Let's Face The Music And Dance: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This Irving Berlin standard arrives in a clean, direct lead sheet format that captures the melody and changes without clutter. For vocalists and accompanists working through jazz standards or preparing audition material, Hyman's version provides exactly what you need: the song's backbone, clearly presented.

An elegant, urbane number with theatrical charm. The melody sits naturally for singers, and the harmonic movement supports both straightforward interpretation and creative improvisation. There's a sophisticated ease to this song; it sounds effortless when played well.

Pianists accompanying vocalists in jazz or cabaret settings, singers building their standards repertoire, and musicians using lead sheets for sight-reading practice and performance flexibility. This is ideal for classroom jazz ensembles, vocal jazz groups, or private studio work.

• Anchor the harmony in the left hand with rootless voicings in the middle register; keep the right hand free for responsive accompaniment that listens to the vocalist.
• Shape the melodic line with gentle rubato in the opening phrase, then settle into the swing feel as the song develops.
• Treat the bridge as a chance to tighten harmonically and increase harmonic rhythm support, especially if your vocalist is improvising.

Feature this in a jazz standards showcase, a vocal recital, or a cabaret-style concert where singers can interpret familiar material with their own phrasing and style. It pairs well with other Berlin or Gershwin standards, or use it as an encore that audiences will recognize and enjoy.

• Reading lead sheet notation and harmonic symbols
• Interpreting melodic phrasing over jazz changes
• Accompanying singers with responsive, flexible comping
• Understanding the harmonic language of Broadway standards