New York Voices

New York Voices was founded in 1987 and is active in the field of jazz, while also incorporating elements from pop, R&B, and bossa nova. It is referred to as "one of the world's best vocal jazz ensembles." The singers of the ensemble are particularly noted for their incredible stylistic versatility. The group originated as a vocal quintet in 1987 after a European tour by students from Ithaca College. In 1989, they signed a record deal with GRP Records. Since 1995, New York Voices has been performing in a quartet format (with a backing band). Their collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra on the album "Count Basie Orchestra with New York Voices Live at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild" won a Grammy in 1997. Additionally, they are active on projects such as "The Ancient Tower" by Robert Lepley (EarthBeat Records), "Heirs to Jobim" (BMG Records), Don Sebesky's "I Remember Bill" (BMG), Jim Hall's "By Arrangement" (Telarc), "A Love Affair - the Music of Ivan Lins" (TELARC), and Irving Berlin's "Louisiana Purchase" (DRG). New York Voices is currently on a farewell tour; the performance in Trossingen is a result of the ensemble's workshop activities at the Federal Academy and is likely to be one of their last in Europe.