New York Voices – The Grand Finale

Celebrating over three decades of musical excellence, award-winning New York Voices has evolved from a college ensemble into one of the world's premier vocal jazz quartets.

"We're like a four-headed old married couple—we're just a big family at this point," reflects Darmon Meader, the group's musical director and tenor.

Their latest release, "Reminiscing in Tempo," (2019) showcases their musical breadth with interpretations spanning Cole Porter to Chick Corea, alongside inventive originals. Working with producer Elliot Scheiner, the album demonstrates their growth from flashy beginnings to mature artistry. "I think we're more comfortable in our own skin now," says baritone Peter Eldridge. "Initially we were out to impress."

The quartet—Meader, Eldridge, and sopranos Lauren Kinhan and Kim Nazarian —functions as "a little big band" with sophisticated vocal arrangements primarily crafted by Meader. This approach has earned them prestigious collaborations with the Count Basie Orchestra, Paquito d'Rivera, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band.

New York Voices began at Ithaca College in the mid-1980s when Eldridge, Nazarian, and Meader joined their school's vocal jazz ensemble. After moving to New York City in 1988, they signed with GRP Records in 1989. The current lineup solidified in 1994. Despite active solo careers and teaching commitments—Eldridge at Berklee, Nazarian at Ithaca College, Kinhan at the New School, and Meader at Indiana University—the group remains dedicated to their collective artistry.

They've established influential jazz education initiatives including their Vocal Jazz Camp, launched in 2008. "We're not done," says Nazarian. "We all have a little something more to say together.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​