I Concentrate On You [Jazz version] (from Broadway Melody Of 1940) (arr. Brent Edstrom): Piano Vocal

Brent Edstrom's jazz arrangement captures the emotional restraint and harmonic richness that make Porter's ballads so singable. This version sits perfectly between a classical vocal approach and a jazz interpretation, giving vocalists room to explore rubato and swing without losing the song's inherent sophistication. It's an excellent choice for students learning to navigate the intersection of legit technique and jazz phrasing.

Intimate and introspective. This is a song about singular focus, about the almost meditative state of centering on one person. The arrangement respects that quietness while allowing the harmonic language to create emotional depth beneath a calm surface.

Vocalists preparing for auditions, recitals, or jazz ensemble performances who need a standard that demands real interpretive maturity. This arrangement also serves musicians studying the craft of accompanying singers, as the piano writing supports without overwhelming.

• Shape the melody through the harmonic changes rather than imposing artificial phrasing; let Porter's chord progression guide your breath and line direction.
• Balance the piano accompaniment so it supports the lyrical content. The five pages give you room for dynamic nuance, so use space and silence as expressively as the notes themselves.
• Approach the text as a conversation, not a declaration. Porter's lyrics work best when sung with conversational timing, which naturally creates subtle swing and flexibility.

Pair this with other Porter standards in a singer's recital, or program it as a beautiful contrast to uptempo jazz selections in a cabaret-style concert. It also works well in a vocal jazz ensemble context when you want a feature that showcases lyrical ability alongside jazz sensibility.

• Interpreting harmonic changes in a jazz context while maintaining legit vocal technique
• Navigating rubato and swing rhythm within a composed arrangement
• Balancing microphone technique and projection in a jazz ballad setting
• Understanding lyrical intent and how it shapes phrasing and dynamics