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The award winning, Oakland-based, a cappella group SoVoS? (from the Soul to the Voice to the Song) served up a super-sized helping of holiday cheer on December 11, 2006. What started for me as a low-energy, icky-feeling, call-in-sick kind of Monday ended with an uplifting performance at Yoshi?s that left me inspired and lively, and wanting to sing.

Before I tell you about the wonderful show, let me share a few words on the venue. Yoshi?s is a premier jazz club that offers live music 363 days a year, located at Jack London Square in Oakland. This was my first visit to Yoshi?s and I came away with mixed feelings. While the venue itself is top-notch, the event staff seems dissatisfied with their own career choices. Each one with whom I came in contact was grouchy and short with me. The concert was sold out and the jazz house was busy (we arrived just before show time and it was difficult to get a seat to say the least), but didn?t they expect that when they accepted their positions? I found it odd that not one of the three people with whom I spoke spared a smile or a friendly word, or seemed to want to help. Beyond these minor complaints, however, the evening was amazing.

The SoVoS? 5th Annual Holiday Seasonings Family Gathering Concert opened with SoVoS? joined by the ArtsFirst Oakland Circle Singers choir and SoVoS? family members Russ Ellis and jazz saxophonist Dave Ellis, who began his career as a ten-year-old musical prodigy. The energy started high, spread infectiously through the audience, and continued building throughout the evening.

Talented youth representing Young Performers International were on hand to add to the joy of the evening, including two young soloists who can most assuredly pursue musical careers should they choose to do so. A spoken word performance by PC Mu?oz was spiritually uplifting, but the fun didn?t end there. A special performance from Mixed Nuts (a Nutcracker alternative) brought vibrant color and movement to the stage. The original Tchaikovsky compositions are creatively arranged by SoVoS? on their CD Crack the Nut, and delightfully choreographed by Tandy Beal.

Also joining in the fun were three amazing SoVoS? alumnus. Joey Blake kicked butt on vocal ?percussion? during a spectacular rendition of ?Little Drummer Boy.? Destani Wolf presented a stunning performance of one of my all time favorite carols, ?Oh Holy Night? and contributed vocal ?sax? during ?Little Drummer Boy.? My favorite song of the evening came from Rhiannon, a stirring number about aging and sexuality that nearly rocked the house down. Her powerful voice and heartfelt delivery were a joy, a delight and an inspiration. Rhiannon will be touring with Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra during 2007, and I will absolutely be watching for show dates close to home. This woman is ?must-see.?

Wow. All that and I haven?t yet mentioned the incredibly talented group that brought me to Yoshi?s in the first place! I first discovered SoVoS? in the summer of 2005, after an appearance at the Vallejo Jazz Festival. Martha (Mims, editor at LBH) brought their CD Then & Now to the office and I have been hooked ever since. Sunshine Becker lives up to her name in correspondence and on stage. She is a ray of light in this world, delivering bright vocals that warm the spirit. Zo? Ellis is a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. She exudes palpable warmth on stage and delivers it with a healthy dose of joy and exuberance. Sam Rogers sings with a voice that surprises (one could almost call it fragile, but for its incredible strength) and enchants. Bryan Dyer?s voice is like good Christmas fudge. It?s smooth and rich and decadent, a delicious combination.

David Worm rounds out the accomplished ensemble. What can I say about David? He?s brilliantly talented and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The first time I heard SoVoS?, I was convinced that they couldn?t be a cappella because of the ?percussion? section. David is that percussion section and he sounds as good (or better?) as a full set of drums in any band. He ghost drums with one hand while holding the mic with the other, and really enjoys performing. He served double duty on Monday as he also directed the choir. Talk about multi tasking. Besides loads of talent, David has a charismatic smile and adorable dimples. Yes, he?s a lot of fun to watch.

The show closed with as much energy as it opened. Faye Carol lead a dazzling and powerful rendition of ?Joy to the World? backed by SoVoS? and all their special guests. It was a shining gem in the treasure chest that was SoVoS??s holiday celebration.

Seasonings and Crack the Nut are two of my favorite collections of Christmas music. To add them, or other SoVoS? CDs to your collection, check their website.

My advice on Yoshi?s is, ?Arrive early. Be patient.? My advice on SoVoS? is, ?See them soon. See them often.? Thanks SoVoS? for elevating my spirit to ?holiday? status. Brightest blessings of the Season.

[tags]concert review[/tags]

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