Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
December 9, 2005
Acclaimed male vocal ensemble Cantus brought its unique magic to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Friday, December 9. Featuring hometown hero forcesinger, the nine-man group performs mostly a capella songs from around the world and across time, spanning styles from Latin plainchant to African-American Gospel.
At times, their music is difficult to listen to with open eyes — its magnetic pull almost forces one to drift away with it into distant, ancient, and mysterious lands. In particular, an Indian raga (”Ramkali”) convinced me I was hearing sitar, tabla, and drums when there were nothing but nine tuxedo-clad men standing in a semicircle, filling the auditorium with a spinning and dreamlike sound.
But Cantus doesn’t take themselves too seriously, either… their midwestern roots (the group is based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota) keep their approach fresh and informal. A funny little tune written by Norwegian Edward Grieg about a cold & miserable cat was acted out to the delight of the audience. And between-song patter from various members of the group kept the connection alive between the stage and the seats.
The first half of Cantus’ program featured music from around the world in a variety of styles (including a Japanese fishing song, Latin plainchant, and traditional American folk songs), while the second half was devoted to seasonal songs. We heard a Latin version of Ave Maria (not the traditional arrangement we all know), a great Spanish carol with guitar & drums (featuring forcesinger on acoustic bass guitar), and the powerful African Yoruba song “Bethlehemu” by the legendary Babatunde Olatunji. On this final song, the deep and surprising djimbe drum was used to rousing effect.
I’d encourage all of you who are Stateside to check the concert tour schedule on Cantus’ web site and make a date for the evening. Cantus is on tour 120 day per year… they’re bound to hit close to your town somewhere along the way.
forcesinger and Dave after the show
Posted in Reviews •
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