It Ain't Over 'Til The Fat Man Swings

Winners of the 2005 13th Billboard World Song Contest (Jazz) ___ “TONIC Vintage Vocals, a likable swing-based vocal quartet, performs Christmas songs on their new CD with about half the material freshly written by members of the group, including such fine numbers as "At Christmas Time," "Darn That Sock," and the rollicking title cut. There are occasional spots for the horns and vocal solos, but it is the highly appealing sound of the vocal ensembles and the cheerful material that should make this a Yuletide favorite.” AMG - All Music Group Scott Yanow "These are some snazzy sounds. At the risk of sounding Scrooge-ish, you have to pick your holiday sounds carefully in order to avoid the sap factor. The members of TONIC have no sap in their systems. What they do have is some serious swing, crystalline four-part harmony, and a stylish and jazzy way of going after holiday songs; some time-tested standards and some very strong originals from the pens of TONIC-mates Steve and Karen Multer. The sound is very much in the mode of the late thirties and forties vocal groups with smoothly-polished harmonies. A fresh and interesting kind of Swing for the holidays." All About Jazz Dan McClenaghan “TONIC does rich jazz vocals in the mode of The Manhattan Transfer but manages to distinguish themselves from their famous counterparts with a clarity that smacks of a love of music and professionalism. This is a vocal group that could make a serious breakout at any time.” Fulview Drive-in Nicholas Scheffo “Chicago-based vocal quartet TONIC Vintage Vocals has been on the rise, presenting harmonies that are tight and crystal-clear. The group offers some of their own tunes with music and lyrics by group members Steve and Karen Multer that are clever without being cloying. Add TONIC to your collection, a vintage vocal group that makes the holidays a real pleasure with this CD.” Jazzitude Staff Review ___ Since TONIC Vintage Vocals’ arrival on the Chicago scene in 2003 they've performed for corporate events, clubs, and private venues to enthusiastic and grateful audiences who know great neo-Big Band jazz music when they hear it! What’s the sound? Think Manhattan Transfer meets The Rat Pack…with a little Louis Prima thrown in for solid Swing. On this, their second album, Chicago's top vocal jazz cats have created a hip and solid addition to every Christmas and jazz fan library. "It Ain't Over..." received airplay in over 125 national and international radio markets in 2005 and was featured on syndicated programming like Jazz After Hours with Jim Wilke, Anything Goes with Lise Avery and XM Channel 72 Real Jazz. Stellar reviews made this anticipated release and instant Christmas favorite. 12 Big Band Swing cuts include original grooves and classic jams, each featuring Santa and guaranteed to make the holidays more fun than ever. Film buffs will hear the title track rolling with the closing credits in the 2006 short feature "Have A Nice Death" by award-winning director Sherrie Robertson of 5-0 Productions. TONIC Vintage Vocals' self-titled debut CD (December 2004) continues to receive coast-to-coast airplay on jazz and A/C stations in large and small markets. It was featured on Dave Radlauer's syndicated Jazz Rhythm series and the release was touted by Julio Martinez of Variety as a contender for the Jazz Vocal Grammy Award in 2005. 7 of the tracks have held Broadjam Top 10 ratings in numerous categories for twelve consecutive months. In two short years TONIC has landed a large national and international following and gotten their catchy, classic sound moving fast and furious into the ears of listeners who dig fine lyrics, sweet melodies, and top-flight vocal flare. The ongoing goal for the group is "To Celebrate the Classic American Jazz Songbook and Introduce New Standards to Keep the Tradition Alive!" The holiday grooves on this new album are sure to meet that promise and be enjoyed long into the future. Head for www.TonicVocals.com to check out mp3 cuts, video clips, reviews from industry experts and jazz leaders and more information. ___ Featuring: Jennifer Chada Karen Multer Paul Langford Steve Multer with: Paul Langford (piano) Shawn Sommer (bass) Tom Radtke (drums) Kraig McCreary (guitar) Grant Cramer (flugelhorn, trumpet) Mark Olen (trumpet) Jim Gailloreto (clarinet, flute, tenor sax) Dave Santilli (soprano and tenor sax) Recorded at Chicago Recording Company Engineered by Mat Prock