Graduate House — The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne

Coco’s Lunch at Graduate House reviewed by Vocal Australia

Posted on Nov 27, 2011

Melbourne’s own Coco’s Lunch have been wowing audiences with their original and innovative contemporary a cappella music for over 15 years.  Featuring five extraordinary singers (Lisa Young, Sue Johnson, Jacqueline Gawler, Gabrielle MacGregor and Nicola Eveleigh), the talented group have gone on to release six albums, with two of those especially for children…and the young at heart.  As invited guest artists, Coco’s Lunch have headlined festivals throughout Australia, Asia, Europe and Canada sharing their unique compositional style infusing jazz, folk and world music influences to audiences all around the world.

Internationally, they’ve had great success winning the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) for Best Folk/World Song (“Thulele Mama Ya” by Lisa Young) and receiving Runner Up for Best Folk / World Album for “A Whole New Way of Getting Dressed”.  While 2007 saw them receiving two Australian Recording Industry Award (ARIA) nominations, one for “Blueprint” for Best World Music Album and the other for “Rat Trap Snap” for the Best Children’s Album.

Performing a rare concert in their home town of Melbourne, Coco’s Lunch demonstrated their exceptional musicianship performing complex rhythmic patterns with complete ease while effortlessly improvising heartfelt melodies. Their vibrant songs build up layers to create a groove that you can’t help but want to move and sing along to. The versatile performers access an array of technical skills that they’ve learnt on their musical trips around the world. Returning home with new ideas and tricks up their sleeve Coco’s Lunch entrance the audience with their stage presence.

As part of the University of Melbourne’s Graduate House Concert Series with a packed out audience, the intimate setting focused the attention on their stunning voices that beautifully blend together.   Though the majority of their show is completely a cappella Coco’s Lunch do add flute and a few drums for some of their songs.  It would be great to see them step away from their instruments and perform a completely a cappella show at some stage in the future.

As vocal improvisers Coco’s Lunch are some of the best on the international stage.  Jacqueline Gawler’s solo for “I am your grandmother” breathes warmth into the song as it wills you to honour your heritage.  Lisa Young’s flexible voice and brilliant musicianship shines through during “Thanga” as she performs complex vocal percussion sections inspired by indian drum patterns and Lisa’s low bass notes resonante throughout the “Palani Princess” to build the rhythmic drive of a train complimented by Jacqueline’s solo inspired by her travels in India.

With many fans of their children’s songs as well, Coco’s Lunch didn’t fail to impress, with “There’s a Baby in My Belly” providing some child friendly anatomy lessons and a few laughs.  The young at heart happily joined in with gusto for the sing-along moment in the jazz band inspired “Little Miss Muffett”.  Rounding out their program with “Sister my Sister” and the luscious and warm harmonies in their encore “Thulele Mama Ya” sealed Coco’s Lunch as a unique world class a cappella act who deserve copious accolades along their journey.

Reviewer: Amelia Alder

Link at Article: http://vocalaustralia.com/2011/11/review-cocos-lunch/

Testimonial by Barbara Tynan

I ‘discovered’ GH in August 2010. Since then I have spent time here in December, February, May, July and the present. On each occasion all service has been exceptional. On this occasion bookings required that I change apartments today from 302 to 101. I checked at the Office this morning to see that the change was still ‘on’. Neel explained that it was and that I needed to check-out at 10am and check-in again at 2pm. I knew the routine so was not surprised.

It is not particularly convenient of course but that is the procedure. Shortly after this George knocked on my door and advised a change of plans. He said 101 was being prepared and I could move in as soon as it was ready. AND that he would help me move. He took my phone number and within half an hour called to say the apartment was ready and to let him know when I needed a hand. I had not even finished packing so quick were the housekeeping staff.

George arrived to help with my luggage and then re-checked 302 to make sure I had not left anything behind. I am now in 101 and have unpacked completely and am writing to you. The housekeeping staff may have been quick but everything was spot on.

George refused my offer of a token of my thanks.

I am sure you realise that the staff at GH are excellent but don’t know if guests actually tell you so. In my visits here I have always been looked after VERY well by the office staff, the kitchen staff and the housekeeping staff but it just gets better. This time I wanted to let you know that the room change could not have been handled better. It was so smooth and so gracious.

To George, my grateful thanks  (what a gentleman) and to Neel and the housekeeping staff likewise.

GH is Melbourne’s best kept secret. I stay here when I come to study and when I come for pleasure. I constantly spread the word.

Please pass on my remarks to George, in particular, and to the staff. Very grateful.

Regards

Barbara Tynan

Dinner at Graduate House – Anonymous

Hi Rosie

Thank you for your help with the evening.

We were very happy with the dinner and everything ran very smoothly. The food, service and the room worked very well to create a lovely Christmas Dinner. Our guests were delighted with the evening.

Please email the account for payment.

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