Half-Past Swing is the new release from Washington DC's hot jazz vocal group, Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet. It engages you in the refreshingly lush sound of 4 voices swinging in jazz chord harmony against a suberb instrument... more »al backdrop. A multitude of excellent rhythm and horn players back the singers and create a diversity of textures, rhythms, and styles from track to track, including pop-jazz, ballad, samba, bop, and stompin big-band swing a la Basie. All arrangements were written by present and former members of the vocal quartet, and several original compositions by group leader Ginny Carr are included among the big band and bop classics. Horn arrangements were written by Chip McNeill, Arturo Sandoval's tenor man and chief arranger.« less
Half-Past Swing is the new release from Washington DC's hot jazz vocal group, Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet. It engages you in the refreshingly lush sound of 4 voices swinging in jazz chord harmony against a suberb instrumental backdrop. A multitude of excellent rhythm and horn players back the singers and create a diversity of textures, rhythms, and styles from track to track, including pop-jazz, ballad, samba, bop, and stompin big-band swing a la Basie. All arrangements were written by present and former members of the vocal quartet, and several original compositions by group leader Ginny Carr are included among the big band and bop classics. Horn arrangements were written by Chip McNeill, Arturo Sandoval's tenor man and chief arranger.
"Love the music. Love the Harmonies. Their tight delivery and great backup musicians give them a great sound - a lot like Manhatten Transfer's. I even read a review in one of the Washington DC newspapers which said their repetoire was more challenging than Manhatten Transfer's. After 10 more albums, that might be so, but... The group's leader loved the article, though.Regardless, it's good music, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone who likes jazz.And for anyone in the Washington DC area, the group appears regularly around the town. See their website for specific info. Just search for Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet for the site - the review instructions ask us not to post URLs here."
Excellent Vocal Jazz
Pat Hoffman | NY NY | 07/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This sounds like Manhattan Transfer on those occasions when they decide to do jazz. Heard them on NPR. I highly recommend this CD."
Utterly Superb
Pat Hoffman | 08/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I feel a similar sensation with this CD as I felt the first time I heard Oscar Peterson play years ago: You cannot believe your ears. The harmonies are so tight and fast, and the vocals are so distinct: I didn't know four individual voices could do such things."
Awesome
James Eggleston | East Coast, USA | 06/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've known and been a fan of Lisanne Lyons for 6 years and she is a very talented performer. The cd is incredible and I highly recommend it. FYI - Lisanne has a new solo cd out entitled "Right As the Rain" that you should also consider buying. Watch our Manhatten Transfer - this group is real and on it's way up!"
Great four part lush blend and harmonies!
Carol Jacobe (jazziejac@aol.com) | New York | 10/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had the opportunity to work with Lisanne Lyons, the group's soprano, this past weekend. Her cd is a testament to her wonderful singing and ability to share her vocal jazz talent with youngsters. It is great to hear a new vocal jazz group out there and one with a great feel and blend. If you are into vocal jazz, this cd is a must to your collection."