Word: vocalisms
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...much as I disagree with the PSLM, I respect their frequent and vocal expression of an opinion that departs from the issues encompassed in the Harvard political litmus test. PSLM has refused to limit its political discussions and protests to the “hot three...
Without a doubt, the man is known more for his skill with words than his vocal or instrumental talent. No normal 21 year-old rockstar would have been invited to play at that fated peace rally in what is now Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, especially not one who had insulted the prime minister just weeks before. It might help that his father, Yonaton, is a famous folk singer and that he is the nephew of former Israeli Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan, but it is Geffen’s lyrics that make his music important, his lyrics that make...
When McFerrin was underpinned by some of the campus’ musical groups, he revealed a different shade of his vocal talent. Instead of trying to imitate an entire strings section, he let the Baroque Chamber Orchestra assume that position in the evening’s first act, and occupied the position of imitating solo violinist, enlisting cellist Kate Bennet in an ethereally beautiful, if entirely unconventional duet...
...muted trumpets and smooth saxophones with a jazz ensemble formed from the Harvard Monday Jazz band, creating a piercing breathy tonality that summoned legendary trumpeter Miles Davis on his composition “All Blues.” In these moments, McFerrin managed to supercede the novelty of his vocal texture and managed to shift the focus onto his mammoth musical mind. Fingering the microphone as if it were a stringed instrument, he made as much an homage to Davis’ improvisational ability as much as he did the legendary trumpeter’s trademark sound. Using sparse figures...
...loving pedagogue and mentor as he did an enterprising musician in his own right. He lent his talents to the Harvard Dancers, providing a soundtrack for small ensembles. McFerrin and the dancers seemed to mutually feed of each other’s thematic ideas for a captivating synergy of vocal and physical improvisation. The members of three a cappella groups the Veritones, the Pitches and the Din & Tonics could barely contain smiles as McFerrin worked his way into their individual songs, reaping the benefits of tutelage from a man whose musical interests most closely matched with their own.) Despite...