TexasPRfan Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 (edited) San Antonio Review Got to enjoy another highlight for me Saturday – the San Antonio Regional, with a great day of drum corps where all the corps come together, and even better, in a break from the Texas heat. While I wish Finals were never indoors, this show with an afternoon start time in Texas, is a blessing. The acoustics compared to other indoor stadiums are also not as bad. I had great seats on the 11th row of the upper deck (which is low in San Antonio), on the B-side 45. As my first impressions often change upon subsequent viewings, I called out which corps I was seeing live for the first time on Saturday below. I ended up having to watch Guardians & Genesis in the tunnel (once downstairs, once upstairs), but I was super impressed with both groups. They were large, with very respectable hornlines. Great to see 2 more solid corps in Texas in addition to Crossmen, and also to see the continued growth with Genesis. Pioneer (1st viewing) – I appreciate the fact this corps is here (we’ve lost far too many corps) and that they are financially able to tour. That said, they are so small in numbers I have to wonder if they would be better served in Open Class (not the first time I’ve mentioned that). I found Guardians & Genesis far more solid & competitive. Pioneer still really is suffering from a percussion-brass imbalance, with a huge percussion ensemble (pit & battery) vs a small horn line. I did enjoy their show, though. Cascades – As I’ve said before, seeing them in Denver & Denton, the growth with this corps in one year is very exciting to see. Much maturity, and far better brass & guard programs than 2013. I enjoyed the blended arrangements in the opener & closer and this is a nice show, designed at the level of the performers. Jersey Surf – Impressive volumes from Surf, with a little less issues Saturday than on Thursday with edgy sounds and individuals sticking out (though the dome could have contributed to covering that up from the upper deck). The program doesn’t really do much for me, but the performance levels make it enjoyable. Surf also seems to be marching better this year, and the visual proficiency scores seemed to mirror my opinion on that. Mandarins – It’s terrific to see such a large corps from Mandarins (I think I counted 72 horns!). They have power, and from a performance perspective are the best I’ve seen them in years. Unfortunately, while the music has grown on me some, I just don’t get much out of the program. This is one show where the narration absolutely adds nothing at all, and is even distracting. I loved last year’s show (narration included) and found it moving and cohesive. This year between the banners, very elementary visuals like the diamond on a pole wielded by a guard member, and the narration, it feels like a theme just forced on a show that wasn’t necessary. Pacific Crest – I like this show a great deal. The addition of the drum major conducting as a marionette is a nice touch. The music book is solid for PC, though not as strong as their book 2 years ago in terms of how much it draws me into the show. Performance wise, as I have said, this is a great hornline with solid teaching. Nice ensemble sounds. The entire grouping from Colts to Mandarins (including PC, Academy & OC) all have solid hornlines, which is great to hear. I will say this, it doesn’t feel like PC has grown as much since Ogden & Denver as have other corps. They still have a great deal of opportunity to tighten up visual & musical performance levels. Academy – Academy is doing a nice job in developing their show. The execution levels visually and by the brass line in playing have improved considerably since Ogden. I like this show, and it’s a nice step forward from last year’s debacle. Academy needs to work with their use of the red tarps to ensure they lay flat & don’t create hazards for the marchers and visual distractions. As one example, while it’s kind of interesting to see the left side red tarp be pulled back to a horizontal mid-field position with a guard member sitting on the tarp, its creating a big fold that is never truly fixed once the move is done. The closer & a nice pit feature with marimba players moving around is a nice ending, along with the nice British themed flags. Oregon Crusaders – This show is still one of my favorites of the summer. Not usually a fan of pre-recorded narration, but this one really works. This is an ambitious show that still has a lot of growth potential if the members can rise to the level of demand & design in the show. I love the brass book, and the Axiom ballad is beautiful. I still find the tails on the jackets to be visual clutter. I could see OC hanging on to 16th very easily, which would be very impressive for their 2nd year in World Class. I’m not sure they can clean up enough execution wise to get more GE credit & pass Colts & Spirit, but I certainly enjoy their show more than either of those corps. Colts (1st viewing) – There were some things to like in this show, including a great visual program (have always loved Sylvester’s work & creations). As a whole, though, the show just doesn’t work for me. I appreciate the narrator as a performer, but it’s just way too much and creates a show that has no flow or enjoyment for me. Hard to remember too many specifics as the Colts just completely lost me during the show. Spirit of Atlanta (1st viewing) – Another show that just didn’t do it for me personally. I had great hopes for this southern themed show, thinking it would be right up their wheel house. But, I found the musical arrangements un-interesting. Visually, I thought the homages to the magnolia tree got stale as the show went on as well. Just feels like a huge step backwards in design after a nice 3 year run for Spirit back in Finals. I don’t see this show challenging Crossmen, and Troopers have far more room to grow in my opinion. Troopers – Very much enjoying this show from Troopers this year. I find the music book engaging, with good variety. And the brass playing is powerful and great to listen to. The America the Beautiful section is the type of moment I have always loved about drum corps, and continues to give me chills. Nice visual moments as well with the penny formation and the banners that unfold to reveal a picture of Lincoln (from a lower vantage point in Denton that was not visible). What is surprising is how dirty Troopers still are visually. Not sure if they can clean a demanding drill enough to challenge Crossmen. Guard, while solid, is also a huge step below Crossmen’s wonderful color guard. Crossmen – This is a great product from Crossmen overall. To me their best yet in their latest renaissance. The music book has some classic Crossmen grooves, and the visual program is cohesive & sells the theme. I do still feel they are too conservative with drill, and too compact – though better than last year. The guard is stellar and really brings some nice impact moments. Love the closing drill with the reference to their logo, then a 40 then their logo in the closing set. A very fitting anniversary year for Bones. Madison Scouts – I enjoyed this show a bit more the 2nd time around (1st viewing in Denver). I still think their achillees heel is drill, and it’s just not written well, with much effect, to my tastes. The all white uni can be dangerous to design for to ensure there is good definition. Musically, I enjoy Scouts, but I don’t love the program. Niner-Two is particularly disappointing – too choppy and too short. Overall, that is my biggest complaint, Scouts have squeezed too many pieces of music into the show, and the flow or conclusion of melodic thoughts from some great classics is just missing. Overall, this is the weakest show design I’ve seen since Jim Mason took over. I don’t see them moving up beyond 10th (if that) by DCI. Perhaps they can move back in front of Blue Stars – too close to call. Blue Stars (1st viewing) – Wow, that is a ton of stuff on the field. While the layout of the house and use of drill through the house is kind of neat and interesting, it’s also overwhelming & too much. The brass playing is getting better than the past couple of years, though they aren’t up to the level of their stellar run from 2008-2010 yet. I am looking forward to seeing the show again to see if I warm up to it further. Certainly a lock for Finals. Boston Crusaders – (1st viewing). Wow. Certainly a different type of program for Boston. The Animal Farm show is aggressive & dark, and ambitiously written from a visual perspective. All that said, I have to see the show again, as it didn’t really pull me in upon first viewing the way I want to be engaged (and there are some dark shows over the years from various corps that I have dearly loved, from BD ‘95 and ‘00, to Blue Knights ‘06 & ‘07. I did enjoy the conquest hits. I do have to agree with Marie from a GE visual perspective, I didn’t find the visual design particularly effective, apart from a great flag statement with the Animal farm red, black & white character flags in the middle of the show. Blue Knights – I’ve seen this show 3 times now in competition, and my love for this show has not abated one bit. I will say whether it was the lower seats in Denver or the fact it was hard to hear the narration (which adds a great deal to BK’s show) from the upper deck in San Antonio, but I was not as overwhelmed with emotion as I was in Denver, but the ending still brought goosebumps and watery eyes. Still my show of the year, BK. I love, love, love this show both visually (gorgeous) and musically (a great music book, full of lush beautiful music and played very well by a strong & mature hornline). Phantom Regiment (1st viewing). After seeing this show on line (didn’t care for it at all) and all the doom & gloom, I was prepared for a train wreck. While I won’t hide my bias or love for Regiment, I was stunned. This is a far better product than 2013. Perhaps they are starting to take off the “restrictor plates” from the hornline, as I thought they were powerful, with a dark, symphonic, deep sound that fits the show perfectly. I could swear that this show took about 5 minutes. I also just didn’t see how the guard is in 9th based on Saturday night’s performance. My partner was with me, and isn’t normally a Phan, but he also loved Regiment, thought the visual and music books were great, and that the guard was among his top 5 of the night. There are still flaws, including the guard change in the tubes that is anti-climatic and takes way too long, and the ending (which I’m hoping musically and visually is not the real ending). Kudos for great silks on the flags for the guard throughout the program. There is some real potential that can still be unlocked from this show. Not saying they will pass anyone, but I thought they were under-scored in SA – particularly in Visual Proficiency, Guard & Percussion. Cavaliers – What a difference a year makes! After making a few strides last year, Cavaliers have made a leap this year. The show design is far more cohesive, with a solid music book and drill, and a guard that performs very well. The brass line seems to be improving rapidly. One small quibble – where the hornline “dies,” and is pulled back up (I guess to be immortal), after a neat moment or 2 they just seem to go back to moving the way they were. Nice moment, but shouldn’t something stay different to close the show (No, I don’t know what…smile) Carolina Crown – I have been a HUGE Crown fan really all the way back to 2003 when they first came out in cream and began their push to the top. What I’ve loved is the lush, accessible, terrific music they’ve played and the visual programs that have accompanied their programs. I’m sad to say they’ve lost me this year. While they are technically very impressive (that horn line is incredible), the product just leaves me flat. Got the same reaction from my partner who went as far to say that he’ll take a break at Finals when Crown performers he’s so disappointed. The visual program is just not cohesive and both musically & visually this show has too much going on seemingly for the sake of having too much going on. I whole-heartedly agreed with their 5th place finish, and frankly, I think their vehicle is inferior to the top 4, which pains me to say. Whether it is In.Trance.It, Triple Crown, The Grass is Always Greener, Finis, Rach Star, or any, really of their pre 2013 shows, I hope Crown goes back to their roots next year. Santa Clara Vanguard – I’ve seen this show 4 times now (Ogden, Denver, Denton & SA). Each time I’ve admired the visual program more and an impressed with how clean they are becoming. This is an impressive show. I just can’t find the heart (yet) from the show that sets SCV apart when they are at their best (like last year, the Martha year or 2004’s original of this show). I think my complaints are a sterile music book that works too hard to be different from 2004, and a color scheme I’m not a huge fan of. For example, I don’t care for the long sequence in the purple & blue skirts & fans for the guard. The hornline is powerful, and boy can they drum. I just don’t see this show as a medalist – yet. But, there are 3 weeks, and Vanguard usually surges. I hope the show finds a way beyond my mind to my heart. Bluecoats – Best Bluecoats show ever. I’ve said it & I stand behind it. The program is great. It’s accessible yet creative, making the best use of props yet in a DCI show. The music book is entertaining and true to their character. There is plenty of room to clean up further visually, which I hope they do. I don’t know if they have the drill to win, but this is a great show. Cadets (1st viewing) – I came in prepared to love Cadets like I always do when they do Copland. I left disappointed. I found the narration (spoken & recorded) to be way too much. Much more could be accomplished with much less, and it was often difficult to discern from the upper deck. The corps can certainly march & play extremely well. I also think the guard is far stronger than last year. Musically, I was left flat – even by Appalachian Spring – which should NEVER happen. The piece is too brief and doesn’t build enough. Compared to Blue Devils, Bluecoats & even SCV, this is an inferior vehicle upon my first viewing. I hope I see things differently by Finals. Blue Devils (1st viewing) – Wow. I love this program! Thank you, BD for playing a very accessible, demanding and enjoyable music book. The first time in years I feel like they felt true to their roots musically (though I was in the minority that really enjoyed the Bacharach music book). Visually, they have a demanding drill and they march so well. Also enjoyed that they seem to have a lot more ensemble guard moments this year – all that were done incredibly well. I actually enjoyed their shows the last 2 years, but this one is special. Even my partner, who normally can’t stand BD, loved them this year. It will take something magical to steal 1st place from this corps this year, for sure. I can’t wait to see it again. Like Phantom, this show seemed to be over in 5 minutes. So those are my long-winded thoughts on all the corps at what always feels like the ½ way point in the season. Here are my favs (ranked on enjoyment, NOT performance alone): Blue Knights Bluecoats Phantom Regiment (weren’t even on my list until Saturday) Blue Devils Crossmen Troopers Oregon Crusaders SCV Cavaliers Here are my partner’s favs (ranked on enjoyment) Bluecoats Blue Devils Santa Clara Vanguard Cavaliers Phantom Regiment Madison Scouts Harvey Edited July 28, 2014 by TexasPRfan 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeN Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Harvey, Thanks for the review! I always look forward to your impressions each year. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwillis35 Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Fabulous review! Thanks for taking time to review so many shows. That's a lot of drum corps viewing. I agree with you about Phantom. That show has come a long way. Many of us, myself included, were hard on them early in the season. Part of that is my desire to see them be like they were in the 80s and early 90s. They used to come out strong and knock your socks off annually. That sound would be amazing and you'd wait all winter to hear it again. It's a different corps today, which is good, but I do think they've been held-up by late starts and delays over the last 2 years. I love the Cadets show with narration and all and find it to be exhilarating and artistic, but that's me. Many do not like the narration and are distracted by aspects of their show. I do agree that the Shaker Hymn from Appalachian Spring hasn't pulled people up or caused the level of emotional feel-good that they were hoping for. Some of that is the number of corps that have done the chart, and some of that is seeing Cadets not end a show utilizing some whiplash "let's kill the mellophone section" dash to the finish line. Nonetheless, I actually see the show winning the title or coming in 2nd, but I realize most will not like Cadets as I do. Love your review of SCV. My thoughts exactly. Actually, with a slightly better music book they would be my pick to win. With that drill and overall visual program....Yikes!! And you GOTTA love our Canton Bluecoats!!!! Their best show ever, and if they clean all aspects I would not rule them out of it. Weirder things have happened in DCI. Perhaps we will hear the words: "in 3rd place...Cadets, and in 2nd place, which is actually a tie for 1st place..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wesleyrp Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Fantastic review Harvey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajlemm Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Harvey, we definitely share views on most corps this year. You had one line that I have been trying to capture for a long time of what makes certain shows stand out: (Regarding SCV's show) "I just can't find the heart yet". I wholeHEARTedly agree with this with a number of SCV's shows, and the contrast of Ballet for Martha, with how they found something that year. Finding the heart is what makes a memorable show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.E. Brigand Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Mandarins – It’s terrific to see such a large corps from Mandarins (I think I counted 72 hours!). That's a long time to count. Seriously, another great review. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Dixon Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cajal Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Great review, thanks for taking the time to type it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamarag Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Harvey's reviews are always great reads. He's a great guy too...we sat with him and his partner in Boston in 2005. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ream Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 always a great review!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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