In the Rialto’s second floor theatre a group of musicians bathed in warm light start a humming harmonique swell takes over. The small ensemble of string instruments, backing choir and bass clarinet accompany the first of many artists taking center stage this evening.
Starting the show Emilie Khan’s airy voice blends with the other musicians which bring a constant hopeful hum, toujours ensemble in perfect harmony. Each song’s simple chamber pop lyricism blends with the complex arrangements developed by Thanya Iyer and Sarah Rossy.
The ten singer-songwriters who make up the recently formed group have been friends and collaborators for the last decade. This home grown feeling stuck throughout the show as each person got up from their place in the ensemble, adjusting the microphone, wiping away tears and thanking their friends.
Halfway through the show Thanya reveals that the project began at her birthday four months ago when her friends used their incredible talents to simply share with one another contrasting the pressures of solo performance.
This half circle setting reminds of a campfire or songwriters circle but this time bolstered by the other participants in a practice harmony. Along with the sweet conscious songs that speak on finding one’s center and peace, two of the performers brought something different into the fold.
Jeremy Dutcher took the stage and started his performance with a healing chant and his powerful voice filling the room. Then, Mina iyer, Thanya’s brother, took the stage to read a text about their father and his passing which the ensemble illuminated with a harmonic haze. After the heart felt performances by common holly, Cedric Noel, Tashiina Buswa and a clever musical comedy piece by Eve Parker Finley, Pompey took the stage. He starts this final song of the night by saying he doesn’t usually like call and response songs but he’s about to lead us in one now.
The crowd giggles and begins to listen to a complex melody that everyone learns slowly. The room swells with voices repeating: “I’m full of hope and not much else”. The room illuminates with that feeling after being let in on such a sweet evening.
Photo Sarah Rossy by Vivien Gaumand
