And the Angels Sing: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gathers Mercer's most iconic lyrics paired with their original melodies, giving singers immediate access to some of the finest examples of American songwriting craft. The inclusion of guitar chords and full piano arrangements means singers at various levels can learn from the same book, and the breadth of material (46 songs spanning different moods, tempos, and harmonic landscapes) makes it invaluable for building a versatile cabaret or concert repertoire. From the tender restraint of "Skylark" to the infectious energy of "G.I. Jive," these arrangements capture what made Mercer's words so singable in the first place.

These songs carry the warmth and clarity of mid-twentieth-century American popular music. Mercer's lyrics speak with conversational ease and emotional directness, whether he's writing about romance, work, or home. The arrangements support the voice without overwhelming it, letting the words remain in focus while providing rich harmonic support.

Singers building a standard repertoire, whether for auditions, recitals, or jazz and cabaret performance. Pianists and guitarists accompanying vocalists in studio or performance settings will find this book essential. It also serves music educators teaching American song literature and lyric writing craft.

• Study the lyrics independently before singing the melody. Mercer's words often reveal the emotional architecture of a song; understanding the literal meaning and subtext will inform phrasing and breath placement naturally.
• Pay attention to the prosody: how Mercer's syllable count and stress patterns align with the melodic shape. When a syllable falls on a strong beat, that's rarely accidental. Honor those moments.
• Use the guitar chord frames as a harmonic map. Even if you're working primarily with the piano arrangement, glancing at the chord symbols can clarify structural turning points and help you understand the song's harmonic language.
• Experiment with the space between phrases. Many of these songs benefit from a moment of silence or breath that lets a lyrical image breathe before moving forward.

Program these songs in a cabaret-style recital to showcase the breadth of Mercer's output across different moods and musical contexts. They pair beautifully with other American standards and work equally well as solo recital material or as part of a jazz ensemble concert. Many of these titles are familiar enough to attract audiences while sophisticated enough to reward careful listening and performance.

• Interpreting lyrics with emotional specificity and avoiding over-singing
• Reading and applying guitar chord symbols while singing
• Singing in the idiom of American popular song (phrasing, swing, stylistic conventions)
• Understanding how lyrical rhythm interacts with melodic shape
• Building repertoire in the standard song tradition