Monday, October 23, 2006

What do “Nothing Else Matters,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Losing My Religion” have in common?

Besides being number one hits, they are covered by Gregorian. Bands cover other bands all the time. So what’s different about this one?

Well, Gregorian is not your typical band. It’s a group of ten monks who sing modern-age songs in medieval style.

Gregorian, a style of chant developed in the 9th and 10th century in western and central Europe, became the official music of the Roman Catholic Church. Just as the church went through a renaissance, so did the chant.

Frank Peterson formed the German band in 1999. Their first album, Masters of Chant, reached gold. Songs include Simon and Garfunkle’s “Sound of Silence,” U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven.” Their Christmas album includes John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas” and the traditional “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Peterson and company follow a rule of Gregorian chants: use just seven tones.

These aren’t simple versions of the originals. They cover Chris Isaak’s sensual “Wicked Game” on their album Masters of Chant III with a rock edge creeping in midway through the song. It starts slowly, but soon introduces a mellow electric guitar and minor beats that intensify the song.

In New Order’s “Blue Monday,” Peterson says, “a true electronic dance tune was transposed by us into an atmospheric guitar driven Gregorian rock anthem.”

Many of the songs are accompanied by a video. In “Send Me An Angel,” the monks walkthrough the halls of a church courtyard, choreographed in a way reminiscent of medieval times.

Although their walk might appear eerie to some, it represents the calmness that comes with the Gregorian chant.

The monks’ blue, red and yellow robes reflect their modern concept of cover chants. Unlike their predecessors in traditional brown robes, these monks walk and sing as vibrantly as they look.