Down 4 The Count
Los Angeles, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Like tight jazz harmonies? Can't get enough of that super high soprano sound? Got the blues? Well, Down 4 the Count's self-titled album might be just the thing for you. There's little question that this group knows how to sing jazz. They do it very well, and as far as I can tell largely without the help of autotune. If you're a fan on the hunt for music, the question is whether or not you like the genre of vocal jazz in general. If you do, you'll probably enjoy Down 4 the Count.
D4TC's greatest strength has to be their arranging talent. Penned exclusively by group members, the arrangements on this album are nicely textured and engaging. They also play pretty well to the strengths of the singers, with one small exception being the soprano lines which occasionally get a little too high and overbearing. I do think that some of that overbearing quality could have been eased a bit with a slightly more sensitive mix in the studio.
The production isn't bad, but it's not wonderful either. I would have appreciated a little less top heaviness, and a little more warmth and clarity to the middle of the sound. Not a big deal, but something I would suggest that the group pay attention to next time around.
Getting back to the positive, it should be noted that good arrangements are nothing without good singers to deliver them. The musicians of Down 4 the Count are all good vocalists who transition easily between solo and background singing. What's more, they all clearly have a good sense of vocal jazz tone and delivery, which lends an authenticity and charm to the album.
Down 4 the Count was formed in fall 2003 when the members were all still in college. That means that the average age of the group is somewhere in their mid-20s, making them still relatively young in the world of vocal jazz performance. Regardless, this album shows a lot of maturity and depth, and I hope that they continue making music together in the years to come. I'm very excited to see how their sound will develop. Down 4 the Count has all the makings of a top-notch international jazz group, provided they keep refining their music.
--Robert Dietz, RARB - Recorded A Capella Review Board
This is the finest a cappella vocal jazz ensemble I have ever heard. Their musicianship and vocal breadth, coupled with their seeming willingness to try just about anything vocally gives them a polished, dynamic quality. It doesn't hurt a bit that they so obviously enjoy their work, either...
--Jim Boydston, 2009 Judge, San Diego A Cappella Competition - www.GigSalad.com
I have seen Down 4 The Count perform several times and am always impressed. I'm not what you would call a music person, but I know what I like and D4TC never disappoints. The arrangements are fun and creative, the group seems to enjoy performing and has great chemistry, and the harmonies are fantastic. I love hearing the gasps of excitement from the audience as they finish a song. When I asked them to perform at a fundraiser I was coordinating, they were so easy to work with and were 100% professional. Many people came up to me after the event and expressed how much they enjoyed D4TC and asked where they could buy CDs. My only complaint was that the event was a casual wine tasting so people were talking and mingling while the group performed. Groups like D4TC were not meant to be background music - you will want to hear every bit of every song.
--Katie Van Cleave, American Lung Association. - www.GigSalad.com
Discography
January 2008 - Down 4 The Count
Photos
Bio
Down 4 the Count is best classified as a 5-person a cappella vocal jazz ensemble based in Los Angeles - but they don’t let any of those labels limit them. They perform award-winning original arrangements in a variety of styles, from jazz to rock to folk to country, and more. As most members of the ensemble are also skilled instrumentalists, they will occasionally accompany themselves.
D4TC started in 2003 and has experienced almost complete turnover in that time. Nevertheless, the spirit of the group - their clever and innovative arrangements - remains constant, and every member change has brought new and greater gifts to the ensemble. The current configuration has existed since June of 2010, but their sound is as if they have been singing together for years. Each group member has an extremely impressive resume, and their combined skills are unsurpassed by any but the world's best vocal jazz ensembles.
Down 4 The Count members have worked with or shared the stage with Rockapella, Inga Swearingen, Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, Dave Koz, The Tower of Power Horns, Ringo Starr, Mellisa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, Kevin Mohogany, Gretchen Parlato, Judy Collins, Lionel Loueke, Louie Bellson, Kitty Margolis, Ani DiFranco, Ladysmith Blackmambazo, and Page Cavanaugh.
Although Down 4 The Count started as an a cappella ensemble, they have since added several arrangements that feature a rhythm section for live performances. They have performed at several noteworthy jazz venues in the Los Angeles area, including the Jazz Bakery and Steamers Jazz Grill. Down 4 The Count usually perform charts arranged by themselves, as each group member is an accomplished arranger. In fact, their arrangements have already received several awards: Colleen Keene’s No More Blues and Hernando’s Hideaway were both Downbeat Student Music Award “Best Arrangement” winners; Matt Reynolds’ Train Song was declared to be “Best Arrangement” at the 2007 Los Angeles Regional Harmony Sweepstakes, and Colleen’s chart of Down For The Count was awarded the same at the 2006 Los Angeles Regional Harmony Sweepstakes. In 2009, Down 4 The Count were the winners of the San Diego A Cappella competition, and in 2010 they were featured on the USA Network's Character Fantasy series; they also opened for Rockapella in 2010. Down 4 the Count also won the "trifecta" at the 2012 Los Angeles Harmony Sweepstakes, not only taking first place but also winning audience favorite and the "Best Arrangement" award for Colleen Keene's version of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore".
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