Don't Get Around Much Anymore: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures some of the most elegant standards ever written, arranged to match Tony Bennett's interpretations alongside contemporary pop voices. The piano/vocal format preserves the album's intimate approach to these timeless songs while remaining accessible for singers and pianists working at different levels. Programming any of these arrangements signals taste and musical substance to your audience.

Sophisticated and timeless. These songs carry the warmth of classic American song writing paired with the contemporary production sensibility of the Bennett album, creating arrangements that feel both rooted in tradition and alive in the present moment. The duets and featured artist collaborations on the album inspire a conversational quality in the singing, where intimacy and emotional directness matter more than vocal display.

Vocalists and pianist collaborators looking to expand their standards repertoire with elegant, singable arrangements. This collection works equally well for a pop-influenced singer exploring the Great American Songbook or a jazz vocalist seeking fresh interpretations of familiar material. Whether you're preparing recital repertoire, building a standards-focused lesson series, or planning a concert featuring jazz classics, these arrangements offer substantial musicianship without excessive technical demands.

• Study the album recordings before rehearsing. Bennett's phrasing and the guest artists' approaches reveal interpretive choices that the sheet music alone won't convey; use these recordings as your musical reference.
• Pay attention to the chord symbols and any jazz voicings notated in the piano part. These arrangements reflect modern jazz harmony, and playing them accurately shapes the entire harmonic character of each song.
• Let the lyrics guide your vocal tone and emotional arc. These standards demand storytelling; the piano part supports but never overwhelms the narrative the vocalist is telling.
• Balance the piano and vocal lines carefully. The piano should anchor the harmony without overshadowing the singer's lyrical line, especially in the more intimate moments.

Feature any of these arrangements in a recital that explores American song standards across generations. The collection works particularly well as a thematic program pairing Ellington compositions with vocal-piano storytelling, or as individual selections interspersed throughout a concert showcasing different interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Consider the album's celebrity collaborations as an entry point for intermediate vocalists who connect with contemporary pop music but want to deepen their understanding of classic song structure and harmony.

• Interpreting jazz chord voicings and substitutions from lead sheets
• Balancing vocal line clarity with harmonic complexity in the piano part
• Shaping phrasing and breath control across longer melodic arcs
• Understanding standards repertoire and its role in American musical history
• Collaborating between vocalist and accompanist to achieve musical cohesion