cappella singing, Straight No Chaser put on a vigorous and dynamic show. Seggie Isho concludes: “I think I would say, especially for all the people who have no idea who we are, come to a show and I think you’ll find something there for you. Whether it’s the music or some of the songs or artists we cover or the original music we do, you’ll find something there for you. …we put on a show that not a lot of people can do. It’s more of an experience than just a concert. Give it a shot.” Whether performing at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City, the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville or our own Place des Arts, Straight No Chaser’s performances earn show-stopping ovations and enthusiastic encores. Caroline Glaser from last season’s The Voice will open the December 5 show at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier at 8pm. Tickets are available at the Place des Arts Box Office at: 514-842-2112 or www.placedesarts.com Enjoy!
