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. |
