Our new CD is finished! Here is the track list and descriptions of the songs


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.