Musicals Vocal Harmony Arrangements for Mixed Voices

Various Arrangers : Romantic Ballads for Mixed Jazz Voices Vol 2

Review: "It Only Takes a Moment" - The beautiful song from Hello Dolly in a lush a cappella ballad setting! With heartfelt lyrics, rubato phrases, and rich choral harmonies, this will be a wonderful feature for jazz, pop and concert choirs. "My Funny Valentine" - A lush a cappella setting of this timeless standard features soprano solo or soli. Quite accessible! "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring" - Originally popularized by the Four Freshmen, this iconic arrangement of the Bobby Troup song helped pave the way for a cappella vocal jazz as well as influencing the singing style of the Beach Boys. "The Nearness of You" - One of the greatest songs of all time, Hoagy Carmichael's classic romantic ballad shimmers in a rich a cappella setting highlighted by lush harmonies and gently arched phrasing in this superb arrangement.

Songlist: It Only Takes a Moment, My Funny Valentine, Their Hearts Were Full of Spring, The Nearness of You

Various Arrangers : Show Tunes

Review: There's nothing more fun to sing than a great show tune! An inspired a cappella treatment of the "Fats" Waller classic "Ain't Misbehavin'". Many fun options in the center section - "Rudy Vallee" solo, tap solo, etc. Totally unique! A classic Kirby Shaw setting of a Gershwin ballad " Love Is Here To Stay" is a delight. Here's a stunningly beautiful arrangement of the classic Broadway ballad "On A Clear Day". Steve Zegree's a cappella jazz voicings are breathtaking! Recorded by many artists including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darrin, "Once Upon A Time" was featured in the Broadway production of All American. Beautiful harmonies and a lyrical melody combine to make this special.

Songlist: Ain't Misbehavin', On A Clear Day, Once Upon a Time

Various Arrangers : Standards 1

Review: 'Make Someone Happy' goes from a tender unison beginning to an exciting climax and a deceptively moving ending. Much of the beauty of this piece lies in simplicity and pure sincerity. 'It Ain't Necessarily So' is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Solos (or should we say, "sermons?") are passed from voice to voice while the bass line makes comical interjections about the lyrics. The close, melting harmonies of 'You Go To My Head' beautifully paints the lyrics and mood of Fred Coots' timeless ballad. Soprano and alto are in a warm and mellow low register for the majority of the tune, while tenor and bass have a light and airy quality to blend. Rhythmic notation should serve as a guideline only, as a very free interpretation of time is needed to bring out the intense imagery of the lyrics and the "bouquet" of the music. Perform this song when you want your listeners to leave hearing in their minds a "haunting refrain". 'Embraceable You' features opening bass pedal with voices layering above. Contrasting open and dense voicing create lustrous harmonic interest. A perfect program piece - a short gem that young singers can really dig their teeth into.

Songlist: Make Someone Happy, It Ain't Necessarily So, Embraceable You, You Go To My Head

Various Arrangers : Standards 3

Review: This a cappella treatment of Rodgers and Hart's 'Little Girl Blue' has become a classic amung vocal groups. Plenty of vocal and dynamic range to give this chart lots of freedom for interpretation and make it your own. One of Harold Arlen's great ballads, 'Last Night When We Were Young' is written a cappella for SSATB choir with a short soprano solo. Chords are colorful but not difficult to hear. 'Exactly Like You' is a great a cappella medium swinger that is fun to sing and a fine program opener. Written by Bobby McFerrin and featured on his first album, 'Jubilee' is full of energy and fun. This arrangement is a cappella, with the bass singer doing an instrumental-like bass line throughout. It begins as a samba, goes to swing for a vocal improvisation solo and an ensemble 'soli' section, then back to the samba. The recording by Phil Mattson and the P.M. Singers (Jubilee album) features vocal percussion throughout, emulating a true drum part. If you have an experienced group and you're looking for a showcase piece to feature a talented bass singer and vocal percussionist, this arrangement is for you!

Songlist: Little Girl Blue, Last Night When We Were Young, Exactly Like You, Jubilee, Jubilee, Last Night When We Were Young, Exactly Like You

Various Arrangers : Standards 4

Review: The beautiful 1937 ballad, 'I Can Dream, Can't I?' moves between lush harmonies and flowing counterpoint. It is richly texutred, yet accessible to most groups. ''Their Hearts Were Full of Spring' is as close as a mixed group can get to the original TTBB, Four Freshman, original. A very romantic a cappella ballad with lush harmony throughout! 'Am I Blue' sounds incredibly lush for having a maximum of 4 parts. A la Gene Puerling but easier. A definite "oo and ah" creator!

Songlist: I Can Dream Can't I?, Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring, Am I Blue

Various Arrangers : Standards 5

Review: This lush a cappella arrangement of 'I've Never Been In Love Before' features the entire vocal ensemble. The emotional lyric and fresh harmonization make this chart fun to rehearse and perform. Billie Holiday and Blood, Sweat and Tears helped to make 'God Bless The Child part of the standard jazz literature. It is a beautiful arrangement! 'Nancy with the Laughing Face' is another beautiful Johnny Mercer melody arranged in a very singable a cappella setting. A short solo with choir backgrounds sets up a beautiful and sensitive ending. Phil Mattson's arrangement of 'Love For Sale' was originally written for Chanticleer with a female solist. Now your vocal group can enjoy this beautiful gem!

Songlist: I've Never Been in Love Before, God Bless the Child, Nancy With The Laughing Face

Various Arrangers : Strictly Jazz

Review: 'Aspen Waltz' is a lush a cappella original, by Randy Crenshaw, with a twelve-tone treatment of melody, supported by rich, Singers Unlimited-sytle chordal textures. Features soprano soloist, small group or section. Written by Bobby McFerrin and featured on his first album, 'Jubilee' is full of energy and fun. This arrangement is a cappella, with the bass singer doing an instrumental-like bass line throughout. It begins as a samba, goes to swing for a vocal improvisation solo and an ensemble 'soli' section, then back to the samba. 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' is a famous Nat Cole song heard on Natalie Cole's multi-Grammy winning Unforgettable album. There are solos for alto or tenor. Featuring traditional jazz-type harmonies, the feeling is bright with a lively tempo. 'Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most' is a fun, beautiful piece fill with great jazz harmonies. 'Alice in Wonderland' is a sensitive ballad interpretation of the popular jazz waltz by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard. Ranges from unison opening to lush six-part harmony and features a tenor solo.

Songlist: Straighten Up and Fly Right

Various Arrangers : Traditional American Songs for Vocal Jazz Ensembles

Review: An English/American folk standard, this arrangement of 'Aura Lee' is a group feature and begins as a ballad with octave unison, then some traditional harmony continues with ever-increasing reharmonization and works its way into a medium-swing setting with tight, rich harmony. 'Amazing Grace' is a traditional gospel, shuffle arrangement with jazz harmonies is sure to satisfy. The larger the ensemble, the better this one will sound. The 6/8 meter keeps the gospel flow and the harmonic structure will keep the jazz ears awake with its reharmonization. The opening and closing solo melody may be as free as your gospel ear desires. The 'Shenandoa' arrangement is here in a spiced up ballad setting. It begins with a tenor solo with later group entrance featuring diverse, harmonic settings, key changes, soprano solo, short tenor/soprano duet and, at the end of the group harmony, gently fades just like the ol' river. Close harmony chords and arpeggiated textures combine to make for a lush, complex, and moving rendering of, the Irish ballad, Danny Boy. A tenor solo and baritone duet share the melody with the ensemble. The simple folk melody in 'The Water is Wide' is the foundation for this complex choral work. Each verse has its own flavor, ranging from flowing arpeggiated textures to rich close harmonies.

Songlist: Aura Lee, Amazing Grace, Shenandoah, Danny Boy, The Water Is Wide

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz A Cappella Broadway

Review: Rent - It's the show that made Broadway history! Now available in an a cappella setting by Steve Zegree, the inspirational rock anthem "Seasons of Love" will be an uplifting concert highlight. More than a few critics consider "Send In The Clowns" to be the greatest Broadway song ever written. This a cappella arrangement is stunning and certainly worthy of Stephen Sondheim's brilliant music and lyrics and could be performed by SATB choirs of any size, including concert choirs. A breathtaking selection for any concert! A dramatic and expressive contemporary setting of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "Hello Young Lovers" will create a powerful effect of your audience. This unaccompanied setting features striking contrasts in texture and dynamics than enhance the emotional quality of the lyrics. From Frank Loesser's incomparable Guys and Dolls, "More I Cannot Wish You "is gorgeous ballad is set in a stunning a cappella arrangement by the noted jazz educator and arranger Phil Mattson.

Songlist: More I Cannot Wish You, Seasons of Love, Hello, Young Lovers, Send In The Clowns

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas 4

Review: 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' is A wonderful arrangement by one of the great arrangers, Morgan Ames. 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' is short and sweet, as fast as you can sing it. It is sung with hums and oo's, no lyrics. The feeling is humorous with traditional harmonies. 'Boogie Woogie Santa' has a 40's, slightly big band feel for voices with a soprano lead. The tempo is lively with pop harmonies. This is a fun, not serious tune. 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town' is a blend of the Motown (Jackson 5) and rock (Bruce Springsteen) versions of this modern seasonal classic, this driving yet easy to sing arrangement makes for a perfect holiday closer or encore. Melody in soprano line which can be sung as a solo or section. Vocal percussion is optional. The beautiful carol, 'Some Children See Him,' by Alfred Burt and Whila Hutson opens with a tenor solo, soon joined by a warm background chorus. Serene yet gently moving forward with subtle meter and key changes. Little moments for every part to shine. Can be a wonderful counterpoint to the more up-tempo Christmas songs.

Songlist: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Boogie Woogie Santa, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Some Children See Him

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas 5

Review: 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' is a sweet, heartfelt, close harmony arrangement of this holiday classic featuring a rich baritone solo line and plenty of Puerlingesque harmonies. Based on Greensleeves (traditional) with a warmer lyric 'Once Upon a Christmastime' includes many solo lines meant for free interpretation. 'Some Children See Him' is a Christmas standard written in the 50's by Los Angeles session singer, Alfred Burt. Burt's original changes are reinterpreted in this great arrangement by Morgan Ames. Based on Silent Night sung without words until the last line, 'Silent (Sleep In Heavenly)' has many short solo lines meant for free interpretation. 'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town' is transformed into a hard-swingin', lighthearted arrangement. It features solos for a male and female, a half chorus scat solo, and a big shout chorus finish. Light vocal percussion and a strong bass singer are necessary. You will love this harmonically challenging, yet rewarding piece!

Songlist: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Some Children See Him, Silent (Sleep In Heavenly Peace), Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas I

Review: Thad Jones, a wonderful writer, left us the beautiful, sensitive piece, 'A Child Is Born.' With all due respect to the music, the arrangement is simple, sparse and, of course, a cappella. Vocalists must work wholeheartedly with breathing, phrasing, matching of vowel shapes, cutoffs and impeccable dynamics. Ellen Hoffman's arrangement of 'A Song For Christmas' is a fun jazzy tune for all who love the season. A knockout amalgam of jazz waltz/traditional carol moves 'Carol of the Bells' along at a rocket pace with phrases alternating between straight 8th and swing, and harmonic content between jazz and traditional. The middle section of the piece offers a brief slowdown before returning to the fast-paced crescendo to the climax. With an uptempo swinging groove, a rockin solo and gorgeous background vocals, 'Merry Christmas Baby' is sure to be an audience pleaser at your holiday concert.

Songlist: A Child Is Born, A Song For Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Silent Night

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas II

Review: 'Let it Snow' is written for an a cappella jazz group with sort of a Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 approach. The SAATBB a cappella arrangement of 'Silent Night' starts simply and plaintively, then fills out harmonically over three verses. Provides a nice quiet moment for a Christmas concert. 'Santa Claus Is Comin To Town' is transformed into a hard-swingin', lighthearted arrangement. It features solos for a male and female, a half chorus scat solo, and a big shout chorus finish. Light vocal percussion and a strong bass singer are necessary. You will love this harmonically challenging, yet rewarding piece! Students, pros and parents alike will love the a cappella swing arrangement of 'Winter Wonderland. Fun to sing and has a big ending. Low bass has a written walking-bass line.

Songlist: Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Waltz, Let It Snow

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Christmas III

Review: The touching Alfred Burt/Wihla Hutson Christmas carol, 'Some Children See Him' is a gentle but jazz-flavored arrangement. Some reharmonization, yet retains the sweet quality of the original. Features female and male solo spots. The arrangement of 'O Christmas Tree' is an upbeat a cappella version featuring close harmonies and key changes. A brief, warm rubato opening is followed by a swing scat duet, full group in major and minor keys, a foray into 3/4, then a final swing section under a scat solo. SSATTB requiring a strong bass. 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' has a light and happy feel. Bass pedals, soprano descant, bass lines and rhythmic shots occur throughout. A modulation in the last A section is delightfully unexpected. It's a great chart to end the Christmas show.

Songlist: Some Children See Him, O Christmas Tree, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Various Arrangers : Vocal Jazz Pop

Review: Wow! The #1 pop hit from 1977 "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder in an a cappella vocal setting that really cooks will be tons of fun to rehearse and absolutely killer in concert! Featuring optional vocal bass and percussion and an exciting shout chorus, this chart is hot, hot, hot! "Vincent" is the hit song by Don McLean written as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. It is also known by its opening line, "Starry Starry Night", a reference to van Gogh's painting The Starry Night . The 1975 pop hit "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker translates beautifully to an a cappella setting. Lush harmonies and vocal textures create a special musical atmosphere. A superb a cappella setting by Steve Zegree of the Beatles classic "In My Life", this will be a fine showcase for pop, jazz and concert groups.

Songlist: Vincent (Starry Starry Night), You Are So Beautiful, In My Life, I Wish

Various Arrangers : Vocalese Charts

Review: 'The Barber of Seville Overture' has been a long-time favorite in King's Singers concerts. From the subdued opening theme in the "strings" to the rousing "full-orchestra" close, this instrumental work is creatively brought to life - King's Singers style. It's hard to keep a straight face while singing this hilarious novelty arrangement of 'William Tell Overture' for "serious" choirs. Sung entirely on syllables which imitate the sounds of Rossini's original orchestral percussion, brasses, and woodwinds, this one will be best when performed tongue in cheek. And from the initial fanfare to the final cadence, seasoned choirs will sound great on the full chords and percussive "Lone Ranger" themes. 'Tango to Evora' was masterfully arranged by Vancouver Chamber Choir conductor Jon Washburn. The sensual but innocent tango melody in the choir gives an expressive background to a 'floating' soprano solo.

Songlist: Tango To Evora, The Barber of Seville Overture, William Tell Overture

Various Arrangers : Wordless Vocal Jazz

Review: "Soul Bossa Nova" is not for the faint of heart! The Quincy Jones instrumental used in the Austin Powers' movies has been adapted to an a cappella vocal setting that really cooks and will totally wow your audience! Bailando is the gerund of the Spanish word, "bailar" which means to dance, move rhythmically to music, as well as to skip or bounce in a dance-like manner. This arrangement by Greg Jaspere id bound to get everybody swingin' along. "O Sapo" - In this irresistible Brazilian song setting, vocal lines imitate percussion patterns to create a truly infectious groove. "Gota" - The music line and wordless vocal jazz treatment fuses with ethnic folk music in a truly original way. A true 'performance piece' and favorite in the repertoire of Swedish vocal giants The Real Group, Gota has quickly gained recognition world wide. For vocal jazz oriented high school and beyond.

Songlist: Gota, Soul Bossa Nova, Bailando, Ba Ba Doo Ba (A Jazz Improv), O Sapo

Ward Swingle : Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart

Review: Here are the four movements of Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nacthmusik," which Ward Swingle has arranged for voices with the hopes that groups will perform the piece in its entirety. For the Swingle Singers this offered a change from the succession of 2- or 3-minutes pieces typical of many of their programs. Rondo is a good exercise in fast, intricate scat singing and Menuetto is often used in Ward's seminars to introduce the whole "vocal-instrumental" concept.

Songlist: Menuetto, Rondo, Allegro, Romance

Ward Swingle : Johann Sebastian Bach Vol 1

Review: "Gigue (Suite in C Major)" is a movement from one of Bach's unaccompanied Cello sonatas, arranged here for tenor and bass. It has a fast 3/4 jazz feeling, with some tricky dove-tailing between the voices, the object being to make it sound like on instrument. The Swingle Singers have often used this "Organ Fugue BMV 578" as a concert opener. The challenge in singing without a rhythm section is to make the piece swing without the help of the instruments.The "Bourree" has probably been the most widely performed of all Ward Swingle arrangements. This is an a cappella version using three different styles: child-like "la-la-la's," gently swinging "oo" sounds and rather brassy "ah" sounds.

Songlist: Organ Fugue, Bourree, Gigue, Gavotte

Ward Swingle : Johann Sebastian Bach Vol II

Review: These various Bach tunes are some of the finest of Ward Swingle's arrangements. The rich flowing harmonies, and clever voice leading provide a nice challenge for an intermediate jazz choir. A must have in your Ward Swingle Collection!

Songlist: Fugue in D Minor (Art of the Fugue), Aria Suite in D Major, Largo, Prelude No. 22

Ward Swingle : Schubert - Moment Musical

Review: Leonard Bernstein once said of Beethoven that when he had a choice of notes, he always picked the right one. The same can be said of Franz Schubert. His unerring choice of notes produced some of music's greatest melodies. A must for your medium jazz ensemble!

Songlist: Moment Musical Op.94 No. 2, Moment Musical Op. 94 No. 3, Moment Musical Op. 94 No. 6

Ward Swingle : Suite Quebecoise

Review: Canada has a rich lore of folk music. The three melodies in this Suite come from the province of Quebec. These arrangements were commissioned by the McGill Univeristy Chamber Choir in Montreal.

Songlist: Tout garcon qui sert, Le Roi Boit, Rossignolet

Ward Swingle : Swingle Classics

Review: The Swingle Singers often use "Flight Of The Bumble-Bee"as an encore piece. It has to go as fast as possible using a great variety of scat syllables in order to avoid lock-jaw. It also includes a fairly literal vocal transcription of Debussy's famous piano piece, "Claire de Lune." The tessituras are quite wide ranging from low D-flats for the basses to high B-flats for the sopranos. It is probably best sung with the help of microphones. This transciption of a Chopin "Etude Op. 25 No.9" is probably easier to sing than it is to play! It should be performed at a brisk pace, with the main melody alternating between the Tenors and the First Sopranos. "Overture to Marriage of Figaro" - It was an interesting challenge to arrange this wonderful overture for eight voices. My group has often used it to open a concert. Of course it is very difficult but quite a few choirs have managed to master it. I think it works equally well on or off mikes, as long as a proper balance is maintained among the voices. Ward Swingle

Songlist: Flight of the Bumble-Bee, Clair de Lune, Etude 25 No. 9, Overture to Marriage of Figaro

Ward Swingle : Swingle Folk

Review: 'Pastime With Good Company' is an evocation of Renaissance vocal and instrumental styles in which some of the singers are asked to imitate recorders, tabors and shaums. 'The Agincourt Song' recounts the victory of Henry V over the French at Agincourt. As in 'Pastime with Good Company,' the singers must imitate the sounds of Renaissance instruments. 'Country Dances' is a fast-moving potpourri of traditional country tunes. One theme that recurs is that of the Arkansas Traveler. The accompanying sounds evoke various country-music instruments: fiddles, banjos, jugs, etc. 'Music History 101 is a trip through Music History to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," treated as a Gregorian Chant, a Medieval Round, a Madrigal, a Bach Chorale, a Schubert Lied and many other styles including jazz and rap. El paisanito features an alto duet with an accompaniment that imitates strumming Spanish guitars. In the men's version, the duet is sung by two male altos. 'L'amour de moi' features a soprano solo with a string-like accompaniment along with vocalized bass and drums. The three melodies in 'Tour garcon qui sert bien son maitre' come from the province of Quebec. These arrangements were commissioned by the McGill Univeristy Chamber Choir in Montreal.

Songlist: Pastime with Good Company, The Agincourt Song, L'amour de moi, Country Dances, El paisanito, Music History 101

Ward Swingle : Swingle Jazz

Review: This version of "Oh, Johnny, Oh" is an evocation of the Andrews Sisters' recording. Three soloists become the Andrews Sisters, while the other singers scat the accompaniment (brass, rhythm and bass guitar). Here the singers have to keep things swinging without the help of bass and drums. Al Jarreau wrote some wonderefully "onomatopaeic" words for Brubeck's fine piano piece, "Blue Rondo a' la Turk.". Ward Swingle transcribed the piano part as faithfully as possible for voices.Perhaps Kurt Weill's most famous song, Mack the Knife was written during his Berlin period, first sung by his wife Lotte Lenya; and later, in a very popular jazz version, by the great Bobby Darin. "Saints Fugue" was first written for the French Swingle group in the early 70's using only scat syllables. Ward Swingle revised it later adding the traditional words.

Songlist: Oh, Johnny, Oh!, Saints Fugue, Blue Rondo a la Turk, Mack The Knife

Ward Swingle : Swingle Jazz 2

Review: Cole Porter's "Miss Otis Regrets" is an ironic tale of betrayal, revenge and punishment in the form of a minidrama compressed into some 48 measures. It's surely one of the most startlingly original standards in the repetoire. Arranged for 19 voices, "Chatanooga Choo-Choo" was made famous by Tex Benecke, the Modernaires and the Glenn Miller Band. Ward Swingle has attempted a faithful, entirely vocal, adaptation. Also included in this package is "You're The Top."

Songlist: Chatanooga Choo Choo, Fascinating Rhythm, You're the Top, Miss Otis Regrets

Ward Swingle : Swingle Originals

Review: 'How Do I Love Thee' is a a traditional choral setting of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's wonderful poem. 'Tre Karleksdikter' means 'Three love-poems.' These are settings of well-known Swedish poets, and would present a good challenge for a choir wanting to explore the Swedish language. 'It Was A Lover And His Lass' is a setting of Shakepeare's famous sonnet. The text has a lot of scat-like syllables (e.g. "hey-ding-a-ding") which Ward Swingle was able to adapt and use as part of the guitar-like accompaniment.

Songlist: It was a lover and his lass, How do I love thee?, Tre Karleksdikter

Ward Swingle : Swingle Standards

Review: This wonderful Neal Hefti composition, "Li'l Darlin," was written for the Count Basie band. Master word-spinner Jon Hendricks has added some lovely, romantic lyrics. This 8-voice SSAATTBB a cappella treatment of "I Get A Kick Out You" is one of Cole Porter's best loved songs. Some of the scat is in homage to the Double Six of Paris. "Love Walks In" lies in the great pantheon of Gershwin songs. Ward Swingle made a rather easy SATB arrangement dedicated to Cole Tyrell and his fine South Haven (Michigan) High School Choir. This is an 8-voice SSAATTBB a cappella version of the well-known Cole Porter standard.

Songlist: Love Walked In, I Get A Kick Out of You, Li'l Darlin

Will Todd : Jazz Missa Brevis

Review: Will Todd's Jazz Missa Brevis gives new life to the sung Latin Mass texts in an accessible, short setting which embraces a variety of jazz styles, from the swinging jazz waltz Kyrie to the up-beat Latin-groove Gloria. The smooth jazz ballad Sanctus, 7/8 Benedictus and soulful Agnus Dei complete this inspiring Mass setting. Underpinned by Todd's characteristic jazz harmonies and melodic craftsmanship, it is suitable for performance both liturgically and as part of a concert by mixed choirs of all abilities. The work can be accompanied by piano alone (as written or extemporised), jazz trio (piano, bass and drums) or jazz ensemble (alto saxophone, 2 trumpets and jazz trio - parts available separately).

Will Todd : Mass in Blue

Review: Will Todd's Mass in Blue is a dynamic, uplifting, and highly popular jazz setting of the Latin mass. The work features driving grooves and blues harmonies, with provision for short piano solos (notated or improvised) and great moments of musical interplay between soprano soloist and choir. Itas a worthy centre-piece for any concert. For this edition the composer has revised the work, making it more widely accessible. 

A set of notated parts for jazz trio (piano, with chord symbols, bass, and drum kit) plus an optional alto sax part is available separately on sale and on hire/rental. A full backing CD, recorded by the Will Todd Trio, is also available on sale.

Will Todd : Six Jazz Carols

Review: Innovative jazz arrangements of six carols originally created for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields, London by Will Todd. Rich harmonies serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material which is written for SATB voices and piano, with scope for optional congregational singing.

Songlist: Three Jazz Carols, Once in Royal David's City, Away In a Manger, Three More Jazz Carols, In the Bleak Midwinter, Personent Hodie, Silent Night, We Three Kings

Will Todd : Two Extra Jazz Carols

Review: Following Three Jazz Carols and Three More Jazz Carols is an additional pair of innovative jazz arrangements of carols originally created in 2012 for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields, London by Will Todd. Todd's iconic rich harmonies and toe-tapping rhythm serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material, which is written for SATB voices and piano, with scope for optional congregational singing. They can be performed using the supplied piano part or embellished using the supplied chord symbols. Double bass may also be used in addition to piano, again following the supplied chord symbols, and parts for optional jazz ensemble (brass quintet and jazz trio) accompaniment are available for download.

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

Yumiko Matsuoka : Collection

Review: An arrangement of the classic folk song "Black Is The Color" that reflects the deep dark color of "my true love's hair." Opens with a tenor solo, then develops into a warm, full-textured chorus. "The Lord's Prayer" is a solemn and heartfelt a cappella rendition of the well-known tune. Rich close harmony is employed throughout, which soars to a climax with "for Thine is the kingdom." . An old English folk "Scarborough Fair" song made popular by Simon and Garfunkel arranged with a larger ensemble in mind. Tenor sings the melody, surrounded by soprano/bass pedal point and alto/baritone ostinato lines. It then shifts into different moods, keys and harmonic settings, sensitively corresponding to the lyrics. "My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night" is one of the Stephen Foster evergreens, this arrangement starts with male unison, then develops into a rich close harmony with some twists here and there. Followed by a short baritone solo, it builds up to a beautiful climax with a key change, and a calm, pensive ending. An excellent showcase for a strong small group. "The Water Is Wide" is a ballad to be savored by both singers and audiences. It showcases male and female soloists over a beautiful, haunting background lines, builds up to the tutti section where each part has a moment to shine, then comes to a quiet close with a reprise of the male solo. "Simple Gifts" is an arrangement written for Vox One's album Pure Imagination, this Shaker song is transformed into an ode to the open skies of Africa. Combining a Swahili phrase for "dance and sing" and vowels not commonly used in choral singing, a bed of background lines are laid to carry the melody in 9/8. Its uplifting message comes through strongly as joyous rhythm and harmony is weaved together by each part.

Songlist: Black Is the Color, The Lord's Prayer, My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night, Scarborough Fair, The Water Is Wide, Simple Gifts

Yumiko Matsuoka : Collection Vol. 3

Review: Commissioned by the Boston Jazz Voices, "This Can't Be Love" swings throughout, with room for singers to improvise. Sopranos (and mezzos) are featured with the melody, while basses lay down the walking line. After the improv section the conversation between the parts lead to an energetic climax. Recommended for a bigger ensemble that would like to showcase their tight rhythmic and harmonic chops. "Loving You" is another great arrangment written for Vox One, this 70's hit by Minnie Riperton is a feature for a strong soprano as well as for bass with a good funk feel. The inner voices create a bed of sound reminiscent of a sun-drenced field of flowers. There is a short section in the middle for a tenor solo; and it ends with a slightly slower tempo letting every part shine with their own lines. Recorded on Vox One's Say You Love Me. An American classic "My Grandfather's Clock" sung all over the world is now a spirited jazz waltz! Commissioned by a Japanese arranger, written for Vox One, it features tenor and soprano solos, incorporating the sounds that old clocks make (tick, tock, ding, dong) in the background. The section where grandfather departs from this world is more somber, but it eventually resumes its initial tempo to a heartfelt finish. Suitable for choir as well as well-rehearsed small ensemble. "Summer Breeze," commissioned by Dare to Breath from the Twin Cities, the Seals and Croft hit is given a medium funk groove, above which the tenor or alto solo lays the melody. The original counterlines are used to enhance the mood. The crisp execution of the 16th note rhythm will be a great showcase for everyone in the ensemble.

Songlist: Summer Breeze, Loving You, Air On The G String, My Grandfather's Clock, You Don't Know What Love Is

Yumiko Matsuoka : Collection Volume 2

Review: The Lennon-McCartney classic "Eleanor Rigby" retains some of the flavor of the original Beatles' arrangement intact by giving the background vocals a string-like texture in the opening section. It then goes through a couple of key changes and gives different parts an opportunity to sing the melody, while the background supports with strong harmony and interesting counterlines. Arranged for a cappella quintet Vox One, the classic "Danny Boy" song showcases a soprano solo. In the middle section, the alto and tenor parts weave a line reminiscent of a brook in a green field of Ireland. Lush, complex harmony and a dramatic build-up reward both the singes and the audience. Recorded on Vox One's, Chameleon. The national anthem is treated here with solemn but inspirational sound. The rich harmony, without going too far away from the original, builds to a climax with contrapuntal lines that make it interesting for the singers. Written for the New York-based group the Western Wind, Yumiko's arrangement of 'Where Is Love?' opens with a mezzo/alto feature backed by flowing lines reminiscent of a small string ensemble. After the interlude, the melody is passed onto different parts with a surprise ending that involves a couple of tonality changes. Written for a cappella quintet Vox One's comeback album of the same title, 'Pure Imagination' features a soprano solo with the background vocals that re-creates the dreamy world of Willy Wonk'a Chocolate Factory. Come and explore the harmony and texture that builds up to a fantastic climax. It will make you want to watch and savor the movie once again.

Songlist: Danny Boy, The Star-Spangled Banner, Eleanor Rigby, Where Is Love?, Pure Imagination