Musicals Vocal Harmony Arrangements for Mixed Voices

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas

Review: From the poignant unison opening phrase through the stunning unfolding of breath-taking choral warmth, ;'I'll Be Home For Christmas' is not to be missed! Lushly romantic harmonies will create an unforgettable musical spell. The happiness and glow of the holiday season is brought to life in this warm a cappella arrangement of '(There's No Place Like) Home For the Holidays' by Mac Huff. Sumptuous harmonies support the simple and expressive melody line. From its lush bell-tone opening to the lyrical harmonic treatment of the chorus, there's no doubt this a cappella setting of 'The Christmas Song' is a rare treat! Written with Lowell Everson, 'Vocal Jazz A Cappella Christmas, a collection of fourteen vocal jazz Christmas treats, is arranged with delightful harmonies and skillful voice leading. The songs are challenging, yet accessible for the high school or college level vocal jazz ensemble. Also fun to sing when you want to liven up your Christmas carol session or holiday season!

Songlist: I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Christmas Song, Merry Christmas, Darling, (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays, Vocal Jazz A Cappella Christmas

Anders Edenroth : Arrangements of The Real Group Vol 3

Review: With its catchy melody, exciting vocal percussion and clever lyrics, "Prime Time Blues" is simply awesome, and is the feature track on The Real Group's most recent album. Excellent for advanced high school or college vocal jazz groups. Written as a jazz original for The Real Group, "Friendship" works just as well for larger choirs of high school level and beyond. The song tells about "Destiny," the ship of your life's journey, with friendship as the central theme. With a beautiful melody line and cool background rhythms, it will make a great program addition. "Pass Me The Jazz" - This up-tempo vocal jazz piece written for The Real Group features sections of scat singing. Left intentionally without dynamic markings, it is meant to get its "color" from the performers. "All Creatures of our God and King" - Combining one of our best-loved hymns with rhythmic vocal jazz background makes this a stunning crossover work to be enjoyed by both singers and audience. The eight-part arrangement will work very well even with a smaller, but strong group of singers. A work that will surely bring light and joy to your program! Enjoy!

Songlist: Prime Time Blues, Friendship, Pass Me The Jazz, All Creatures of our God and King

Ben Parry : Ciao Bella, Cia

Review: The Kikapust Choral Series offers choirs an extensive choice of close-harmony a cappella arrangements. All of our arrangers / composers - Jonathan Rathbone, Ben Parry & Mark Williams - were long-standing members of the Swingle Singers.

Bill Readdy : While Shepherds Rocked (Jazz-It)

Review: Six jazzy carols for vocal ensemble with easy piano accompaniment, all with various arrangements from one to four parts. Based on well-known Christmas carols, there are 6 contrasting styles from ballad to jazz/rock. Fun and funky!

Songlist: Unto Us, While Shepherds Rocked, Not Very Silent Night, Maracas at the Manger, Downtown Bethlehem, Hark!

Bob Chilcott : Jazz Folk Songs For Choirs

Review: This exciting collection by Bob Chilcott gives a jazzy twist to nine favourite folk songs from around the world. The spiral-bound edition is accompanied by a fantastic backing CD, allowing choirs to perform with jazz-trio accompaniment. Bob Chilcott currently conducts the chorus at the Royal College of Music in London and is in great demand as a guest conductor and leader of choral workshops worldwide.

Songlist: Composer's Note, A La Claire Fontaine (There by the Crystal Fountain), En La Macarenita (Down in Macarena), Hush, Little Baby, Sakura (Cherry Tree), Scarborough Fair, Tell My Ma, The House of the Rising Sun, Tuoll' On Mun Kultani (There is my Loved one), Waltzing Matilda, CD Tracklist and Credits

Bobby McFerrin : Charts Package

Review: Without a doubt one of the most popular songs of the 20th century, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is re-created here in an exact transcription of the Bobby McFerrin's original hit recording from the album "Simple Pleasures." 3 Soprano parts, 2 Alto parts, and a very hip Bass line back up the soloist or soloists of your choice - a cappella. Great fun to sing and to hear! A reverent and truly beautiful rendition of the widely known "23rd Psalm," this piece is frequently used in religious services. It's pace is slow and contemplative, and the music enhances the beauty of the language. As recorded on Bobby's "Medicine Music" CD. In "Grace," alto, tenor, and bass voices suggest the chant-like song of a carillon while the sopranos create a rhapsodic melody. This meditative score is enhanced with rhythmic breathing and optional parts for two cellos or cello section. Transcribed from "Hush," Bobby's duo album with Yo-Yo Ma. Each of Bobby's arrangements comes with extensive performance notes. With text adapted from the Book of Matthew, "Manna" provides a simple refrain with wonderfully textured variations that bring light to the thought "Whoever believes in Me will live forever." "Manna" includes a through-composed piano part as an additional color in the ensemble. "Come to Me" is rhythmic music full of life, freedom, and joy. An up-tempo piece to make everyone feel good, "come to me" with text adapted from the Book of John, includes parts for vocal percussion, body percussion, and handclaps. As recorded on Bobby's "Simple Pleasures" CD.

Songlist: knickknack, Don't Worry Be Happy, Grace, 23rd Psalm, Manna, Come to Me

Dale Jergenson : Trichromat (Vocal Jazz Suite)

Review: This 3 movement Vocal Jazz Suite was inspired by many composers and arrangers of many dispirit styles of music - from the Baroque period through the most sophisticated, modern jazz era. The title 'Trichromat,' with each movement bearing a title involving a color, should not suggest that the composer "hears" music in colors, rather it pays homage to jazz titles in general with their frequent use of colors. Dale Jergenson currently serves as composer-in-residence for Cantori Domino and at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church in Encino, California, and is active in writing scores for television, commericials, documentaries and feature films.

Songlist: Green Peace, Red Hot!, Blue Ice

Darmon Meader : Aesop Tales

Review: Darmon Meader presents two favorite Aesop fable put to song. "The Tortoise and The Hare" starts slowly like the turtle, and ends quickly like the bunny! A fun challenge for any group, and enjoyable for all audiences. High School and above. The second SATB original setting of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" is a fun challenge and well worth the journey for any seasoned ensemble. With hilarious lyrics and Meader's New York Voices idiomatic jazz writing, this piece is sure to be a concert hit. WithÊThe Lion and the Mouse,ÊMeader completes his charming, jazz-infused Aesop's fables trilogy.ÊDo not overlook these charming pieces

Songlist: The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Tortoise and The Hare, The Lion and the Mouse

Darmon Meader : Classic Jazz Songs

Review: Continuing our New York Voices Series, we present this hot new arrangement by Darmon Meader for the New York Voices. In the tradition of their charts, "Smack Dab in the Middle" is a slick arrangement and is full of fun and humor. The Big Band chart is also available! An excellent choice for any top-notch vocal jazz ensemble. "Bli-blip" - This quirky gem from Duke Ellington has been a staple from the jazz vocal group New York Voices for years and is an audience favorite. The tune is relatively simple and NYV member, Darmon Meader, turns it on its ear, creating a fantastic SATB arrangement. "Moonlight in Vermont" - Lush, contemporary jazz harmonies and styles define this arrangement with each vocal line featured as if they were soloists. Chord symbols are included for the accomplished jazz pianist but the realized piano part is worthy of any player. This is a swing ballad that will leave your audience breathless.

Songlist: Smack Dab in the Middle, Sing, Sing, Sing, Bli-blip, Moonlight in Vermont

Darmon Meader : Jazz Style Christmas

Review: Darmon Meader, director and founder of the New York Voices vocal ensemble, has become world famous for his remarkable choral arrangements. His new arrangements of 'Coventry Carol' and 'The First Noel' have taken on a breathtaking new sound and presentation in these surprising and exquisite piece. 'We Three Kings' is a masterwork for a cappella SATB choir with optional percussion accompaniment. The Eastern feel of the popular carol, We Three Kings is accentuated by the open intervals of the vocal parts and the unique percussion instruments scored within. This is another Darmon Meader holiday classic!

Songlist: Coventry Carol, The First Noel, We Three Kings

Darmon Meader : Jazz Style Christmas Vol 2

Review: "What Child is This?" - Darmon Meader uses early and classical music qualities with harmonic updates and new melodic ideas in his arrangement of this classic English Christmas carol. Those familiar with his style will not be disappointed and those new to his music will be delighted to program this holiday favorite. "In the Bleak Midwinter" - This gorgeous holiday favorite has been infused with the magic of Darmon Meader's signature jazz style. Sure to melt the hearts of holiday concert audiences, it is dedicated to jazz composer Steven Zegree and the Singing Hoosiers. Appropriate for ensembles of all sizes, they will never tire of rehearsing or performing In the Bleak Midwinter. "Silent Night" - Often performed by New York Voices, Darmon Meader's a cappella arrangement of the timeless German Christmas carol favorite features Meader's signature vocal jazz style sprinkled with lush harmonic colors. A gorgeous addition to any holiday concert. Darmon Meader works his magic with the familiar carol "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." This particular carol seems to lend itself to the many metrical alterations and rich harmonic textures we have come to expect from Meader and The New York Voices.

Songlist: What Child is This?, In the Bleak Midwinter, Silent Night, O Come, O Come Emamanuel

Darmon Meader : Jazzy Folk Songs

Review: "Skye Boat Song" - Originally commissioned for several combined choirs, this arrangement is a modern interpretation of the classic Scottish folk song with Darmon Meader's updated harmonic and rhythmic sensibilities. Though treated with a more modern approach, a traditional choir will find this piece to be very approachable as they explore the more intricate, lush harmonies for which Darmon has become well-known contest and festival approved! "That Ever I Saw" - "She is gentle and also wise; of all other she beareth the prize, that ever I saw, to hear her sing, to see her dance!" is a delightful anonymous text, stunningly set in a soft, romantic song by Darmon Meader. This choral work will soon find its way into the repertoire of a cappella treble choirs everywhere. "The Water Is Wide" - Darmon Meader's arrangement of this well-known folk song expertly blends lyricism with jazz. Gorgeous harmonies and solo opportunities abound in this sure-to-please choral. "Shenandoah" - One of the most beautiful of all American Folk Songs is given a restored, classy setting by the very gifted director and arranger of the New York Voices ensemble, Darmon Meader. Skillfully balancing unison passages with satisfying fourpart textures, Meader's a cappella version of this well-known melody is a wonderful concert choice for a good high school or college choir.

Songlist: Skye Boat Song, That Ever I Saw, The Water Is Wide, Danny Boy, Shenandoah

Darmon Meader : Vocal Jazz Classics

Review: The swinging Rodgers and Hart tune "I Could Write a Book" is classic vocal jazz. Includes a scat solo, which is written out or can be sung ad lib. The singers are definitely the stars here, though the arrangement can be done with a variety of accompaniments: piano alone, small instrumental combo, or full jazz ensemble. With "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me" Darmon adds his vocal jazz touch to Duke Ellington's classic. The lazy, medium swing tempo is just right, and the full-sounding piano accompaniment supports the voices. A breathtaking New York Voices arrangement of the touching ballad "For All We Know", recorded on their CD A Day Like This. The piano accompaniment is stunning and the vocal writing is contemporary. Definitely a great choice for accomplished groups to demonstrate their skill.

Songlist: I Could Write a Book, Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me, On a Clear Day, For All We Know

Darmon Meader : Vocal Jazz Love Songs

Review: "Love Is Here to Stay" was the last one written by George Gershwin before his untimely death at the age of 39. New York Voices' Darmon Meader has arranged it in a classic a cappella vocal jazz style, with surprisingly little divisi for such a full-sounding arrangement. An extraordinary song, an extraordinary arrangement. Darmon takes a swinging approach to "Taking a Chance on Love", with a tight vocal arrangement accompanied by piano or optional jazz trio. Clever lyrics make it a real audience pleaser, and your singers will appreciate the masterly vocal writing. Vocal jazz groups: don't miss it. "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me" was recorded by New York Voices on their Sing, Sing, Sing album.

Songlist: I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me, Taking A Chance On Love, Love Is Here to Stay

Deke Sharon : A Cappella Jazz Americana

Review: Yes, you want to sing patriotic songs, but you want them with a bit of a contemporary twist? Then check out these charts by Deke Sharon. Standard "America The Beautiful" is scored SATB w/solo (alto or baritone), with a 12/8 groove. George M. Cohan's "Yankee Doodel Dandy" is a driving swing, with unexpected syncopations and some whistling with an SSATB voicing. Then there's Neil Diamond's "(Coming to) America" - a contemporary ode to our country of immigrants (SSATB). Lee Greenwood's modern anthem "God Bless The USA" is designed to send shivers down the spines and bring audiences to their feet. And finally, you can rock out to the Steve Miller Band chart "Living In The USA" - SSAB w/tenor solo - with a decidedly more jaundiced view of American culture. A little something for everyone!

Songlist: America, God Bless The USA, Living In The USA, America, The Beautiful, Yankee Doodle Dandy

Deke Sharon : A Cappella Jazz Broadway

Review: Looking for show choir numbers that show off the vocals? Here are five Broadway hits that will be sure winners with your audience.

Songlist: I Can Do That, Maybe, Put On A Happy Face, Seansons Of Love, This Nearly Was Mine

Deke Sharon : A Cappella Jazz Classics

Review: This five-song volume includes songs your jazz ensemble will love to sing! Each of these songs is a classic on its own, and in the hands of master a cappella arranger Deke Sharon they become true vocal jazz classics. "Always" is 4-part SATB, with the melody passing among the parts. "Blue Skies" is Sop/Mezzo/Alto/Tenor/Bass, with the Alto written as "optional" (in case you need to sing it with just four parts) and includes a scat break. "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" is scored for SATB with a baritone solo - a very cool jazz waltz! Everyone gets a turn in "Route 66," both with the melody and little scat opportunities. Finally, "What'll I Do" is a gorgeous 4-part rubato ballad spiced with plaintive triplets echoing the refrain in thebackground. A real winner!

Songlist: Always, Blue Skies, Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin', What'll I Do, Route 66

Deke Sharon : A Cappella Jazz Standards Vol 1

Review: This collection features five-part arrangements of your favorite jazz standards. Most are SATB plus solo, but "Autumn Leaves" is five luscious parts.

Songlist: Autumn Leaves, Fever, I Could Write A Book, If I Loved You, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Steppin' Out With My Baby, Walkin' My Baby Back Home

Deke Sharon : A Cappella Jazzpop Holiday

Review: Feel like Rockin' around Christmastime? Then check out this fun collection of five holiday favorites. Voicings vary slightly.

Songlist: Holly Jolly Christmas, Joy to the World, Little Saint Nick, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Deke Sharon : Swingin' A Cappella

Review: Based on the Nat "King" Cole classic big band recording, this arrangement of "Orange Colored Sky" stacks a swingin' close harmony quartet on a walking vocal bass with soprano lead (either section or solo). Plenty of syncopated rhythms and playful background lyrics make this very fun to sing. The center "instrumental" section allows you to feature a quartet of your most impressive part singers. The a cappella arrangement of "Come Fly With Me" takes the listener on a trip around the world on the wings of one of Frank Sinatra's most iconic songs. Walking bass and playful background parts support a swingin' solo. Vocal percussion optional. "Caravan" - imagine Duke Ellington taking a year's sabbatical in Morroco: A wordless, rhythmically complex Middle-eastern tinged arrangement that breaks into straight jazz in the B section. S, A and T split in half with one trio echoing the other's tight horn sectin-like voicings. Vocal or standad percussion works well here especially multiple percussionists. With "Sing, Sing, Sing" you'll swear you hear an entire big band coming out of your voices in this lyricless take on Benny Goodman's classic recording. Not so easy to sing, but very impressive when all put together and a huge crowd pleaser. No solo, melodic lines move from part to part. vocal percussion is optional.

Songlist: Sing, Sing, Sing, Come Fly With Me, Orange Colored Sky, Caravan

Evelyn Larter : Christmas Glee: Five Little Jazz Carols

Review: This delightful collection includes five jazz-inspired settings of carols for choir and piano. Three of the settings also include optional instrumental parts for flute or violin. Each accessible, well-written piece is a joy to sing as well as to hear.

Songlist: Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Silent Night, Unto Us Is Born a Son

Gene Puerling : Puerling Charts I

Review: A collection of mostly a cappella arrangements from quite possibly the greatest vocal jazz arranger ever.

Songlist: The Fool On The Hill, Here, There And Everywhere, Michelle, We've Only Just Begun, Yesterday, Try to Remember, On a Clear Day, Emily, Where Is Love?, The Sound of the Singers Unlimited

Gene Puerling : Puerling Charts II

Review: Includes the Grammy Award winner "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" as recorded by The Manhattan Transfer. The note-for-note arrangement matches the original recording!

Songlist: Deck The Halls, The Gene Puerling Sound, Silent Night, Snowfall, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, April in Paris, Autumn in New York, Dancing in the Dark, Indian Summer

Gene Puerling : The Best Of Gene Puerling

Review: There certainly is no more influential and revered a cappella arranger than the brilliant Gene Puerling. From his auspicious beginnings as a founding member of the vocal jazz group the Hi-Lo's, with whom he recorded thirteen albums between the years of 1953-1964, Gene revealed the talent and promise that would later be fully realized with his work as director, arranger and performer with the Singers UnLimited. SATB, accompanied with optional rhythm section

Songlist: Button Up Your Overcoat, Georgia On My Mind, Rockin' Chair, The Shadow of Your Smile, Small Fry

Greg Jasperse : Voices Dances Vol 1 - 5

Review: Voice Dance, a wordless vocal dance celebrating the human voice and the joy of singing together is perfect for any occasion. Written for nationally-known jazz educator, arranger, and vocalist Jennifer Shelton for her marriage to well-known drummer Steve Barnes, this composition will teach your ensemble blend, alternative time signature as well as the freedom found in singing together. A musical challenge your students will love. Voice Dance II, continuing the wordless vocal dance celebrating the human voice and the joy of singing together. Bright with bounce and musical joy, this piece is perfect for any occasion. VoiceDance III. Greg has created a wordless vocal dance that has an African feel full of rhythmic, percussive and forward-moving vocal expression. Use of repetitive lines allows this work to be learned rather easily. Outstanding for festivals, concerts and even multicultural events! VoiceDance IV Soft consonants fill the jazz syllables while the energetic music of rhythm and vocal textures paint an incomparable picture of vocal sound. The piece is made up of repetitive phrases and sections, so learning is easier than imagined when first hearing this extraordinary choral.

Songlist: Voicedance, Voicedance II, Voicedance III, Voicedance IV, Voicedance V

Gwyn Arch : Fly Me to the Moon

Review: Five classic jazz standards superbly arranged in a vocal jazz style for upper voices and piano by Gwyn Arch. This is a must-have collection for any choir hoping to extend their repertoire beyond the traditional. The lively, fun to sing arrangements will please both choirs and audiences time and again.

Songlist: All The Things You Are, Caravan, Fly Me To The Moon, Moonglow

Gwyn Arch : Four Jazz Spirituals

Review: These four spirituals have been arranged by Gwyn Arch especially for the younger or developing choir. They are fun arrangements of popular or well known spirituals that are interesting to sing and fairly straightforward to perform. The optional baritone line makes the collection suitable for choirs with a dearth of male voices but equally suitable for boys to sing as their voices change and develop.

Songlist: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, This Little Light of Mine, When the Love Comes Trickalin' Down, Down by the Riverside

Idea of North : A Cappella Arrangements

Review: Winners of the Harmony Sweepstakes National Finals the Australian quartet The Idea of North is one of the most highly regarded vocal jazz groups performing today. "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" is an old gospel song arranged in a swing, trad jazz style and features each performer with solo sections. It has quasi instrumental parts to sing including trumpet, trombone and even banjos! Originally inspired from the movie sound track, "White Men Can't Jump" this fun arrangement is sure to leave your audience wanting more. "Amazing Grace" and "Sweet Sweet Spirit" retain their gospel meaning and flavor while given the wonderful vocal jazz treatment from the talented arranger Andrew Piper. These arrangements are all highly recommended!

Songlist: Amazing Grace, Sweet Sweet Spirit, Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Jay Althouse : Classic Jazz A Cappella

Review: Here's a collection of three song each from three of the greatest songwriters of the classic jazz song - Gershwin, Porter and Ellington. Highly-regarded arranger Jay Althouse offers some stunning, tight, and tasty harmonies for unaccompanied mixed voices that can be performed separately or as three different sets by composer.

Songlist: A Cole Porter Jazz Trio, Just One Of Those Things, You Do Something To Me, An Ellington Jazz Trio, Solitude, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), A Gershwin Jazz Trio, I Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me, Night and Day, Satin Doll, Nice Work If You Can Get It

Jerry Rubino (editor) : A Merry Little Christmas

Review: This is the perfect choral anthology for all mixed choirs who are sure that Santa Claus is coming to town! This collection boasts twelve dazzling arrangements of the top Christmas classics by some of America's best jazz and vocal arrangers. There's the holiday sentiment, Broadway verve, cool wit in all twelve exciting and engaging arrangements. In addition, each arranger has written practical performance notes, which offer advice to both conductor and singer on how to make music of this style come to life. Christmas just got spicier, so get ready to liven up your holiday concert and leave audiences (and singers) asking for more! Jerry Rubino is a noted composer and arranger. He served as assistant conductor, arranger and pianist for the Dale Warland Singers.

Songlist: Blue Christmas, A Christmas Love Song, Feliz Navidad, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, We need a little Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, What are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Winter Wonderland

Jonathan Rathbone : 1812 Overture

Review: One of the Swingle Singers' most well known vocalized overatures, this very advanced chart includes the complete work all sung with inner-changable scat syllables

Songlist: 1812 Overture

Jonathan Rathbone : Il Barbiere di Siviglia - Overture

Review: Featured on the Swingle Singer's CD titled 'Notability,' this fast paced classical romp is fun and challenging for even the most advanced choral groups

Songlist: Il barbiere di Siviglia - Overture

Jonathan Rathbone : La Cucaracha

Review: Former Swingle Singers Jonathan Rathbone has developed a reputation for creating challenging but highly rewarding arrangements for more experienced singers and here is a great example. Fun to learn, fun to sing!

Jonathan Rathbone : Largo from New World Symphony

Review: Largo from New World Symphony

Songlist: Largo from New World Symphony

Jonathan Rathbone : Merry Christmas Everybody!

Review: This is a fantastic collection of five popular Christmas classics. It offers variety for seasonal programs allowing choirs to explore less traditional music for the festive period.

Songlist: Merry Christmas Everybody, I Believe in Father Christmas, Walking in the Air, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Saviour's Day

Jonathan Rathbone : My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose

Review: Scottish traditional song based on the text of Robert Burns

Songlist: O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose

Jonathan Rathbone : Story of Christmas Vol. 1

Review: Charts from the Swingle Singers' stellar christmas album, 'The Story of Christmas. 'The Carol Medley,' 'Silent Night' and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' are all exquisite, eight-part, Jonathan Rathbone arrangements for mixed choirs, while 'We Three Kings' is a hip jazzy take on the popular carol, written for a four-part men's choir.

Songlist: Carol Medley, We Three Kings, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Silent Night

Jonathan Rathbone : Story of Christmas Vol. 2

Review: Charts from the Swingle Singers' stellar christmas album, 'The Story of Christmas. These three, eight-part, Jonathan Rathbone arrangements will challenge your choir and entice your audience with their beautiful melodies and intricate rhythm and harmony.

Songlist: O Come, O Come Emamanuel, Coventry Carol, Gabriel's Message

Jonathan Rathbone : Three Folk Songs

Review:

Songlist: Nine Hundred Miles, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, The Oak and the Ash

Kirby Shaw : An A Cappella Christmas

Review: Celebrate the season with these tasty vocal jazz settings of your holiday favorites.

Songlist: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Silver Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with Frosty the Snow Man), The Christmas Song

Kirby Shaw : Christmas Jazz for Mixed Voices

Review: Here's a handy, jazzy collection that's great for both concerts and caroling! Set in an easy, swingy style, these tunes will be a big hit with your audiences.

Songlist: Christmas Jazz 1, Christmas Jazz 11, The Holly and the Ivy, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Kirby Shaw : Christmas Jazz for SAB

Review: Here's a handy, jazzy collection that's great for both concerts and caroling! Set in an easy, swingy style, these tunes will be a big hit with your audiences.

Songlist: Christmas Jazz 1, Christmas Jazz II, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, The Holly and the Ivy, Silent Night, Go, Tell It on the Mountain, Carol of the Bells

Kirby Shaw : Junior Jazz - Beginning Steps to Singing Jazz

Review: This is what you've been waiting for! Introduce your young singers to the basics of vocal jazz with nine original songs illustrating a specific jazz concept. With educator notes included, this is an excellent introduction to an original American art form. Kirby Shaw helps kids learn more about vocal jazz in this easy-to-sing and educational collection. Each original song focuses on a different aspect of jazz singing.

Songlist: Blues, Blues , Blues, Riff City, Inflections, Blue Notes, Scat Like That, Jump, Jive and Jam!, Schoolhouse Blues, A La Mode

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross : Vocal Jazz Arrangements

Review: Lambert Hendricks & Ross mastered the art of vocal bebop and the Jon Hendricks classic "Everybody's Boppin'" proves the point with its frantic tempo and the fast swing groove underneath. A vocal jazz tour-de-force! "Birdland" is a quintessential jazz classic with lyrics by the incomparable Jon Hendricks in a funky fusion setting by noted arranger Paris Rutherford. A perfect showcase for vocal jazz groups! Darmon Meader's arrangement of "Charleston Alley" pays tribute to Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, as well as Charlie Barnet, while expanding the voicings, and also placing the song in a much more "SATB-friendly" key. This arrangement is a great introduction to the classic vocalese style of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, and will work well for most medium to advanced vocal jazz groups.

Songlist: Charleston Alley, Birdland, Everybody's Boppin', Desafinado (Slightly Out of Tune)

Manhattan Transfer : Manhattan Transfer Complete

Review: Sing the songs of one of the finest vocal jazz groups ever! "Manhattan Transfer in Concert" is a swinging medley of "Birdland", "Spice Of Life" and "Tuxedo Junction" and are some of the groups signature performance songs. The super Manhattan Transfer hit "Operator" is totally irresistible! An improvisational spirit in a hot groove for pop, jazz, or show use! Jam to "The Boy From New York City", the sassy '60s hit that was covered by Manhattan Transfer. A terrific chart by Kirby Shaw. Get your kicks with the Manhattan Transfer standard "Route 66" in a swingin' arrangement also by Kirby Shaw.

Songlist: Manhattan Transfer In Concert, Operator, Route 66, Tuxedo Junction, The Boy From New York City

Manhattan Transfer : Manhattan Transfer Complete Vol 2

Review: Mac Huff's arrangement of Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover" is from the Manhattan Transfer's recording and "Choo Choo Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track! Hip '40s lyrics and the burnin'. "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" very deservedly won a Grammy for best vocal arrangement and here is a note-for-note arrangement that matches the original recording! "How High The Moon" is an up-tempo piece has exciting vocal writing. The vocal jazz standard "Java Jive" gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings!

Songlist: Java Jive, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Dream Lover

Manhattan Transfer : Manhattan Transfer for SAB Voices

Review: The vocal jazz standard "Java Jive" gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings! The four brothers of the Woody Herman sax section achieved legendary status with the tune "Four Brothers"; later Lambert, Hendricks and Ross recorded a vocal version, followed by Manhattan Transfer's rendition. Paris Rutherford's setting simplifies the vocals slightly while retaining all the drive of the original. Awesome closer to any concert! "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" will put your choir on the jazz track with its hip '40s lyrics. Four of Manhattan Transfer's signature songs are showcased here in a 6-minute mini-medley "Manhattan Transfer Swings!" that will totally energize your concert! Includes: Four Brothers, Route 66, That Cat Is High, Tuxedo Junction.

Songlist: Java Jive, Four Brothers, Operator, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Manhattan Transfer Swings!

Marion Linton : Cole Porter A Cappella

Review: Beginning as a waltz, "I Get A Kick Out Of You," this lively Cole Porter tune goes into 4 at the bridge. Initiated by the bass, this time change provides a good vehicle for practicing four in the space of three and vice versa. The tune is short, punctuated by rhythmic shots and ends with a bang. "Let's Do It" is impossible to sing without a smile. Humor, wit, quotes as well as insect and animal sounds thrive throughout its four verses. It's a challenge but well worth the work--and talk about a crowd please! "Love For Sale" is a challenging setting for Cole Porter's cynical look at love. From a soulful alto solo, we move to an up-tempo Latin groove suggestive of life on the street. Featured again in the bridge is the alto whose message is colored by humorous comments and quotes. Rich harmonies abound and build to a dynamic ending. A vamp is used throughout "What Is This Thing Called Love" as an introduction, interlude, ending and even as accompaniment for a be-bop chorus where high women's voices bemoan the pain of love gone wrong. Soprano, as solo or section, is featured on melody throughout this chart.

Songlist: I Get A Kick Out of You, Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love), Love For Sale, What Is This Thing Called Love?

Michele Weir : A Christmas Jazz Holiday

Review: This valuable publication features easy a cappella vocal jazz arrangements from the pen of jazz educator Michele Weir. These holiday classics fare all arranged perfectly in a light jazz style for today's singers. Includes a second group of three Christmas numbers arranged in a light, a cappella, vocal jazz style. Excellent material for your show and jazz choirs. Appropriate for beginning or established groups.

Songlist: A Holiday Jazz Trio, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, A Christmas Jazz Trio, O Christmas Tree, Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Morgan Ames : Collection

Review: "When I'm 64" - This Lennon/McCartney favorite is as charming as ever! Bass primarily has a walking line, while the melody changes hands from the soprano to the tenor. "Don't Know Why" - A ballad of the 40's in block harmonies. The tempo is medium. "My Funny Valentine" - Classic ballad by Rodgers and Hart. This jazz arrangement features lush harmonies and many solo lines for all parts.

Songlist: When I'm Sixty-Four, My Funny Valentine