Laura: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures the full range of Mercer's artistry in one accessible volume. For vocalists building their standards repertoire, the 46 selections offer everything from narrative character songs to intimate ballads and uptempo novelties. For pianists and guitarists accompanying singers, the chord frames and vocal line make transposition and arrangement straightforward.

These songs convey the warmth, wit, and emotional directness that define mid-century American popular music. Whether tender ("Laura," "Skylark") or playful ("Jeepers Creepers," "I'm an Old Cowhand"), the collection evokes a world where clever wordplay and genuine feeling coexist, and where a melody can lodge in your memory after a single hearing.

Vocalists preparing jazz and standards repertoire will find essential material for recitals, auditions, and performance. Pianists and guitarists accompanying singers benefit from the integrated chord frames and vocal layout, which support flexible transposition and stylistic interpretation across a broad range of musical contexts.

• Study the lyrical phrasing and diction carefully; Mercer's words are meant to be sung with conversational clarity and humor. Let the text shape your phrasing rather than imposing a generic vocal style.
• In uptempo novelty numbers like "G.I. Jive" or "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive," maintain rhythmic precision while keeping the delivery conversational rather than operatic.
• Use the guitar chord frames to explore voicings beyond basic triads; jazz-influenced reharmonization suits Mercer's harmonic sophistication and opens interpretive possibilities.
• Balance the accompaniment dynamically to support the vocal line without overwhelming it. Many of these standards work best when the melody remains the primary focus.

Program individual selections as part of an evening devoted to American songbook standards, or sequence them thematically (ballads, novelty songs, character pieces) to showcase Mercer's range. This collection works equally well for recital programming, studio lesson material, or rehearsal preparation for vocalists building confidence with familiar, beloved repertoire.

• Lyrical phrasing and text clarity in American popular song style
• Reading piano/vocal scores with integrated chord symbols
• Interpreting chord frames for guitar accompaniment and transposition
• Understanding idiomatic vocal delivery (comic timing, legit singing, jazz inflection)
• Analyzing song form and harmonic structure in standards repertoire