African folk songs, rap, J.S. Bach, Jimmy Hendrix and tap-dancing might sound like an unlikely mix for a night of jazz. Through the collective lungs of Jazzchor Freiburg, however, anything's possible.

Jazzchor Freiburg

The 25-member jazz choir's motto could easily be "If it can be jazzed up, sing it."

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the choir from Freiburg, southern Germany, continues to display the kind of eclectic repertoire that has become its trademark.

During its gig at Tokyo's Sweet Basil on Wednesday -- the third concert during its current whirlwind Japan tour -- the choir pulled out all the stops: A rap number written by choir member Florian Staedtler was followed by a Bach prelude and "Thulasizwe," a traditional song from South Africa.

While it's jazz that clearly flows through each of the arrangements, the audience is kept guessing as to what might be served next: No sooner have you settled into the delicately arranged vocal harmonies and equally sensitive performances by the four-piece backing band on Thulasizwe than you're suddenly dealt a mesmerizing tap-dance by Ursula Nietsche or a mind-, and occasionally ear-, blowing solo from acclaimed sax player Bernd Schlott.

Such variety has been at the heart of conductor Bertrand Groeger's mission since he founded the choir in 1990. "I think it would be boring for people if they knew what was coming up next," he said. "I never want to change the underlying flavor of a set, but I'm always looking to make it a little different."

It's an ingredient that has kept tour invitations flooding in from around the globe.

Currently on its second tour of Japan, the choir has also performed in Russia, France, Denmark and Switzerland, to name a few, collecting a plethora of awards along the way. Upcoming tours include the Czech Republic and a tour of the U.S. next year is also planned, Groeger said.

Expanding the options still further is the extraordinary wealth of talent at Groeger's disposal. The conductor, who also arranges most of the pieces performed, is quick to nurture individual members' often hidden talents and use them to this end.

So, tap-dancing, the implementation of a few lesser known instruments (such as the melodica), not to mention ballet, are all part of this jazz choir's repertoire.

An unconventional mix, but it all adds up to good old foot-tapping entertainment.