The wonderful song
Northern Harmony, an extraordinary vocal group based in New England are touring the UK right now.
I attended a workshop of theirs last night, and a concert this evening. Wonderful, uplifting, inspiring singing in many different styles and traditions. You know these guys are good when they tackle some of that insanely complicated Balkan singing with its unusual (to English ears) rhythms and tones.
The Northern Harmony concept is simple yet remarkable. Just a few weeks ago, this group got together for the first time. There were no auditions - the group is self-selecting. Then they spend a couple of weeks singing all day, every day, rehearsing themselves into something incredible. Then they go on tour.
After last night's workshop I spent the whole day today singing a simple South African song that has such harmonic and rhythmic delights nestling within it that it makes my spine tingle. When the group performed it again this evening, it took every ounce of willpower not to stand up from my front-row seat and sing it aloud at the top of my voice.
Between now and the end of November, Northern Harmony will be performing or doing workshops in Oakhampton, Stroud, Stourbridge, Bangor, Dent, York, Derby, Lincoln, Cambridge, Colchester, and Canterbury. Then there's a few gigs in Ireland too. If you're within striking distance of any of these places and like quality vocal music, make an effort to go see them. You won't be disappointed.
Labels: singing
