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Paris Rutherford
Paris Rutherford was Regents Professor Emeritus in Jazz Studies at University of North Texas. During his tenure, he organized and developed the degree programs in Vocal Jazz Studies and in Jazz Arranging. For over thirty years, Rutherford directed the award-winning UNT Jazz Singers both in performance and in the recording studios. He also directed the premiere North Texas Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop from its inception. Over the years, his jazz arranging students have been heard on recordings by the One, Two and Three O'Clock Lab Bands, the UNT Jazz Singers, and too many personal CD projects to name. Many have continued their writing at a professional level, both in the recording studios and for stage and show productions. A sought-after clinician in vocal jazz, Rutherford has over one hundred vocal jazz arrangements in publication by Hal Leonard, Sound Music Publishing, UNC Jazz Press, and recently through Artist Share by Maria Schneider. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the newly formed Jazz Education Network. Media Articles |
Arrangements | Trax CDs
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.
Paris Rutherford : The Vocal Jazz Ensemble This vocal jazz book absolutely has it all! From the ensemble audition process to the final performance and everything in between, this book truly covers every aspect of what it takes to begin and maintain a vocal jazz group. An absolute must for novice directors and singers and equally valuable for those with years of experience, this text provides a wealth of material on the full spectrum of vocal jazz education and performance. The enclosed CD includes recorded vocal examples. Songlist: Perspectives On Vocal Jazz, The Ensemble And Its Director, Interpreting Vocal Jazz-The Vocal Jazz Ensemble, The Vocal Jazz Soloist, The Band, Sound Reinforcement (A.K.A. Live Sound), The Performance, About The Author 
Paris Rutherford : Jazz Standards Paris Rutherford is a regents professor in jazz studies at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas, where he coordinates vocal jazz studies and directs UNT Jazz Singers. A sought-after clinician in vocal jazz, Rutherford has over eighty vocal jazz arrangements in publication and here we have a collection of his a cappella arrangements. From the quiet beauty of the lyrics to the shimmering vocal textures, Paris Rutherford's setting of this classic Kurt Weill song "Lost In The Stars" will create a wonderful concert moment. Ideal for vocal jazz groups, madrigal ensembles and concert choirs. Jazz lovers will truly enjoy this wonderful a cappella setting of "Detour Ahead". Interesting harmony and well-crafted vocal lines makes this tune particularly enjoyable. "This Is All I Ask" is a jazz standard recorded by all the greats in a superb a cappella setting for vocal jazz and concert groups alike. Wonderful for developing blend and balance. Songlist: Lost In The Stars, The Very Thought of You, I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good), Yesterdays, This Is All I Ask (Beautiful Girls Walk A Little Slower), Detour Ahead, Lost In The Stars |
Displaying 1-50 of 114 items.
This arrangement of the Cole Porter classic is set in a hot up-tempo swing style. Available: SATB, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:25.
Composer: Cole Porter
This Latin standard has been recorded by dozens of recording artists from Harry Belafonte to Frank Sinatra. This setting by noted jazz educator and arranger Paris Rutherford is excellent for introducing Latin-style vocal jazz to performers from high school and beyond.Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental Pak (parts for piano, guitar, bass and drums). Performance Time: Approx. 3:50.
Country: Latin America
This jazz standard by the great Dizzy Gillespie is here arranged using an alternating Latin Swing and a straight swing style. There is lots of room to feature soloists along with an ensemble scat section. This is an important song from the Bebop era of jazz and a great arrangement by one of the great jazz educators.
Composer: Dizzy Gillespie Performed By: Dizzy Gillespie
This ballad marked Diahann Carroll's 1954 debut on Broadway in House of Flowers and was further made famous in a recording by Barbra Streisand. This setting by Paris Rutherford is a delightful change of pace for both jazz and pop ensembles with its witty text and infectious tune.Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental Pak (Parts for Bass and Drums). Performance Time: Approx. 3:25.
Performed By: Barbra Streisand
The father of bossa nova Antonio Carlos Jobim wrote this song in 1972 which came to be known as the greatest Brazilian composition of all-time. Universal application in the famously descriptive lyrics give this piece its longevity.
Composer: Antonio Carlos Jobim | Country: Brazil
The theme song from the Disney animated classic simply sparkles in a warm a cappella arrangement. Nominated for a Best Score Academy Award, this music is timeless.
Composer: Oliver Wallace
Your audience will be swept away with this inviting setting of the Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein classic! Opening with a warm, rubato piano intro followed by vibrant opening chords from the singers, this chart settles into a fresh swing treatment that will make everyone smile! Available separately: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:20.
Composer: Jerome Kern | Lyricist: Oscar Hammerstein II.
The quiet emotion of this classic ballad moves dreamlike from the undulating opening to the surprise harmonic lift. Stunning and expressive! Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:00.
Composer: Vernon Duke | Lyricist: Yip Harburg
In the Choral Explorations jazz series for developing choirs, this whimsical song from Simon & Garfunkel is a perfect introduction to style, technique and blend.
Composer: Paul Simon Performed By: Simon and Garfunkel
Set in a medium up-swing, this tasty standard features a written vocal solo and a written piano solo easily performed by high school jazz groups. Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (rpno, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:00.
Composer: Joseph Kosma | Lyricist: Johnny Mercer
Here's a fresh take on three of Lennon and McCartney's most popular songs in a 7-minute medley that will showcase your ensemble at their best! Includes: Hey Jude, Let It Be, The Long and Winding Road. Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as a digital download (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 7:20.
Composers: John Lennon and Paul McCartney Performed By: The Beatles
Hot horns and vocals make this Latin standard into an incredible feature for jazz and show choirs. Opportunities for solos and great instrumentals make this chart easy to learn and fun to sing for all types of programming.
Performed By: The Coasters Country: Latin America
Here is the quintessential jazz classic by Josef Zawinul with lyrics by the incomparable Jon Hendricks in a funky fusion setting by noted arranger Paris Rutherford. A perfect showcase for vocal jazz groups!
Composer: Joe Zawinul Performed By: Lambert, Hendricks and Ross
Opening with a wordless introduction that evokes the rhythmic and melodic motives of the song, this Beatles' classic moves into the familiar verse, but with certain phrases elongated or ornamented to heighten the sense of freedom portrayed in the lyric, all with a sonorous and interesting harmonic treatment that will astound your audience! A vocal jazz showpiece!
Composer: Paul McCartney Performed By: The Beatles
With a melody written by the legendary harmonica player Toots Thielemans, this jazz standard has been covered by 100s of musicians. This arrangement begins simply and purely allowing your jazz choir to establish a groove. A sample scat solo is offered as a beginning point with solid choral underpinning for support. A final time through verse and chorus offers very contemporary jazz harmonies voiced in a way that will ensure success.
Composer: Norman Gimbel
Get your boogie down with this 80's classic by Al Jarreau that has a funky feel that still grooves! Great solo opportunities and vocal riffs make it a super feature for pop, jazz and show choirs from high school and up.
Performed By: Al Jarreau
Here is the Latin classic from the Big Band era in a contemporary setting by noted jazz educator Paris Rutherford. Rich vocal lines soar above a riviting rhythmic groove.
Country: Brazil
Alfred Choral is pleased to welcome Paris Rutherford to our list of vocal jazz arrangers with this captivating a cappella arrangement. The sublime lyrics and charming harmonies will enchant any choir.
Composer: Johnny Green
A jazz classic in a barn burner Afro-Cuban setting, provides an exciting and energetic closer to a set, or even a full show. Fun and rewarding for your group to perform, there are opportunities for multiple solos, both vocal and instrumental.
Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington
Now available for SSA. A jazz classic in a barn burner Afro-Cuban setting, provides an exciting and energetic closer to a set, or even a full show. Fun and rewarding for your group to perform, there are opportunities for multiple solos, both vocal and instrumental.
Known primariily as a band leader and jazz artist, Duke Ellington also had deep roots in the Christian faith. His 1943 cantata Black, Brown and Beige featured this rich and deeply moving song most famously performed and recorded by Mahalia Jackson. These accessible settings for mixed and treble choirs by noted jazz educator Paris Rutherford are ideal for both worship and concert performance. Available for SATB, SAB, SSA, IPak (Strings and Rhythm Section) and ShowTrax CD.
Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington
After a riveting vocal intro, this 1969 #1 hit by the Beatles explodes into the familiar groove performed totally a cappella, with some awesome contemporary touches that make this chart a refreshing change of pace for vocal jazz and pop groups alike. Challenging, but well worth the effort! Duration: ca. 4:15.
Composers: John Lennon and Paul McCartney Performed By: The Beatles
Originally a Hard Bop instrumental by sax great Benny Golson, Quincy Jones brought his genius to the song when he penned lyrics to this melody. Killer Joe exploded onto the scene in Quincy's album Q's Jook Joint and was later covered by countless vocal jazz icons including The Manhattan Transfer. Here it is set in a gentle swing style with vocal lines accessible to even beginning vocal jazz ensembles.
Composer: Benny Golson | Lyricist: Quincy Jones
Listeners will dig the great Latin groove in this sensational chart from Paris Rutherford. Available: SATB, Instrumental Pak. Performance Time: Approx. 3:25.
Performed By: Lambert, Hendricks and Ross Country: Brazil
Jazz lovers will truly enjoy this wonderful a cappella setting. Interesting harmony and well-crafted vocal lines makes this tune particularly enjoyable.
The number one album Come Away with Me established Norah Jones as one of the year's top performers. Her former choir director, Paris Rutherford, has tastefully arranged this top single in a vocal jazz setting perfect for high school and beyond. Available: SATB, IPak(R), ShowTrax CD. Approx. Time: 3:10.
Composer: Jesse Harris Performed By: Norah Jones
The Beatles iconic song from 1966 in a stunning a cappella setting that crosses boundaries between pop, jazz and concert choral in a spectacular fashion! This arrangement is breathtaking!
Composers: John Lennon and Paul McCartney Performed By: The Beatles
A favorite of jazz artists around the globe, this setting features a great groove and lyrics that sing of summer love lost.Available separately: SATB, IPak(R) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:10.
This slow samba by Brazilian singer/songwriter Djavan is artfully arranged for SATB with soprano solo and rhythm section by jazz educator/arranger Paris Rutherford.
Country: Brazil
Absolutely stunning! This standard is expertly arranged for unaccompanied voices by noted jazz educator Paris Rutherford to show your group at its best. A wonderful opportunity to develop blend, phrasing and intonation in jazz, show and concert groups.
Composer: J. Fred Coots
Since heaven's what we're dreaming of; For heaven's sake, let's fall in love... Recorded by Billie Holiday, this wonderful melody continues to touch the heart in a well-crafted arrangement by Paris Rutherford.Available separately: SATB, IPak(R) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:10.
The four brothers of the Woody Herman sax section achieved legendary status with this tune; 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! Available separately: SATB, SAB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:30.
Performed By: The Manhattan Transfer
From the Beatles 1969 album Abbey Road, these two songs were paired within the climactic medley on Side 2 of the LP, and together are an excellent musical showcase enjoyed by Beatles fans everywhere. This setting is accessible, with touches of harmonic variation that provide just the right amount of contemporary flavor for pop & jazz choirs and their audiences.
Performed By: The Beatles
Steve Allen was a multi-talented musician and television personality. His 1963 collaboration with Ray Brown resulted in a Grammy award for best jazz composition. Vocal jazz choirs will enjoy sharing in this moment of musical history! Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental Pak (includes parts for Piano, Bass and Drums)
Pharrell's mega-hit gets a hot vocal jazz treatment in this setting by Paris Rutherford. Great vocals, horns and solo opportunities to please every crowd!
Composer: Pharrell Williams Performed By: Pharrell Williams | Musical: Despicable Me
A Dramatic and expressive contemporary setting of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic 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.
Composer: Richard Rodgers | Lyricist: Oscar Hammerstein | Musical: The King and I
It's alright, indeed! This bright Beatles classic is ideal for younger or developing vocal jazz ensembles, with a straight ahead acoustic approach and a few harmonic and rhythmic surprises sprinkled in for a fresh appealing sound. Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:15.
Composer: George Harrison Performed By: The Beatles
Utilizing unison lines in an easy Beatles Groove, this is a wonderful vocal jazz setting for intermediate to early advanced vocal jazz choirs. Young scat singers will be able to feel the chord changes in this familiar song while piano players will have room to stretch out over these more standard changes.
Composer: Paul McCartney Performed By: The Beatles
This is a fabulous song from the stage musical Finian's Rainbow with a beautiful melody shaped totally in a major harmony, with a melodic range that supports the questioning feeling of the lyric. Offering wonderful opportunities to develop blend and intonation, there are moments of harmonic surprise making this arrangement a joy to rehearse and perform.
Composer: Burton Lane | Lyricist: E.Y. Harburg | Musical: Finian's Rainbow
The great Hoagy Carmichael penned this 1938 standard, inspired by a J.B. Thompson poem, offered here in an easy accompanied ballad for jazz choirs. Available: SATB, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.
Composer: Hoagy Carmicheal
Composer: Duke Ellington Performed By: Duke Ellington
Here's a fresh take on the Stevie Wonder No. 1 hit from the '80s with a smooth vocal jazz flair! Opening with a warm male solo, it settles into an easy pop style with solid group vocals that will enhance every program!
Performed By: Stevie Wonder
Opening with bright bell tones, this Johnny Mercer/Jerome Kern standard moves into a laid back verse with interesting interplay between the vocals and the band. The walking bass at the end of the verse leads into a modulation featuring a group scat section and additional optional solos before a recap of the verse and a solid ending to the tune. Excellent for building style and skill! Available separately: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm section parts available as a digital download (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:35.
Composer: Jerome Kern | Lyricist: Johnny Mercer
This popular standard from the Broadway musical Guys and Dolls alternates between a Latin groove and more straight-ahead swing style, showcasing the skills of your rhythm section. This chart features vocal and piano solos with fresh harmonizations and irresistible rhythmic twists that will be extremely satisfying to rehearse and perform. Impressive!
Composer: Frank Loesser | Lyricist: Frank Loesser | Musical: Guys and Dolls
One of the Beatles' early hits is given a fresh interpretation in this vocal jazz/pop setting. With contemporary harmonizations and breathtaking phrasing, your vocal jazz or pop ensemble will create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Composers: John Lennon and Paul McCartney Performed By: The Beatles
Vocal jazz groups will electrify their audiences with this spectacular chart of Frank Loesser's classic from Guys and Dolls. Alternating between Latin pop and swing and incorporating some very cool vocal effects, this tune is not to be missed! Available separately: SATB, SAB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm Section parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.
Composer: Frank Loesser | Lyricist: Frank Loesser | Musical: Guys and Dolls
John Lennon's famous anthem receives a fresh and contemporary treatment for a setting that will fit equally well in pop and vocal jazz programs. Unique harmonies give this arrangement special appeal! Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts (gtr, b, dm) available as a digital download. Duration: ca. 2:40.
Composer: John Lennon Performed By: John Lennon
This classic Duke Ellington song has been recorded by countless jazz performers and enjoyed by millions of listeners. This new, accessible arrangement adds to the repertoire and makes this timeless song available to a new generation of singers. An ensemble improv section can also be covered by solos and the iconic Count Basie piano ending opens discussions of jazz stylings.
Composer: Duke Ellington
This classic standard will forever be associated with the legendary Frank Sinatra, and this arrangement by noted jazz educator Paris Rutherford introduces its quiet beauty to the vocal jazz repertoire. Available: SATB. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00.
Composer: David Mann Performed By: Frank Sinatra
Here is an arrangement in the style of the groundbreaking Singers Unlimited that is a WOW! For advanced vocal jazz ensembles but with such a high impact it will be worth the effort.
Composer: Paul Francis Webster Performed By: The Singers Unlimited
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