Have you heard of this new quartet coming into the limelight?
The 5th Wheel has. Maybe not the name, but certainly the members. Yes, it is another quartet made up entirely of previous gold medalists. You may not think it's fair to those who have never won an international contest to compete against another "power" quartet? I disagree. Masterpiece has the potential to be something very special for this Society and the art form. I'll tell you why.
The members of Masterpiece are Rob
Menaker (Nightlife, 1996), Mark Hale
(Michigan Jake, 2001), Alan Gordon
(Gotcha!, 2004) and Brett
Littlefield (Nightlife, 1996). OK, pick your jaw off the ground and keep reading. Yes, this quartet has some very impressive singers in the group. Rob is a strong and accurate Tenor, Mark sings with musicality that is unmatched, Alan is, in my opinion being a fellow baritone, probably the best baritone in our Society. Alan can fill and sing like a Bass and yet match the musicality and sensitivity of the Lead. Brett... well, Brett is Brett. I believe Brett's former life was one of the trumpets that took down the walls of Jericho. His resonance and deep voice is tremendous. OK, but we already know this about them. Yeah, they're good. But what makes them so special?
Masterpiece represents all that is right about our Society and why we sing together. First off, they are all friends. They get along together and enjoy each other's company. That really comes across on the stage when they are singing. An audience can tell when a quartet's members are friends. The members of Masterpiece are also "crazy" technicians when it comes to perfecting the craft. I can guarantee you that they will ring every chord, in tune, with musical execution and precision. It's just the nature of the foursome. However, that's not what makes them stand out in my book.
They understand what it means to be a
barbershopper. They "get" the culture of the Barbershop Society and why we sing. It's not just the music, it's also the fellowship of meeting and hanging out with other
brethren around the country who share the love of this great hobby/lifestyle. When Masterpiece agrees to do your show, they won't ask to be first on the afterglow so they can catch the midnight flight home. They will stay and close out the afterglow. If you give them a beer, they'll stay even longer. ;) That's because all four of them joined barbershop as kids. They were all raised in small chapters and learned probably 90% of their musical abilities through the Society and its educators. While they are all superstar singers, they are humble men who give back to the Society that has so enriched their lives.
This is why I believe you and I will receive a great benefit with Masterpiece. They will go out of their way to make us/Society look good in the
public's eye and be incredible ambassadors to the
art form. Besides, with all the members being past champions, you think there may be a little pressure on these guys to meet the high expectations of their fans? You bet.
The 5
th Wheel endorses Masterpiece and recommends you book them on your chapter show ASAP! Not only will your audience enjoy their performance, but your members will enjoy their company... and vice
versa.
Masterpiece will be competing in the FWD Fall Convention on Oct. 10-12. Please visit their
website.
Check out the poll in the right-hand
column and cast your vote!
