This singing foursome and their supporting musicians have put their creative stamp on the timeless art of sizzling, swinging 4-part harmony vocal jazz. Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet has released a holiday album which dishes up a smorgasbord of brand new original holiday songs by the group’s leader, songwriter/arranger Ginny Carr Goldberg (“Fool for Yule,” “Whisper,” “It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas”), along with their delightfully fresh takes on such holiday classics. UPJQ’s celebrated songwriting, hip arrangements, joyful delivery, and eclectic performance range are on full display with this very special seasonal album. Will a new holiday standard or two emerge from “Fools for Yule?”

Raised in a musical Mexican American family, Miguel de León remembers connecting deeply to the sounds of music he heard around him while growing up: the radio hits of Mexican artists in his parent’s record collection, and hearing recordings of Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66. In 1985 Miguel made his first trip to Brazil and was enraptured by the people, the culture, and the music. Miguel’s goal is to use his gift of music as a means to bridge the gap between different musical styles and languages, continually exploring and learning about the world of music. To that end, Miguel now releases, for the holidays, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian – as well as an Instrumental version – SAMBA DE NATAL.

My association with Purdue Bands over the years has been a privilege, especially the Jazz Department.

I’ve performed with the faculty and many current and former students here and there.  Right now, there is a group of students who are particularly special – they have been the “House Band” for the Tony Zamora Jazz Scholarship that I administrate, they’ve been active on the local scene coming to jam sessions and I’ve even called them for gigs which were great fun.

I’ve been wanting to check out a local studio that opened in town a few years ago and mentioned to my good friend and musical journey advisor, Kate Smith, that I was thinking about recording a tune there with them just to remember it all.  She strongly suggested we do a whole album, which is in the works.

 For now, though, please enjoy what will become a bonus track on “The Boiler Sessions.”

I arranged the traditional Holiday classic “Coventry Carol” with these talented musicians in mind – none of whom are actually majoring in music.  Dan Gui – trumpet, Seth DeWhitt – tenor sax, Austin Choi – piano, Grace O’Neil – bass and Carl Neilson filling in for this session on drums.