August 16, 2010
by: Esther Lynn, Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide

Describing Vox Audio isn’t easy. Yes, they are singers. Yes, they are sound-makers. Yes, they are funny and serious. And yes, yes, yes, they are talented.

Created by Jeremy James, Shalisa James, Michelle Mailhot, Rene Ruiz, Paul Sperrazza and John Valines III, Vox Audio features the varied talents of five unique world-class vocalists who use no instruments other than the human voice to create complex sonic textures, rhythmic drumbeats, thumping bass lines and searing guitar-like solos. The interactive show combines tight harmonies, improv comedy, vocal sound effects and unique visuals. It has been described as “a musical experience unlike any other.”

Rated the No. 1 audience recommended show in the Wall Street Journal Zagat Theatre Survey, Vox Audio showcased their unique vocal, comedic and improvisational skills for a seven-month off-Broadway run. Within the first two months, the show had won the 2004 Drama Desk Award for “Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience.” They have since performed at Gracie Mansion, Shea Stadium, the Tribeca Film Festival and many others. In early 2005, Vox Audio released their fourth CD “Word of Mouth,” a compilation of recordings from their first three CDs including “Chemistry;” 2003’s Album of the Year winner for best Contemporary A Cappella Recording.

Vox Audio has opened for acts such as Tony Bennett, Ziggy Marley, and Wayne Brady. Vox Audio has also lent its unique style to the corporate world, turning Tupperware and Newell Office products into percussive musical instruments. It’s difficult to define the group’s musical style. Their repertoire is an eclectic mix of almost every musical style including contemporary pop songs, timeless classics, jazz-scat, hip-hop, country and vocally orchestrated original compositions. In their live shows, music lovers can expect to hear Vox Audio’s unique take on songs such as Route 66, Put the Lime In the Coconut, Autumn Leaves, a “thrilling” Michael Jackson medley, A Little Less Conversation, Stand By Me, Turn the Beat Around and even the Muppet’s familiar Ma Na Ma Na tune. A vocal “tribute” to the Sound Guy (John Valines, husband of the soprano-voiced Michelle Mailhot) is well deserved, as that “guy” plays an integral part in enhancing the work done by the singers. There is also some clever audience participation involving, in separate numbers, a record player, a TV remote control and lyric cue cards. The participants are willing “victims” and everyone has a good time.

Listening to one of their CDs gives an idea of the harmonies created by these singers but it’s almost like watching David Copperfield make the Statue of Liberty disappear on television. One really needs to be there to see that there are no electronic tricks or illusions going on here. The singers even come into the audience to show, up close and personal, that it’s all done live.

You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate the work that goes into a revue like this one, although Vox Audio has a fan base that includes many familiar names, among them Liza Minnelli and David Letterman’s musical director Paul Shaffer. The night I saw this show, my companion, multi-talented singer/actress Diane Ellis, was “blown away” by what she heard. So was the rest of the all-age audience who gave the group a well deserved standing ovation. No American flags, patriotic songs, or political diatribes were needed to generate the genuine response and the only “gimmick” was that created by the vocalists who are Vox Audio.

As they continue to explore the boundaries of the human voice, the high-energy performers of Vox Audio are always unexpected, wildly off-the-wall, and utterly entertaining. Think of it as vocal gymnastics. Think of it as Manhattan Transfer meets Second City. Like their publicity says, “Never underestimate the power of the human voice.”

August 16, 2010
by: Marty Arnold, Playbill

Five unique voices comprise Vox Audio, whose show fairly explodes with vocal pyrotechnics, rhythm and comedy

“This is what they call classical music, isn’t it?” Marilyn Monroe once remarked on screen, when Tom Ewell pumped up the Rachmaninoff wooing.” I could tell because there’s no vocal.”

Life, and blondes, were so simple 50 years ago. One can only wonder what MM would have made of the five-headed monster named Vox Audio that has taken over the John Houseman Theater in a show called Loudmouth. It is all vocal, yet there’s not a spoken word the whole 90 minutes. Human voices stand in for an entire orchestra, doing Golden Oldies with eerie exactness.

A unique theatrical experience, you could call it. Fact is, it has a new Drama Desk Award to that effect, and still you wish the adjective came in gradations. Something is “unique,” or it isn’t – and Vox Audio is, in spades, unlike anything you’ve ever seen – er, heard.

It’s the musical amalgam of five gifted, single-minded performers, ranging in age from 28 to 38, in states from New York to Texas and in tastes from show tunes to acid rock. Collectively, they form a human juke box that spins out – by hairpin turns – “Stand by Me,” Neal Hefti, seventies’ disco, Carole King, TV-show themes, rap, the Beatles, jazz, and rock. They’ve played planes, ships, fairs, “Italian resorts” a la Orlando, theme parks, subway jam sessions, and now they’ve entered the best of all previous worlds – New York theatre.

August 16, 2010
by: Jarret Keene

Once Vox Audio hits the stage of Luxor’s Atrium Showroom, you’ll ask yourself how five vocalists can create such incredible sounds. Without so much as a pre-recorded track or instrument, VoxAudio uses only the power of the human voice to dazzle your ears. There are also some comedic elements thrown in to keep you in stitches in between the group’s sonic booming.

Vox Audio began its career seven years ago at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, and early on, the band sought to distinguish itself from the rather staid a cappella groups that each member had cut its teeth in – doo-wop, barbershop, etc. Bringing a hip, edgy approach to the a cappella format is what Vox Audio specializes in, and the band spent most of last year establishing itself in the New York theater scene, garnering several top awards, and even praise from Paul Shaffer of “Late Night with David Letterman.” Soon, Luxor came a’ callin’ on the quintet for a special limited engagement.

There’s a bit of something for everyone in Vox Audio’s show with music ranging from a celestial version of “Stand By Me” to a hilarious workout of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Other songs performed are those made famous by Miami Sound Machine, Evanescence, and even, yes, the Muppets. There are some great audience-participation numbers, too – but don’t worry, this isn’t a cringe-inducing hypnosis show where the point is to have you barking like a dog. This is a comfortable evening of entertainment that will simultaneously keep you on your toes as to what happens next.

For example, when flop-haired Paul Sperrazza – the ultimate human beatbox – pulls a woman from the audience to serenade her, the joke’s on him, as his band mates tamper with the turntable, causing his voice to speed up or slow down, depending on what RPM has been selected. Or consider the TV theme song medley that involves a temperamental remote control. You’ll be laughing even as you gasp in awe at the band’s pyrotechnical sound.

None of this does justice to the power and humor of Vox Audio, though. You have to see and hear it to understand how brilliant this show really is. One thing’s for sure: This ain’t your grandma’s a cappella!

February 8, 2008

by: www.lasvegas.net

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!!!

VOX Audio is a truly unique show for Las Vegas that impressed me as much as the best shows I have ever seen here.

What struck me the most was that I was completely entertained throughout the entire show, laughing, awestruck at the incredible talent of the group, and sitting directly next to me was a 10 year old girl enjoying herself as much as me.

Vox Audio is a show that rivals any production in Las Vegas for having mass appeal, and the fact that it thrills guests of all ages certainly makes it a much-welcomed addition to the family of Las Vegas shows.

I attended the show with a close companion, which like me wasn’t sure what to expect from the performance. What we both couldn’t help noticing was how friendly and casual the interaction was between the Toxic Audio band members and the audience. The group involved several members of the audience in the show, and even performed a portion of the show while intermingled in the audience. Even from the balcony where I watched the show, I couldn’t help but feel as though I had become friends with the performers by the time finale and encore had arrived.

My experience at Vox Audio was pleasantly exciting, comfortably amazing, and humorously spectacular. Not only would I recommend the show to a family with kids, a couple going on a first date, an elderly husband and wife, young women on a “girls night out”, or a group of football buddies on “dudes night out”… but I wouldn’t hesitate seeing it at least two more times myself, maybe more.