Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, (UVJQ), puts its unique signature on a captivating but seldom heard vocal jazz genre. It breathes new life into a tradition of great harmonizing vocal vocal groups with its new style: a repertoire full of swinging originals that are tightly harmonized and a sound quickly becoming a vocalese icon. This group has been praised by radio hosts, listeners, and reviewers all over the globe for its creative originality, and exceptional musicality. Critics have described them as “vocalese at its best”…”as versatile and entertaining as any vocal group you will hear”… “electrifying”…”pure fun”… sensational”…”exceptional tight-harmony group”…and “a breath of fresh air.” UVJQ and their jazz band have been captivating listeners across five continents for more than twenty years. They are known for their tight harmonies, stylized arrangements of American Songbook and jazz classics, and for building loyal audiences. Their signature sound reminds the listener of such iconic vocal groups as the Manhattan Transfer and Lambert/Hendricks/Ross, but they have put their distinctive stamp on vocal jazz with their latest CD, Hustlin’ for a Gig, a collection of original music, lyrics, and arrangements spotlighting a stylish ensemble that sings and swings together with the precision and excitement of a big band on fresh new material that’s never been heard before. Ginny Carr, the group leader, has created an album that is full of memorable melodies and harmony-rich arrangements, which highlight both the ensemble as well as the individual voices. He Was The Cat is an original jazz song that is a tribute and honor to Eddie Jefferson, the jazz singer and father of vocalese. It is also a celebration of the UVJQ hallmark of great vocal jazz styles, textures and themes. This album is full of memorable melodies and harmony-rich arrangements that highlight both the individual voices and the ensemble. The Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet is a vocal jazz group that has been praised by jazz legends like Bob Dorough (original member of The Singers Unlimited) and Richie Cole (great alto saxophonist). Richie Cole will be performing with UVJQ in 2013, which includes a premier of his new vocal compositions, which were arranged by UVJQ. NPR invited UVJQ to a Performance Chat with Susan Stamberg in August 2012. This was the second interview the group had received from NPR following a successful CD release. It was broadcast on NPR’s Weekend Edition and heard by millions around the world. The popularity of UVJQ grew further thanks to the listener response. Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet has reached the top of the charts and been a huge success. They have also received worldwide acclaim for the quality and creativity of their music. Their latest CD was nominated for the following: Billboard Top Jazz Chart, #18, August, and #24, September. Washington Post: Editor’s Pick CD Baby: Editor’s Top Jazz Picks Amazon: Editor’s Top 25 Vocal Jazz Albums. Highlighted artist in The LA Sound’s exclusive CD catalog. Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet has been featured on the main stages of international jazz festivals across the US, Canada, Europe and Japan. They have also performed alongside some of the most iconic artists such as Nancy Wilson, Sonny Rollins and Aaron Neville. NPR featured them twice in a performance chat with Susan Stamberg. They were also interviewed and played on numerous radio programs around the world, including segments in Denmark and Sweden, Italy, Radio Jazz Smithsonian and hundreds of US stations. They have performed as opening acts for jazz legends like the Four Freshmen and Charlie Byrd and they have also been featured entertainers at hundreds more clubs, festivals and special events across the US. UVJQ and the Cote Ouest Big Band performed together at the Les Nuits du Jazz Festival, which took place in several cities on the West Coast. UVJQ had performed at the French jazz festival eight times before and was invited back to perform as guests artists for the special concert tour in 2012. The event celebrated the Band’s 30th Anniversary. An audience of 3000 French citizens enjoyed UVJQ’s show with great enthusiasm and called them “magnifique!” The 2008 Sony/BMG European compilation CD, “Ladies and Gentlemen – the Best of Vocal Jazz”, featured the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet. The collection included vocal jazz legends such as Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson and Carmen McRae. from http://www.uptownvocaljazzquartet.com
