In Sight And Sound - “A South American Serenade”

As magne f asks for the lights to be turned down, you find yourself settling down anxiously preparing for an experinece of a lifetime. Upon the stage 3 figures wrapped in a blanket of darkness, illuminated only by the many camera flashes of ardent fans desperate to capture the moment for posterity. As anticipation rises, with it the first few bars of a wild “The Sun Always Shines On TV” surge into the deep South American sky. The crowd roar. The a-ha experience has begun.

You always expect something special from Lauren Savoy. From the laid back and distinctive “I Call Your Name” to the private views of “Early Morning”, she has offered a fresh and exciting visual insight. “Live In South America” could be labelled her best work to date. Filmed, produced and directed by Lauren herself, it captures the essence of the band performance and emphasises it with a mixture of earthy shade and vibrant colour. She has found an unique way of bringing mood and life to each of a-ha’s live tracks. From behind her lens comes and exclusive portrayal only she could provide of the emotion and magic of a-ha on stage. Although some have commented that the editing of the film is a touch too erratic, it can also be said that Lauren aimed to show us as much as possible from that eventful tour.



On a musical level, the video reflects a-ha’s seven year progression of sound and also reminds European fans how four months of extensive touring can alter the interpretations of many tracks. Songs such as “Rolling Thunder” and “Slender Frame” on this live documentary are emotionally enriched and instrumentally better than they were played in the sping of ‘91. The biggest surprise of all is gained from an intense and heart rending version of "Scoundrel Days" with Magne F abandoning his keyboards to pick up the rhythm guitar, leaving Pål to incite such a high pitched guitar solo, it fills you with an emotional pain that rips you apart. The explosive energy of it all incites such gigging nostalgia that the truth of sitting in your own living room is quickly forgotten and suddenly nervous and excited, you’re one of the hundred thousand breathless fans and South America is no longer an ocean away.

Morten’s presence is intense - every note expressing his strong vocal and his impressive range, alternating between the clear, sweet, angelic soar to the obscure, rough, deep-throated undertones of desperation. The music fills not only Morten, but the whole band with fire and passion and between exchanging glances of respect and unity, they open up to come alive with a freedom that was missing from those learning day’s of ‘86. Behind the scenes we see a warm and surprisingly humorous Pål playing a private serenade and Magne telling ‘rat stories’ and tales of melencholic drives in the rain and then of course Morten shows us his art of easy living and pokes fun at a bizarre interpretation of a-ha’s song title “Early Morning”.

Three unique and talented musicians... One creative and artistic director.. Electrifying and musical masterpieces to raise the roof of any venue...

“Live In South America” is the only live memorial keepsake you will ever need. A landmark in the career of a band who are constantly changing and a thrilling experience after which you will never be the same.



written by Lisa and Jude




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