New York Voices to Perform with S.C. Jazz Masterworks Ensemble
The S.C. Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, an 18-piece band composed of some of the region’s best jazz artists, is set to host the highly regarded New York Voices at their upcoming concert event. The highly anticipated performance will take place on Saturday, April 13, at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College.
New York Voices Joins the Ensemble
Considered one of the United States’ most successful jazz vocal groups, New York Voices is no stranger to accolades. The Grammy-Award-winning vocal ensemble is known for its excellence in jazz and the art of group singing, offering a broad repertoire that spans from traditional pop tunes to contemporary jazz pieces.
Promise of an Unforgettable Performance
Ensemble founder and artistic director, Dr. Robert Gardiner, expressed his excitement about the event, revealing that the setlist consists of fan favorites intermixed with surprising elements. “New York Voices has a wide pallet of music for us to play,” Gardiner stated. This includes everything from standards like “Orange Colored Sky” and “Sing, Sing, Sing”, to familiar tunes by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and even a rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the grand finale.
An Anticipated Collaboration
Since its establishment in 2018, the S.C. Jazz Masterworks Ensemble has performed approximately five shows every season at the Harbison Theatre. According to Gardiner, when planning this year’s shows, he considered the New York Voices as potential special guests, hoping for a unique collaboration that could give the regional jazz scene a much-needed boost.
“South Carolina is not known as a jazz mecca,” Gardiner shared. “A lot of the touring groups will perform in the northeast, then skip our area and head down to Florida. That’s one of the things we’re trying to do – to help create an audience that will continue to grow.”
High Expectations for the Show
With this important performance, Gardiner and the ensemble hope not just to entertain the audience, but also to convert non-jazz fans into lovers of the genre. In addition, Gardiner anticipates that the thrill of playing alongside the distinguished group would energize his own troupe, enhancing the performance experience for all involved.
