Give Me the Simple Life, arr. by Jennifer Barnes (Level 3)

SATB, SSAA and SSAAB, with piano, bass and drums

A high-energy swinger with a positive message makes this arrangement a great candidate for an opening or closing piece for your ensemble!  Melodic solos can be sung by one or two vocalists, and the improvisation section is extremely flexible, with VERY accessible (only one chord) harmonic language, inviting riff-style trading between as many soloists (vocal and/or instrumental) as you’d like.  Moderate vocal ranges allow for many different levels of ensembles to tackle this one and have fun exploring up-tempo delivery while also digging into a driving swing feel on the bridge sections of the song. 

Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly, arr. Darmon Meader (Level 3)

SATB with guitar, piano, bass, and drums

This is an exciting option for a more advanced vocal jazz ensemble. As recorded by New York Voices on their 2019 “Reminiscing in Tempo” CD, this is the Chick Corea, Neville Potter classic jazz composition done NYV style! This arrangement grooves in 7/4 and then moves to big fat 4/4 chorus sections. There is a nice female lyric solo, and either a Piano or Guitar solo as well. Rhythm section parts are not fully notated, but well marked with a combination of notes, chord changes and rhythms.

On a Clear Day, arr. Darmon Meader (Level 4)

SATB with piano, bass and drums

This contemporary swing arrangement offers superb, challenging vocal jazz writing. On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever) is designed for high school and college bands, and features vocal solos along with your vocal ensemble. It can be done with a full jazz band: 5 saxophones, 8 brass, and 4 rhythm section parts. Features a vocal solo part, and an optional B-flat tenor sax part that can be used as a substitute for the vocal solo. Rhythm section parts are not written out—just chords and slashes.

Emily, arr. Gene Purling (Level 5)

SAATBB a cappella

This one is a challenge for your top-level high school or college ensemble. Arranged by legendary arranger Gene Puerling of the Singers Unlimited vocal ensemble. A jazz ballad full of of lush chords typical of the Singers Unlimited sound. Your group can learn so much from learning this song, and listening to the perfect stylistic inflections of the Singers. This is a tricky arrangement, though. Not for beginning or intermediate groups.

New Day, arr by Jennifer Barnes (Level 4)

SATB with piano, bass and drums

This song by vocal jazz artist Carol Welsman is set in an uncommon feel: a samba in 3/4 time. The song has great lyrics and melodic lines. Samba feel really flows and feels natural in 3/4. This is a challenge for your student rhythm section.

Features a written lyric solo along with an improvised section.

Pass Me the Jazz, by the Real Group (Level 5)

SATBB a cappella

This up-tempo crowd pleaser features clever, food-themed lyrics, swings hard, and has room for lots of scat singing. It was written by Anders Edenroth of the Real Group. Electric bass can be an effective substitute for the bass voice.

The Kicker, arr Christine Guter (Level 3)

SSATBB with piano, bass, and drums

This fast-swinging blues tune, composed by Joe Henderson, would make a great opener or closer to any set. It’s a fast set of lyrics for a duet, but an accessible chart for most intermediate vocal jazz groups. Your rhythm section will enjoy the challenge of this jazz classic.

Here’s to Life, arr. Phil Mattson (Level 3) 

SAATTB with Piano, bass and drums

Arranged for his college vocal jazz ensemble, VoicesIowa, this beautiful ballad arrangement models some of the best vocal styles of Joe Williams and Shirley Horn, the two most famous performers of this heartwarming (and heart wrenching) song.

Summertime, arr. by Derek Fawcett (Level 3)

SATB with piano, bass and drums

This funky hip-hop re-imagining of the Gershwin classic has been a staple of vocal jazz concerts for three decades. And it’s still so good! Features a soulful solo for tenor or baritone, and an improv section for instrumental or scat.