Zingology

I enter the intimate room behind the circulation desk on this grey Sunday afternoon.  The small room is filled and the audience waits patiently as “Too Human” sets up.  I look forward to hearing this act as I haven’t heard them in quite a while and I’m a big fan.

Their first song, “Sentimental Journey,” fills the room as Ellen and Roger’s powerful harmonies grab everyone….The contrast of Rogers voice—rich and smooth with Ellen’s deep and passionate voice is pure pleasure to listen to. And they are playing with one of their favorite bass players, Bryan Rizzuto.  Bryan’s skill and ability to play exactly the right notes at exactly the right time amazes me.  It all seems so effortless.

 Their performances are a mix of their own music and their own arrangements of jazz standards.  My favorites this day were 2 standards: “S’Wonderful,” “That’s All” and two of their own, “True” and “Sentimental.”  I’ve heard “True” many times but today, I hear it like I’ve never heard it before.

As the first snow of the season falls outside, the guy sitting next to me says “Aren’t they amazing? I heard them last year and was so excited to hear they were playing again. Wouldn’t miss it for anything!”  He can’t stop smiling (another fan).  And it’s not just the music. It’s the intimate environment they create for all their concerts, regardless of audience size—Like you are a guest in their living room and they are giving you a private concert.  When Ellen asked if they had any questions, one guy said he was curious how they sounded without amplifiers.  They immediately pulled the power and performed a beautiful song acoustically—just like that.  The guy was delighted.  This spontaneity and honesty along with great music is why they have such a loyal fan base.

You don’t need to drink and you don’t need to dance (not that there’s anything wrong with either).  You just need to listen.  And you’ll understand.

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Click here to go to Too Human website