Review by William Chan
Vocal group Naturally 7 displayed masterful singing skills and provided a sensational experience for music lovers in Macau at the Taipa Houses’ Amphitheatre on Saturday as one of the programmes of the Macau International Music Festival (MIMF).
Naturally 7 is a vocal group that was formed in New York in 1999. Consisting of seven members, they gained recognition through their appearance on the TV show “The World’s Best” after Super Bowl LVIII. Naturally 7 has an extensive performance history, including three world tours with Michael Bublé, as well as sharing the stage with renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Coldplay. They have built a dedicated fan base and received recognition from influential figures such as former US president Barack Obama and Ellen DeGeneres.
The performance titled “The Movies” showcased the exceptional talents of the singers as they delivered renowned and creatively arranged movie songs. From the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” to Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound Of Silence,” and including classics from the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and even a rap song that resembled Eminem, the singers captivated the audience with their repertoire.
As a wind instrumentalist myself, I understand the challenges of maintaining tuning, but I must say that the vocalists displayed impeccable harmonisation – a feat that is incredibly difficult to achieve. Their vocal range was exceptional, ranging from deep bass notes reminiscent of the double bass to soaring soprano melodies. This flexibility allowed them to tackle a wide variety of songs with ease.
In addition to their vocal prowess, the singers skillfully used their voices and body movements to mimic instruments like trombones and trumpets. While the accuracy of slide positions and while the sound may not have been an exact match for a trombone, their creative approach added a unique and enjoyable dimension to the performance. It was evident that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves on stage, which further enhanced the audience’s enjoyment.
The group truly outdid themselves, delivering a technically flawless performance. However, it is worth acknowledging the inherent limitations of a cappella performances. Unlike percussion and string instruments, a voice cannot multitask. While beatboxing can produce a variety of sounds, it is limited to one type of sound at a given moment, unlike the versatility of drums or other percussion instruments. Similarly, the rhythm section lacks the dynamic range and colourfulness that a full pop band can bring.
To address this challenge, the group incorporated a loop station* into their performance. One musician even soloed by adding each musical voice layer by layer, which was a truly astonishing feat. However, it should be noted that the recorded session would always remain the same, lacking the spontaneity and variety of a live performance.
Despite this limitation, the vocalists delivered a remarkable performance that showcased their talent and creativity. Their harmonisation, range, and ability to mimic instruments added depth to the songs. “The Movies” was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, leaving the audience entertained throughout the show.
*A loop station is a device that allows musicians to record and play back multiple layers of audio in real-time. It typically consists of foot switches or buttons that control the recording, playback, and overdubbing of audio loops. With a loop station, musicians can create complex musical arrangements by layering different instrument parts or vocal harmonies, effectively creating a one-person band. Loop stations are often used by solo artists, beatboxers, and live performers to enhance their performances and create dynamic soundscapes. – Source: ChatGPT
Naturally 7 perform at the Taipa Houses’ Amphitheatre on Saturday.
– Photo: William Chan
