QW4RTZ SAVES THE U.S. NATIONAL ANTHEM
Vocal quartetQW4RTZ has once again ignited the web this week by taking on the impossible challenge of harmonizing what many call the worst performance of the American national anthem. The QW4RTZ video, released on March 2nd, which now totals nearly HALF A MILLION views on Facebook and YouTubehas attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in music in the United States and internationally.
On February 28th, the 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) kicked off with an a cappella performance of Sailor Sabol performing The Star-Spangled Banner. The singer, visibly overwhelmed by stress, immediately became the laughing stock of Internet users with her random modulations and countless tonal changes.
Vocal quartet QW4RTZ couldn't help but give the singer a hand by accompanying her. The band decided to release a harmonized version of the performance with the words "That's what neighbors are for. You're welcome to join us. ».
"When you take the time to apply the right voicing technique, any melody, even the most twisted one, reveals all its richness! "says François Pothier Bouchard, arranger and singer.
See the original video of the performance by Sailor Sabol:
As soon as it was published, the QW4RTZ video ignited the web. Among the 1,300 comments, several big names in music around the world highlighted the remarkable work of the vocal quartet, and particularly that of its arranger François Pothier Bouchard.
Other musicians such as Mark Shapiro, American conductor and professor at the Juilliard School, Mannes School of Music and Columbia University, or Timothy Olsen, professor at Union College in Schenectady, NY, even took the trouble to congratulate the band in private messages.
The main interested party, Sailor Sabol herself, got in touch with the band via Instagram and approaches the situation with humour.
QW4RTZ continues its tour everywhere in the Orange Zone!
Join QW4RTZ for 60 minutes of unusual performances: improvisations, special requests, new numbers, exchanges with the audience and some anthology numbers that the biggest fans of the trifluvial a cappella group will recognize!
In a perspective of gradual deconfinement, take note that it is possible that QW4RTZ may still be dressed casual... the public is invited to do the same!
Next shows:
13 March 2021 - Dolbeau-Mistassini
14 March 2021 - Alma
March 24, 2021 - Lac-Mégantic
March 27, 2021 - Magog
April 9, 2021 - Virtual show
For all dates: qw4rtz.ca/spectacles