"No Strings" has appeared around campus at several alumni events, at the student rally preceding President Clinton's speech to students in March and at President Chace's inauguration in April, among other venues.
"No additives--No preservatives" is the motto of "No Strings Attached," so named at a jam session at The Depot when almost every other act was a guitar group. The founding four members of this vocally gifted group of undergrads came to open-mike night with the thought that they would do something different, said Jason Hardy, who graduated from Emory in May. "So we decided to just sing--without accompaniment and without guitars.
"This has been a dream of ours, and this first year has been really fun," said Hardy, who is the group's production coordinator and promoter. "We recorded our first CD live in the Little Chapel of Glenn Memorial and had final production for the recording completed in Cali-fornia. We've already had several requests for copies."
The recording was done without instrumental accompaniment and without subsequent processing, mixing or other treatment common to most commercial recordings. "We have a few mistakes on the recording," admitted Hardy, " but we're proud of them."
The 10-member group sings a variety of music from popular to spiritual to nostalgic. Selections on the 17-song CD include '60s favorites "Runaround Sue" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Emory's alma mater, with the additional third verse, is the first selection, and three spiritual selections-- "Amazing Grace," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "The Lord Bless and Keep You"--complete the more reverent picks. Other pieces include Rockapella's upbeat "Zombie Jamboree" and "Change in My Life."
"We hope next time to record in a studio, but lack of funds has prevented that from happening so far," said Hardy. He plans to spend a fifth year at Emory to ensure the group gets off the ground and perpetuates itself. Leaning toward opera himself, Hardy plans a career in music, although members' majors range from political science and biology to music, with only two members who are vocal majors.
Members of the 1994-95 group include tenors Bimal Desai, Mark Lamback, Eddy Phong and Chris Burke; tenor/baritones Brian Pagliano and Barry Kendall; baritone/bass singers Jason Hardy and Willie Mays; and bass singers Eric Wright and Matt Curry. Auditions for new members will be held in the fall.
"We have been especially appreciative of the Emory community's embracing of our music," said Hardy. "Our goal is to be a permanent member of Emory."
Emory community members may order a copy of the CD by calling 377-6175. Cost for the general public is $10 and $5 for Emory faculty/staff and students.
-- Joyce Bell