Darmon Meader, director and founder of the New York Voices vocal ensemble, has become world famous for his remarkable choral arrangements. His new arrangements of 'Coventry Carol' and 'The First Noel' have taken on a breathtaking new sound and presentation in these surprising and exquisite piece. 'We Three Kings' is a masterwork for a cappella SATB choir with optional percussion accompaniment. The Eastern feel of the popular carol, We Three Kings is accentuated by the open intervals of the vocal parts and the unique percussion instruments scored within. This is another Darmon Meader holiday classic!

Songlist: Coventry Carol, The First Noel, We Three Kings

The swinging Rodgers and Hart tune "I Could Write a Book" is classic vocal jazz. Includes a scat solo, which is written out or can be sung ad lib. The singers are definitely the stars here, though the arrangement can be done with a variety of accompaniments: piano alone, small instrumental combo, or full jazz ensemble. With "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me" Darmon adds his vocal jazz touch to Duke Ellington's classic. The lazy, medium swing tempo is just right, and the full-sounding piano accompaniment supports the voices. A breathtaking New York Voices arrangement of the touching ballad "For All We Know", recorded on their CD A Day Like This. The piano accompaniment is stunning and the vocal writing is contemporary. Definitely a great choice for accomplished groups to demonstrate their skill.

Songlist: I Could Write a Book, Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me, On a Clear Day, For All We Know

"Love Is Here to Stay" was the last one written by George Gershwin before his untimely death at the age of 39. New York Voices' Darmon Meader has arranged it in a classic a cappella vocal jazz style, with surprisingly little divisi for such a full-sounding arrangement. An extraordinary song, an extraordinary arrangement. Darmon takes a swinging approach to "Taking a Chance on Love", with a tight vocal arrangement accompanied by piano or optional jazz trio. Clever lyrics make it a real audience pleaser, and your singers will appreciate the masterly vocal writing. Vocal jazz groups: don't miss it. "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me" was recorded by New York Voices on their Sing, Sing, Sing album.

Songlist: I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me, Taking A Chance On Love, Love Is Here to Stay

The World War II classic, "I'll Be Seeing You", by Irving Kahal and Sammy Fain, evokes memories of the big band era, while staying in the a cappella realm. Rubato, mellow blends and dynamic shaping are keys to this Darmon Meader arrangement. It creates the melancholy feelings that are significant in time of war when loved ones are missed and longed for. A beautiful selection for the holidays and the New Year, as well as graduation. "Baby Driver" - Sheer, unbridled fun! For college or adult jazz chorus, this arrangement as sung by the New York Voices is a bit tricky, but well worth the effort. It features incredible harmony and rhythm and some a cappella sections, but the purpose of this piece is not to get technical-just to have fun! Four-part scat singing frames the piece on either end, while your baritone soloist goes to town (with great choral support) on each verse. Baby Driver, extracted from the New York Voices Songs of Paul Simon CD, is a toe-tappin', hand-clappin' jazz party. Invite everyone you know! The timeless Irish folk song "The Last Rose Of Summer" has been arranged by the renowned Darmon Meader of the group New York Voices. Simple unison and harmonies that respect the tune and lyric open then graduate to a more contemporary sound to add freshness without difficulty. A dream to teach and sing!

Songlist: I'll Be Seeing You, Baby Driver, The Last Rose Of Summer, Come Home

NEW YORK VOICES is the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. Like the great groups that have come before, such as Lambert, Hendrick and Ross, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, they have learned from the best and taken the art form to new levels. Written by Caprice Fox and arranged by Darmon Meader, New York Voices' A Cappella arrangement of 'Silence of Time' is a gorgeous rubato vignette for the mature vocal group. Intriguing harmonies and voicings give this arrangement its rich texture. In the tradition of jazz vocalese, Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' comes alive with new lyrics and additional new music. An exciting and challenging program selection for the more advanced vocal jazz ensemble. Heavily influenced by Chick Corea, 'The sultan Fainted,' a Darmon Meader/Peter Eldridge original, combines HIGH energy Brazilian rhythm with intricate harmonies and wacky lyrics! 'To Dare the Moon' incorporates lush voicings, alternating between samba and funk/rock grooves. Open solo sections add plenty of variety to this exciting original. 'Sign of Spring' is set in a Brazilian funk style. With an opening section in Portuguese moving to solos in English then dynamic chorus sections, this is one of the most exciting new charts we've seen. Very, very hip! The funk/rock song, 'National Amnesia,' by Darmon Meader has become very popular for the right reasons. Very hip voicings combine with a message that is right for today.

Songlist: Silence of Time, Caravan, The Sultan Fainted, To Dare The Moon, Sign of Spring, National Amnesia

Here are more dazzling arrangements by the world-famous vocal group, New York Voices. ''Round Midnight' opens as a rubato ballad, then solo alternating with choral sections building to a double-time vocal scat solo. After the solos, then vocals build to a dramatic and strong ending climax. 'Baroque Samba' opens in four-part with a traditional Baroque approach, then surprisingly changes to samba style. This chart is appropriate for an array of concert programming. In 'Now or Never,' an unusual and lovely opening leads to the solo soprano verse, which alternates with a fun and catchy chorus. A recurring mixed meter section and beautiful lyrics add to make this a popular favorite. 'Sassy Samba' is a smooth yet driving Jimmy Heath samba with soli opening that leads to a soprano solo, then alternates group vocals with solo breaks, a vocal percussion section and drum solo. Packed with fun and lots of audience appeal. 'Open Invitation,' a New York Voices original, is set in a relaxed Brazilian style. The song contains smooth melodic content and lush harmonies. This is a great alto feature which builds to an exciting vamp.

Songlist: Round Midnight, Baroque Samba, Now Or Never, Sassy Samba, Open Invitation

Continued, by popular demand, we bring you another set of fun vocal arrangements, as performed by New York Voices. 'Stolen Moments,' a fresh jazz treatment of the Oliver Nelson classic features an opening alto solo. The open improvisation section features the string voicings of the New York Voices. A must for your jazz library. 'Do You Wanna Know What I Want, a New York Voices original, is a pop-flavored tune boasts a strong female solo and a killer soli section. Four-part vocals in a rock setting with male solo and a solo break make 'Street Party' a winner! This chart by Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices packs lots of entertainment. SATB with rhythm section and synthesizer. Caprice Fox wrote the lyrics for New York Voices' fabulous arrangement of 'Who Knows.' Set in a rock ballad style, the sound of this original is rich and rhythmic, yet very sensitive.

Songlist: Stolen Moments, Do You Know Wanna Know What I Want, Street Party, Who Knows?

'Overs' is an introspective beauty full of angular voicings and a poignant lyric. Peter Eldrige's arrangement of this excellent Paul Simon tune offers much solo opportunity, or if preferred, the piece can be performed as a group feature. 'Me and Julio' is another great NYV arrangement of a Paul Simon classic. 'Soon One Day' features an unusual a cappella opening into the dramatic solo as recorded by Caprice Fox on the recent Hearts of Fire album. Alternating solo and chorus sections build to an interesting shout section with influences of Gospel and African music. Auxiliary percussion and vocal sounds add to the impact in this exciting arrangement. A beautiful opening for mezzo soloist begins 'Now That The Love Is Over,' a funk/rock arrangement by Darmon Meader. This chart will put a real "kick" into your jazz group.

Songlist: Overs, Me and Julio, Soon One Day

'Way of the World' is the title track for the New York Voices Hearts of Fire album. A funk/rock setting of the rock classic, this arrangement features exciting voicings that really allow the featured soprano solo to soar! The classic A. C. Jobim bossa nova, 'Desafinado,' arranged by Darmon Meader, features both male and female solos interspersed with lush vocal textures. Instrumental solo space is also built into the arrangement. Also, written by A. C. Jobim, lyrics by Kim Nazarian and arranged by Darmon Meader, 'Modinha' is a haunting a cappella piece. It starts with a female solo building to a rich 4-part texture and winds down to a moody finish. A great a cappella moment in any concert.

Songlist: That's The Way of the World, Desafinado, Modinha

The introspective ballad, 'Prelude / Interlude' gives solo opportunities for all voices, and a short ensemble section. A beautiful change of pace for your ensemble. 'Giant Steps' is an exciting Darmon Meader arrangement of the Coltrane Classic. Great soli sections will provide a welcome challenge for the ambitious choir. This Darmon Meader arrangement of the Duke Ellington classic, 'In a Mellowtone' combines the Ellington Big Band, Basie Big Band and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross versions. The arrangement features vocalese section for solo male and female as well as intricate backgrounds for the ensemble. The song builds to a dynamic shout chorus based on the Frank Foster/CBO arrangement. 'Cottontail' is a smokin' be-bop chart. This one just cooks, cooks and cooks from beginning to end. SSATB

Songlist: Prelude / Interlude, Giant Steps, In a Mellow Tone, Cotton Tail

This new choral collection represents and celebrates the incredible cross-section of high-level artistry of the beloved New York Voices - the award-winning vocal jazz group the world has adored for nearly 30 years. Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, and Kim Nazarian have defined and raised the bar for jazz ensemble arranging and singing style and have influenced and inspired musicians, audiences, and music educators with every arrangement, workshop, and performance.

This collection includes personal photographs, historical notes regarding New York Voices, words of tribute from other well-known jazz musicians, and personal memoirs from each member. The songs range from traditional standards like "I'll Be Seeing You,", "Sing, Sing, Sing," and Ellington's "Bli-Blip," to contemporary classics from Paul Simon and a Peter Eldridge original. Now you can learn, sing, and enjoy these outstanding jazz vocal arrangements that have been crafted by the New York Voices.

Songlist: Baby Driver, Bli-Blip, Bookends, Come Home, I'll Be Seeing You, Me & Julio Down by the School Yard, Mother And Child Reunion, Old Friends, Sing, Sing, Sing, Smack Dab In The Middle, Why Don't You Write Me

These Paul Simon classics has been dynamically arranged by Peter Eldridge and Darmon Meader and recorded by the venerable New York Voices. Smooth jazz vocals and solo lines play against a rhythmic percussion background making up these hot charts that were recorded on the CD New York Voices Sing the Songs of Paul Simon. For show choir or vocal jazz ensemble, this humorous and energetic arrangement features a Louisiana Cajun groove of "Why Don't You Write Me?," allows for a lot of solo lines interspersed with group vocals and includes a fun swing section as well. Fabulous! Piano accompanied.

Songlist: Mother and Child Reunion, Me & Julio Down by the School Yard, Loves Me Like A Rock, Why Don't You Write Me?

New York Voices : A Day Like This   

We have long placed the Grammy-winning two-woman, two man NY Voices in the same company as groups like Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer, The Real Group and Vox One, that is, among the best vocal jazz groups in the world. Receiving "A Day Like This" is cause for celebration, as it has been way too long since the quartet last stepped into a recording studio. This all-accompanied collection of 14 upbeat, jazzy tunes starts out fast with Jimmy Van Heusen' "Darn that Dream," group member Peter Eldridge's "The World Keeps You Waiting" and a smoky, bluenote cover of Alan Jay Lerner's "On A Clear Day." Then we're treated to some sweet covers of Lewis & Coots' "For All We Know," Duke Ellington's "Love You Madly," Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," John Coltrane's beautiful "Noticing the Moment (Moments Notice") and the wonderful, scattish, manic "Jackie" with lyrics by Annie Ross. One last favorite is a delightfully fresh and simple arrangement of Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic." Every cut here, in fact, is a joy - the Voices have a sophisticated, effortlessly clean sound that surprises and entertains. It was worth the long wait for A Day Like This!"

Songlist: Darn That Dream, The World Keeps You Waiting, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, On A Clear Day, For All We Know, Love You Medley, As We Live and Breathe, No Moon At All, Chamego (Betty's Bossa), Noticing the Moment, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, Stoned Soul Picnic, A Day Like This, Jackie

Let It Snow finds New York Voices - Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader and Peter Eldridge - celebrating a host of traditional and sacred holiday classics as well as secular favorites. With the assistance of Grammy Award winning producer and engineer, Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Eagles, Manhattan Transfer, Fleetwood Mac), the quartet has fashioned an album that honors beloved songs, while incorporating sophisticated jazz and swing elements. Settings vary; a cappella performances mingle with robust arrangements featuring big band and studio orchestra accompaniment. The result is a diverse program of holiday standards, performed with surprisingly fresh treatments. The close harmony style that New York Voices embraces is a perfect sound for the holiday season. While the bulk of the arrangements are by founding member and tenor vocalist Damon Meader, additional orchestrators include Don Sebesky, Jorge Calendrelli, Pat Hollenbeck, and Michele Weir. 

Songlist: Let It Snow, Christmas Song / Christmas Time, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, We Three Kings, Holiday for Strings, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sleepers, Wake, O Come, All Ye Faithful, The Merry Medley, I Wonder As I Wander, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Silent Night

The Grammy Award-winning vocal group New York Voices celebrates its 25th anniversary presenting their first full live album with New York Voices Live offering a collection of past favorites and brand new arrangements. A live recording from a concert at the Kolner Philharmonie in Cologne, Germany with the world famous WDR Big Band Cologne, this long-awaited release opens the group's 2013 celebratory year with a bang. New to their repertoire are a jazz rendition of the Annie Lennox pop tune "Cold," Darmon Meader's cappella vocal arrangement of the classic Lerner & Lowe standard "Almost Like Being In Love," and a swinging take of the Broadway staple "Love Me or Leave Me."

Songlist: Baby Driver, Stolen Moments, Love Me or Leave Me, Cold, The World Keeps You Waiting, I Do It For Your Love, Darn That Dream, Almost Like Being in Love, The Sultan Fainted

Threading the ages, New York Voices weaves their vocal arranging and elegant point of view on melody, harmony and shape through composers they admire on their latest outing. Ellington, Corea, Brubeck, Hersch, Porter, Lennon and McCartney, Lins and Cuba's Cervantes are the welcoming prisms for them to ring their voices into a fine tapestry of color, sound and light. Produced while celebrating their 30th year together as an ensemble, they have gathered this collection into what is a curator's wish list for an evening's program. Taking these compositions in their care, they tend to invert, change time signature and reharm, but never so far that the lyric doesn't sing front and center. And with intermittent a cappella palate cleansers throughout the sequence, the listener gets to experience the set as the artist envisioned. Also included in this fine array of compositions are two from the group, allowing just enough room to insert a few originals to complete their "Reminiscing in Tempo."

Songlist: Round, Round, Round (Blue Rondo ‡ la Turk), Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly, Answered Prayers (ƒ De Deus), A Dance for Me, Los Tres Golpes, Moments in a Mirror, It's Alright with Me, Reminiscing in Tempo, The Forecast is Sunny, Invitacion, Avalon, In My Life

The best things in life are worth waiting for! After several delays the much anticipated new release from one of the top jazz vocal groups in the world is finally available and we couldn't be happier. Equally masterful at tight harmonies and individual solo flights vocalists Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader (who also blows a mean tenor sax) and Kim Nazarian have delivered their most swinging outing to date. All but one of the songs were arranged by the incredibly talented Meader whose fresh spin on these Swing Era classics are a joy to listen to. The vocals are also very strong, especially Kinhan and Kim, who must be some of the jazziest, sexiest female singers around. Accompanied mostly by a swinging big band the final song "I'll Be Seeing You", however, is a pure a cappella gem.

Songlist: Sing, Sing, Sing, I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me, Smack Dab in the Middle, Early Autumn, Bli Blip, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, Save Your Love For Me, Orange Colored Sky, Hallelujah, I Love Her So, Cloudburst, Stardust, Don't Be that Way, In a Mellow Tone, I'll Be Seeing You

Darmon Meader (of New York Voices fame) adds his vocal jazz touch to Duke Ellington's classic. The lazy, medium swing tempo is just right, and the full-sounding piano accompaniment supports the voices. Add a jazz trio (piano, bass, drums) with the SoundPax.

Recorded by New York Voices on their Sing, Sing, Sing album, this contemporary Darmon Meader arrangement offers superb vocal jazz writing. Perform with the SoundPax or consider using the full jazz band accompaniment.

This swinging Rodgers and Hart tune is classic vocal jazz. Includes a scat solo, which is written out or can be sung ad lib. The singers are definitely the stars here, though the arrangement can be done with a variety of accompaniments: piano alone, small instrumental combo, or full jazz ensemble.

Hereis vocal jazz at its best, from one of todayis top arrangers. This well-conceived arrangement is in a traditional swing style, with lots of tight and tasty harmonies. Bass and Drum parts offered free, online.

Recorded by New York Voices on their album A Day Like This, this contemporary swing arrangement offers superb, challenging vocal jazz writing. Recording courtesy of MCGJazz.org.