New CD from Syncopation, called the Manhattan Transfer of the 21st century

Wonderful You features jazz interpretations of pop songs

Press Release by: David Scott

"The Manhattan Transfer of the 21st Century." - The Boston Globe

"Thoroughly modern, bright and fresh take on ensemble jazz vocals that effectively updates the entire genre." - AllAboutJazz.com

The electrifying, Boston-based vocal jazz quartet SYNCOPATION announced the release of their new CD, WONDERFUL YOU - their first U.S. recording in six years - on Thursday, March 27, 2008. On the new CD, Syncopation reinterprets pop songs from the past 30 years, including songs by Radiohead, Mr. Mister, the Stylistics, Earth Wind and Fire, Joni Mitchell, and piano phenom Hiromi, transforming R&B, soul, folk rock, fusion and electropop with their own jazz harmonies, rhythms and style. Along with singers Aubrey Logan (soprano, trombone), Christine Fawson (alto, trumpet), David Thorne Scott (tenor) and Tsunenori “Lee" Abe (bass, arranger/composer), Wonderful You features Syncopation's touring band, Mark Shilansky on piano, Steve Langone on drums, Greg Holt on bass and Marcus Santos on percussion. The CD is available at CDBaby.com

ABOUT SYNCOPATION

The Boston Globe calls Syncopation the “Manhattan Transfer of the 21st Century,” and it is easy to see why. Like that legendary vocal group, Syncopation performs jazz and pop music that is both timeless and up-to-the-minute. These four young singer/musicians have performed across the U.S. at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the Tri-C Vocal Jazz Festival, the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, the Meihou Music Festival, and the 2004 and 2006 International Association for Jazz Education Conferences in New York City. The group also regularly tours Japan.

The style of Syncopation includes bebop, latin, and pop influences. The group performs a cappella as well as with a band. Each of the four singers is also an instrumentalist and is occasionally featured playing trumpet, trombone, piano, and percussion.

Syncopation was formed in Boston in January of 2002 and mentored by Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer. Their first album, A New Dance, was released in 2003 and featured contributions from bebop trombone legend Phil Wilson, formidable jazz fusion trumpeter Tiger Okoshi, and Paul Stiller of the vocal group Vox One.

In 2004 the group signed a record contract with Geneon Entertainment in Japan, and their album Of Blue, recorded in Tokyo and featuring some of Japan’s hottest jazz musicians such as pianist Satoru “Salt” Shionoya, was released in nationwide in Japan in November of that year.

On Syncopation’s 2008 album, Wonderful You, the group reinterprets pop songs from the past 30 years. R&B, soul, folk rock, fusion and electropop are transformed by jazz harmonies, rhythms and style. This recording features Syncopation’s touring rhythm section of Mark Shilansky (piano), Steve Langone (drums), Greg Holt (bass), and Marcus Santos (percussion).

All About Jazz calls Syncopation “a thoroughly modern, bright, and fresh take on ensemble jazz vocals that effectively updates the entire genre.” Currently the group is aggressively pursuing a strategy that would expand their touring base from familiar jazz clubs and venues in New England to concert halls and jazz festivals all across the nation.

Syncopation is: Aubrey Logan, Christine Fawson, David Thorne Scott, and Tsunenori “Lee” Abe.

ABOUT WONDERFUL YOU

Breakout

This song was a hit for Swing Out Sister in the 80s. That English band had some jazz sensibilities, so it wasn't a stretch to modify the tune with a groove from Brazil: samba de paltido alto. Marcus came up with the intro, a call-and-response percussion dialogue, in the recording studio and wrote it on the back of a manila envelope for Steve. The result is something you might hear from a street band in Rio.

I Can Fly

Howard's lyrics soar over Lee's peaceful, floating melody. The tension builds gradually in this song until Dave's tenor voice takes us in dramatic fashion into a new key. At the end, though, the calm returns like a feather settling to earth. The arrangement gives each of the four singers a chance to make a statement.

Wonderful You

Hiromi Uehara is a worldwide flashing jazz piano phenomenon, and she also happens to be a friend of Lee. When he heard the groovy perfection of her tune "Big Chill" on her Spiral album, he called her up and asked if he could arrange it for Syncopation. After securing her blessing, Christine fleshed it out with lyrics. The result is not your typical love song, and something we think oughta be on the radio.

High and Dry

Radiohead is an inspiration for many independent musicians because they are trying to change the dynamic of the music business. They also happen to write some amazing songs, including this heartbreaking plea about abandonment. Aubrey goes way up into soprano-land to bring home the message, up and over the wordless dance of the other three voices.

Invisible War

From the Singers Who Ought To Be More Famous Department: Julia Fordham. This UK-based singer/songwriter is going the independent route these days after having some success on the pop charts in the 80s and 90s. Christine plumbs the depths of regret in Fordham's poignant lyrics. Accompanied solely by Mark at the piano, this arrangement is an intimate exploration of a personal message.

Broken Wings

When David was growing up, bands like Mr. Mister made it cool for guys to sing high notes. This song is their first single. This arrangement distills the aching feeling of the original by adding atmospheric jazz harmonies, a "Tutu"-esque trumpet solo by Christine, and a long, slow build-up until we get to that solid backbeat on the final chorus.

Betcha By Golly Wow

The sophisticated 1970s soul music of the Stylistics, with its meter changes and surprising chord progressions, is prime material for jazz exploration. This easy listening hit gets new life with a hard-driving 12/8 groove and a searing vocal solo by Christine.

Getaway

Earth, Wind and Fire made a funky masterpiece with this song. Who knew that its dance-floor intensity would translate so well to uptempo swing? Everybody gets to stretch out and improvise on this barnburner.

Both Sides Now

Joni Mitchell belongs high, high up in the pantheon of modern music masters. She recorded this song, an examination of life and love, at age 26 and again at age 57. This a cappella arrangement features a searing solo by Aubrey, who expresses both the innocence and the experience of Joni's message.

For more information: http://www.jazzsyncopation.com

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