Drinking Again: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gives singers and pianists direct access to Mercer's most celebrated work in a single, practical volume. The piano arrangements support the vocal line clearly while guitar chords offer flexibility for different ensemble configurations, making these songs work equally well in a recital setting, a jazz program, or a music theater class. Mercer's lyrics reward careful attention to diction and phrasing, teaching singers how to land a story and make language sing.

These songs capture the texture of mid-twentieth-century American popular music, from sultry torch numbers to upbeat novelty tunes to haunting romantic ballads. The collection swings between sophistication and accessibility, offering moments of genuine emotional depth alongside pure entertainment and charm.

Vocalists preparing recital repertoire, music theater students building a jazz and standards curriculum, and pianists seeking authentic arrangements of classic American songs. Accompanists will find clean, singable piano parts that support without overwhelming, and guitarists can use the chord frames to play alongside or independently.

• Study the lyrics as poetry first. Mercer's wit and specificity demand that you understand every image and phrase before you sing it; this clarity transforms the performance from pleasant to compelling.
• Let the piano part guide your interpretation of tempo and rubato. Many of these songs sit between strict rhythm and ballad flexibility; the accompaniment shows you where to breathe and where to push forward.
• Balance vocal intimacy with the song's harmonic richness. These arrangements have lush chords that can easily overwhelm a small voice; aim for clarity in the melody while letting the piano frame the emotional landscape.
• Use the guitar chords as a tool for understanding the harmonic movement, even if you're performing with piano alone. Seeing the chord progression helps you shape phrases and understand which syllables land on important harmonic moments.

Build a recital around Mercer's collaborations with specific composers, comparing his approach across different compositional voices. These songs work beautifully as a capstone to a unit on American popular song, or as audition material for music theater or jazz voice students. They also pair well with discussion of how lyrical language shapes musical interpretation.

• Interpreting American vernacular diction and maintaining clarity through jazz harmonies
• Balancing vocal line with complex piano accompaniment
• Understanding how lyrical imagery and emotional arc shape musical phrasing
• Navigating swing rhythms and syncopation in a vocal context
• Reading and applying guitar chord symbols to harmonic understanding