Think Pink!
North Coast Men's Chorus

Sometimes you enjoy one particular song on a concert and think to yourself, “oh, wouldn’t it be dandy to have a recording of that?” It’s possible you might be able to do just that, if one of your favorites happened to have been part of a concert by the North Coast Men’s Chorus during the last few years. As part of their on-going 20th Anniversary Celebration, the chorus has released a new CD – Think Pink! and it’s a dandy. Also, this time, they include a guest soloist who has been part of several programs that I’ve heard and enjoyed, so it was good to hear Ava Withers again, too.

Think Pink! is a compilation of opinions and emotions; some dreamy, some wishful, some downright goofy. As in fun. They are all well done, and enjoyable. With Music Director Richard Cole at the podium and Robert Day at the piano, the 17 tracks on this CD, the mix of old and new, sassy and poignant, make it a great gift for that special friend, or anyone who enjoys men’s choral singing. Bob Taylor’s tenor voice brings the 60s hit One Boy, to lyrical life with Marge Rutherford on tenor sax. Of course, in Bye Bye, Birdie, the girls sang it, but still – it’s a great opener!

Up-tempo is the only word for Does Your Mother Know? It’s nearly impossible to sit and just listen, your feet want to be movin’! Fans of ABBA will know just what I mean. Kiss You Naked is another one that showcases the chorus and it’s fabulous accompanist Robert Day. The Fundamental, Seize the Day, I Do (with rhythmic hand-clapping), Who Will Love Me As I Am? (from Sideshow), Old Friend and Home are the others.

Ms. Withers raises her fabulous soprano in The Gods Love Nubia and again in Here's Where I Stand. In the latter song, which receives a gospel rendition, she’s accompanied by tenors (lucky girl!) Virgilio ‘Bhong’ P. Fajardo and Ralph DiLudovico.

I remember very well the first time I heard the resonant bass voice of Stephen C. Adams in If I Had My Way. It was a couple of years ago, and tears rolled down my face at the emotion he put into this song. It still gives me chills whenever I hear it. The warm baritone of Clinton C. Condon produced much the same effect with I Know Where I've Been, which also has a gospel influence.

Lavender is the poignant explanation by tenors Patrick T. Holcomb and Brian Borell about the origination of colors in the universe. Another exposition about colors comes from the new Executive Director of the chorus, James McPeak. Think Pink! is his advice. Later, he turns his baritone to Keep It Gay. You’ll appreciate the way he does the verse to both of these, very reminiscent of cabaret style. Delish.

Why We Sing features Patrick Wickliffe, who is not only a vocalist, but is also accompanist for the Coastliners (the double barber-shop quartet that sometimes comes out front for their own selections) but on occasion for the entire chorus as well.

Percussionist Andrew Pongrascz is heard on several tracks. The CD was recorded in Waetjen Auditorium at Cleveland State University, under the capable hands and ears of Bruce Gigax, recording engineer. This is a very special CD and helps support the mission of the chorus. Order it from their web-site (their other CDs are available there, as well.) Go to: http://ncmchorus.org/merch_cd.html There is also a list of local stores from which it may be purchased.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
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