By photojournalist Dan Fernandez
On May 17, the Baycare Sound in Clearwater played host to the unparalleled talent of Croatian Cellist HAUSER. A native of Pula, Croatia, and a prodigious musician who honed his skills in both Croatia and London. HAUSER first garnered international fame as the founding member of the celebrated duo 2Cellos along with Luka Śulić. Their viral cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” played only on Cello catapulted them into stardom, capturing the attention of major record labels and culminating in a deal with Sony Music Entertainment. Though 2Cellos is currently inactive, HAUSER continues to impress audiences as a solo artist, bringing his unique blend of classical and contemporary music to fans in over 40 countries: including collaborations with legends such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Steven Tyler and more…
There was no opener this evening and, quite honestly, there did not need to be. The show began a few minutes behind schedule at about 8:15, which worked out for everyone as sundown allowed the cool Seabreeze to silence the brutal Florida heat. This happy coincidence served to give way to an ideal environment and an impressive setlist that showcased HAUSER’s remarkable versatility as he ventured through timeless classical pieces and contemporary hits alike. Hits from the top of the set included an emotional rendition of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” as well as the haunting melodies of “The Phantom of the Opera”, both accompanied by the exceptionally talented vocalist Amy Manford. After a brief foray into the theme song from “Game of Thrones” HAUSER’s Elvis-inspired take on “Sweet Caroline” drew laughs and cheers from the audience as well as guest violinist Caroline Campbell, while a clever cover of Cake’s “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” had the Alt Rock fans in the crowd going wild, including yours truly.
A particularly exhilarating medley occurred when Hauser, his band and the powerful violin play of Campbell seamlessly transitioned into an explosive jam session that sandwiched Gloria Estefan’s “Conga” between the Gypsy Kings’ beloved “Volare” and “Bamboléo.” During which HAUSER charmed the audience by strutting along the crowd barrier, microphone in hand, encouraging fans to join in and sing along. It was clear that he was not merely performing but having fun with his friends both on and off the stage.
HAUSER’s dynamic presence stood out through the evening, characterized by an effortless mix of magnetism, quirkiness and charisma. This connection was on full display in a particularly humorous moment when he attempted to toss his suit jacket (a la The Full Monty) to a lucky audience member, only for it to fall short and flop into the photo pit. With a playful shrug and a smile, HAUSER laughed it off, tried once more, this time successfully, and continued his engaging performance. The young cellist further ingratiated himself to the crowd while paying homage ACDC (who had just recently played across the bridge in Tampa the prior night) by playing the bands hit song “Thunderstruck” and taking his Cello shredding talent on foot through the audience, making pit stops in the sound booth and concession area before rejoining his band on stage.
His collaboration with previously mentioned artists Caroline Campbell and Amy Manford, along with the compliment of a full band added yet another layer to the depth of HAUSER’s music, enriching the performance with their impressive vocal and instrumental prowess. HAUSER’s ability to not only leap headfirst but also fluently from genre to genre demonstrates his mastery over the cello, an instrument that he has transformed into a versatile voice capable of expressing a myriad of emotions.
As the night was coming to an end and the tunes slowed down in pace, the audience was treated to an encore that was truly a gift to the sense. The final two songs of the night consisted of an incredibly poignant rendition of the Italian song of resistance “Bella Ciao,” followed by one of the most memorable covers of Leonard Cohen’s timeless classic, and personal favorite, “Hallelujah” that I have ever heard. The hauntingly beautiful performance had audience members visibly moved, further emphasizing HAUSER’s ability to transcend the traditional expectations of a cellist.
In a world where artists often find themselves pigeonholed into a specific genre; HAUSER has managed to carve out a space that is uniquely his own. It is evident that he has mastered both his tool of the trade, as well as the overall art/theory of musicianship in its entirety and truly enjoys sharing this gift. HAUSER did more than captivate the audience on Saturday night, he illustrated the profound impact music can have when played with passion, joy and precision.
As he continues to tour and share his artistry with the world, one can only anticipate where HAUSER’s journey will take him next. His mission to reveal the cello’s versatility, combined with a flair for showmanship and cheeky personality solidifies his place as one of the most exciting musicians of our time. This is one musician you definitely do not want to miss the next time that he comes to town.
