In Concert

by

Rockapella

Edit

...has the musical talent gone? The five men of Rockapella have talent in overflow. In a society where shameless displays of special effects, fanfare, hoopla, and digital alterations qualify as "music," it is refreshing to hear true vocal talent. I have seen Rockapella live several times, and this CD captures a taste of that amazing experience - their onstage banter, their repoire with the audience, and so much more. It is a perfect blend of brilliant originals (People Change, Keep On Smilin') and covers of songs we all know and love (Pretty Woman, Stand By Me), with that unique Rockapella twist - and of course, their signature song, Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Scott's soaring high tenor, Elliot's oh-so-smooth baritone, Barry's booming bass, Kevin's sweet, tender tenor, and Jeff's showstopping vocal percussion meld into the ultimate sound. Just five guys, singing their hearts out. True talent, true music.

Ya, I know...you saw them years ago on Spike Lee's Acapella TV special and were wowed by their version of Zombie Jamoree. I was, too! When I saw that a DVD and soundtrack CD of one of their concerts was available I was thrilled and ordered both. The CD arrived very quickly and I rushed to put it on. I was shortly bored and wishing it would get through so that I could put on a real a capella group like The Persuasions or the Golden Gate Quartet or the Belmonts. Gone was the excitement and vitality of their earlier music and they did not even sing a capella anymore! They now incororate instruments and sound like bubblegum rock. I rushed to my computer and canceled my DVD order and looked for my old soundtrack of the Spike Lee program. Not all changes are for the better.