Oakland Jazz Choir – September 14, 2014

The Oakland Jazz Choir has been an East Bay institution for over 20 years. During this span the group has taken many shapes, sizes and forms but the common denominator has always been the same: Joy of expression, using the voice to communicate the triumphs, as well as the turbulence, of the human spirit. While jazz forms the base of their musical concept, OJC ventures far from that base, but always putting a jazzy twist on the material. Artistic director Ben Flint, a native of Memphis TN, is steeped in gospel, jazz and R&B, but applies his diverse musical experience to finding a uniquely Oakland sound. Choir membership includes 16 singers, as diverse in age, religion, and race as our hometown Oakland demographics. Yet our focus is small, narrowing in on cool original and standard jazz material, arranged and/or written specifically for our collective voice. Accompanied by their kickin trio, OJC delivers exquisite 5 and 6 part harmonies performing original and contemporary arrangements that include pieces by hit makers such as Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Hoagy Carmichael, Pat Metheny, Thelonius Monk, as well as Bobby McFerrin, and Tears for Fears.