Vocal Jazz Group Recordings

Kirby Shaw : Take Five

Review: One of the true icons of "jazz" is Dave Brubeck. His signature song, written by Paul Desmond, comes to life in this remarkable setting from Kirby Shaw. It's hip and will be a hit with singers and audiences alike.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   3-Part,   SSA

As Performed by: Dave Brubeck Quartet

Kirby Shaw : The Boy from New York City

Review: Jam to this sassy '60s hit that was covered by Manhattan Transfer. A terrific chart by Kirby Shaw. Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   

As Performed by: Manhattan Transfer

Kirby Shaw : The Jazzy Muffin Man

Review: That's right, the children's nursery rhyme that we all know just started to swing. Swinging hard with a supportive yet stylistic piano part. Young singers will love the chance to experience this style and audiences will smile listening to this very fresh treatment.

Sheet Music Available: 2-Part,   2-Part

Kirby Shaw : The Pink Panther

Review: What do you get if you combine the Pink Panther theme with a hot Latin beat? La Pantera Mambo! Vocal jazz choirs, pop choirs, all choirs will love to perform this sizzling salsa setting! A fabulous hook for a concert!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB,   SSA,   SAB

Kirby Shaw : There'll Be Some Changes Made

Review: Here's a throwback tune all the way back to the jazz age! Your choir will love recreating the Gatsby-esque look and sound of the 1920s with this quick two-step change-of-pace!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SAB,   SATB,   SSA

Kirby Shaw : Too Hot to Samba

Review: Turn up the heat with this dynamic dance number! Kirby Shaw fans the flames in this spicy Latin original. Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:45.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   

Kirby Shaw : Unforgettable

Review: Dreamy harmonies float above the flowing piano lines in this classic jazz ballad recorded most famously by Nat Cole and Natalie Cole. This rich setting will warm the hearts of all who hear it.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak (parts for Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30

Sheet Music Available: SAB,   SATB,   SSA

Kirby Shaw : Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)

Review: Tony Bennet, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra all recorded this 1930s classic. Great harmonies and vocal textures are highlighted in this Kirby Shaw setting. Performance Time: Approx. 2:40.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental ePak (parts for Guitar, Bass and Drums).

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB

As Performed by: Bing Crosby

Kirby Shaw : You're Looking At Me

Review: Famously recorded by Nat King Cole, Cleo Laine, Diana Krall and more, this heartfelt ballad will showcase the skill and technique of your vocal jazz ensemble at their best! Set in a laid-back 4, you will love refining the tasty harmonies and sensitive rhythmic nuance of this fabulous chart!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB,   SSA,   SAB

As Performed by: Nat King Cole

Kirby Shaw : Your Cheatin' Heart

Review: This classic tune by the legendary singer/songwriter Hank Williams gets a jazz-flavored makeover that's brimming with personality and pizzazz.Available separately: SATB, SSA, TTB, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental ePak. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   SATB,   TTBB,   SSA

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross : Centerpiece

Review: This vocal jazz classic from the iconic group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross offers younger or developing mixed and treble ensembles a chance to build important performance techniques! Lots of unison or trade-off phrases over a walking bass line and easy scat section will make it easy and fun!

Sheet Music Available: SAB,   SSA,   SSA,   SAB

As Performed by: Lambert, Hendricks and Ross

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross : Sermonette

Review: The ground breaking vocal jazz ensemble Lambert, Hendricks & Ross laid the groundwork for all the vocal jazz groups that have followed. Often using their voices like instruments and inventing Vocalese, they are examples of what can be accomplished with the voice. This arrangement swings hard and updates the harmonies making it a great bridge between what was and what is.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SAB,   SATB,   SSA

As Performed by: Lambert, Hendricks & Ross

Mac Huff : Come Rain or Come Shine

Review: 1946

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA

Mac Huff : It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

Review: Mac Huff keeps things movin' with this swingin' arrangement of Duke Ellington's masterpiece.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   SAB

Mac Huff : Jukebox Jumpin'

Review: Get your feet tapping and fingers snapping in this smoking swing-style original with choreography possibilities galore!Available separately: SATB and SAB. Instrumental ePak includes parts for Trumpet 1, 2, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Baritone Sax, Guitar, Bass and Drums. ShowTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40

Mac Huff : Swing Song (A Jazz Suite)

Review: Here is an original jazz suite that is perfectly suited to treble choirs or developing mixed groups in middle school and high school. The lyrics for all three songs are about the joy and fun of singing and include an opening tune in medium swing, a jazz waltz and an uptempo cut-time swing.

Sheet Music Available: SAB,   2-Part,   2-Part,   

Mark Brymer : How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You

Review: A hit by Marvin Gaye in 1965, a hit for James Taylor in 1975, this perennial classic gets a big band swing remake by Michael Bublé! A wonderful showcase for pop, show, jazz or community groups, your audience will rave! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB

As Performed by: James Taylor

Mark Brymer : Is You Is or Is You Ain't (Ma' Baby)

Review: Here is a jazz mash-up of two great standards that will please every audience! Fun to sing, fun to rehearse and fun to listen to, it's also a great choreography showcase! Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:25.

Sheet Music Available: 3-Part,   2-Part

Mark Brymer : Manhattan Transfer Swings!

Review: Four of Manhattan Transfer's signature songs are showcased here in a 6-minute mini-medley that will totally energize your concert! Includes: Four Brothers, Route 66, That Cat Is High, Tuxedo Junction. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 6:00.

Sheet Music Available: SAB,   SATB,   SSA,   SSA,   SAB,   SATB

As Performed by: Manhattan Transfer

Mark Brymer : Sing, Sing, Sing

Review: Here is the great tune from the big band era in a contemporary vocal jazz setting. Hot rhythm and horns back up the vocals for a pop/jazz/show choir selection extraordinaire!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SSA,   SAB,   SATB

Mark Brymer : The Joint Is Jumpin'

Review: A sizzling arrangement of the classic from Ain't Misbehavin'. Available: SATB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:05.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   2-Part

Mark Brymer : Watch What Happens

Review: The 1964 theme of the classic French film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg has become a popular jazz standard, recorded by dozens of artists. You'll love the charming chromatic melodic theme of watch what happens when you keep yourself open to finding love. Choirs of all levels will enjoy experiencing this interesting song along with developing style and skill. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SATB,   SAB,   SSA

Mark Hayes : Blue Skies

Review: Irving Berlin's much-recorded song from 1926 takes a sultry and sophisticated turn with this dynamic, jazzy arrangement that includes optional rhythm, flugelhorn and flute. The song is a symbol of cheer of being in love. Blue days, all of them gone. Nothing but blue skies from now on. An American Songbook treasure.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SAB,   SSA,   SSA,   SATB,   SAB

Michele Weir : Harlem Nocturne

Review: Show off your vocal jazz technique with this vintage jazz ballad that shimmers with style! Great for showing off a special soloist.Available separately: SATB, Ipak(R) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 5:15.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Michele Weir : He Beeped When He Shoulda Bopped

Review: From the pen of one of the founding fathers of bebop comes this fun medium swing tune. A challenging arrangement, but well worth the effort!Available separately: SATB, IPak(R) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

As Performed by: Dizzy Gillespie

Michele Weir : I Say a Little Prayer

Review: Michele Weir has given this 1967 pop hit by Dionne Warwick a fresh treatment that is ideal for jazz, pop and concert choirs! Solo and group, cascading vocal phrases and a contemporary keyboard part add interest!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA

As Performed by: Dionne Warwick

Michele Weir : I'm Beginning to See the Light

Review: Everyone from Ella to Michael Bublé has taken a turn recording this popular jazz standard! Features cool chords and several solo/small group opportunities.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : A Day in the Life of a Fool (Manha de Carnaval)

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : Autumn Leaves

Review: 1945

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   

Paris Rutherford : Bésame Mucho (Kiss Me Much)

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

As Performed by: Coasters

Paris Rutherford : Birdland

Review: 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!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   SSA

As Performed by: Lambert, Hendricks and Ross

Paris Rutherford : Bluesette

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

Paris Rutherford : Boogie Down

Review: 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 pop/jazz feature for pop, jazz and show choirs from high school and up.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

As Performed by: Al Jarreau

Paris Rutherford : Brazil

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : Caravan

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

As Performed by: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : Cool Joe, Mean Joe (Killer Joe)

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

Paris Rutherford : Desafinado (Slightly Out of Tune)

Review: Listeners will dig the great Latin groove in this sensational chart from Paris Rutherford. Available: SATB, Instrumental Pak. Performance Time: Approx. 3:25.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

As Performed by: Lambert, Hendricks and Ross

Paris Rutherford : Estate (Summer)

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : Flor De Lis (Upside Down)

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : For Heaven's Sake

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : Four Brothers

Review: 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.

Sheet Music Available: SAB,   SATB,   SAB,   SATB

As Performed by: Manhattan Transfer

Paris Rutherford : Gravy Waltz

Review: 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)

Sheet Music Available: SATB

Paris Rutherford : Happy

Review: 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!

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

As Performed by: Pharrell Williams

Paris Rutherford : I've Got You Under My Skin

Review: An innovative harmonization of this standard will have your jazz ensemble clamoring for more. Don't miss this creative arrangement from Paris! Availble: SATB, IPak(R), ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:45.

Paris Rutherford : It Don't Mean a Thing (If it AinÕt Got That Swing)

Review: The great Ellington classic still swings in this setting that includes a written vocal and piano solo.Available separately: SATB, ePak(R) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:25.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

As Performed by: Duke Ellington

Paris Rutherford : Ja-Da

Review: The old popular novelty song from Tin Pan Alley days is recast as a contemporary arrangement with a New Orleans street beat, making it fun to sing and play! The middle section moves into swing-four style and may be repeated ad lib for either vocal or instrumental solos. Such a simple bit of melody will be a super vocal jazz showcase!

Sheet Music Available: SSA,   SSA

Paris Rutherford : Like a Lover

Review: From Sergio Mendes in 1968, this warm ballad caresses the listener with shimmering harmonies and romantic lyrics. The light Latin groove supports the expressive vocals for an extraordinary pop/jazz showcase.

Sheet Music Available: SATB

As Performed by: Sergio Mendes

Paris Rutherford : Long Ago (And Far Away)

Review: Showcase your vocal jazz group at its best with this standard recorded by all the jazz greats! Set in a medium swing, this chart will help build style and ensemble, along with featuring your best soloist and band. Available separately: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:00.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SSA,   SATB,   SSA

Paris Rutherford : Lullaby Of Birdland

Review: Showcase your vocal jazz group at its best with this standard recorded by all the jazz greats! Set in an easy swing, you'll love the great craftsmanship and style.Available separately: SATB, Instrumental Pak (parts for Piano, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:10.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

Paris Rutherford : Nardis

Review: You'll please all the jazz aficionados in your crowd with this mesmerizing setting of the Miles Davis classic. The wordless syllables create a colorful palate of imaginative textures and vocal sounds. Available separately: SATB, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 4:00.

Sheet Music Available: SATB,   SATB

As Performed by: Miles Davis