Tonic Sol-Fa edges toward Christian Music
By Bruce R. Miller, Journal staff writer | Posted: Saturday, December 13, 2003
If Tonic Sol-Fa edges into Contemporary Christian Music, does that mean Plastic Santa will have to go?
If that's the deal breaker, we don't want to see the shift happen.
Yet at the popular a cappella group's Christmas concert Friday night at the Orpheum Theater, there was a definite tip in the CCM direction. In addition to the traditional Christmas carols, the four (Jared Dove, Shaun Johnson, Mark McGowan and Greg Bannwarth) sang several original numbers that seemed ready for Dove Award consideration. "Joseph's Song," a Johnson composition that put the spotlight on Mary's husband, and "Who Will Love Me," a new cut from the "Red Vinyl" CD, had a distinct gospel feel that could net them plenty of concert dates and lots of airplay. They're fine songs. But part of the group's joy is the fun it has with the secular aspects of the holiday. The "Ice Ice Baby" Christmas medley (done as an encore) is a tribute to the quartet's ingenuity; Plastic Santa's original number was a chance for Bannwarth to show his worth as a comedian. As dumb as it sounds, a lawn ornament that sings has real merit. Friday, the jolly old polyvinyl did himself proud.
Bannwarth, in fact, is such a natural he could do a two-drink minimum show at any comedy club and keep 'em coming back for more. He didn't have a bit of hesitation donning tights and a Santa-like pair of boxers to do a rhythmic gymnastics bit while the others sang "Adeste Fideles." He also managed to work a Carlos O'Kelly's manager's name into a song that proved to be a running gag throughout the two-hour show.
Embracing the Christian music field wouldn't snuff that originality, but it'd certainly make it harder for someone like McGowan to sing what now has become a signature, "I'm Gettin' Nothin' for Christmas."
As in past Orpheum efforts, Friday's edition featured frenetic lighting tricks (bring back the spotlight, please), some fake snow and a whole lot of inventive harmonies. Dove got a wonderful solo -- "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" -- and the four did a neat twist on John Mayer's Grammy winner, "Your Body is a Wonderland." Inserting "Jared rolled our brand new van" for the hook, they got a personalized take that said plenty about the camaraderie that exists in the group. (Dove, you see, rolled the group's van just after hearing Mayer's version.)
While Johnson got off on the wrong note with "Blue Christmas," he started over and completed it perfectly. The way the four interlaced their harmonies was amazing -- and key to their success.
Although it may not be their goal to continue playing colleges for the rest of their lives, Tonic Sol-Fa fills a niche that no one else can. With few (if any) a cappella groups working today, there's a real need for their music to be heard.
Going the Christian music route is one option. But getting an audience with a pop label is another. If the folks who believe "American Idol" is the way to find the next big thing, Tonic Sol-Fa deserves an audience. There's enough talent for four years' worth of winners.
If that's the deal breaker, we don't want to see the shift happen.
Yet at the popular a cappella group's Christmas concert Friday night at the Orpheum Theater, there was a definite tip in the CCM direction. In addition to the traditional Christmas carols, the four (Jared Dove, Shaun Johnson, Mark McGowan and Greg Bannwarth) sang several original numbers that seemed ready for Dove Award consideration. "Joseph's Song," a Johnson composition that put the spotlight on Mary's husband, and "Who Will Love Me," a new cut from the "Red Vinyl" CD, had a distinct gospel feel that could net them plenty of concert dates and lots of airplay. They're fine songs. But part of the group's joy is the fun it has with the secular aspects of the holiday. The "Ice Ice Baby" Christmas medley (done as an encore) is a tribute to the quartet's ingenuity; Plastic Santa's original number was a chance for Bannwarth to show his worth as a comedian. As dumb as it sounds, a lawn ornament that sings has real merit. Friday, the jolly old polyvinyl did himself proud.
Bannwarth, in fact, is such a natural he could do a two-drink minimum show at any comedy club and keep 'em coming back for more. He didn't have a bit of hesitation donning tights and a Santa-like pair of boxers to do a rhythmic gymnastics bit while the others sang "Adeste Fideles." He also managed to work a Carlos O'Kelly's manager's name into a song that proved to be a running gag throughout the two-hour show.
Embracing the Christian music field wouldn't snuff that originality, but it'd certainly make it harder for someone like McGowan to sing what now has become a signature, "I'm Gettin' Nothin' for Christmas."
As in past Orpheum efforts, Friday's edition featured frenetic lighting tricks (bring back the spotlight, please), some fake snow and a whole lot of inventive harmonies. Dove got a wonderful solo -- "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" -- and the four did a neat twist on John Mayer's Grammy winner, "Your Body is a Wonderland." Inserting "Jared rolled our brand new van" for the hook, they got a personalized take that said plenty about the camaraderie that exists in the group. (Dove, you see, rolled the group's van just after hearing Mayer's version.)
While Johnson got off on the wrong note with "Blue Christmas," he started over and completed it perfectly. The way the four interlaced their harmonies was amazing -- and key to their success.
Although it may not be their goal to continue playing colleges for the rest of their lives, Tonic Sol-Fa fills a niche that no one else can. With few (if any) a cappella groups working today, there's a real need for their music to be heard.
Going the Christian music route is one option. But getting an audience with a pop label is another. If the folks who believe "American Idol" is the way to find the next big thing, Tonic Sol-Fa deserves an audience. There's enough talent for four years' worth of winners.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 1 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
Patsy wrote on Jan 25, 2007 1:04 PM: