JAZZ REVIEW : Exuberant New York Voices

New York Voices, a quintet of singers from Upstate New York that opened at the Catalina Bar and Grill on Tuesday evening, has borrowed liberally from the vocal jazz group tradition. There’s a little bit of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, a little bit of Jackie & Roy, some Double Six of Paris and more than a sprinkling of the Manhattan Transfer.

Though certainly not lacking its own identity, the group form is so limiting as to make New York Voices, first formed as a vocal quartet at Ithaca College, sound like most other jazz vocal groups with their overwritten parts, tight harmonies, swing rhythms and annoying penchant for a cappella excursions. What will distinguish this handsome, exuberant group from the rest of the pack--small, though that pack may be--is a repertoire that extends beyond the expected.

During its opening-night set Tuesday, the group made several strides in that direction with a handful of offerings that showed a willingness to do more than merely sing a song of Basie.

Directed by singer-saxophonist Darmon Meader, the group opened with a brisk rendering of Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington’s “Caravan.” The classic tune, which featured the first bit of uninspired scatting (there was too much of it throughout the set), was flawed by a sound system that made it difficult, if not impossible, to understand the lyrics. That problem persisted throughout the set, with the notable exceptions of “Stolen Moments,” the group’s only ballad of the evening, and “Baroque Samba,” which was wordless vocalese.

Other instances of seeking higher jazz ground came in the unlikely, but quite workable form of “Top Secret,” a rock-funk piece from the fusion group the Yellowjackets, with lyrics by group member Caprice Fox, and a pair of originals, the joyous sounding “National Amnesia” and the rocking “Dare the Moon.” Again, though, the pieces could be appreciated only for their musical value as the lyrics were inaudible.

New York Voice was accompanied capably by pianist Jon Werking, bassist Chuck Bergeron, who soloed beautifully on “Stolen Moments,” and drummer Tommy Igoe. Combined with the tenor saxophone of Meader’s and some tasty synthesizer work by vocalist Peter Eldridge, the musical backdrops created provided plenty of interest.

Singers Kim Nazarian and, especially, Sara Krieger, provided some superb solo moments--though not enough of them--during the hourlong opening set.

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