arrange • compose • conduct
Posts about vocal jazz.
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. My […]
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. Mel […]
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. No […]
Early into his time with the 2020 Michigan All-State Jazz Honors Choir, Duane Davis introduced one of the themes of his leadership and worldview, and he kept returning to it throughout his time with the singers. Yesness. “Have a pocketful of yesness,” he would say. “Let your face say ‘yes.’” […]
I am sitting in rehearsal watching 19 outstanding high school singers from across Michigan on system, working hard through a multiple-divisi arrangement by Tim Buchholz, in preparation for their concert Friday night at the Michigan Music Conference. I am sitting in rehearsal watching 19 outstanding high school singers from across […]
I’m seeing Bobby McFerrin tonight in concert for the sixth time, and that prompted me to do a quick retrospective on the roughly quarter century of my hearing him perform. Each one was unique and has remained with me, as the best live performances do. April, 1996 My first time […]
Four remarkable singers recently joined forces to create a new ensemble; their first performance was this past week at the JEN Conference. Säje – Sarah Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, Erin Bentlage – is exploring new territory in group harmony singing, with an emphasis on connected, emotionally grounded, deeply individual […]
Nat “King” Cole would be 100 years old, almost 101, if he hadn’t died so young–at 45, from lung cancer. For me, Nat represents the epitome of sophisticated phrasing. He sounds like a perfectly tailored suit – not a single stitch out of place. Nat is among the artists that […]
A recent online discussion centered around vocal jazz ensemble singers losing track of their rhythmic accuracy when their rhythm section joined them. Assuming that the rhythm section is playing well in time, and that the singers have rehearsed thoroughly and are capable of the accuracy, here’s the most likely culprit. […]
It was the buzz of my corner of the social media world today – an official, meticulously edited songbook comprised of the entire set of songs from the first Take 6 album. The album is on many vocal harmony aficionados’ Top 10 lists, myself included. And now, we all get […]