Vicci Martinez headlines anniversary concert

by Miryam Gordon - SGN A&E Writer

CELEBRATE
SEATTLE WOMEN'S CHORUS
February 8

The Seattle Women's Chorus celebrated a 10-year milestone with a knockout evening of powerful women singer/songwriters - a concert that featured rising star Vicci Martinez as the energetic guest. It's unfortunate that it was a one-night-only opportunity, because it was one of their best concerts ever.

Martinez has a unique vocal style, powerful and evocative, that will stand her in good stead in the coming years as she gains followers. Those with unique voices often rise to the top and are instantly recognizable on the radio, like Barbara Streisand, Donna Summer, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and Cher. So, although it may take a while to see if Martinez can reach those heady heights, after being launched into the national spotlight from her stint on The Voice, her power and passion were on full display with SWC's backing.

She sang two of her own compositions in the first act: 'I Want Your Kiss' and 'Let Go.' 'Come Along With Me,' featured in the second act, is also hers. With support from arranger David Maddux, the women of SWC filled Benaroya Hall and solidly backed Martinez. The encore was great fun as well, with rhythmic drumbeats filling the hall and Vicci channeling Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine on the group's 'Dog Days Are Over' anthem.

A DIVERSITY OF STYLES
The women of SWC poured onto the stage to Kool and the Gang's 'Celebration,' the night's theme. Then, choosing from a large range of powerful women songwriters, the evening officially started with Tracy Chapman's 'Give Me One Reason.' Pulling from moments in their 10-year history, they sang country singer Chely Wright's song 'Like Me,' from her guest stint in 2011. Remembering their concert with Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon from Sweet Honey in the Rock in 2007, they chose 'Ella's Song.'

Carole King's 'You've Got a Friend' ended the first act and her 'Natural Woman' started the second. In fact, on 'Natural Woman,' the stage swelled to hold dozens more women, as all past SWC members were invited to join in the song. Commemorated with white scarves, the years were announced as the women donned the scarves in their year of joining, starting with the first nine women who advocated and cajoled the SMC organization into adding a chorus for women.

The night was filled with awesome solos, each one better than the last. Brenda David, Julie Nicolay, Dee Pierson, Michelle Lotus, Carrie Schenken, Bo Roth, Nancy Haver, Amber Wogoman, and Julie Perzentka nailed every song.

Most of the evening was straight-up singing. A slight weakness was the addition of a trio of professional dancers who, although talented, sometimes got too frenetic and took away from the songs and lyrics. Particularly on Melissa Etheridge's song 'Like the Way I Do,' the dancers were just not an effective addition.

Overall, the evening celebrated the strengths of the SWC, which promises to continue pursuing its musical mission for many years to come.

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