John Sharkey

Oregano Concert Review

Prof. Berlin

MUSI267

May 4, 1999

 

     At nine o'clock, on February 11, 1999, I saw one of my favorite bands play. The band is Oregano. They played in Millersville University's Multipurpose Room of the Student Memorial Center in the heart of Millersville, PA. The concert was co-sponsored by Lambda Chi Alpha and friends and family of Chris Ciallella. It was the first annual benefit concert for the Christina A. Ciallella Memorial Scholarship.

     The concert began with the group called "A Room With A View." They had a funky, pop sound that was catchy and very danceable. The harmonies seemed to me to be very simple and it sounded like the music was in basic meter. The group consisted of a lead singer who played a rhythm guitar (it was an electric-acoustic), a lead guitarist, a bassist, and a drummer. "Room With A View" played twelve songs and were on the stage for about forty-five minutes. I enjoyed their cool sound and I thought that the lead singer had a terrific voice.

     Oregano came on the stage around ten o'clock. The group consists of a lead singer (Jeff Bowman), a lead guitarist (Sam Gorgone), a bassist (Clayton Margerum), a drummer and percussionist (Jason Krueger), and a conga player (David Skinner).    

Oregano is one of the most versatile bands I have every heard. Bowman sings (his voice is incredible) most of the songs, but Margerum's voice on such songs as "Same Impression" and "See the Future Tonight" is incredibly raw and very appealing.

    

 

Oregano Concert Review

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    Oregano played a set of twelve songs. My favorite songs of the evening where off of their third album, "See the Future Tonight". These songs were:  "I Want to Die and Be Left Alone" and "My Place." The lyrics in these songs are funny as well as being well written. Most of their songs are in basic meter and the rhythm varies from song to song. Oregano's songs are well arranged and very catchy.

     I think Oregano put on a great show on this occasion. They are really talented musicians that one day may hit the big time. They are quickly growing in popularity and I hope (because I am a fan) that their popularity will continue to flourishing into the next century.