The Choir
Let It Fly
Reviewed by Scott W. Christopher
There is special sentimental value for me with Let it Fly, the new live record from The Choir: Although the different recordings come from several different concerts, the opening and closing remarks were made at a St. Louis show by my friend and mentor, Brian Quincy Newcomb (whom some will remember as the founding editor of Harvest Rock Syndicate, may he rest in peace). Fortunately, there is much about this memento from the Free Flying Soul tour for every fan of The Choir. With no retouching, no overdubbing, no attempts to bring the microphone any closer to the crowd noise, Let it Fly has all of the sweet charm and distorted fury of a bootleg recording. The picks reflect a good cross-section of their work--old and new songs, loud songs and romantic songs--all with the band's signature ambient noise filled out with help from guitarist Bill Campbell and percussionist Wayne Everett. Through the years, The Choir has provided me with countless hours of entertainment, of thoughtful spiritual dialogue, and of heartfelt moments of humanity. Let it Fly is a wonderful keepsake to remember all those times they were able bring it to me in person, as well.