Former band mates Roger Fisher and Howard Leese Photo: Greg Roth
Greg Roth / SMI
Synergia Northwest 2010 promised music fans a trip down memory lane with former members of Heart reuniting for the first time in over 30 years, as well as orchestral maneuvers of Yes music featuring Alan White and some other amazing performances by some of the finest musicians in the region.
What Synergia 2010 delivered was much more than just nostalgia and a music entertainment event. The show was a celebration of life, love, music and the majesty of Native American culture and the indomitable human spirit.
The show...
The show started off quietly with a recorded voice of Beaver Chief (NW Coast Salish descent, registered with the Lummi Tribe and West Saanich Tribe near Vancouver, CA). Slowly, the stage lit up and composer Mark Nichols appeared along with Fred and George Jameson to perform the beautiful and melodic 'Dreamer Song.' This segued beautifully into the Handel Concerto Grosso Op. 6th and 5th movements with strings.
Electric violinist Geoffrey Castle then took the stage and played an original number off of his newest album "Streets of Inwood." Castle played the Celtic tune in his trademark style with grace and professional virtuosity. It was at this point that spirits started to rise and the show started to lift off from the ground.
Castle played an inspiring version of "Star of the Country Down," accompanied by Melissa Walsh on Harp. After that, The Synergia Orchestra with Bill Boyd on solo violin, Phillip Peterson on solo cello, and Walsh performed Five Variants on "Dives and Lazarus" by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Walsh, Boyd, Peterson and Walsh and the orchestra then played along side recording artist Tracy Bonham to perform a beautifully haunting rendition of "When You Laugh The World Laughs With You." Bonham has enjoyed "Triple A" radio airplay throughout the years and has recently worked and toured with Blue Man Group.
Bonham's next number was her 1996 hit "Mother Mother." The former Eugene, Oregon and current Brooklyn, New York resident dedicated the song to her mother, who was in attendance. Geoffrey Castle accompanied Bonham on violin. The singer and multi instrumentalist displayed her great chops, microphone technique and range during her performances throughout the evening.
The charity...
Marty Riemer from "The Marty Riemer Show" served as MC for the event. He introduced Bob Tomberg, President of Music Aid Northwest. Tomberg spoke to the audience about the great work that the organization is doing and reminded everyone that the event was for charity and what the concert's beneficiary was all about. During his address to the audience, Tomberg showed off a beautiful acoustic guitar that was autographed by all of the artists. The guitar was auctioned off later that evening and raised $3,000 for the charity.
On with the show...
After a brief intermission, the show continued with a spiritual rendition of Beaverchief''s "Swan Song." After that, Yes drummer Alan White with members of the White Band featuring bassist/vocalist Steve Boyce (Merkaba, Two Sheds Jackson), guitarist Karl Haug (Treason), percussionist Reek Havok (who has worked with several well known artists such as The Pointer Sisters and Motley Crue), keyboardist Jonathan Sindelman (Parallels, Ajalon), along with Geoffrey Castle and the full orchestra, took the audience on a magical journey with a Yes "mini set" that featured Tracy Bonham on vocals. The group performed "In the Presence Of" and then launched into "Ritual (Nous Sommes du Solei) off the Yes double LP set, "Tales of Topographic Oceans."
The performance by White's talented band and the orchestra was a stunning display of beauty, strength and pure musicianship. The number, which White said he had not performed with Yes for several years, was one of the emotional highlights of the evening. The song has a drum break in the middle. For the drum break, White and company employed the services of the Seattle Seahawks' own "Blue Thunder Drum Line." The drum line, along with Alan White's technically proficient and soulful drumming, provided the power and the passion for that particular arrangement of a classic Yes song. The hearty ovation at the end of the number confirmed that this number provided a key magical moment of the evening.
After "Ritual," the Synergia Northwest Orchestra performed Charles Ives' "Washington's Birthday" followed by the John Cage composition "Atlas Eclipticalis."
Enter Howard Leese...
As a precursor to the former members of Heart reunion, Former Heart and current Bad Company guitarist Howard Leese performed a brilliant version of Leonard Berstein's "Somewhere" from the modern day Romeo and Juliet musical, "West Side Story".
Leese then performed "The South Summit" from his most recent effort, "Secret Weapon." Leese's guitar work, along with the orchestral arrangements, were sonic ear candy and the crowd gobbled it up. Both songs featured show creator Michael McMorrow on piano and Hammond Organ. In addition, former Heart member Mike Derosier played drums. Making a special appearance on bass was Seattle treasure and incomparable Jimi Hendrix tribute artist, Randy Hansen. (Who knew he could master the bass as well?)
At this point, Marty Riemer came back out to read a message that was received from Gerard Schwarz, Music Director for the Seattle Symphony. He could not be there in person, but considered it a great honor to be part of Synergia Northwest 2010. In an excerpt from the message, Schwartz had this to say, "While I wish I could be there with you in person, I’m at McCaw Hall tonight, conducting the world premiere of the brand new opera, Amelia. Here in Tacoma, however, it’s all about celebrating the extraordinary talents of our region’s young people and raising awareness for youth music in the Northwest, something that is very close to my heart."
The reunion...
Of course, the moment that the folks waited 30 years for was on tap. Guitarist Roger Fisher, bassist Steve Fossen, drummer Mike Derorsier, and guitarist / keyboardist Howard Leese took the stage in front of a live audience for the first time in over three decades. The foursome fronted by Somar Macek and backed by the phenomenal orchestra, directed by internationally recognized Dr. Nikolas Caoile, gave the crowd what they wanted, with classic versions of "Mistral Wind" and "Crazy On You." They rounded out the mini-set with a rambunctious version of "Barracuda' with the orchestra in the background rocking and dancing to one of Heart's edgiest and up-tempo numbers.
Walt Disney coined the phrase, "Always leave 'em wanting more," and that is exactly what the former members of one of Seattle's greatest exports did. Perhaps one day this group of phenomenal musicians will give their fans more and hopefully, Ann and Nancy Wilson will join them.
With or without Ann and Nancy, the magic men of Heart can still bring it with gusto and Macek more than holds her own with the big boys.
The concert ended on a high note, closing out with a loose version of John Lennon and Plastic Ono band's "Instant Karma," which brought the audience to its feet, as they joined in during the chorus. What followed was a reprise of the opening number, "Dreamer Song," but the intensity level was higher on this version.
The power of the song was punctuated by the participation of all of the artists who had performed that night, including the brilliant Synergia Orchestra. As the artists lined the stage to sing, the crowd also joined in to take part in the moving Native American hymn. The bond between the artists and audience was consummated and solidified, and this spectacular musical journey reached its supernatural conclusion.
After the show, the musicians came out front to mingle and provide photo opportunities.
Closing thoughts...
All in all, it truly was an uplifting and amazing evening. Synergia Norhtwest 2010 was a nod to the past with an eye on the future, in the form of music education for future generations of all creeds and colors. The Temple Theatre provided the perfect venue to host the event. The venue has the unique history and soul, befitting a classy event like Synergia Northwest 2010. The acoustics and theatre-style stage provided excellent sound and ambiance for a successful marriage of rock, classical and American Indian folk music.
Musician Michael McMorrow created the concept and drove the execution of this special show. The musicians, his staff, and everyone involved put on a first class event for a very important cause. In launching this show, which was two years in the making, McMorrow has created a template and laid the ground work for future Synergia shows in the Northwest and hopefully, beyond.
Special thanks to Michael and his professional staff for providing SMI and examiner.com access to cover the event for fans who may not have been fortunate enough to witness this amazing display of music and art.
Seattle Music Insider has extended coverage of this amazing event. We feature the stunning photography of Jerry and Lois Levin from Jerry and Lois photography, as well as some video interviews and concert footage highlights from the show. To view additional video highlights and the photo slide show please go here.
Below is a highlight of the performance by former Heart members as well as interviews with Howard Leese, Roger Fisher, Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier that were shot prior to and during the show. The video also includes vocalist Somar Macek.
You also may be interested in reading...
Original members of Heart are ready to rock the Northwest for Synergia 2010 (Photo Slide Show)
Original Members of Heart to reunite this month for Synergia Northwest 2010
‘Music Matters’ special license plate bill introduced in house
A rock n' roll night to remember: Local legends and musicians brought joy to the masses
Local rock music legends 'Play it Forward' for music education and awareness
Comments
Greg!!! There's just not enough "Thank You" in the English language to express our appreciation for you. Your enthusiasm and positive energy are unbounded, and we just love how much you give back in so many ways. Great article, loved having you side-by-side with us at such a fantastic evening. Thank you for everything you're doing; the music community's soooo fortunate to have you here!!! Best wishes always, j & l
Jerry and Lois, Thank you for the kind words. It is an honor to work with you sir. Your passion and love that you put into what you do inspires me.
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