Seventh Wave Live On Stage
There is something very magical about music created with unaccompanied voices. While rehearsing at Perry Jackson’s home in beautiful Scott’s Bay, Nova Scotia, the Fundy waves whispered a name to the seventh configuration of a barbershop quartet that began back many years before with lead singer Perry Jackson and baritone Paul Grimm, who along with Kurt Reimer and Steve Jackson formed the first edition of Seventh Wave in 1997. A career move required Kurt to retire from the quartet. Thankfully, Kevin Wentzell came on the scene at the right moment more than eight years ago to fill Kurt’s big shoes.
Legend tells that every seventh wave is larger and more powerful than the rest. The talented guys that make up the Seventh Wave Quartet believe that special magic comes from their great love of music, and a friendship as close as the harmonies they create.
Seventh Wave has a sound that is uniquely rich. Perry possesses the gift of a velvet croon reminiscent of the 1940’s and 50’s that influences their smooth, resonant tone and fuses with tenor Steve Jackson as only a father-son combination can. Kevin Wentzell provides the solid bass notes and baritone Paul Grimm finds the magic middle ground to fill out each chord and ring it to the rafters.
Over the years the multi-award winning group has gathered a huge following and developed eclectic musical tastes that reach beyond the barbershop genre. They have become noted for their gospel repertoire, and here on their first recording you will find everything from jazz, to Irish ballad, to bluegrass, all sung without instrumental backup, in beautiful a cappella arrangements, many of which have been developed by the quartet.
Drawing from a broad set of influences and constantly trying on new songs is what the guys love best, and what keeps their sound fresh and new. Steve (tenor) carries the lead part in two of the songs, “Anytime” and “Sentimental Journey”.
“Barbershop” seventh chords and chord progressions have an unmistakable sound and produce a unique and glorious ring. This music is written for the enjoyment of group singing as much as it is for listening and the guys say it is the love of performance, of giving and receiving together with an audience that keeps them going strong. Making exciting music with close friends, singing with their hearts wide open and making audiences leap to their feet with joy, these are just a few of many reasons the guys intend to ride the legendary Seventh Wave for as long as they possibly can.
Let the Wave wash over you and you’ll find yourself caught up in rare musical magic.
Sally O’Neill,
April 2010
anytime · barbershop genre · barbershop quartet · bluegrass · cappella arrangements · gospel repertoire · irish ballad · kevin wentzell · kurt reimer · paul grimm · perry jackson · sentimental journey · seventh wave · seventh wave quartet · steve jackson
