Baby: Vocal Selections: Piano/Vocal/Chords Book

These selections capture the emotional architecture of modern relationships through music that sits comfortably for singers while remaining dramatically specific. The piano parts support rather than overshadow the vocal line, making this collection ideal for recital programming, voice studio repertoire building, or showcasing contemporary musical theatre writing without requiring a full band setup.

The collection moves through tender vulnerability, domestic humor, and genuine introspection. Shire's melodies land naturally on emotional words, and his harmonies tend toward warmth and understatement rather than theatrical grandeur; the overall effect feels like overhearing genuine conversations set to music.

Voice students and recital singers seeking contemporary musical theatre material that avoids both spectacle and oversimplification. Studio teachers looking for songs that develop legit singing technique while building interpretive skill through character work and lyrical nuance.

• Treat the chord symbols as performance guides rather than strict harmonic blueprints; Shire's piano writing often implies richer voicings than the chords alone suggest, so listen to how the written part functions before adding interpretive layers.
• Shape phrases around the lyrical content rather than pushing for sustained power in every moment; these songs gain their emotional force through storytelling clarity and vulnerability.
• Balance the relationship between voice and piano carefully in slower numbers like 'At Night She Comes Home to Me,' ensuring the accompaniment provides atmospheric support without drowning the singer's emotional specificity.
• Examine how Shire uses rhythmic variation within phrases to mirror conversational speech patterns; these moments often reveal where a singer should breathe or punch a lyrical idea.

Program individual selections in voice recitals to represent contemporary Broadway writing alongside classic standards. Pair selections thematically (the title song with 'Two People in Love' for a romance-focused set, or 'Fatherhood Blues' with 'I Chose Right' for a men's song group exploring life choices) to create cohesive programming units.

• Interpreting contemporary musical theatre melody and matching vocal production to character perspective
• Reading piano/vocal scores with chord symbols and translating written harmony into intelligent accompaniment choices
• Phrasing that reflects speech patterns and emotional subtext rather than purely musical line structure
• Balancing legit vocal technique with the intimate, conversational delivery that contemporary songwriting demands