Euphorics : Born To Sing   

Two man, two women Canadian Contemporary Quartet the Euphorics, blew us away winning the 1999 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional and gave a great performance at the Finals. We loved their debut album "Standing Up for Love" by have been waiting patiently for its sequel, and now happily hold "Born to Sing" in our hot little hands! The wonderful harmonies and leads by Joni Bye (alto/soprano), Helen Davis (alto/soprano) and Bing Jenson (bass) are as solid and crisp as ever. There is one significant change, the fine tenor of Nathan Aswell, has been replaced by that of David Steele; but we have to say the group is sounding better than ever. "Born to Sing" has 10 songs, beginning with a Curtis Mayfield/Bob Marley medley, "People Get Ready/Three Little Birds/One Love," a very funny group reggae original, "When the Big One Comes," a sweet Lennon/McCartney medley, "Eleanor Rigby/Across the Universe," Billy Joel's "River of Dreams," Richard and Robert Sherman's "I Wanna Be Like You," a nice traditional medley, "Down to the River to Pray/I'll Fly Away/Man of Constant Sorrow," bass Bing's hit from the Sweeps, "I Sing Low," "When the Night Feels My Song," Neil Young's "After the Goldrush" and closing with Stevie Wonder's "As." Every one of these is a winner. The Euphorics have a huge, spirited sound and put on a live show as entertaining as any we have seen. Treat yourself to "Born to Sing," and enjoy!

Songlist: People Get Ready/Three Little Birds/ One Love, When the Big One Comes, Eleanor Rigby/Across the Unverse, River of Dreams, I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song), Down to the River to Pray/I'll Fly Away/Man of Constant Sorrow, I Sing Low, When the Night Feels My Song, After the Goldrush, As (always)

Euphorics : Standing Up For Love   

Our neighbours to the North in Vancouver have treated us to a highly accomplished collection of contemporary songs, of which seven are written by the group themselves. However, to classify the Euphorics as a contemporary group doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, their sound incorporates elements of so many styles, that the result is quite their own. "Tell Them Before It's Too Late" is a revival-style musical sermon that uses the stage as it's pulpit; likewise, "Standing Up For Love" features a soprano part that would do any Southern gospel soloist proud. The Euphorics interpretation of "Bohemian Rhapsody," which as any group of singers know, is a challenging arrangement to execute, ascends into the thrilling crescendo, followed by a freefall into a gutsy "guitar" breakdown. "Message in a Bottle" is uncannily reminescent of the original, given the quality of the tenor lead-it has that same relaxed intensity that Sting is known for. "You Can't Hold On" builds the tension in the verse with a luscious minor sixth chord, resolving to a sunny chorus. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" is one of the showpiece songs for any vocal group, and The Euphorics don't stray far from the CSN's trademark harmonies, though they do add a repeating bass motif for depth. An impressive opening move for the Euphorics.

Songlist: Beauty Is A Beautiful Thing, One More Day On Earth, Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Tell Them Before It's Too Late, Bohemian Rhapsody, Standing Up For Love, Only Silence Says It All, To A God Unknown, Message In A Bottle, You Can't Hold On, Hallelujah