New York Voices performs March 16
March 6, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University will host a performance by the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble, New York Voices, on Friday, March 16, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. General admission tickets will be available at the door for $15 each. Students and senior citizens will be charged $5.
Renowned for its excellence in jazz and the art of group singing, New York Voices recently completed its sixth CD. Titled Sing, Sing, Sing, the album is scheduled for release this year. Having shared many years and performances with the Count Basie Orchestra, New York Voices wanted to address a concept which focused on songs of the Big Band Era. With Darmon Meader performing the arranging duties, the group enlisted the producing talents of Elliot Scheiner (Manhattan Transfer, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac). So was born Sing, Sing, Sing.
As reviewed by Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times, "The title track quickly lays down what to expect from the balance of the program: complex, interwoven vocal lines, interactive improvising, and brisk ensemble accompaniment. And revivalist swing fans both players and listeners would do well to check out the Voices' capacity to bring a contemporary quality to classic material without sacrificing the essence of either."
Kalamazoo area jazz fans can enjoy this experience first hand when the Voices join WMU's University Jazz Orchestra, a select ensemble of 18 instrumentalists from the School of Music, to present songs from the Sing, Sing, Sing recording.
Media contact: Kevin West, 616 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu