‘The Saruzu Quartet’ // Logan Entertainment Centre
‘The Saruzu Quartet‘ was energetic.
The Saruzu Quartet was greeted by a full room of excited audience members at the Logan Entertainment Centre. After enjoying dinner and entertainment provided by two very talented local singer-songwriters, Angie Grace and Briana Dinsdale, the audience was ready for more.
Performing together for the past 20 years, The Saruzu Quartet features Andrew Vievers (guitar), Simone Pope (percussion/dance), Shenton Gregory (violin), and Andrew Shaw (double bass). For this concert, they were joined by special guest Kacey Patrick on vocals. With a style that’s influenced by Argentine tango, flamenco, and gypsy jazz, the group created a lush and highly improvisational program.
Their set-up was a very simple slightly curved line with each of the performers placed equidistant from each other. This created an open and relaxed yet commanding stage presence, which allowed greater communication with the audience. Both Vievers and Patrick interacted with patrons throughout the evening, entertaining viewers with stories of their experience in the quartet and explanations of the specific styles they were performing.
Sound design was well done with microphones set up for each of the performers, however the guitar – apart from solos – was softer than the rest. Decreases in dynamics from the other performers helped immensely to highlight various solos.
Lighting design covered the performers in bright and soft lights. The background featured different moving patterns, and other lights in various colours scanned the stage. Each of the choices matched the general mood of the musical pieces well.
The Saruzu Quartet’s program switched between lively and powerful pieces to slow and ethereal numbers. The timbre of the four instruments, with Pope mostly playing the cajon, blended together nicely and perfectly suited their style. The addition of Patrick on vocals brought a magical element to each of her songs. It was clear she had a brilliant understanding of these talented musicians and their esoteric style.
Overall, the energy and physicality of the performers and their flawless communication with each other allowed the improvisational and solo aspects of the pieces to fit seamlessly together. Each of the musicians was given an opportunity to demonstrate their skills throughout the evening and showcase their awe-inspiring abilities. Alongside the incredible musical performances, Pope delighted the audience by showing off her amazing flamenco dancing; sometimes with castanets or body percussion.
The Saruzu Quartet performed a beautiful program with vigour and passion at the Logan Entertainment Centre. With precision, artistic flair, and rich harmonies, they had the audience cheering for the outstanding performances by the musicians, even ending the night with a standing ovation. Definitely an experience not to be missed.
To find out what’s on at the Logan Entertainment Centre, visit their website.
