[Dan Banquer]

I went to hear Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra last night. As usual Bobby Mcferrin gave his usual talented and diversified performance. The group of singers that accompanied him in the improvisational works were top notch professionals. My wife noted that in the past when we heard him do live solo concerts that he involved the audience more, and this time he was much more involved with his group of singers. Well I guess age comes at us sooner or later and doing the kind of performances he did at a younger age may well be far to demanding at this time in his career.
I left that concert with a really big smile on my face, the human voice can be such a wonderful and diverse instrument.
                d.b.
P.S. Next on the concert list is Steps Ahead on May 12th!

[Wind Chaser]

Well I guess age comes at us sooner or later

Don't worry about it.  Be happy.

[ted_b]

I recently saw Bobby McFerrin with the Cleveland Orchestra (actually the CIM Orchestra at Severance Hall).  He involved the audience BIG TIME.  In fact, at one point, realizing he was among staunch classical music supporters (this was a big $$ benefit concert) he asked the audience to sing an Aria while he improvised.  It was unbelievable.  There were clearly some professional choral folks out there amongst the jewelry.  He also asked some folks to come on stage and help conduct, etc.   The CIM Orchestra (Cleveland Institute of Music) is a great collection of young adults from all over the world, and Bobby was clearly impressed.  At one point, he asked them to adlib with him and do a few "top forty" classical hits....it was very entertaining, yet obviously unplanned. 

I'm not a big Bobby McFerrin fan; nothing against him, just don't own any of his music...I went to support CIM and support the dear friend I went with, but I have to say I was most impressed with his vast knowledge of different types of music, his stage presence, and his wonderful demeanor.  It was a great time.

[Dan Banquer]

Hi Ted;
   When my wife and I heard Bobby McFerrin a few years before this, He did a solo concert, sang a Bach Cantata and asked the audience to come in "on top of it" with the Ave Maria. The second and third balconies did so in time and in tune. I guess that's where the professional musicians and music students sat. I remarked to my wife that the next time we get tickets they should not be on the floor but in the balcony. Of course she bought the tickets the next time and of course they were on the floor. Harrumph!
This time the audience participation was pretty much limited to some simple call and response, and one very shy music student leading the ensemble briefly.
I have heard him request numbers of dancers on stage as well as other singers, straight from the audience, and between him and them they have pulled it off every time.
   d.b.

[launche]

I've been waiting for Mcferrin to come back to my neck of the woods (Florida) for awhile. 

I just saw Al Jarreau and George Benson.  Jarreau is getting up in age but at 60+ yrs old he's still got plenty left in the tank.  He started a little shakey (so I thought) but like a good tube, after about 10 minutes he was awesome. Hitting notes originating in my belly then swirling up through my chest and darting off into the concert hall.  It was a good show and when Benson got to "Gimme The Night" with that bass line and guitar, sonics went to another level, the engineer must have juiced things up a bit more because it was extra nice.  This was a very nice concert hall that instantly turned into a night club, even the millionaire socialites couldn't stay in their seats.