Primary Instrument: Vocal
The Boston Globe calls SYNCOPATION “the 21st Century Manhattan Transfer or Lambert, Hendricks and Ross” and it is easy to see why. Like those legendary vocal groups, Syncopation performs jazz and pop music in four-part harmony with a style that is both timeless and up-to-the- minute. As an added treat, each of the singers also plays an instrument or two -- like trumpet, trombone, piano, and percussion -- providing the excitement of a band much larger in size.
You may have seen Syncopation on WBZ-TV singing with the Boston Pops on their 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (2009). The group often performs with instrumental accompaniment of piano, bass and drums, but they are equally renowned for their a cappella singing, which has earned them regional and national awards from Harmony Sweepstakes.
In its inception, Syncopation was mentored by Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer. Their first album, A New Dance, featured contributions from bebop trombone legend Phil Wilson, formidable jazz fusion trumpeter Tiger Okoshi, and Paul Stiller of the groundbreaking vocal group Vox One. After signing a record contract with Geneon Entertainment in Japan, Syncopation's album Of Blue was recorded in Tokyo with some of Japan's hottest jazz musicians such as pianist Satoru “Salt” Shionoya.
On Wonderful You, Syncopation's most recent CD, the group interprets pop songs from the past 40 years. R&B, soul, folk, fusion and electropop are transformed by jazz harmonies, rhythms and style. “A unique spin on classic syncopated music with great voices,” says Jordan Rich (WBZ).
A collaboration with Gold and Platinum Award-winning producer Anthony Resta has produced several Syncopation singles which have been released as digital downloads. Syncopation has performed at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the Tri-C Vocal Jazz Festival, the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, the Meihou Music Festival in Japan, and the International Association for Jazz Education Conferece. The group regularly plays jazz clubs in New England like Scullers, Ryles, the Hi-Hat, the Sahara Club, and the Press Room. Media appearances have included radio (WBZ, Jordan Rich; WBUR, Robin Young's Here and Now; WGBH, Eric Jackson's Eric in the Evening) and TV (CN8's Backstage with Sara Edwards).
All About Jazz calls Syncopation “a thoroughly modern, bright, and fresh take on ensemble jazz vocals that effectively updates the entire genre.”
Awards:
New England Harmony Sweepstakes winner, 2008“Thoroughly modern, bright, and fresh take on ensemble jazz vocals that effectively updates the entire genre.” --All About Jazz
A New Dance, 2002
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
Primary Instrument:
Vocal
Location:
Boston, MA
