The Idea of North This wondrous Australian group - one of the world's finest a cappella (unaccompanied) vocal jazz quartets - performed a concert for us in Kangaroo Valley Hall at 7.30pm on Friday June 27 2008. Tickets ($30, $25 (concession)) were to be had from the Kangaroo Valley Supermarket - or by mail order via this concert booking form. The Idea of North has travelled the globe spreading their unique style of vocal music: vibrant, a penchant for variety, infectious humour, diverse tastes and talents, superb arrangements ... Familiar to the Europe, U.S. and Asian scenes as well as their busy schedule within Australia, the group has toured and studied overseas with renowned vocalists, absorbing new and innovative styles of music into their expansive repertoire. In 2003 the group won the largest a cappella competition in the world - the first (and, to date, the only) non-U.S. group to take first prize. They also received the 'Audience Favourite' award, and Andrew Piper received 'Best Original Arrangement' for his extremely popular rendition of Mas Que Nada. Performing and recording regularly with such jazz greats as James Morrison and Don Burrows, the group has seven albums on the market in its own right as well as many collaborations, compilations and guest appearances. Three of those albums are available through ABC Jazz. Here & Now is currently the highest selling album ever with the ABC Jazz label.

The Idea of North from left: Nick Begbie (tenor), Andrew Piper (bass), Sally Cameron (soprano) & Naomi Crellin (alto) post-concert report: Comments heard afterwards included "Best concert I've ever been to", "Great singing, great arrangements, great presentation", "They were utterly charming, entertaining and endearing", and "(We) are still floating about in (our) stratosphere of pleasure ... We are so lucky". A full house gave these brilliant singers a standing ovation. In every respect a great success!

The following (edited) review, by Carl Leddy, appeared in the July edition of the Kangaroo Valley Voice:

The Idea of North was formed in Canberra in 1993 before moving to Sydney in 1999, but it was 2008 when they made their Kangaroo Valley debut. It won't be their last as they promised at the end of a rewarding and exciting concert to a fully packed K. V. Hall on June 27. From the moment they dropped into perfect pitch and harmony with their opening number, Give Me the Simple Life, there was an electrifying sense of anticipation from the audience that never left us. Many of the arrangements for their repertoire were put together by Naomi Crellin who joined the group in 2002 and her world-class scat singing was but one of the many highlights of a fun-filled entertaining evening. The droll delivery of tenor and resident comic Nick Begbie served the group well and demonstrated that although they may not take themselves too seriously, they treat their music and their performances with the utmost respect and it shows. From the "air double bass playing" by Andrew Piper and excellent harmonic and solo items from new soprano Sally who has achieved instant rapport with her fellow performers and it shows. In talking to members of the audience during and after the show the acclaim was universal and enthusiastic. "This was one of the most enchanting performances I have ever been part of." "I was surprised at the range and tightness of the group, they never missed a beat." "There were so many highlights it is difficult to pick one out." "When they put down the microphones, I was moved to nearly tears by the simple and pure harmonies they presented." "They were so talented it was incredible. The highlight for me was the Bach Fugue played on kazoos." The musicality and verve and enthusiasm of the troupe made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening, with constant surprises as to songs, musicality and versatility of each of the performers. At all times they had the audience's rapt attention and the connection between The Idea of North and their audience was palpably obvious. The audience were entranced and begging for more at the end of the thrilling program which included gospel songs, modern swing, jazz, love songs and ballads about life in particular and life in general. My personal favourite was the re-worded Blue Bayou (with wind sound effects) and I am sure I would have enjoyed some more songs without microphones. I wonder if they might do Fields of Athen Rye next time?