Connections Archive
A cappella all class
29 August 2007
Braden Blyde
Connections arts writer
The Idea of North
Avondale College Alumni Association Homecoming concert
Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church
Saturday, August 25, 7 pm
Somewhere between the first and second note, those who had never heard or seen The Idea of North understood why jazz multi-instrumentalist James Morrison describes the a cappella quartet as Australia's best.
Performing a range of songs from their five albums, the quartet--Nick Begbie, Naomi Crellin, Andrew Piper and Sally Cameron, replacing new mum Trish Delaney-Brown for a year--moved smoothly from Latin pop to traditional hymn, jazz to classical, with each incarnation given a little twist--the four-part kazoo fugue, anyone?
It may seem I have nothing but praise for The Idea of North, which is almost the case. However, as a reviewer, I have a responsibility to mention two detractions. I am doing so only to fulfil the obligation, for the two where unavoidable--Nick's illness--and logistical--the length of time it took to clear the stage for the performance.
Avondale College Orchestra's recitation of del Borgo's theatrical Aboriginal dancers earned well-deserved and well-received applause. The performance impressed. As did violinists Luisiana and Sarah Fischer, trumpeters Steve Sleight and Stewart Pryor and organist David Clark, who added yet more class to the concert.
Avondale put its proverbial neck on the line in securing The Idea of North. High profile comes at a price. However, as the standing ovation filled the church, it was hard to conclude it was anything but a bright idea (pun intended).
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