Michigan Jake's first recording is a hotly anticipated commodity. Beginning with their debut in 1996 (where they placed tenth at Salt Lake), the quartet, from the Cardinal District, has steadily gained traction, pausing temporarily at the number 2 spot in Kansas City. They are odds-on to go all the way next year. Many of their arrangements are by the group's own Mark Hale, Director of the Masters of Harmony Chorus, which says a lot about the caliber of Michigan Jake. They favor the standards of the great American songwriters Kern, Berlin et al, and their sound evokes that elegant and graceful era in style and flavor. Songs such as "Tea For Two" and "Imagination" have an easy swing feel and unaffected delivery that entrances with subtle charm, basking the ear with bright warmth. "Sweet Lorraine" smiles with courtly delight, emphasizing its point with triplets, and sliding into an exuberant finish. Michigan Jake harkens back to the glory days of barbershop while adding a modern freshness and vitality. |
