“Five from the Folder: Vocal Jazz” by James McCullough

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: VOCAL JAZZ by James McCullough

 

1. “For Once in My Life.” arr. Kirk Marcy. SMP08-017

Up tempo samba with solo vocal feature. Solo is an interpretation of the melody. I give it a grade 4 out of 6. Fair amount of repetition in voicings and rhythmic figures to make it more easily attainable. I use it because good sambas are hard to come by.

 

2. “All or Nothing at All.”  arr. Kirby Shaw. HL 08742196

I give this a solid grade 3+. A go-to swinger for my choirs. Great for teaching swing techniques as well as internalizing the pulse. Two part singing (guys/girls) that occurs towards the beginning is good for teaching jazz balance and blending.

 

3. “He Beeped when he Shoulda Bopped.” arr. Michele Weir

Michele is a consummate vocal jazz arranger. She really swings a chart and has lots of innovative harmonizations. Rhyrhmic variety and chord structures make this a 4+/5 rated arrangement. I like it because of the humor as well. Written by Dizzy Gillespie, good opportunity to introduce him and his playing!

 

4. “For All We Know.”  arr. Peter Eldridge and Darmon Meader

Ballad from the New York Voices catalog, readily attainable and intensely musical and thought provoking. Numerous opportunities for rubato, espressando reigns throughout. Lots of guy/girl 2 pt. interaction, and gorgeous 4 pt. writing balances the arrangement.

 

5. “Chamego.” arr. Peter Eldridge and Darmon Meader

Another from the NYV catalog, this is a “chill” bossa nova. Piece simply flows from you smoothly with a little build and fire towards the end.  Very gratifying to sing and teach. Instant hit with teenagers. Grade 3+

 

(“Five from the Folder” provides brief, text-length reviews of vocal works currently in the folders of choral directors throughout the United States.  To share five from your folder, contact Scott Dorsey at )