The Melismates

"The Melismates" is a close harmony vocal group with a colorful sound that consists of three female and two male singers: Caroline Lobanov, Mylène Hanson, Natasja den Toom, Johnson Gabriel, and Brian Sporslede.

The Melismates sing their own arrangements, adding an original interpretation to their repertoire that consists of groovy funk, sweet soul, and music from the 1970’s and 80’s. They also sing pop, as well as Christmas songs that create a warm atmosphere. Besides singing in close harmony, the group gets its unique character from using the human voice as percussion, instrumental imitations, and rap.

In 1999 Caroline received a specific request for a wedding ceremony in a church to create a vocal close harmony performance. She summoned a group of talented vocalists for this occasion. The performance was a huge success from many different perspectives. The voices blended extremely well together, and a warm, soulful sound was created. This performance moved the audience to such an extent that they decided to perform in this manner more often. After this performance the name The Melismates came into being. This is a playful melting of the word "melisma" that means a melodic connection of more notes on one syllable, and the word “mates” which points out the friendly connection between the singers in this group.

The Melismates create a special musical framework for weddings, receptions, openings, office parties, (Christmas and New Year’s), cocktail parties, trend, and theme parties. If desired the Melismates can also perform with instrumental accompaniment. They are also available for hire as backup vocalists for bands and studios.

Repertoire

• Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
• Baggy Trousers - Madness
• Bottom - Zap Mama
• Cold As Ice - Foreigner
• Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
• Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police
• Kiss - Prince (for audio fragment click here)
• Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
• Long Walk - Jill Scott
• Love Is All Around - Wet Wet Wet
• Mamma Mia! - Abba
• Never Gonna Get It - En Vogue (for audio fragment click here)
• One Hand In My Pocket - Alanis Morisette
• Set them free - Sting
• Sunny - Bobby Hebb
• Truth - Mother's Finest
• What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
• Would You Harbor Me? - Ysaye M. Barnwell
• Madonna-medley
• Get off - Foxy
• Don't stop till you get enough - Michael jackson
• I feel love - Donna Summer

Christmas repertoire

• A Child Is Born
• Christmas Blues
• The Christmas Song
• Jingle Bells
• Let It Snow
• We Wish You A Merry Christmas
• White Christmas
• Winter Wonderland

More information about the Melismates: www.Melismates.com.