Thirteen young men and women performing a recognisable set of songs, but with their own a capella arrangements. In black tie outfits they mostly sing crooning standards such as Cry Me a River and Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat, with the intriguing addition of the Paul Simon song America. There are some excellent voices within the group, and most of their number had a turn at at solo or two. The arrangements are effective, at times surprising. Their America lacked the stark drama of the original, but instead offered a lushness of sound that highlighted the lyrics.
Unlike a lot of young groups of this nature they haven't been tempted to go overboard with the choreography. Their moves complement the music rather than serve to distract. Although the introductions to each number sound a bit forced, stilted, but they aren't there to be speakers.
The Gargoyles are billed as a jazz a capella group, and although that's got some truth to it, there isn't much here for a jazz aficionado. But fans of a capella won't feel short changed, as this group is one of the best offerings the genre has at the Fringe.
The Oxford Gargoyles are in C Venues Adam House at 14.00 until 18 August.
No comments:
Post a Comment