Seattle Music Examiner
We have covered and written about it extensively over the course of the last three years. But we still are asked, “What exactly is Synergia Northwest?”
For those that attended Synergia Northwest concerts at The Temple Theatre in 2010, The Moore Theatre in 2011 and The Paramount Theatre in 2012, no explanation is necessary. For those that chose not to attend, no definitive explanation is possible.
One could take the obvious route and simply say that it is a multi-genre music / dance concert that features some of the brightest talent throughout the region, backed by a powerful orchestra. That would be accurate, but it wouldn't touch on what the concept of Synergia Northwest truly is.
Like previous years, this year’s version, Synergia Northwest presents Music “Live,” was a musical experience that simply cannot be summed up in writing. Most profound life or musical experiences typically can’t if they deliver something special, and once again this year’s Synergia Northwest delivered music and magic on an even grander scale.
Prior to the concert, the artists hung out with VIP ticket holders. They graciously signed CD’s and posters, and posed for photos. The artists seemed to enjoy the communal feeling and real time interaction with passionate fans.
The show...
The concert opened up with the Native American “Swan Song”accompanied by the Synergia Northwest Orchestra, followed by the exquisitely beautiful rendition of Verdi arr. Overture to Nabucco.
In what seems to have become a Synergia Northwest tradition, Geoffrey Castle took the stage with his trademark electric violin an arsenal of pedals and effects, and alongside guitar prodigy Caspian Coberly, launched into Castle’s"Istanbul." Castle never ceases to impress, but to see the young Coberly, who is obviously a product of music education, perform alongside a virtuoso like Castle, was just stunning.
The Synergia provided the music segue of Vaughn Williams: Dives and Lazarus opening to Variant 1 into Synergia Northwest 2010 alum and former Heart guitarist and producerHoward Lesse’s performances of “Nessun Dorma” and his version of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s“Somewhere” from West Side Story.
One of the musical highlights of the evening was a performance from Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs. The gritty roots rock artists performed “Shine” and “Wait.” Backed by the orchestra, the two numbers became bigger and more powerful than ever and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Star Anna’s performance was the perfect tee up for Northwest music veteran and X-Factor fan favorite, LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends. They performed “Out of My Head” and“Change is Coming.” The soulful Bell was in fine voice, and like Star Anna right before, The SNWO brought out something special from Bell and Friends. Playing with a live orchestra seemed to energize the artists, as well as the audience.
After a brief intermission, Vicci Martinez, who flew up from Los Angeles, performed “Little Faith” with Blues Travelers’Brendan Hill on drums and “Let Go.” On “Little Faith” Martinez brought out a floor tom and pounded it with impunity.
One of the highlights from last year was a haunting performance from Shawn Smith of Brad. This year, he brought the boys with him. He was joined onstage by guitaristStone Gossard (Pearl Jam), Regan Hagar (Malfunkshun) on drums, and Keith Lowe on bass, and performed “Upon My Shoulder” and “Buttercup.” Smith’s soulful tenor was mesmerizing as it floated over the band and the orchestra.
Next up was Synergia Northwest mainstay Alan White (Yes, John Lennon, George Harrison) with his bandWhite, featuring Robyn Dawn on lead vocals. In what had to be one of the most mind-blowing performances of the evening, the group played a sonically brilliant Yes version of the Simon and Garfunkel classic, “America,” complete with the full-on instrumental jam, which was practically replicated note for note by Jonathan Sindleman (keyboards), Steve Boyce (bass), and Karl Haug (guitar.)
After “America,” White members cleared the way for the powerful Brazilian drum break featuring Dora Oliveria and The Samba Reggae Revolution. The pounding drums, along with the athletic movements of the dance troupe, were hypnotic, and drew a collective “wow” from the audience.
After the drum break, White reconvened on stage and performed “Changes" from the Yes 90125 disc.
Next was another one for the mental highlight reel, a stirring performance of Bernie Taupin and Sir Elton John’s “Madman Across The Water” by the all-star group consisting ofBrendan Hill on drums, Howard Leese on guitar, Michael McMorrow on piano, Marc Willet on bass and Somar Macek (Heart by Heart), backed by the mighty Synergia NorthwestOrchestra.
Macek has performed in Heart tribute bands for years. It was a revelation to see her step out of that bubble and show different colors from her vocal palette. Her range and power were on full display. Seeing and hearing this particular song, highlighted by some of the most incredible and dissonant string arrangements ever produced performed live, was one of the more special moments of the evening.
Macek, band, and orchestra were augmented with a surprise performance from another Northwest music heavyweight,Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains.) He and Macek sang another John / Taupin classic,“Levon.”
For the encores, Vicci Martinez returned to the stage along with Shawn Smith, Brendan Hill, Howard Leese, Michael McMorrow, Marc Willett, and Geoffrey Castle to perform a lovely version of “Tiny Dancer.”
The evening reached a fitting conclusion with a rendition ofBob Dylan's “Forever Young” featuring Star Anna, Justin Davis, Caspian Coberly, Hill, Leese, McMorrow, Marc Willett, Karl Haug and Geoffrey Castle.
Synergia Northwest Executive Producer and Musical Director shared his thoughts after the concert…
Examiner.com: Aside from the fact that you have been doing this for a couple years now and the concert is in a bigger venue, on a spiritual or emotional level, what was different about this year's show compared to the last couple of years?
McMorrow: We expanded our circle of musical friends this year for one. Bringing on BRAD, Vicci, LeRoy and Star really broadened our representation of Northwest music. This has always been for me a platform for showcasing the best of northwest artists in an incredibly unique way. It is a one of a kind opportunity. You will not see this anywhere else in the country. Synergia has always been about the unique experience from year to year. Those who have attended from year one such as yourself, have seen the unfolding musical story from the beginning. But as you know it's never to late to jump in! We constantly keep the content of each show fresh building on what we have done. I thought Jerry Cantrell was a nice surprise to everyone. Jerry doing Elton John's “Levon”with a 50-piece orchestra? Where else you going to see that??
Examiner.com: What did some of the artist have to say to you when it was over about their experience?
McMorrow: All of the artists say something along the lines of that this is one of the most incredible things they have ever done. Alan White who has pretty much done and seen everything say's our concerts are unprecedented in his career. Howard Leese is amazed at the level of talent and musicianship and thinks everyone needs to see this. Star says it's the coolest thing she has ever done and it goes on and on. I am very humbled by all of this but deep down excited about the future.
Examiner.com: I know that this year's version just wrapped up but are you already thinking ahead to next year and will there be other Synergia NW events between now and next year?
McMorrow: We are absolutely already thinking about next year. We love the Paramount and our show works really well there. There has been talk of another event between now and next year. I'm not sure it will be just like the spring event... we may take a different course but rest assured it will be unique in the way the spring events are.
Examiner.com: Is there any thing else that you would like to say about this year's show?
McMorrow: First off, this year my son played violin in the orchestra this year. That was a huge moment for both of us. He is the main reason I started and pursued the whole concept of Synergia. To have Howard Leese introduce him and I and then watching him take his seat in the orchestra was an incredible moment.
The next thing would be the Elton John material for me. I am a huge fan of Elton John. I can say his music early on was the reason I got into playing and writing. Funny thing is Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains and I were having this conversation backstage and he is a huge Elton fan too and got into music the exact same way I did. Through Elton! We both talked about hearing Bennie and the Jet’s and then discovering all the records Elton and Bernie were putting out at that time. I told Jerry that I always wanted to do the Madman Across the Water material with a full orchestra and he said the same thing and , well.. we did it! What an amazing full circle coming together of two artists. I can’t thank Paul Buckmaster, Red Rocket Management and Sir Elton John himself for donating the original Elton John Live w/ the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra scores for us to perform. I am like still blown out about it. I mean wow…
I love how far we have gotten in 3 years. I have a unique vision of each and every event and actually taking that insight and re-creating it into a living breathing reality can be quite a feat. This year to me was the closest we have gotten yet. We turned the corner this year and feel there is a bit a wind behind our sails. We are getting closer and closer to that crystalline musical vision. People were so moved at times this year. I was told that people were crying in the audience. There were also a lot of huge cheering and standing O’s too!
This year we also brought on fantastic community leaders and sponsors. It is re-affirming to have such great Northwest companies such as Bartell Drugs, BECU, Carter Subaru, KING 5 TV and WARM 106.9 FM among others who really stepped up to the plate and support youth music education in Washington State. We look forward to continuing these relationships in the years to come.
I also cannot say enough about our Synergia Northwest Orchestra Director and conductor and long-time friend Bret Smith and the entire team who works on stage and behind the scenes who without their incredible creativity and professionalism this musical dream would not be real. We have hands down the best of the best production, orchestrators, staff and volunteers in the business. Their dedication to music and art is unparalleled. Amy Elyse with her tireless production team, Mark Naficy and his amazing dedication to our sound and production, Bill Boyd, Phil Petersen, Beth Chandler, Brenna Davenport-Leigh, Shawn Stewart, Carolyn Douglas, Bob Minkin, Jessica and Jaimee Castaneda,Jerry & Lois Levin, Seattle Music Insider. The entire McMorrow family who are all involved behind the scenes; without their support I’d probably be in a rubber room somewhere! STG and The Paramount Theatreand of course the guiding hands of Alan and Gigi White who have from day one supported this project among the many other wonderful things they do for our community. Now is time for rest as I wipe the slate clean and start the process of building towards the next event. See you in 2013!
Closing thoughts…
Year after year, Synergia Northwest concerts attract an array of talent. This year’s lineup was more diverse than previous years, and the obvious star power was on full display but to me, the real star of the show was The Synergia Northwest Orchestra itself. The orchestra, conducted by the amazing Dr. Bret Smith, was the soul and magic behind this incredible concert that must be seen and heard in person to be fully appreciated.
It was the orchestral arrangements that make a show like Synergia transcend music entertainment and become a life-affirming and emotional journey.
It is also apparent that Synergia is starting to hit its stride in terms of producing a professional, fluid show. The transitions between the various performances were pretty seamless. Soundman and industry veteran Mark Naficy did a wonderful job in terms of dialing the orchestra and individual artists in, which resulted in a very high quality sound, solid stereo field, and strong overall production value. This was no easy chore, given the short turn around from load in to the first downbeat.
Music Matters “Live” is an apropos moniker for this year’s version of Synergia. The musicians that participated are all products of music education. Their performances drove home the point that music is an integral part of our lives, and that the world would be a pretty empty place without it.
Those who participate either as an audience member or performer will define whatever Synergia Northwest is. Synergia Northwest isn’t a thing, it's a feeling, an attitude, and a profound artistic experience. Moreover, it's a vehicle that serves as a simple reminder to those large and small, in body and spirit, that music does matter on a larger scale than one can fathom.
Thank you...
Like the last two years, I would like to give a special thanks to Music and Artistic Director Michael McMorrow, Amy Elyse and their very professional staff for providing SMI andexaminer.com access to cover the event as well as rehearsals for fans who may not have been fortunate enough to witness this amazing display of music and art.
I would like to also like to thank Examiner and SMI contributors Jerry & Lois Levin for helping tell the story by providing some stunning photos.
To see more of their work visit: http://www.jerryandloisstudios.com/
Complete Music Matters "Live" 2012 Set List
Set I
Swan Story-- Curtain up
Swan Song– Salena Moses- Suzan Jacobs - Mark Nichols - and Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Synergia Northwest Orchestra(Verdi arr. Overture to Nabucco)
Geoffrey Castle w/ Caspian Coberlyand Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Istanbul
Synergia Northwest Orchestra(Vaughn Williams: Dives and Lazarus opening to Variant 1)
Howard Leese and Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Nessun Dorma
Somewhere
SNWO Vaughn Williams: Dives and Lazarus Variant 1
Star Anna and the Laughing Dogsand Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Shine w/ Michael McMorrow on Piano
Wait
SNWO Vaughn Williams Dives and Lazarus Variant 2 >
LeRoy Bell and his Only Friendsand Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Out of My Head
Change is Coming
Meeghan Black (King 5 Evening Magazine)- Bob Tomberg– (Music Aid Northwest)
--Intermission--
Set II
Fanfare For The Common Man Copeland (Recording)
Vicci Martinez and Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Little Faith w/ Brendan Hill of Blues Traveler on drums
Let Go
SNWO Vaughn Williams Variant 5 to end
BRAD and Synergia Northwest Orchestra
Upon My Shoulder
Buttercup
Synergia Northwest Orchestra Firebird Suite (Igor Stravinsky)
Alan White and White and Synergia Northwest Orchestra
America (Simon and Garfunkel)
Drum Break - Dora Oliveria and The Samba Reggae Revolution
Changes (Yes)
Synergia Northwest Orchestra (Elgar arr Nimrod variation from Enigma)
Finale
Madman Across the Water (Brendan Hill, Howard Leese, Michael McMorrow, Marc Willett, Somar Macek) and Synergia Northwest Orchestra) (Elton John and Benrie Taupin)
Levon (Brendan Hill, Howard Leese, Michael McMorrow, Marc Willet, Somar Macek, Jerry Cantrell) and Synergia Northwest Orchestra (Elton John and Benrie Taupin)
Encore:
Tiny Dancer (Vicci Martinez - Shawn Smith, Brendan Hill, Howard Leese, Michael McMorrow, Marc Willett, Geoffrey Castle) and Synergia Northwest Orchestra) (Elton John and Benrie Taupin)
Forever Young (Star Anna, Justin Davis, Caspian Coberly, Brendan Hill, Howard Leese, Michael McMorrow, Marc Willett, Karl Haug, Geoffrey Castle) (Bob Dylan)
For more Seattle music coverage visit seattlemusicinsider.com
Suggested by the author:
- Vicci Martinez, Star Anna and Alan White to come together for music education
- Synergia Northwest 2011 cooked up a magical musical stew at The Moore (Photos)
- Governor Christine Gregoire and Synergia Northwest say music does matter
- Synergia Northwest 2010 provided heart, soul, music and magic (video)
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