Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet

Sounding like a little big band, the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet filled Blues Alley on Wednesday night with punchy brass and swirling reed arrangements, each ingeniously tailored for a hornless ensemble.

Much like Lambert, Hendricks and Ross or Manhattan Transfer, the UVJQ celebrates swing and bop harmonic designs in ways that trick and delight the ear. The group's vocal blend was constantly in flux, shifting in size, power and dynamics while conjuring the sound of piercing trumpet flourishes, lush saxophonic weaves, growling trombone interjections, bowed bass lines and, at one point, a Brazilian percussion ensemble.

There was plenty of challenging material, and though not every phrase was perfectly turned, the group rendered a series of harmonically daunting arrangements with verve and precision. The blues, on the other hand, were often inspired by Count Basie's unhurried touch, a style affectionately evoked by harmonies and silences that tended to linger in the air. Several of the arrangements also allowed the singers -- alto Ginny Carr, soprano Lisanne Lyons, tenor Robert McBride and baritone Roger Reynolds -- to display distinctive personalities in addition to splendid musicianship.

Inevitably, the group spread some seasonal cheer with "Winter Wonderland," plus a wintry and wonderful tribute to pianist Vince Guaraldi. But not all the evening's pleasures were produced by the vocalists: Frequently enlivening the performance were pianist Alan Blackman, bassist Tom Baldwin and drummer Frank Russo.

-- Mike Joyce