Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, MA
March 31, 2015
by Eric Sutter
Shifting rhythms and superb vocal dynamics combined to make
this rock n' soul extravaganza kick out joyous and positive musical exuberance backed
by the grand Springfield Symphony Orchestra. A star of the evening was the
brass section, which performed back up to every number from ballads to
mid-tempo rock excursions to complex jazz/funk workouts with room enough for
numerous solos.
Conductor Mitch Tyler proved magnificent as he led the
orchestra in the classic Chicago hit "Beginnings" with vocalist Jean
Meilleur and Sunderland, MA trumpeter Jeff Homes. David Blamires shifted to
lead vocalist for Earth, Wind & Fire's hit singles "September," "Let's
Groove" and "Sing A Song." Incidentally, Blamires' jazzy soulful
vocals were featured when he was a member of the Pat Metheny Group from
1986-1997.
Meilleur hit
his high mark with BST's heavy brass gospel rock "And When I Die,"
accompanied by some fancy bowing on the violin by concertmaster and first
violinist Masako Yanagita. Chicago's 1970 hit "Make Me Smile" closed the first half of the concert with a crescendo of strings, woodwinds, percussion and brass.
Blood, Sweat
& Tears "Spinning Wheel" lit up the ready audience for part two.
Vocalists Stephanie Ann Martin and Kathryn Rose showed off their skills on
Chicago's ballad "If You Leave Me Now," creating beautiful female
harmony. Blamires funked out to "Got to Get You into My Life" with
smooth horn accents. "Boogie Wonderland" upped the fun with disco
sound for dance enthusiasts. The poignant Chicago ballad "Color My
World" soothed the audience with its memorable piano solo introduction by
John Regan and flute solo by Albert Brower. The Grammy winner "After the
Love is Gone" kept the good vibe.
A dynamic battle ensued in Chicago's "25 or 6 to
4" between first violinist Yanagita and the "Jeans n' Classics"
band guitarist Peter Brennan -- it was a draw! The closer was the traditional
"God Bless The Child" with nice sustained notes. The band yielded to
horns galore blowing encore of the spirited funk of "Shining Star" to
end the Pops season with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
