It Was A Very Good Year: Piano Vocal

Sinatra's catalog offers vocalists a masterclass in lyrical storytelling without requiring operatic technique. The reflective arc of this particular standard rewards singers who understand how to shape a line through dynamic subtlety rather than volume.

Warm reflection tinged with nostalgia. The harmonic language centers you in classic jazz vocabulary while the lyrical content invites introspection about memory and time.

Intermediate to advanced vocalists studying jazz and standards repertoire, plus pianists looking for accessible yet sophisticated accompaniment material. This pairing works well for recital programming, jazz ensemble showcases, or singers building a working knowledge of the Great American Songbook.

• Let the piano set the harmonic foundation before entering; this arrangement expects the vocalist to listen and respond rather than lead.
• Shape the phrase around the lyrical meaning of each section, resisting the urge to fill silence with vibrato or ornamentation.
• Collaborate with your accompanist on the emotional tempo during rehearsal; this piece breathes differently depending on how much time you give certain moments.

Pair this with other Sinatra standards or with contrasting swing material to create a varied solo set. It also serves well as a bridge piece in a program moving between classical art song and contemporary vocal jazz.

• Phrasing across longer melodic lines without breaking for breath
• Accompanying a vocalist with sensitivity to dynamic nuance
• Interpreting jazz harmony using shell voicings and reharmonization
• Managing legit tone production in a jazz context
• Understanding the relationship between text and melodic gesture