Monday, May 12th 2008

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What is PRime?PRime is a group of six singers who perform a cappella or backed by an instrumental quartet. Formed in the mid-1990's, PRime has recorded two CD's and performs throughout the Midwestern U.S, including at the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, Michigan Jazz Festival and Birmingham (MI) Jazz Festival.  They have appeared at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Netherlands and at the Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival.  They are part of the 2006-2009 Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Program.

What is "vocal jazz"? Vocal jazz is a style of music performance popularized by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Manhattan Transfer, Take Six, The Real Group, New York Voices and other groups.  The music is characterized by a warm, smooth sound featuring close harmony and vocal improvisation. Jazz stylings range from swing to pop rock, bebop to big band, incorporating latin rhythms, blues and classical elements.  It is American music that imparts messages of joy, longing and love.

Who are PRime's singers?PRime vocalists include music director Steve SeGraves (tenor), Cat Hadrian (lead soprano), Ginny Lundquist (second soprano/alto), Gwen Jacques (alto), Carl Rinne (baritone and trombone), and Norm Thompson (bass). They perform a cappella or accompanied by a swing band composed of piano, bass, trombone, reeds (sax, clarinet and flute) and drums. Also performing selected gigs with One Beat Back, a swinging big band.

What types of music does PRime perform?PRime performs audience-pleasing music, including jazz standards (Tenderly, The Shadow of Your Smile), pop/rock (God Only Knows, Loves Me Like A Rock), classical (Overture to the Marriage of Figaro), and original compositions and arrangements.  Their performances also feature solos by group members.

How much does PRime typically charge?  PRime usually charges a minimum of $650 for an a cappella performance of under one hour.  Instrumentation can vary from piano to swing band -- these performances begin at a minimum of $800 per one-hour performance.  Additional hours are negotiable.  Workshop fees usually range from $450-$500 depending on type of clinic/workshop requested.  Travel expenses apply outside the greater Detroit/Ann Arbor area.  PRime supplies its own sound equipment and sound technician.