Today would be the eighty-ninth birthday of master arranger Gene Puerling.
Gene grew up in a golden age of harmony singing, and he synthesized every innovation that preceded him into his work in two amazing groups, The Hi-Lo’s and The Singers Unlimited. His particular harmonic language, his sensitivity to melody and voice leading, and his witty musical humor all make him a towering figure in all vocal music. His influence can be heard from every vocal jazz group currently working, and beyond in a cappella group singing, contemporary choral repertoire (both concert and “pop”) and as far afield as marching band, hip hop, and more.
He left a challenge – one that we as a vocal jazz community haven’t yet managed to consistently surmount. Going further into harmonic creativity is mostly a dead end, in my opinion: he thoroughly mined that terrain. But turning our backs on his innovations isn’t a good solution, either. We’re all still working in his immense shadow.
Gene found his singular voice and shaped the musical landscape for three generations; to my ear no one has come close to opening up new territory the way he did. We’re mostly just using his innovations in our own ways. That’s both awe-inspiring and a little depressing.
In any case, Happy Birthday, Gene. You are sorely missed and your influence remains strong.