By LeAnna Hamblin
Lark & Spur at The Grand Theatre at Salt Lake Community College is one of many musical guests that is participating in this year’s Excellence Concert Series presented by the Holladay Arts Council. Their soul-filled folk music brings harmony and holiday spirit to the audience. Originally a duo comprised of band leader and guitarist Jeff Whiteley and lead vocalist and mandolin player Lori Decker, Lark & Spur has been sharing their love of music all over the United States and Europe since the 1970s. With accolades from performing at the Montreux, Brienz, and Deauville Jazz Festivals in Europe, to television appearances in Switzerland and France and their innumerable performances with the Utah Symphony, Lark & Spur has grown to include Ray Smith on woodwinds, Alicia Wrigley-Gailey on bass and back-up vocals, Rich Dixon on guitar, Steve Keen on piano and accordion, and Jay Lawrence on drums.
Decker’s effortless soprano voice has a beautiful lilt which is pleasing to the ear as well as the soul. Her emotional performance of “Breath of Heaven” resonates with many who are missing loved ones this time of year, as did her jazzy interpretation of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Decker’s voice beautifully blends with Wrigley-Gailey who adds intriguing harmonies on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Mary, Did You Know?”. Wrigley-Gailey also adds the all-important foundation in the group with her precise bass playing. She is intentional in her performance and captivating to watch.
Whiteley leads the band and the audience on a worldwide tour through music. His knowledge of each number is impressive as he shares his wealth information with those in attendance. His comparison of an instrument to the human heart piqued my interest as I was able to relate more to the music and the effect it had on my heart. The stories and background make the music more meaningful.
The band does a wonderful job mixing traditional Christmas music with vibrant instrumental arrangements. “Il Est Né/Good Christian Men Rejoice” is full of rousing solos from each instrumentalist. Keen’s skill on the piano and accordion is impeccable, especially during the jazzy numbers “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “The Christmas Song”. The medley of “Angels We Have Heard on High/Good King Wenceslas” is intricate and brings two very different melodies together.
Smith’s multitalented showcase on flute, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone, and recorder is a pleasure to witness, especially during “The Christmas Song” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”. Dixon on guitar adds another level of musical talent in numbers such as “Un Flambeau Jeanette Isabella” and “PataPan/Noel Nouvelet”. Lawrence’s vast experience in the music industry is evident as he provides the necessary rhythm and percussion sounds to each number.
Lark & Spur at The Grand Theatre at Salt Lake Community College was the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Although they may not be what one would expect to hear on the radio today, their music brings a sense of peace to the heart and soul of anyone privileged to hear them. Lark & Spur has compiled music from around the world that opens opportunities to their listeners. Much like the instruments played onstage, my heart resonated with joy at their performance. Other concerts presented in the Excellence Concert Series are sure to do the same.
Excellence Concert Series presents Lark & Spur at The Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City Utah.
The Grand Theatre, 1575 S State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
November 30, 2019, 7:30 PM
Contact: 801-957-3322 http://grandtheatrecompany.com/
Visit http://excellenceconcerts.org/ for information on upcoming events in this series and ticket information.
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The Grand Theatre Facebook Page
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