The Rock Tenors thrilled a capacity audience in the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday evening with a high-energy, high-octane performance. The eclectic audience ranged from youngsters to senior citizens. On entering the auditorium, sepulchral lighting with tones of dulcet rock music set the mood.
Producer and Rock Tenors choreographer Doug Kamo designed an exceptionally inventive programme with superb lighting allowing for seamless musical movement between songs, arranged by Michael Grant and Che Long.
The concert was in three sections — The Rock Divas, The Rock Tenors and then both combined.
The band of five (three guitars, drums and keyboard) was magnificent, but intentional hazy lighting kept them in Stygian gloom for the first section.
The five Rock Divas paid tribute to rock music’s ‘‘godmother’’, Pat Benatar. The Fleetwood Mac medley and the Elton John medley featuring The Who’s hit Pinball Wizard had the audience on their feet dancing in the aisles. Choreography was slick (Emma Donaldson), but harmonic intonation was not always accurate. Octane level is 91.
Two shredding guitarists playing with impressively rapid fingerwork introduced the five Rock Tenors. The band was now much more visible with the guitarists frequently interacting with the singers.
Particularly beautiful was the Tenors’ rendition of Disturbed’s version of Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence.
In tribute to the current state of the world, the audience was treated to a premier performance of Stand as One.
The audience became more and more involved, and most of them were on their feet to Van Halen’s Jump. Octane level now reaches 95.
St Paul’s Cathedral Choir made cameo appearances towards the end of the evening, adding vocal colour and a touch of community to the performances.
When The Rock Divas and The Rock Tenors combine, octane 98 is reached. Hits by Toto and Guns N’ Roses and the music of Queen and The Beatles brought this outstanding concert to a resounding finale, revealing the depth and breadth of creativity and vocal talent in this city. - Review by Judy Bellingham
