Jeepers Creepers: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures Mercer's full range as a lyricist in one practical resource. Whether you're preparing a jazz vocalist for a recital, assembling songs for a cabaret program, or building a studio teacher's repertoire library, these 46 standards represent the cream of American popular song with piano/vocal arrangements that support both serious study and genuine performance.

These songs breathe with the warmth and sophistication of mid-twentieth century American popular music. You'll encounter lush romantic ballads like 'Laura' and 'Skylark' alongside playful, rhythmically inventive numbers that showcase Mercer's gift for language and his understanding of how words sit on melody. The collection moves between wistful nostalgia, genuine humor, and emotional directness without ever feeling dated.

This book serves vocalists preparing standards for recitals, auditions, or jazz performance; accompanists building a comprehensive repertoire of classic American songs; and studio teachers seeking authentic, expertly-arranged material spanning ballads, novelty numbers, and film standards. Guitar players using the chord frames alongside piano vocalists will find valuable companionship in these arrangements.

• Treat the lyrics as dialogue. Mercer's language invites conversational phrasing; avoid over-singing or forcing artificial legato across phrase breaks.
• Use the chord frames to experiment with comping voicings on guitar, especially in standards like 'Satin Doll' or 'Skylark' where jazz reharmonization enriches the accompaniment.
• Pay attention to rhythmic speech patterns in novelty numbers like 'G.I. Jive' or 'I'm an Old Cowhand'; the piano's rhythmic gesture supports the lyric's natural swing.
• Balance vocal projection with textual clarity. Mercer's wit and storytelling only land if the audience understands the words.

Program individual selections alongside other standards in a vocalist's recital, or curate a full evening around Mercer's work for a themed concert celebrating American songwriting. These arrangements work equally well in studio lessons, jazz combos, and cabaret-style programs where piano/vocal presentation is the focus.

• Lyric interpretation and conversational phrasing in standards
• Sight-reading piano/vocal arrangements with chord frames
• Understanding jazz harmony and reharmonization possibilities
• Connecting regional American language and idiom to authentic musical delivery
• Sustaining longer musical lines while maintaining clarity of text