Last month, Todd Boston (guitar), Matthew Schoening (electric cello) and Grammy Awards 2015 nominee Silvia Nakkach (vocals) came together on the stage at Marin Showcase Theater in San Rafael for a memorable performance. I am finally able to share about it with you.
It all came about when my friend Michelle e-mailed me several weeks prior saying she was coming my way to attend a concert called Nature’s Song and would I like to join her. I must admit, I had never heard of these musicians before, but I hadn’t seen my friend in almost nine years, and a catch up over good food followed by good music sounded perfect, so I said yes.
When we sat down in the rather uncomfortable seats at the Marin Center Showcase Theater I was not sure what to expect, but I knew it would be good. It wasn’t. It was better. It was magnificent!
Through their chosen instruments, these three absurdly talented artists created a harmonious convergence of sounds that conjured the spirit of nature. The title Nature’s Song was the only perfect choice.
To give you a taste of it, here is a video of the rehearsal with Todd Boston and Silvia Nakkach.
Two special guests joined them, each for one song: flutist Bodhi, and emerging vocalist Kopi Gulbranson, both also incredibly talented.
The performance was further enhanced by a slideshow of beautiful nature images by Andrea M. Boston. I can just imagine how otherworldly it would be to experience this concert under a forest canopy, or possibly even at the Tamalpais Mountain Theatre, which is an open air amphitheater reminiscent of the ancient Roman ones.
During the intermission, I had the chance to quickly meet Todd Boston, and then browse among the CDs that were offered – the only difficulty being which ones to choose. Though in hindsight I should have just noted the ones I wanted and then downloaded them as MP3s directly into my iTunes, I picked five.
Here they are. If you click on each image, you will get to the website where you can listen to a sample and purchase the music in CD format or downloadable MP3.
I had never heard electric cello before, and certainly never seen it played, but now I am a fan. And Matthew Schoening is a true virtuoso, so now I am a fan of his music, too, as I am of Todd’s and Silvia’s.
I am not sure when and where a repeat of Nature’s Song will happen, but I am certainly keeping my eyes and ears open for it and, when I find out, I will let you know, too.
In the meantime, I know that these artists are performing regularly in various locations, sometimes solo, sometimes together or with other musicians, so I invite you to check out their websites and follow them on social media to keep updated.
Matthew Schoening | website | facebook | twitter
Todd Boston | website | facebook | twitter | youtube
Silvia Nakkach | wikipedia
Bodhi | website
I am sure you will enjoy this music.
And you are welcome.
p.s. I just found out that, on Mother’s Day, May 10, Bodhi is doing an epic production called “Peace is Now” with an all-star band of musicians and singers at the same theatre. Click here to view details about the event and purchase tickets.
