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The Silhouettes are a women's a cappella quintet/sextet out of Portland, Oregon that sprung from the wells of the multi-State Championship, Cleveland High School Choir. The Silhouettes have since graduated, heading down their respective paths but, fortunately for us, occasionally get together to sing.
Athena Frost (our youngest daughter) called from Boston asking if the Silhouettes might record in our studio since they would all be in Portland for the 2009/2010 Winter Break. “Sure, no problem. That’ll be great," I told her, not expecting much, and not knowing how many of the original group might be involved. It turned out that all six of them were available!
I was an hour late to the session having got stuck in day-jobby stuff, and the gals were all very forgiving, being grateful to get to record. They came downstairs and knocked out four beautiful and diverse recordings in just over an hour’s time. They were very tolerant of the tight space around the two mics. Indeed, for a bunch of young ladies in their early twenties, they were brilliantly professional (with possibly some credit to Sam Barbara and Steve Peter?) and I had no expectation of my own goose bumps and misty eyes as I engineered under the headphones. Next time I’ll know better.
It seems that these gals have barely seen each other over the last couple of years, let alone rehearsed, although they were rehearsing for a good portion of yesterday before they gathered in the studio. Somehow, the music is just 'in' them. It's also worth noting that there are no 'studio tricks' utilized in the production. These were recorded live, into two condenser mics with no editing. Splendid stuff. Have a listen.
If they weren’t so busy with their ‘real’ lives, I might recommend a recording contract and a world touring schedule opening for The Bobs, The Nylons or Manhattan Transfer. Ah, but as often occurs, more practical things intercede.
The Silhouettes are: Laura Chase, Marissa Deitz, Athena Frost, Gen Galarneau, Michaela Green and Haley Maddox.
Ladies and gentlemen, The Silhouettes…
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