by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
WHAT: Three Mo Tenors
WHEN: Saturday, March 10th
WHERE: UNF Fine Arts Center
After graduating from the conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University and Boston University, earning a Bachelor and Masters Degree in vocal performance, Duane Moody was faced with limited opportunities in the music business. Duane found work in Brazil in the role of Sportin’ Life in Porgy & Bess and other African American styled musicals and operas.
When the opportunity to audition for the Three Mo Tenors touring show came up, he secured a place in one of the two trios who sing in the style of the genre of music they are presenting. Duane and his colleagues James Berger and Victor Robertson tour while the other trio touring on the opposite coast.
To get the skinny on this exciting show that is coming into the Fine Arts Center at UNF March 10th, I called Duane and James (I couldn’t contact Victor) to chat about the evolution of this show. Duane and I discussed how Americans can be proud that blues, jazz, and rap, which were invented by African-Americans, have spread throughout the world.
“I auditioned for the show and did several call-backs. They were looking for formally trained vocalists who could sing in different styles and who could gel together well.”
“Director and choreographer, Marion Caffey created the show to rival the original Three Tenors. He got the idea when he saw the Three Tenors show and noticed that they sang pop songs in the operatic style. He wanted to put a show together that featured a musical journey through time including many different styles and genres to appeal to all audiences but especially African-American audiences.
“Because Marion wanted to book the show on both coasts simultaneously, he hired six vocalists with a five piece band for each trio. Our group includes James Berger and Victor Robertson,” Duane said.
Then I called James Berger, who said he auditioned for the show and went to three rounds of call-back. I asked him if uniting this particular trio was dictated by the blend of harmonies?
“Yes, that had a lot to do with it. They obviously wanted to join together compatible vocalists who could sing in many different styles. We call it “vocal athleticism.” Now we are booked sporadically around the country. Of course, we are hoping to get many more bookings that would enable us to tour steadily.”
I then asked him what he does during gaps in the groups touring schedules?
“Well, I look for gigs, taking anything I can get, like private functions, weddings, or club dates. It’s necessary for me to be versatile and flexible in working as much as possible to make a living. We are hoping that the word will get around about this show. Everywhere we perform we get standing ovations and are invited back. So the show is building momentum. We have played in Scotland, and we will be back in Los Angeles soon, as well as Jacksonville on March 10th. It’s a crowd pleasing show and we perform it with great joy and enthusiasm. Audiences love our show,” James said.
The Three Mo Tenors came to national prominence in 2001 when the staged concert was televised on PBS’ Great Performances and RCA released the recording of the show. The show takes the audience on a musical journey through the ages from spirituals to gospel to blues to soul to Broadway musicals to hip-hop. The performers have developed an exciting show with polished choreography. “Where else can you hear Usher, Pavarotti, and Marvin Gaye in the same show?
Three Mo Tenors recently released their second CD A Taste of Three Mo Tenors: Live in Chicago, which is now available on www.CDBaby.com and Itunes, or the group’s website www.threemotenorsontour.com Three Mo Tenors will be performing live at UNF Fine Arts Center on Saturday, March 10th.
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