Andy Sheppard (sop/ten/conductor); Laura Reveley (alt); Keith Robinson (ten); Graeme Wilson (bar); Chris Sharkey (tutor/conductor).(Review by Lance).
The threat initially was to have 200 saxophones but, mercifully, I think the total was about 50. In truth, this was one of the most amazing musical get togethers I have ever witnessed!
It began behind my back! I was looking down onto the concourse observing the two groups of saxes massed at east and west of the stage when suddenly I heard the sound of a soprano sax. I turned and there was Andy Sheppard, almost within touching distance wailing away.
Slowly he moved forward, now playing tenor, till he descended to join the masses of Yamahas, Yanagasawas and other versions of Adolphe Sax's prototype. Directed by Chris Sharkey they moved forward like two advancing armies playing chords and riffs whilst, on stage, Wilson, Robinson and Reveley added their input.
It then became a call and response with Sharkey's "Easteners" responding to his fingered signal followed by Sheppards "Westeners" reacting to his hand gestures. It was all good fun and, despite the number of players involved it was melodic and not harmonically dissonant. For this much credit must go to Andy Sheppard and Chris Sharkey who put the players through their paces in 3 workshops prior to their big day.
Awesome - quite awesome!
Lance.
1 comment :
I was lucky to be at the front and could see every expression and gesture of Chris Sharkey. What a conductor, facilitator, educator!
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