!zing sings - in our own sweet time
!zing began as do so many enjoyable encounters- around a kitchen table. It was the fateful Fall of 2001 when a group of friendly singers decided to form a chorus that was more jazz oriented and challenging than the other choices available in Portland, Maine. They decided on Charles R. Brown Jr. as music director, conductor, and pianist. Early rehearsals included songs by Lambert Hendricks and Ross and the Swingle Singers, and a number of Brown's arrangements and original songs. !zing began to attract a reputation as an interesting and creative sixteen voice group. Repertory was added to bit by bit and the group gained performing experience.
By 2005 it was clear that in order to expand their audience and performing opportunities !zing needed a recording which reflected their unique style. After some consideration John Stuart was selected as recording engineer; work commenced early in 2006 and continued for two years with Brown acting as producer. The project was complicated (fourteen singers and piano trio), the arrangements were tough; recording was done in a combination of live performance and individual parts. While the live, ambient group sound is employed for the a cappella version of Let It Be Me, Brown preferred a more present, close miced approach for the majority of the recordings. By utilizing the full resources of the modern recording studio !zing is placing itself closer to a pop vocal group sound than a traditional chorus, although the repertory retains elements of both.
!zing's artistic mission can be summed up by a quick scan of the tracks on the CD. The group combines classic vocal group sounds with updated takes on the unusual, the unknown, or the just plain quirky. Li'l Darlin' is a tribute to Neal Hefti, a pioneer in the early days of TV and stereophonic sound. The Neal Hefti singers original take of this song was background music at many a 1956 cocktail party. Up Jumped a Bird is songwriter Bob Dorough's swinging 5/4 celebration of Charlie Parker. Dorough also composed track five, Love, his clever setting of the dictionary. Both of these cuts are original arrangements by Brown, who also wrote the smart aleck Bad Attitude Song. Hey There Lonely Boy is !zing's affectionate take on this great song, and its doowop heritage. Down for Double is classic Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Let it Be Me an original arrangement in the a cappella style. Surf's Up is taken from the Beach Boys circa 1970; the song represents both Brian Wilson's great personal torment and artistic achievement. The final song, As Long As You're Living, is associated with Oscar Brown Jr. and more recently with singer Karen Allison.The combination of interesting material and arrangement with the cool performance is what !zing is all about. If you enjoy this music please keep in touch with us by attending our performances and leaving your e-mail address for further communication.