In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Phil Mattson

Born: 1939. Died: 2019. Lived in: United States
Phil Mattson was a pianist, arranger, conductor and teacher. His curriculum and teaching led to the establishment of The School for Music Vocations at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. Currently he resides in St. Paul, MN and leads The Phil Mattson Singers, a vocal jazz/choral ensemble.

Phil served as Director of Choral Activities at Foothill College (CA) and Gonzaga University (WA) and has taught at Pacific Lutheran University (WA) and at The Phil Mattson School (WA). His undergraduate studies in Philosophy/Religion and Music were done at Concordia College (Moorhead, MN), summa cum laude, and his graduate work in Choral Literature and Conducting at The University of Iowa as an NDEA Fellow.

Phil has written many arrangements for vocal jazz ensemble and choir. Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, The Real Group, The Dale Warland Singers, The Four Freshmen, Clockwork, Beachfront, Solstice, Phoenix and Clarion Chamber Chorale are among the groups who have commissioned his arrangements. In addition, he edited the arrangements of Gene Puerling for publication.

Groups directed - P.M. Singers

Arrangements | Recordings

Phil Mattson : The Arrangements of Phil Mattson

Here's a collection from vocal jazz guru Phil Mattson. "Love For Sale" was written for Chanticleer in a gospel a cappella feeling featuring a female solo. "Dancing In The Dark" was arranged for the Swedish vocal jazz ensemble, The Real Group. It is written in an a cappella bossa nova groove with some quasi-funk sections. The arrangement, which treats text as a metaphor for human life, features vocal percussion opportunities. The classic Manhattan Transfer arrangement of "Body and Soul" includes lyrics about Coleman Hawkins and jazz singer Eddie Jefferson. "Love Lost" - An original piece by the Four Freshmen that was the title song from their beautiful album with strings. Has opportunities to feature both vocal and instrumental solos. SATB with rhythm section. "You Must Believe In Spring" - A lovely text beautifully set to music by Michel LeGrand with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, featuring spots for three short solos. One of the most profound lyrics over the last fifteen years. With piano.

Songlist: Dancing In The Dark, Love For Sale, Body And Soul, Love Lost, You Must Believe In Spring

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-8 of 8 items.

Phil Mattson : 'S Wonderful

Composer: George Gershwin

Phil Mattson : Alfie

From songwriting legends Hal David and Burt Bacharach and arranged by the acclaimed vocal jazz educator Phil Mattson, this song and text is among the most meaningful in contemporary music. Rich harmonies highlight the powerful emotions inherent in the text.

Composer: Burt Bacharach | Lyricist: Hal David

Phil Mattson : Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep

The impeccable Mattson touch is clearly evident in this warm a cappella setting of the Irving Berlin classic. Full harmonies envelop the listener in a rich blanket of sound and the lyrics flow expressively and naturally in a simple but meaningful way.

Composer: Irving Berlin | Lyricist: Irving Berlin | Musical: White Christmas

Phil Mattson : Evening Prayer (from Hansel and Gretel)

Here is a stunning vocal jazz arrangement of the Humperdinck classical favorite. This arrangement by veteran educator Phil Mattson will leave your audience spellbound.Available separately: SATB. Performance Time: Approx. 2:20.

Phil Mattson : I'll Be Seeing You

Composer: Sammy Fain

Phil Mattson : More I Cannot Wish You

From Frank Loesser's incomparable Guys and Dolls, this gorgeous ballad is set in a stunning a cappella arrangement by the noted jazz educator and arranger Phil Mattson.

Composer: Frank Loesser | Lyricist: Frank Loesser

Phil Mattson : Music for Lovers

Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Bart Howard's classy melody and lyrics are masterfully arranged in this wonderful setting. Not to be missed! Includes parts for bass and drums. Performance time: Approx. 3:00.