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By Kerri S. MabeeSouthwest Riverside News Network
March 25, 2012
One of the best songs of the night was “Hi-De-Ho (That Old Sweet Roll).” Bluesy and reveling in a glorious bass, this was a vocal music-lover’s delight with jazzy scats and perfectly sliding scales.Read more: http://www.swrnn.com/2012/03/25/nothing-straight-laced-about-straight-no-chaser-at-pechanga/
Hat Tip: @dottkov
(Edit: The link is no longer active, so the full text is below.)
Fans should never confuse Straight No Chaser with a traditional barbershop quartet. Oh, the harmonies are there and so are the smart, matching duds — black-sheened suits and skinny lavender ties.
Straight No Chaser performed Saturday night at Pechanga Resort & Casino. (Photo by Melissa Jewel)
But, that’s about as far as the comparisons go. Because any group that can rock an a capella version of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” deserves a category of its own.
The popular, Facebook-friendly 10-man group that has a viral following of hits and listeners around the world performed before a nearly sold-out crowd Saturday night at Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Bringing a robust sound that pulsed through the house, Straight No Chaser delivered a flawless, pitch-perfect performance of tunes that ranged from the sensual to the spiritual.
But, most of the evening was silly.
Each of the members took turns being the showman, showcasing his voice, but also poking fun with exaggerated dance moves and wild eyes in songs like “Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Stayin’ Alive” — all to the delight of the crowd.
Known for sophisticated medleys that seamlessly blend songs and sounds, Straight No Chaser did not disappoint with an impressive mix of musical influences, including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles and a deliciously smooth montage of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Bel Biv Devoe’s “Poison.”
Straight No Chaser belts out a snappy, stepped-up arrangement of "Tainted Love." (Photo by Melissa Jewel)
The riotous compilation of words put to instrumental movie scores was clever and each tune was recognizable. Who knew the “Star Wars” soundtrack had such lyrics in mind?
Highlights from when the group settled into more serious moments, letting their harmonies swell and soar to the rafters, included a spiritual “Like a Prayer” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” the beautiful “Fix You” and a snappy, stepped up “Tainted Love.”
One of the best songs of the night was “Hi-De-Ho (That Old Sweet Roll).” Bluesy and reveling in a glorious bass, this was a vocal music-lover’s delight with jazzy scats and perfectly sliding scales.
Straight-laced? Definitely not. But, for all their brash comedy, Straight No Chaser delivered a smooth sound that chilled and thrilled the crowd.
Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.
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