Mt. Sac's dynamic ensemble Singcopation, founded in 1997 by Director of Choral Activities Bruce Rogers, consists of 12 auditioned male and female student vocal jazz specialists. These exceptional singers have taken home a variety of trophies from vocal jazz competitions, been named "Most Outstanding College Vocal Jazz Group in the Country" by Downbeat. On the 14 generally accompanied (Piano, Drums & Bass) tunes of "Drive," Singcopation shows us a level of sophistication and polish rarely found at the college level. Particularly fine are Steve Allen's "This Could be the Start of Something Big," the scatty, salsa-flavored "Virou Areia," the sexy, silly, nearly a cappella "I Feel So Smoochie," a very cool arrangement of "Nature Boy," Bobby McFerrin's sweet a cappella (of course) title tune, a moody cover of Lennon/McCartney's "In My Life," John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice," a smooth, rhythmic cover of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Corcovado," and very nice vocal percussion on the a cappella "Virtual Insanity." We are big fans of Singcopation, and enjoyed every cut of "Drive!" |
