FRIDAY

Formed in 1958, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross were the quintessential practitioners of vocalese, the exacting process of setting lyrics to the themes and improvisations of famous jazz recordings and singing them. Dave Lambert, a former tree surgeon with considerable experience writing jazz arrangements for voices, was the group’s organizer. (He was killed in a 1966 highway accident.) Jon Hendricks, whose songs had been recorded by jump-band singer-saxophonist Louis Jordan, penned LH&R’s witty lyrics. Annie Ross, who had played Judy Garland’s kid sister in an MGM movie and later wrote and recorded the celebrated vocalese version of saxophonist Wardell Gray’s “Twisted,” was LH&R’s striking star performer, capable of simulating the trickiest horn, reed, and keyboard solos. Ross left the group in 1962, moving to England where she recorded as a soloist, ran her own nightclub, and resumed stage and screen acting. Hendricks also spent five years in England before coming home in the 70s to form a new vocal group with his family, record a series of solo projects, and write material for the Manhattan Transfer. After 36 years apart, Hendricks and Ross have reunited to perform their now-classic recordings and introduce some new material. Don’t expect them to sound like they did on their albums. These days Hendricks’ intonation, never his strong point, comes and goes, and Ross’ vocal range has narrowed considerably. But you can still count on an entertaining, energetic evening with two dynamic performers who continue to define hip. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre. $27. (202) 467-4600. (Joel E. Siegel)