Album Notes

We're sure you will enjoy the first CD release from !zing, in our own sweet time . Our mission is to create choral music that reflects the variety of musical styles in the air at the beginning of century XXI, and to perform this music with originality, sass and style. The CD features material we have refined in rehearsal and performance since our founding in Portland, Maine, in 2001. The musical arrangements are original to the group, and are the work of director Charles R. Brown Jr., who is also featured pianist on the recording. !zing usually performs with piano trio accompaniment and 14 vocalists; the group has the range to cover a cappella or classic small vocal group sounds, as well as expand into a fuller choral treatment of an interesting or forgotten or underappreciated song. This is music designed for people who enjoy careful listening of group singing.


in our own sweet time opens with a recreation of the original recording of Neal Hefti’s 1953 recording Li’l Darlin’, which practically defines the swinging jazz chorus sound. This music was used to demonstrate a lot of early stereos, and serve as worthy background to a lot of cocktail parties. The next cut is a choral treatment of Bob Dorough’s ode to Charlie Parker from 1956, up jumped a bird. Dorough is also the writer of track five, the clever musical setting of Webster’s Dictionary listing of the word “Love”. There are few choruses in the world performing versions of these unusual songs. The original composition on the disc is the Bad Attitude Song, a swinging, smart aleck statement which is ammunition for the put upon. In typical !zing style this cut is followed by an affectionate and authentic treatment of a 1970’s classic hit, Hey There Lonely Boy.


Down for Double is !zing’s tribute to the great vocal group Lambert Hendricks and Ross. This arrangement is a copy of the original 1956 recording which defined the standard for jazz small group singing. Let It Be Me is the Everly Brothers hit song touchingly redone for modern a cappella chorus. Surf’s Up is an example of a lesser known Beach Boys song that stands up to a big choral treatment. The final cut is !zing’s original arrangement of as long as you’re living. Swinging 5/4, a great lyric, and a unique performance: !zing sings!


We want to keep in touch with you if you are a fan of this music. We want to perform in your area and keep producing this music, with your support. Our website is zingsings.com. Our phone number is 207.797.8946. See you soon.