There’s no accounting for good music, especially in Rochester. The Yellowjackets, an all-male a cappella group, gave the crowd a run for its money Friday, Feb. 22, in their “Bringing Yellow Back” CD release debut in Strong Auditorium.
True to their name, they brought back, without a doubt, their usual showmanship of dynamic vocal sounds performed by their young and dynamic cast of 15. With inspiring new arrangements of well-known rock and pop songs, the show spanned several genres of music including an amusing remake of “Sweetest Girl” by Wyclef Jean.
The concert celebrated the new release of the Yellowjackets’ 14th album. Several alumni braved the inclement weather to join their beloved fellow ‘Jackets for the event, ranging from alumni of several years to singers who just graduated from the group last year.
With the help of Vocal Point, the all-female a cappella group on campus, this a cappella duo put on a show that had the audience on its feet and clamoring for an encore. “Bringing Yellow Back” was a tribute to the Yellowjackets’ ingenuity. With their endearing energy and creative arrangements, the Yellowjackets are one of the most exciting, entertaining and beloved groups at UR.
Beginning their concert late, the current members of the Yellowjackets rushed to the front of the Auditorium in various states of disarray (two even came half-naked in towels), much to the amusement of their eager fans. Their first song, featuring soloist and freshman Danny Rubenstein, Alabama’s “I’m in a Hurry,” set an energetic, playful tone for the concert.
A powerful stage presence by freshman Aaron Sperber in “Doing That Thing You Do,” followed by a soulful and heartfelt solo by junior John Greenhalgh in “Tonight I Want to Cry,” were just a few samples of songs that kept the audience captivated.
Senior Zander Hunter showed that skill does come with age, delighting the audience with Maroon 5’s “Won’t Go Home Without You.” Junior Jon Zicari’s rendition of “Apologize,” featuring his powerful, emotive voice, embodied that unique ability to completely enthrall everyone present. Not to be outdone, junior Eric Cinelli’s rich, earnest rendition did justice to the classic Queen song, “Somebody to Love,” and although he’s no Freddy Mercury, people in the audience swore they couldn’t tell the difference.
However, Yellowjackets fans had to wait until the end of the show to hear “Up the Ladder,” a perfect cap to the evening. Clearly thrilled to be back at Rochester, the alumni joined the show and exhibited energy and lively dance movements for which the Yellowjackets are known. Even after all these years, they impressed the crowds, showing that their voices were still top notch.
Living up to the hype for the well-anticipated 14th album, the performance by the Yellowjackets is best summed up in the words of freshman Hannah Lejfer.
“The Yellowjackets have a special place in my heart, they always put on such a good show and I advise everyone to go out and get their new CD,” she said.
Jung is a member of the class of 2011.
