The "University group," Sound Fuzion, is gearing up for an eclectic musical attack on the Harris Concert Hall stage tonight at 8 p.m. Started in 1989, the 15-member ensemble is an exploration into every avenue of popular music, according to Larry Edwards, conductor and director of choirs at The University of Memphis.
"Pop (music), by nature, is commercially successful because it somehow grabs people's attention," Edwards said. "We (Sound Fuzion) try to solve the mystery of the whole thing. What is it that grabs people?"
Sound Fuzion is derived from the Italian musical term "sfzorzato," meaning a powerful, exciting release of sound. According to Edwards, his eight vocalists, dual keys, guitar, bass and drums shoot for just that.
Edwards said Sound Fuzion tips its hat to every musical genre -- from country to rhythm and blues and everything in between.
"Everyone has a different interpretation and idea of music," Edwards said. "We're bridging that gap, I think."
In Sound Fuzion's performance tonight, the likes of Carol King's, "I Feel the Earth Move," a Dixie Chicks medley and a signature song from past years, "Walkin' in Memphis," will be sung, as well as some oldies and several others.
Edwards said "Walkin' in Memphis" is a usual out-of-town favorite.
"Everyone will like something, because we switch gears so much," Edwards said. "It's fun to see the different components of an audience perk up when we bring up their favorite genre."
Music admissions and marketing coordinator Kay Yager said Sound Fuzion is an exciting, fast-paced production.
"Admissions receives a lot of contacts from students who see (Sound Fuzion) on tour, and that's always a very important thing," Yager said.
The Sound Fuzion cast manages to make their rounds, about 20 times a year, to university and high school functions, as well as playing as part of the school of music's annual concert series.
The Memphis Symphony has collaborated with Sound Fuzion on three instances over the years.
Although cooperation is well within the Fuzion's realm, they operate as a self-contained unit, Edwards said. They have their own rhythm section, in addition to a staff of engineers.
Edwards said the current group has really learned to mesh well.
"You need some sort of ego to get up on stage and perform," Edwards said. "It's important that they have big egos and are confident people. They've managed to take their confidence and put it to good use. Everyone came in with a specialty, and they're learning to capitalize on everybody's strengths and stretch."
Sound Fuzion features Calvin Barnes, Ty Biornstad, Kyle Bolden, Michael Burkey, Lashundra Cobbins, Zack Farley, Jessica Foley, Lee Gilliand, Jason Harris, Justin Hefley, Brad Kessler, Mathew Kosel, Rusty Lemmon, Candice Sheffield and Becca Sumner.
Admission to tonight's concert is $8 for the general public, $5 for senior citizens and non-U of M students, and free for U of M students with IDs.
