University of Victoria Vocal Jazz Ensemble: April 2019

Monday, 8 April 2019

UVIC Vocal Jazz "Best of Queen" with Jeans 'n Classics and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra

UVic Vocal Jazz with Jeans 'n Classics' Michael Shotton and Jennifer Martin

A heartfelt thanks and congratulations to members of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble who, at a very, very busy time of year, and in the wake of having performed an outstanding Spring Showcase, dedicated time and talent to a series of three inspired (sold out!) performances with Jeans ‘n Classics and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joey Pietraroia.

https://stephaniemartin.ca/

http://www.jeansnclassics.com/artists/michael-shotton.asp

https://www.mondaymag.com/entertainment/review-symphony-jeans-n-classic-perform-jolly-good-queen-show/

The Ensemble is grateful to Mr. Bill Linwood who contracted the Ensemble for this exciting event.

Monday Magazine review by Don Descoteau:

After intermission 20 singers of University of Victoria’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble joined the group on stage. The addition of the young singers proved a perfect way to handle the complex vocal arrangements in Queen music.

The collective group led off what Shotton called the “anthemic” second half of the show with “We Will Rock You”/”We Are the Champions,” getting full participation from the enthusiastic audience in the stomping and clapping department.

The chorus shone in “Flash” and “I Want it All,” giving a real sense of vocal power to the proceedings, to which the charismatic Shotton appeared supremely impressed.

After performing the beautiful Brian May-penned ballad “Who Wants to Live Forever” and Mercury’s rousing “Don’t Stop Me Now,” the group launched into the highly anticipated finale, their thrilling six-minute rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” that again strongly featured the vocal chorus.