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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/world-music/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

Review: "Autumn Leaves" - A fresh take on a classic standard with intricate, yet accessible jazz harmonies and effortless voice leading. The vocals sing like falling and drifting leaves throughout the piece. A standout ballad for your jazz, show, or concert choir!"Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?" - What a fun and smart arrangement of this popular song originally penned by Hughie Cannon! A standard for jazz and Dixieland bands, the fun of this piece is now captured in a new SSAA voicing for women. This gem is great for concert and show choirs."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: Autumn Leaves, Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?, Their Hearts Were Full of Spring, The Nearness of You

Voicing: sheet-music/vintage/

Review: A great collection of vocal jazz arrangements by some of the best arrangers in the genre. Bette Midler's sass is captured in this fast, furious and fun arrangement by Deke Sharon of Cole Porter's Miss Otis Regrets. Andrew Sisters-esque 3 part melody above a walking bass line punctuated by brassy horn (vocal) passages. A great "Story Song", works well as a closer or encore. The Thelonius Monk ballad "Round Midnight" most recently featured in the movie of the same name. This arrangement starts with "wind" sounds, a rubato intertwing introduction, then spotlights tense cluster voicings supporting a female soloist throughout. With imaginative reharmonizations, yet good voice leading, this chart is extremely effective and accessible. "For All We Know" - A lush four-voice a cappella ballad for soprano soloist. The inclusion of the verse at the end is inspired by Mark Murphy's rendition. Commissioned by the New York-based chorus Women Singing, the Scottish folk song "The Skye Boat Song" is written to evoke images of the stark beauty of the Highlands. The melody that tells the legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie is supported by water ripples and wind that the background voices weave together. In the middle section, the story is told by a narrator. Take a journey through the poetic landscape with rich harmony and soaring lines.

Songlist: Skye Boat Song, For All We Know, Round Midnight, Miss Otis Regrets

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/wordless/

Review: This arrangement of "Shuffle Off To Buffalo" takes the listener on a captivating journey by train from a Buffalo of the 40's to one of the 90's. Equipped with train sounds and humorous quotes, this Warren/Dubin tune is lively and fun to sing. Each chorus is introduced with a rubato verse which creates a pleasing contrast. "Longing for My Love" is a composition in the style of Take Six, but much easier to learn. Surprising jazz harmony changes on uh-syllables. Very contemplative and a nice change for a normally vacuous repertoire. "Blame it On My Youth" is in the style of Autumn Leaves with notated vocal jazz improvisation part. In this emotional jazz ballad the lyrics tell of longing while two loving people are apart. "Remember Me" is a beautiful SSAA a cappella ballad. Although it is a harmonically lush arrangement, it is very singable.

Songlist: Shuffle Off To Buffalo, Longing For My Love, Remember Me, Blame It On My Youth

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

Review: Sung either soli or solo, the front section of 'Give Me the Simple Life' really sets up this chart for success. A written-out bass solo leads into an a cappella SSAA quartet feature that is 'a real gas!' Back to the bridge, on through a key change to the classic Basie "Splanky" ending. Suitable for contest or concert. Freytag's latin version of 'Summertime' will be fun for the singers and the audience. 'Playrooms' is an a cappella jazz waltz, that will set a gentle tone in your program. The text, written by Jackie Farrell, describes the beauty of young children and of the simple joys often forgotten by adults. 'Queen of Hearts' is a playful, easy to sing yet very full sounding version of this repeated pop and country top ten hit. The lead moves from part to part, giving the upper three parts each a chance to sing the melody. The alto 2 "bass line" features plenty of lyrics and countermelodies as well. 'I Remember Clifford,' a classic Benny Golson tune, is set here for female voices and a torch-style soloist. The tribute to jazz great and trumpet player, Clifford Brown, has remained a jazz standard since first introduced. The lush harmonies provide a beautiful setting for Golson's tribute. The soloist has freedom to sing the line as written or develop her own solo line.

Songlist: Give Me the Simple Life, Playrooms, Queen of Hearts, I Remember Clifford

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

Review: A warm and beautiful melody with poignant lyrics set in a sensitive, a cappella arrangement makes 'Try A Little Tenderness' a festival or concert favorite. The lyrics and melody to 'Draw Me A Circle' have an almost child-like simplicity. Setting it within the framework of a harmonically sophisticated arrangement has created a lovely and poignant piece. It is a cappella, rubato and features a fairly lengthy soprano solo. 'Sounds Like Fun' is a short and sweet showpiece. It is part ballad, part rhythmic masterpiece. The hot chords and flashy vocal moves eloquently, but not difficultly, to the very end. This chart is sure to be enjoyed by all those who sing it or just listen to it! 'Nina Never Knew' is an expressive and sensitive ballad setting with a beautiful, lyric melody. Medium difficult, but well worth the effort!

Songlist: Sounds Like Fun, Nina Never Knew, Try a Little Tenderness, Draw Me a Circle

Voicing: sheet-music/female-voices/

Review: "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is a whimsical gem for female voices and will captivate your audiences. Kirby's exquisite arrangement of this classic song lets each section blossom with a turn at the melody. Mac Huff's arrangement of Bette Midler's #1 pop hit "From A Distance" has powerful lyrics and a timeless melody that will create an unforgettable concert moment. Magical! Michele Weir's arrangements of "Rock-A-Bye Baby" is a smooth jazz delight and the vocal jazz standard "Java Jive"gets a great a cappella treatment with the Kirby Shaw touch! Still swings!

Songlist: I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, Java Jive, From a Distance, Rock-A-Bye Baby

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/wordless/

Review: Here's a collection of arrangements by Ward for unaccompanied women's voices. This arrangement of the old Irving Berlin standard "I Got Rhythm" evokes a Dixieland combo while Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" swings with a fun opportunity for some voices to scat. "It Was a Lover and His Lass" also has a lot of scat-like syllables (e.g. "hey-ding-a-ding") while "Reeds of Innocence" has a strong rhythmic element in the writing, with vocal imitations of flute sounds. It goes along at rather a moderate pace and is not difficult to sing. This is a fun collection for singers and for audiences alike.

Songlist: Don't Get Around Much Anymore, I Got Rhythm, It Was a Lover and His Lass, Reeds of Innocence

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Review: A collection of Christmas medleys. From the arranger: This medley has a strong jazz feeling with "Jingle Bells" in a fast tempo, "Il est ne" half that fast and Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" half as fast again. As with my Bach arrangements, this medley contains a fusion of jazz and classical styles. "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" is treated here in a medium-tempo jazz style including some scat singing. "The First Noel" is in a more traditional choral style whereas "Go Tell It On the Mountain" has a strong Dixieland feeling. "El Noi de la Mare" is one of my all-time favorite melodies. It comes from the Catalan region near Barcelona. I've given the Czech carol "Hanej, nynej, Jeziski" ("Rocking Carol") a Mozart-like accompaniment, and Canzone d'i Zampagnari" some rhythms suggesting Italian folk music. The Norwegian carol "O Jul med din Glede" has "bouree" rhythms contrasted with a light, jazz feeling. "Komt, Verwondert u hier Menson" (Dutch) has a "pop" style with even 8th notes. "Away in a Manger" is done as a bass solo with string-like accompaniment.

Songlist: Swingle Bells I, Swingle Bells II, Swingle Bells III, Swingle Bells IV, Swingle Bells V

Review: "Les anges dans nos campagnes" should have a careful "fusion" of classical and jazz styles. I've arranged "O Tannenbaum" as a duet for baritone and soprano combining the German text with some scat singing. "Bel Astre que j'adore" is a simple arrangement with a soprano solo. Silent Night, the most famous of all Christmas melodies, doesn't require a lot of comment. The voices accompanying the alto solo simulate muted brass sounds in the first verse and become woodwinds in the second. "Deck the Halls" starts out in a fast, Mozart-like style then transforms into medium-tempo, big band feeling. "What Child is This?" has a soprano solo with some improvisational scat singing and an accompaniment in 3/4 jazz tempo. Includes "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime," and "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella." "Swingle Bells X" was commissioned by the Mid-America Singers and I have added it to the already existing "Swingle Bells" medleys. This one mixes Latin, Huron and French carols. I was surprised by how easily they fit together!

Songlist: Swingle Bells VI, Swingle Bells VII, Swingle Bells VIII, Swingle Bells IX, Swingle Bells X

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/8-parts/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/8-parts/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/8-parts/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: sheet-music-world/French/

Review: "Blue And Sentimental" is a slow grooving version of this Basie classic. It starts out right on the chorus with everyone on words. "Oo's" on bridge the first time around with a half step modulation into the last 'A'. This is a very tight arrangement with ample opportunity to work on swing feel by accenting the upbeat on eighth note passages. "I've Got A Crush On You" starts with a rubato introduction into a slow-ish swing groove for the chorus. The verse is in the middle and is sung rubato with "oo's" behind the lead. Back to tempo second time around with a half-step modulation into the last'A' with a ritard into the ending. "Let's Get Away From It All" is a snappy, toe-tapping rendition. It starts right in on the chorus and cruises along to a big ending. Straight-ahead, very fun to sing, and makes a great show opener. "Lillette" is a somewhat rare tune performed by the Nat Cole trio in his early days. It starts out with a rubato verse going into a snappy chorus with tons of fun syncopated rhythms that keep things moving. Stop time kicks in the tag send this one off with a bang.

Songlist: Blue and Sentimental, I've Got a Crush on You, Lillette

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

Review: A very happy version of "Sunday" inspired by Sinatra's famous recording. The bass leads in with everyone on words right off the bat. There are fun syncopations and falls in the chorus with a half-step modulation with no pivot chord (a sort of key 'slam'). Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week quoted in the tag. This is a very fun arrangmenet. "Without A Song" What more can we say? A beautiful song, a beautiful arrangement. 'Over the Raininbow' is a simple, yet beautiful harmonization of the classic tune. 'You Are Too Beautiful' is an easy, yet effective arrangement of this all time Rodgers and Hart ballad, that gives your men's section a chance to really shine!

Songlist: Sunday, Without a Song

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

Review: Create a moment of magic in concert with Fantine's (and now Susan Boyle's) "I Dreamed A Dream", the famous song of broken dreams from the hit musical Les Miserables in a mesmerizing a cappella setting. The classic Disney song "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" is arranged in a warm a cappella jazz setting for a stunning showcase for jazz, pop or concert choirs. The soaring melody lines and exquisite phrasing will create a memorable performance moment. From Finian's Rainbow, revived on Broadway in 2009, comes "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?", one of the score's most famous numbers, here in an expressive a cappella setting. The gently undulating melodies and the heartfelt lyrics create a tenderness that is truly sublime! A Dramatic and expressive contemporary setting of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "Goodnight, My Someone" 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.

Songlist: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Goodnight My Someone, How Are Things In Glocca Morra?, I Dreamed A Dream

Voicing: musicals/mixed-harmony-voices/

Review: "Lullaby of Birdland" - Introduce your young choir to this famous jazz classic! Set in an easy swing with great part-writing and craftsmanship!"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" - Was it red? No no no. Was it brown? No no no. The famous Ella Fitzgerald rendition of a classic nursery song is a sassy, jazzy twist on the familiar lyrics. A great Discovery Series choice for developing jazz style in your younger choirs! "Sweet Home Chicago" - Introduce your young singers to the blues with this Robert Johnson classic from 1937, memorably covered by The Blues Brothers. With the shuffle style rhythm, vocal fall-offs and accessible jazz harmonies, learning opportunities abound! "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie" - This 1940s classic is the perfect introduction to swing music for developing choirs. Easy voice-leading and a supportive accompaniment make this a breeze to learn.

Songlist: Lullaby of Birdland, A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Sweet Home Chicago, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/
Style: Teen

Review: "Steppin' Out with My Baby" - This arrangement really sizzles! The lively treatment of this Irving Berlin standard has lots of pizzazz and makes a great teaching piece as well!"The Way You Look Tonight" - Since it first was heard in 1936, this classic song has enthralled performers and listeners everywhere! Set here in an easy Discovery Series swing, it makes a perfect first experience for young singers learning vocal jazz style!"Bandstand Boogie" - Your younger choirs will develop authentic jazz style and have fun in the process with this setting of the American Bandstand theme song. A great opener or concert theme!"Teach Me the Blues" - Your choir will love singin' the Blues with this fun and educational swingin' original. Learn about the Blues scale, blue notes, chords, riffs and more!

Songlist: Steppin' Out with My Baby, The Way You Look Tonight, Bandstand Boogie

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/
Style: Teen

Review: "Chickery Chick" - Your singers will have fun with this novelty song from the 1940s and develop their vocal jazz chops at the same time! Opening in a happy-go-lucky 6/8, it sounds like an Italian street song full of nonsense lyrics, then it transitions into 4/4 swing with an easy scat section. "Stray Cat Strut" - Your younger and developing groups will dig the rockabilly sounds of Brian Setzer in this pop hit from 1983! Fun jazzy lyrics and well-crafted for success! "The Pink Panther" - From the opening strains, everyone will recognize the quirky, jazzy theme by Henry Mancini! Younger singers will beg to sing this well-crafted arrangement with scat lyrics! "He Beeped When He Shoulda Bopped" - Written by jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, this bebop standard makes a perfect introduction to the world of vocal jazz for younger choirs.

Songlist: Chickery Chick, Stray Cat Strut, The Pink Panther, He Beeped When He Shoulda Bopped

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz-mixed/
Style: Teen

Review: "Birdland" - A jazz classic written by keyboardist Joe Zawinul with lyrics by Jon Hendricks now arranged for younger choirs. A perfect showcase for your beginning vocal jazz group! "Java Jive" - It's America's favorite beverage! This great standard from the '40s regained the spotlight in the Manhattan Transfer version from 1975. This well-crafted Discovery Series arrangement will showcase your young singers at their swingin' best!"Beyond the Sea" - Here is a swing treatment of the contemporary pop standard most famously recorded in a big band swing style by Bobby Darin in 1959. Great for learning vocal jazz technique."Tuxedo Junction" - From Glenn Miller to The Manhattan Transfer, this Discovery Series arrangement gives you an authentic setting for your younger choirs! Featuring the jazzy lead line supported by the ba-bop chorus and a written scat section, your singers will groove to this accessible chart!"Basin Street Blues" - Recorded by American jazz legend, Louis Armstrong, here is a great teaching tool for introducing blues styles to your younger choirs.

Songlist: Birdland, Java Jive, Beyond the Sea, Tuxedo Junction, Basin Street Blues

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/
Style: Teen

Review: 'Love Lost' is a collective work by Bob Flanigan, Don and Ross Barbour and Ken Albers. 'Oh, Lonely Winter' is from the Four Freshmen and Five Guitars Capitol record album. Lyrics by Bill Comstock and music by Ken Albers. 'This October' is considered one of the greatest of all hits of the Four Freshmen. 'I'll Remember April' was recorded on the Voices in Love albums, this great arrangement by Dick Reynolds is one of the all-time favorites. The cappella arrangement of Indian Summer by Nelson Riddle is stunning.

Songlist: Indian Summer, Love Lost, Oh, Lonely Winter, This October, I'll Remember April

Voicing: sheet-music/vintage/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/

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

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/vocal-jazz/