If you haven’t seen Nick Parnell play his vibraphone, you’re missing out. However, on Friday 16 May you have the opportunity to see the Vibes Virtuoso play at The Street Theatre. It’s the kind of show that will have you smiling, laughing and shaking your head in amazement – probably all at the same time.
We had the chance to chat with Nick Parnell prior to his visit to learn more about the vibraphone, his passion for music and the power of performance.
1. For the uninitiated, tell us briefly about the vibraphone.
A: The vibes looks a bit like a xylophone but sounds much smoother, a bit like a piano. It contains keys (or bars) which are made out of a metal and are laid out in a similar fashion to notes on a piano. Under each bar is a resonating tube which amplifies the sounds. It all contains a pedal to control sustain. The vibes found its popularity in jazz through players like Milt Jackson and Gary Burton. My show has a classical focus, but does contain a few jazz influences such as music by Gershwin and the “tango”.
2. The vibraphone is a really fun instrument. What is the typical response from audiences?
A: People are often amazed at how you play it. I hold two mallets in each hand (4 in total) and that fascinates audiences. So it’s a great visual feast for the senses! But at the end of the day, it’s about the music that comes out. The vibes can sound painfully beautiful and delicate one moment, and exciting and full of energy the next.
3. What’s the most unique response you’ve ever received – be it in a large or small setting?
A: I once had a dear elderly lady approach me after a concert and commented enthusiastically that she had never seen a vibrator before! I didn’t quite know how to respond to that.
4. The speed of your drumming has to be seen to be believed. In what other facets of your life has this dexterity been of benefit?
A: Typing.
5. Your passion to expose your instrument to new audiences is obvious. Is there something you wouldn’t do to get the message out there?
A: Of course, I wouldn’t do many things like jumping out a plane playing my instrument (although I must admit I did consider it once!). But I am passionate about showing people how great an instrument the vibes is so I keep on touring, making records and doing interviews to get the message out there.
6. Playing ‘Enter Sandman’ at The Birdsville Pub looked a lot of fun. Is there any song you’ve wanted to take on, but the challenge is too great?
A: It was actually “Smoke on the Water” and it was a lot of fun. Some music I would love to play on my instrument but it doesn’t suit. I’m always very particular about making sure what ever music I play has integrity and adapts really well. Bach, Gershwin and Debussy are three composers that sound great on the vibes. And “Smoke on the Water” sounds alright too!
7. Is this cultural cross-over, or simply exploration of a different style?
A: My mission as a musician is to bring classical music to the vibes, and the vibes to classical audiences and the wider general public. The vibes hasn’t been utilized much in the classical genre as a serious concert instrument in its own right. But it has massive potential and I believe it to be the newest most exciting classical instrument to hit the scene in recent years.
8. Who in the pop world do you admire from a classical point of view?
A: There is an incredible Danish percussion duo called the Safri Duo. I studied with them for a time in Copenhagen. They were superstars in the classical world and toured Australia with Musica Viva a number of years ago. They then started combing live percussion with dance music and were a massive hit in Europe. They have a way of making it work really well. Not many cross artists do that.
With thanks to The Street Theatre we have two double passes to giveaway. To enter fill in the form on the right and tell us ‘why you deserve a good night out?’.
Alternatively, click here for more information and to purchase your tickets.
