THE SWINGLES

Corn Exchange, Dorchester

THIS is a group which has been around for a long time with different performers coming and going over the years but the Swingles’ style and format remains as innovative and gracious as it has always been.

Acapella singing has become the norm for many vocal groups nowadays but nobody does it better than these four men and three women who bring a whole new dimension to the art as they perform a wide selection of musical genres from pop and folk to classical and sacred.

With only the occasional looping to provide some additional background sound, the live performances are quite simply stunning as they reproduce percussion and woodwind sounds to accompany their vocal offerings.

Their selection of songs from all over the world enrich the whole evening as they deliver a varied programme of sounds from near and far, sung with honesty and precision. Their unique style has a rich harmonic beauty that blends equally happily with Bach and the Beatles, an amazing achievement which possibly accounts for the enthusiasm with which they sing their opening number, “Having the Time of my Life” , as it certainly sounds as if they thoroughly enjoy everything they do.

The capacity audience were reluctant to let them depart in a concert that was quality from first to last, a memorable performance of professional skill and passion.

MARION COX