BoyzIIMen featuring the Nashville Symphony
On 9/15/12, I had the privelidge and honor to hear not only the Nashville Symphony but BoyzIIMen live in concert. One of my favorite groups of all time sang live as they always do in perfect harmony and sang songs that only real fans would know. Songs like "Color of Love" "I Will Get There" or their version of "Open Arms" (Journey-Steve Perry & Jonathan Cain) also made popular by Mariah Carey. I personally needed to hear a veteran act in the industry live at this point. Someone who hadn't sold out to the fast paced progression of the music business, an artist/group from the late 80's that hadn't remixed their hits and I found just what I was looking for at this concert. The first half of the concert featured the orchestra and it's director Albert George Schram of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Several pieces were done such as William Walton’s 1953 "Orb and Sceptre Coronation March" and Charles Fernandez’s “Soldier’s Farewell,” from The Statue. The second half was a 75 minute set featuring the group and they didn't fail to sing their hits like "Water Runs Dry" and "End of the Road". Both featured acts complimented each other and the signature sound of the group as well as the symphony were not compromised. What amazes me about all three members is their vocal ability and appropriation of ad-libs and arrangements, I was literally in class learning at many points in the show. I actually needed a pick me up as I complete what seems like one of the longest projects of my life, my contemporary gospel album entitled "A Heart Like Mine". The record is on the eve of completion with what may be the next single 'Here I Am' and last but not least a tribute to Whitney Houston, Jesus Loves Me from the Bodyguard Soundtrack which is currently in production. The current single "Laid It Down" is at radio and actually charted on the Gospel BDS Radio chart, a video is set for release this fall. With all that is happening I was still in need of inspiration and when BoyzIIMen sang "I Will Get There" that spark of hope was ignited again. It is important for an artist to uplift their listeners after all people out there are looking for answers, I believe and hope that my music will do the same. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to meet all three guys Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wayna Morris. I took a moment to let them know my favorite songs from that night and thanked them for their contribution to the music industry. No egos, no awkwardness just veterans in the business that haven't lost sight of what artistry is really all about. The bar has been set by these three tenors over the years, as they have set a standard for popular/contemporary artists.