Above The Law: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This folio captures an album that bridges accessible pop songwriting with genuine vocal artistry. The pairing of piano arrangements and chord symbols makes these songs workable for singers at different skill levels, from those developing their interpretive voice to experienced performers looking to expand their standards repertoire. Streisand's phrasing and the songs' emotional directness provide clear models for understanding how to serve a lyric.

These songs inhabit the emotional territory between introspection and romantic involvement, with production that emphasizes clarity and warmth. The piano arrangements are often intimate, leaving space for the vocal line to breathe and express nuance. There's a sophisticated maturity to the material, reflected in both lyrical content and harmonic sophistication.

This folio is ideal for singers developing interpretive skills and for pianists learning to accompany contemporary pop vocals. It also serves pianists and vocalists who perform standards and want material that bridges classic pop songwriting with modern production sensibilities. The 72-page collection offers enough material for recital programming or studio practice.

• Study Streisand's recorded interpretations to understand her approach to phrasing and rubato, particularly how she shapes the melody around the lyrical content rather than imposing a rigid rhythmic grid.
• Balance the piano accompaniment carefully; these arrangements support the vocal line without overwhelming it. Let the voice remain the focal point.
• Pay close attention to the chord voicings provided. They suggest harmonic color and sophistication that extends beyond basic triads; honor these choices in your playing.
• Work through the lyrics with intention before singing. Streisand's artistry is built on clarity of communication; understand what you're singing about before worrying about the notes.

Program songs from this folio in recitals built around contemporary standards or vocal interpretation. The album's thematic coherence makes it possible to program several songs together as a mini-set, creating a substantial showcase of pop song interpretation. Solo singers and piano accompanists can draw from this collection to develop repertoire that appeals to audiences familiar with Streisand's artistry while allowing individual performers to bring their own interpretive choices.

• Interpreting rubato and phrasing in contemporary pop vocals
• Reading chord symbols and understanding jazz-influenced harmonic movement in pop songwriting
• Balancing vocal line prominence with piano accompaniment
• Understanding lyrical expression as the foundation for melodic interpretation
• Negotiating extended harmonies (sevenths, ninths, suspended chords) in keyboard voicing