"But Not For Me" starts with the seldom-performed verse of this jazz tune. With scatting and a walking bass line, Syncopation kicks into a swing interpretation for the chorus. This version was inspired by Chet Baker, the famously doomed, honey-voiced trumpeter. The Boston Globe calls Syncopation the "Manhattan Transfer of the 21st Century," and it is easy to see why. Like that celebrated vocal group, Syncopation performs jazz and pop music in four-part harmony with a style that is both timeless and up-to-the-minute. You may have seen Syncopation on WBZ-TV performing with the Boston Pops on their 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (2009). The group often performs with instrumental accompaniment of piano, bass and drums, but they are equally renowned for their a cappella singing, which earned them 1st place at the 2008 Boston Harmony Sweepstakes. Syncopation was formed in January of 2002, mentored by Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer. Their first album, A New Dance, was released in 2003 and featured contributions from bebop trombone legend Phil Wilson, formidable jazz fusion trumpeter Tiger Okoshi, and Paul Stiller of the groundbreaking vocal group Vox One. In 2004 the group signed a record contract with Geneon Entertainment in Japan, and their Japanese album Of Blue was recorded in Tokyo with some of Japan's hottest jazz musicians such as pianist Satoru "Salt" Shionoya. On Syncopation's 2008 album, Wonderful You, the group interprets pop songs from the past 30 years. R&B, soul, folk rock, fusion and electropop are transformed by jazz harmonies, rhythms and style. Jordan Rich says the CD is "unique spin on classic syncopated music with great voices." Syncopation has performed at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the Tri-C Vocal Jazz Festival, the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, the Meihou Music Festival in Japan, and the International Association for Jazz Education Conference. The group also regularly plays jazz clubs in New England like Scullers, Ryles, the Hi-Hat, the Sahara Club, and the Press Room. Media appearances include radio (WBZ, Jordan Rich; WBUR, Robin Young's Here and Now; WGBH, Eric Jackson's Eric in the Evening, WERS, All A Cappella) and TV (CN8's Backstage with Sara Edwards). All About Jazz calls Syncopation "thoroughly modern, bright, and fresh take on ensemble jazz vocals that effectively updates the entire genre."