New York Voices is the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. Like the great groups that have come before, such as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, they have learned from the best and taken the art form to new levels. Their interests are rooted in jazz, but often Brazilian, R & B, classical, and pop influences are included with equal creativity and authenticity. The group was formed in 1987 by Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, Caprice Fox and Sara Krieger. By way of explanation, Darmon, Peter, Kim and Caprice attended Ithaca College in NY and were part of an invitational alumni group formed to tour the European Jazz Festivals in the summer of '86. As a result of this exciting experience, the idea of forming a professional group was born.
In 1989 they would sign their first record deal with GRP Records and release their self titled debut album, New York Voices. The group received rave notices and quickly received domestic and international recognition in the Jazz World. From '89 to '94, they released four total CDs on the GRP Label, Hearts of Fire, What's Inside, and The Collection. While recording for GRP, they underwent personnel changes. In 1992, Sara Krieger retired her chair, and after auditioning over 60 vocalists from all over the U.S., the group found Lauren Kinhan. There was an immediate chemistry in fit and sound, allowing the group to make a quick transition and fast become the "new" New York Voices. Lauren's first musical contributions can be heard on NYV's third CD, What's Inside, released in May of 1993. In early 1994, Caprice Fox left the group, forever fixing NYV as the quartet it is today.
Besides their own CDs, NYV has made many guest appearances on recordings and live performances that have earned them critical acclaim and demand in a variety of musical settings. You can find their performances on such CDs as their Grammy award winning collaboration, Count Basie Orchestra with New York Voices, Live at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (MCG Records), the contemporary classical The Ancient Tower (Robert Lepley - EarthBeat Records), Heirs to Jobim (BMG Records), Don Sebesky's I Remember Bill (BMG), Jim Hall's By Arrangement (Telarc), A Love Affair - the Music of Ivan Lins (TELARC), Irving Berlin's Louisiana Purchase (DRG), and many more. They have had the pleasure of performing with a number of influential jazz artists including Ray Brown, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, and the like. In early 1997, NYV signed a new record deal with RCA Victor. They traveled down a different road creating their first high concept CD paying tribute to a contemporary composer which produced, New York Voices Sing the Songs of Paul Simon. They explored and used a variety of styles to express new turns on this singer/songwriter's popular songbook.
In late 2000, New York Voices completed their sixth CD entitled Sing, Sing, Sing. After sharing many years and performances with the Count Basie Orchestra, the group wanted to address the Great Big Band Song Book and offer their own version of it. With Darmon doing the lion's share of the vocal and big band arrangements, they hired the producing talents of Elliot Scheiner (Manhattan Transfer, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac)to capture the music and mix it with his exquisite precision and care. Other guest band arrangers are the great Micheal Abene and Rob Mounsey. Sing, Sing, Sing will be released in early 2001. As reviewed by Don Heckman of the LA 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" NYV has traveled the globe with their elegant music, befriending people everywhere they go. They have appeared on the stages of Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Blue Note (Japan, NYC), The Austria Opera House, The Zurich Opera House, and the list goes on. They have been seen at the many jazz festivals including the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, The Montreal Jazz Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz and Blues Heritage Festival. Along with their extensive concert performances and recording dates, NYV also works in the field of education, giving workshops and clinics to high school and college music students. Individually, the four members are involved in a variety of projects including solo performances and recordings, teaching, writing and arranging. The group hopes to continue to explore all styles of music, and expand their audience for years to come.
Group members: Peter Eldrige, Darmon Meader, Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan.
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In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning On A Clear Day Love You Medley Noticing the Moment A Day Like This Jackie The World Keeps You Waiting For All We Know Chamego (Betty's Bossa) Stoned Soul Picnic Darn That Dream As We Live and Breathe No Moon At All Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing |
We have long placed the Grammy-winning two-woman, two man NY Voices in the same company as groups like Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer, The Real Group and Vox One, that is, among the best vocal jazz groups in the world. Receiving "A Day Like This" is cause for celebration, as it has been way too long since the quartet last stepped into a recording studio. This all-accompanied collection of 14 upbeat, jazzy tunes starts out fast with Jimmy Van Heusen' "Darn that Dream," group member Peter Eldridge's "The World Keeps You Waiting" and a smoky, bluenote cover of Alan Jay Lerner's "On A Clear Day." Then we're treated to some sweet covers of Lewis & Coots' "For All We Know," Duke Ellington's "Love You Madly," Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," John Coltrane's beautiful "Noticing the Moment (Moments Notice") and the wonderful, scattish, manic "Jackie" with lyrics by Annie Ross. One last favorite is a delightfully fresh and simple arrangement of Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic." Every cut here, in fact, is a joy - the Voices have a sophisticated, effortlessly clean sound that surprises and entertains. It was worth the long wait for A Day Like This!"
Listen to "Darn That Dream" in Real Audio.
| 7637 CD $17.95 |
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Sing, Sing, Sing I can't Believe You're Not in Love With Me Smack Dab in the Middle Early Autumn Bli Blip Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens Save Your Love For Me Orange Colored Sky Hallelujah, I Love Her So Cloudburst Stardust Don't Be that Way In a Mellow Tone I'll Be Seeing You |
The best things in life are worth waiting for! After several delays the much anticipated new release from one of the top jazz vocal groups in the world is finally available and we couldn't be happier. Equally masterful at tight harmonies and individual solo flights vocalists Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader (who also blows a mean tenor sax) and Kim Nazarian have delivered their most swinging outing to date. All but one of the songs were arranged by the incredibly talented Meader whose fresh spin on these Swing Era classics are a joy to listen to. The vocals are also very strong, especially Kinhan and Kim, who must be some of the jazziest, sexiest female singers around. Accompanied mostly by a swinging big band the final song "I'll Be Seeing You", however, is a pure a cappella gem.
Listen to "I'll
Be Seeing You"
| 4411 CD $15.98 |
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Silence Of Time - Caprice Fox SSATB |
NEW YORK VOICES is the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. Like the great groups that have come before, such as Lambert, Hendrick and Ross, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, they have learned from the best and taken the art form to new levels. Written by Caprice Fox and arranged by Darmon Meader, New York Voices' A Cappella arrangement of 'Silence of Time' is a gorgeous rubato vignette for the mature vocal group. Intriguing harmonies and voicings give this arrangement its rich texture. In the tradition of jazz vocalese, Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' comes alive with new lyrics and additional new music. An exciting and challenging program selection for the more advanced vocal jazz ensemble. Heavily influenced by Chick Corea, 'The sultan Fainted,' a Darmon Meader/Peter Eldridge original, combines HIGH energy Brazilian rhythm with intricate harmonies and wacky lyrics! 'To Dare the Moon' incorporates lush voicings, alternating between samba and funk/rock grooves. Open solo sections add plenty of variety to this exciting original. 'Sign of Spring' is set in a Brazilian funk style. With an opening section in Portuguese moving to solos in English then dynamic chorus sections, this is one of the most exciting new charts we've seen. Very, very hip! The funk/rock song, 'National Amnesia,' by Darmon Meader has become very popular for the right reasons. Very hip voicings combine with a message that is right for today.
| 4350 SHEETMUSIC $19.98 |
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Round Midnight SSATB |
Here are more dazzling arrangements by the world-famous vocal group, New York Voices. ''Round Midnight' opens as a rubato ballad, then solo alternating with choral sections building to a double-time vocal scat solo. After the solos, then vocals build to a dramatic and strong ending climax. 'Baroque Samba' opens in four-part with a traditional Baroque approach, then surprisingly changes to samba style. This chart is appropriate for an array of concert programming. In 'Now or Never,' an unusual and lovely opening leads to the solo soprano verse, which alternates with a fun and catchy chorus. A recurring mixed meter section and beautiful lyrics add to make this a popular favorite. 'Sassy Samba' is a smooth yet driving Jimmy Heath samba with soli opening that leads to a soprano solo, then alternates group vocals with solo breaks, a vocal percussion section and drum solo. Packed with fun and lots of audience appeal. 'Open Invitation,' a New York Voices original, is set in a relaxed Brazilian style. The song contains smooth melodic content and lush harmonies. This is a great alto feature which builds to an exciting vamp.
| 4351 SHEETMUSIC $19.98 |
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Stolen Moments SSATB |
Continued, by popular demand, we bring you another set of fun vocal arrangements, as performed by New York Voices. 'Stolen Moments,' a fresh jazz treatment of the Oliver Nelson classic features an opening alto solo. The open improvisation section features the string voicings of the New York Voices. A must for your jazz library. 'Do You Wanna Know What I Want, a New York Voices original, is a pop-flavored tune boasts a strong female solo and a killer soli section. 'Top Secret' is a Vocal version of the popular Yellowjackets original with lyrics by members of the New York Voices. An exciting arrangement with striking group harmonies and a soaring soprano solo section. Four-part vocals in a rock setting with male solo and a solo break make 'Street Party' a winner! This chart by Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices packs lots of entertainment. SATB with rhythm section and synthesizer. Caprice Fox wrote the lyrics for New York Voices' fabulous arrangement of 'Who Knows.' Set in a rock ballad style, the sound of this original is rich and rhythmic, yet very sensitive.
| 4355 SHEETMUSIC $19.98 |
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Now That The Love Is Over SSATB |
'Overs' is an introspective beauty full of angular voicings and a poignant lyric. Peter Eldrige's arrangement of this excellent Paul Simon tune offers much solo opportunity, or if preferred, the piece can be performed as a group feature. 'Me and Julio' is another great NYV arrangement of a Paul Simon classic. 'Soon One Day' features an unusual a cappella opening into the dramatic solo as recorded by Caprice Fox on the recent Hearts of Fire album. Alternating solo and chorus sections build to an interesting shout section with influences of Gospel and African music. Auxiliary percussion and vocal sounds add to the impact in this exciting arrangement. A beautiful opening for mezzo soloist begins 'Now That The Love Is Over,' a funk/rock arrangement by Darmon Meader. This chart will put a real "kick" into your jazz group.
| 9575 SHEETMUSIC $12.98 |
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Oh, Lady Be Good (Ella Be Good) (Darmon Meader) SATB |
A tribute to the late Ella Fitzgerald, the fast swing arrangement, 'Oh, Lady Be Good,' is one no jazz ensemble should be without. It features improvisation solos, vocalese solos based on nursery rhymes, and one monster of a shout section! The ultimate closer for a concert program! 'Way of the World' is the title track for the New York Voices Hearts of Fire album. A funk/rock setting of the rock classic, this arrangement features exciting voicings that really allow the featured soprano solo to soar! The classic A. C. Jobim bossa nova, 'Desafinado,' arranged by Darmon Meader, features both male and female solos interspersed with lush vocal textures. Instrumental solo space is also built into the arrangement. Also, written by A. C. Jobim, lyrics by Kim Nazarian and arranged by Darmon Meader, 'Modinha' is a haunting a cappella piece. It starts with a female solo building to a rich 4-part texture and winds down to a moody finish. A great a cappella moment in any concert.
| 9594 SHEETMUSIC $13.95 |
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Prelude / Interlude (Peter Eldridge) SATB |
The introspective ballad, 'Prelude / Interlude' gives solo opportunities for all voices, and a short ensemble section. A beautiful change of pace for your ensemble. 'Giant Steps' is an exciting Darmon Meader arrangement of the Coltrane Classic. Great soli sections will provide a welcome challenge for the ambitious choir. This Darmon Meader arrangement of the Duke Ellington classic, 'In a Mellowtone' combines the Ellington Big Band, Basie Big Band and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross versions. The arrangement features vocalese section for solo male and female as well as intricate backgrounds for the ensemble. The song builds to a dynamic shout chorus based on the Frank Foster/CBO arrangement. 'Cottontail' is a smokin' be-bop chart. This one just cooks, cooks and cooks from beginning to end. SSATB with rhythm section.
| 9595 SHEETMUSIC $12.98 |
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