What happens when 13 extraordinary professional singers trade classical masterworks for the timeless sounds of American jazz?
This November, Seraphic Fire invites audiences to find out.
From November 19–22, one of the country's leading vocal ensembles presents Blue Notes, a celebration of jazz standards, unforgettable melodies, and the legendary voices that helped shape American popular music. Led by GRAMMY Award-winning Artistic Director James K. Bass, the program brings together Seraphic Fire's signature vocal artistry and the unmistakable swing of a live jazz combo.
If you love Nat King Cole, Etta James, Billie Holiday, or the Great American Songbook, this concert was made for you.
And if you've never attended a Seraphic Fire performance, Blue Notes might be the perfect introduction.
The Music You Know, Like You've Never Heard It Before
Some songs never go out of style.
Think of the romance of When I Fall in Love, the irresistible rhythm of Route 66, or the unforgettable melody of At Last. These are songs that have accompanied generations of listeners, from intimate jazz clubs and classic recordings to movies, weddings, and family celebrations.
Their appeal is timeless, but what makes Blue Notes special is how Seraphic Fire will bring them to life.
Instead of a traditional solo jazz vocalist, audiences will hear 13 professional singers blending their voices in rich, close-harmony arrangements. Accompanied by a live jazz combo featuring piano, guitar, bass, and drums, the ensemble will explore the warmth, swing, and sophistication of American jazz.
The result promises to be something quite different from a typical jazz concert.
The close harmonies, intricate vocal textures, and musical precision that have earned Seraphic Fire national recognition will take on an entirely new character when paired with these familiar melodies.
As Artistic Director James K. Bass explains:
"These are songs many people already know and love, but the blend and precision of 13 Seraphic Fire voices bring them to life in a completely different way."
It's a chance to rediscover some of America's most beloved songs through a new musical perspective.
A Different Side of Seraphic Fire
For more than two decades, Seraphic Fire has earned an international reputation for performances of music spanning centuries, from Renaissance masterworks to contemporary compositions.
But Blue Notes explores a musical tradition audiences haven't previously experienced from the ensemble in this way.
American jazz has an extraordinary history, shaped by artists whose recordings continue to influence musicians worldwide. Louis Armstrong's unmistakable phrasing, Billie Holiday's deeply personal interpretations, Nat King Cole's effortless elegance, and Etta James's soulful delivery helped make these songs part of our shared musical culture.
Many of the selections in Blue Notes also belong to the Great American Songbook, a collection of enduring popular songs by composers and lyricists such as George and Ira Gershwin and Cole Porter.
Their music combines memorable melodies with sophisticated harmonies, making it especially rewarding for an ensemble known for its vocal blend and attention to musical detail.
The program includes favorites such as Embraceable You, All of Me, Straighten Up and Fly Right, and Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye.
Under James's direction, these classics will give audiences a chance to experience the remarkable versatility of Seraphic Fire's artists.
Whether your musical tastes lean toward jazz, Broadway, classic standards, or traditional choral music, something wonderfully familiar awaits you in Blue Notes.
Four Performances Across South Florida
Seraphic Fire will present Blue Notes in four communities this November:
- Naples: Thursday, November 19, 7:00 PM at Moorings Presbyterian Church
- Coral Gables: Friday, November 20, 7:30 PM at First United Methodist Church
- Ft. Lauderdale: Saturday, November 21, 7:30 PM at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Boca Raton: Sunday, November 22, 4:00 PM at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
Each performance includes a complimentary Pre-Concert Conversation beginning one hour before the concert, offering audiences a closer look at the music and the stories behind it.
If you're looking for live jazz in South Florida this November, planning an evening out with friends, or searching for a memorable musical experience, Blue Notes offers a wonderful opportunity to hear familiar favorites in an entirely new way.
And with the holiday season approaching, it's a perfect occasion to introduce someone new to Seraphic Fire.
The songs are timeless. The harmonies are extraordinary. And the experience is something you won't want to miss.
Join us November 19–22 for Blue Notes.
Tickets are available at SeraphicFire.org or by calling our friendly and helpful staff at 305.285.9060.
