The Veritones Build an A Cappella ‘House of the Rising Sun’
The Harvard-Radcliffe Veritones arrange “House of the Rising Sun” around Will Marsh’s lead, group harmony and CJ Nkenchor’s vocal percussion.
The group identifies its Spring 2024 Jam recording and credits Marsh and Jaiden Edelman for the arrangement, Marsh as soloist and Nkenchor for vocal percussion. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
The lead voice gives the familiar melody a clear center while supporting singers build a surrounding texture. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
Harmony adds parts beside and beneath the lead, with the group’s blend connecting their lines. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
Nkenchor’s vocal percussion supplies rhythmic movement that might otherwise come from drums. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
Watch the performance
A cappella distributes melody, harmony and rhythm among singers, creating a complete framework without instrumental accompaniment. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
Returning phrases help listeners recognize the song while noticing how the voices shape it. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
The stage view places Marsh within the larger group whose voices support the lead. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
Timing connects vocal entrances with percussion and harmony throughout the sequence. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
Following a supporting part reveals another layer alongside the central melody. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
The Veritones’ “Tennessee Whiskey” offers another arrangement by the group. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
Their live “House of the Rising Sun” audio gives a separate release form of the same selection. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
The companion versions have distinct songs and formats, while sharing the ensemble as their connection. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
The balance of lead, harmony and vocal percussion gives the familiar song its a cappella identity. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
Official credits identify the arrangement, soloist and percussion role behind the performance. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context.
The Spring Jam recording gives the song a coordinated setting made entirely from vocal parts. The source recording keeps this musical detail within its identified performance context. This adds context to how the singers shape the song in the recording.
More videos to explore
The Harvard-Radcliffe Veritones’ “Tennessee Whiskey” video presents a different song and arrangement.
Their “House of the Rising Sun (Live From Sanders Theatre)” offers another version of the selection.
Further reading: Performance background and source. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn9qmNmTW6s
