'Discovery' is the inaugural CD of Max Q, a newly-formed barbershop quartet, but the subject of considerable SPEBSQSA buzz because of the amazing pedigree of the group's members. Baritone Gary Lewis was a collegiate SPEBS champion prior to winning Gold with Platinum. Tenor Greg Clancy is Associate Director, and 26-year member of the Vocal Majority. Lead Tony De Rosa and bass Jeff Oxley are two of only 13 men who have won SPEBSQSA quartet Gold twice, De Rosa with Keepsake and Platinum, Oxley with Rapscallions and Acoustix. From the first strains of 'Smile Medley,' the opening cut, the sheer vocal and harmonic power of these men is obvious, as is the quality of their arrangements. 13 tunes, some of our favorites are 'If I Had My Way,' a jazzy, blue-note rendition of Van Morrison's 'Moondance,' an intricate 'Shenandoah,' 'When My Sugar Walks Down The Street,' 'Where Is Love,' the spiritual 'Shadrack,' Tony's soaring lead on 'Fare Thee Well, Love.' 'You Tell Me Your Dream,' and a powerful 'Sing, Sing, Sing.' Joe Connelly is the only man ever to have won an amazing 3 quartet Golds, but we wouldn't be at all surprised to see De Rosa and Oxley of the new Supergroup Max Q join him at the next Internationals. Our 'Discovery?' Max Q has a truckload of talent and they know how to use it! |
