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JustaFan -> RE: Palmetto State Quartet (8/20/2008 7:48:15 AM)
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I saw PSQ about three weeks ago. I was pleased with the new lineup. I certainly don't recall any P&W music. I'm sure my father, who is one who complains about "7-11" songs would have had a negative reaction if they had, but he was very happy with them, as well. I was a little apprehensive about the new lineup based on what I'd heard here. So unsure that I didn't buy their new CD until the intermission. I think the group has basically the same big sound they've had for the past ten years. Perhaps some of the individual parts aren't quite as strong as past singers, but how many singers come close to the talents of John Rulapaugh or Rick Fair? Still, each singer is quite talented and up to the task. Certainly there were much weaker singers in several of the big-name, nationally known groups who were at that concert series. It takes time for any new lineup to gel. They are still at the point where they are singing songs from earlier albums that followers of the group will associate with earlier singers. In time they will make those songs their own, and/or find their own material. They definitely are already very enjoyable, and they have the potential to be wonderful soon. It's like a sports team being in a building phase. The crowd had a wait-and-see attitude. The consensus was that they needed to prove themselves. This was evidenced by the total lack of activity at their product table before the concert, but that completely changed by intermission. I had trouble getting close enough to the table to buy my CD after the first half of the show. Casey, the new piano player was a huge hit, a real crowd pleaser, and that is saying a lot for somebody playing where Andrew Ishee's big personality is remembered. Casey was getting a lot of favorable attention at the product table during the break. They did some classic material, like Get Away Jordan, that had the crowd on their feet. I think they were received as well or better than the headliner, BF&A. (Before the BF&A fans get upset, let me say that group was "off" that night because they were missing a singer.) During the second half, Woody Beatty came out and did some classic songs with them. He sang some, and played the piano while Casey played his saxophone. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing them again in the Spring.
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