Clash of the Choirs, Review Part 2

By Peggy Oliver

Round two in this mini series of the voter approved, amateur choir celebration initiates with two choirs in the bottom two, headed by Kelly Rowland and Michael Bolton.  Both await their results in the running for a $250,000 gift towards their respective cities charities.

Out of the gate, Team Sheldon, led by popular Country singer Blake Sheldon, vocally shocks us with the inspirational, “Taking It To The Streets”.  This is considering Blake was asking questions towards Oklahoma City residents on pointers for choir directing and harmonies.  Soloists matched the passion and pushed the Gospel-tinged mood of this Michael McDonald & The Doobie Brothers R&B/pop classic.

Team LaBelle, (Patti LaBelle’s choir from Philadelphia, PA) turned her classic, “I’ll Stand By You”, into another memorable moment and some degree of difficulty with chord changes and modulations.  Even the lead vocalist’s (J’Onette DeVeauxbray) range and interpretation was reminiscent of this love ballad, originally recorded by The Pretenders.

Daring to try one of Country’s finer edged swords, Garth Brooks, Team Lachey from Cincinnati, Ohio (led by former 98 Degrees frontman Nick Lachey) attempted “I’ve Got Friends In Low Places.”  Harmonies were strained in several places, but Nick Wall was an impressive dead ringer for Brooks’ twangy but engaging style.

In the meantime, Team Rowland via Houston, Texas, would bid farewell, and the New Haven, CT based Team Bolton needed to reload.  That they did with the much-recorded, “Ain’t No Mountain Enough”, from the Motown songbook. 

Once again, the judges/choir directors gave no critical accounts or suggestions for any choir improvements.  Yes, these are amateur groups, but if celebrities are trusted in these roles, honesty could make a difference for those aspiring vocalists that might be looking for that first break.

Two more days to go with another two-hour installment emphasizing all Christmas songs, Gospel, and otherwise.