Four Corners

There is a cyclical nature in life. One can come to expect, and sometimes take for granted, the change of seasons, rising and falling tides, sunrises and sunsets, and the like. It is when the unexpected occurs that one is forced to take a closer observation of the happenings. Such is the case with Four Corners. In 2009 four individuals entered their first year of music school at Western Michigan University with the hopes, desires, inquisitiveness and uncertainties, which is often the profile for the first year music student. But between the four students, who eventually became Four Corners, there was a magnetic energy, based on the love of vocal harmony, work ethic, and opportunity to create something new. These qualities were and continue to be the basis for the groups continued growth. Four Corners stands on the shoulders of many similar jazz vocal groups, dating from the 1940's to the present. It has never been their intent to become a duplicate of any of the well respected groups. However, in order for this group (Four Corners) to find quot;their voice,quot; it becomes quite evident that they spent many hours listening and studying how they (respected vocal groups) do what they do: thus giving Four Corners a springboard to creating their signature sound. This recording gives evidence to the individual and collective strengths of Four Corners. The arrangements, many of which come from the pen of Nich and Jack (Four Corners members), as well as invited arrangers and others, are perfectly chosen for this premiere recording. Four Corners invited a stellar rhythm section to join them on this debut recording. Although Four Corners has primarily been a self-directed and rehearsed group, I have had the pleasure of seeing, hearing and working with these fine musicians, at various intervals during the past four years. They started with something special and fearlessly continue to discover the truth ... quot;their music truth.quot; Quoting a lyric of Johnny Mercer ... Four Corners ... quot;Too Marvelous for Words.quot; Duane Shields Davis Senior Advisor for Vocal Jazz Western Michigan University.