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Vocal Jazz Style. . .

Sheet music for What'd I Say? by the late Ray Charles.


The Grand Duchess and I were able to attend a concert last night (her treat), featuring the combined talents of The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6.  Truly amazing vocal talent -- 10 vocalists all together -- backed by a simple three-piece combo (piano, upright bass, and drums).  

Imagine, if you will.  90 minutes of POSITIVE and enjoyable music without any twerking or similar gesticulations, expletives (I know that makes me sound really old and completely unhip), vocoders, Autotune, or lip-synching to prerecorded tracks.  There was even some well-choreographed stagecraft between the two acts.  Highlights, for me included versions of Got to Get You Into My Life, Stand By Me, and the show closer, an encore of What'd I Say? by the late, great Ray Charles.  The whole auditorium was on its feet for that one.

Along with a babysitter for The Young Master, a rare dinner out just the two of us beforehand (East African cuisine, my treat to The Grand Duchess), and the concert it was a delightful evening out.  We were even home before 10pm to unwind and lay out clothes for Thursday morning before collapsing into bed for a little online TV-watching before turning out the light at 11:30.  

All in all, time well spent and an uplifting experience.  Shouldn't there be more of that in day to day our lives?

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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