Hustlin' for a Gig

Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet has put their sublime signature on the group vocal jazz genre with ear-popping, harmonized vocal material that is fresh and new, not repurposed from the Great American Songbook. "Hustlin' for a Gig" is a feast of original music, lyrics, and arrangements by group leader Ginny Carr, in which UVJQ stretches group vocal jazz beyond standards and takes the listener on an exciting journey of original songs celebrating the uniquely entertaining sound that only a finely honed vocal jazz group with an ear for the marriage of music, lyric, harmony, rhythm-in-the-pocket, and ensemble precision can deliver. Ms. Carr has crafted delightfully literate lyrics and matched them to harmony-rich tunes and arrangements that spotlight both the ensemble and the individual voices and wrapped it all up in a diverse package of inventive vocalese, fiery bop in a big band groove, swingin' centerpieces inspired by the Basie sound, poignant ballads, blues sung with a Joe Williams swagger, cool jazz, latin grooves, and even a touch of classic soul. Backed by a terrific 8-piece rhythm and horn section, the singers announce the album with"He Was The Cat," the story of the late jazz singer Eddie Jefferson, sung as an original vocalese tribute. From there, the album unfolds into a musical celebration dedicated to making sure the audience has fun while experiencing high art Jon Hendricks-style, always reminding the listener that the wit of a great lyric combined with the panache of four voices blending and swinging together like a horn section is a rare and joyful sound.