By PETER THUNELL
BYU’s vocal jazz group Syncopation is presenting a free concert for Valentine’s Day this Saturday night at the Madsen Recital Hall in the Harris Fine Arts Center.
In the performance, Syncopation will be performing such favorites as “My Funny Valentine”, “Sing, Sing, Sing” and “Sweet Georgia Brown”.
The concert consists of five ensemble pieces and a variety of solos from the members of the group. The solos will feature the individual members of the group, giving them the spotlight.
Bob Bailey, Syncopation’s director, is especially excited for the performance because he will be unveiling a song that he wrote, “Every Now and Then”. This will be the first performance ever for the song.
“This song is my baby, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s received by the audience,” Bailey said.
The group is comprised of eight women and six men. They meet together twice a week for an hour and a half to practice.
Bailey was made director of the ensemble two years ago. Bailey has an extensive background in jazz music, both vocal and piano.
Syncopation just returned from a tour of Anaheim, Calif., where they performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators. The invitation to appear for the IAJE was a first for Syncopation.
Eliza Payne, 18, a freshman from Alpine majoring in vocal performance, was one of the Syncopation members who got to go to Anaheim.
“The festival was a good experience for all of us,” Payne said. “It was great to see what everyone else is doing in the jazz field.”
Payne will also be one of the featured soloists Saturday singing “Our Love is Here to Stay”.
The IAJE made the invitation to Syncopation after hearing them on a CD of BYU jazz music.
At the IAJE, Syncopation sang with a variety of jazz groups from universities from across the country.
The opportunity for Syncopation to go to California was an honor for the group and it shows the progress that they have made, according to Bailey.
“We’re even thinking of a CD in the future, but nothing is for sure yet,” Bailey said.
Syncopation is currently preparing for the BYU jazz festival that takes place in the beginning of March. At the festival Syncopation will join Synthesis, Faculty Jazz, the Dixieland band and others for a week of jazz music.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
