How Do You Keep The Music Playing? (from "Best Friends"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This folio captures one of the most musically generous projects in modern popular music: duets that pair a master vocalist with artists across genre lines. The arrangements preserve the sophistication of the original recordings while remaining accessible for piano accompaniment, making these standards approachable for singers and pianists who want to learn from Bennett's interpretive choices and sing alongside the recordings.

Elegant and conversational, these duets invite singers into intimate moments between world-class artists. Each song carries the warmth of classic songwriting paired with the freshness of unexpected vocal combinations, creating a sense that you're hearing timeless songs discovered anew.

Pianists and vocalists who want to expand their standards repertoire and learn from a master interpreter. This collection works for advanced intermediate and adult singers in studio settings, jazz choirs, or vocalists preparing recital material that bridges traditional and contemporary audiences.

• Study the original recordings with Bennett and his duet partners to understand the vocal phrasing and where the piano enters or retreats in the mix. This will guide your tempo and dynamic choices.
• Use the chord symbols as a foundation, but listen for when to comp lightly versus when to play fuller voicings. Bennett's style often calls for space rather than constant keyboard texture.
• Notice how different duets feature different stylistic colors (country, R&B, pop) and adjust your tone and touch accordingly. The same hand position won't serve Sting the same way it serves James Taylor.
• Practice the vocal melodies away from the piano first. Understanding the contour and style of each song independently will prevent the accompaniment from overshadowing the performance.

Program individual selections alongside other jazz standards or pop repertoire to demonstrate how classic songs remain vital when interpreted with care and contemporary voices. This collection works especially well for recitals that celebrate American songwriting across genres, or as material for jazz vocal students learning phrasing and accompaniment from professional recordings.

• Interpreting jazz phrasing and rubato from recorded models
• Comping with chord symbols in a singer-accompanying style
• Singing with stylistic variety (swing, country, pop, soul elements) within the standards tradition
• Reading lyrics with musical expression and dramatic intention
• Balancing melody with accompaniment texture