Let's Kiss And Make Up: Lead Sheet

This collection captures Gershwin's genius across more than 100 songs in a single, Gershwin-estate-approved resource. For jazz guitarists and standards players, having this much of his catalog in lead sheet form means you can explore his harmonic sophistication, melodic architecture, and the range of his output all in one place. The arrangements meet the highest standards, making this an essential reference rather than a casual songbook.

Gershwin's songs live in a world of elegant sophistication and emotional directness. You'll find melodies that soar with Broadway charm, harmonies that surprise and delight, and a consistent sense that every note matters. From the wistful to the exuberant, these pieces capture the sophistication and energy of early twentieth century American popular music at its peak.

Jazz guitarists at the intermediate level and beyond who want to deepen their command of the standards repertoire. This collection also serves music educators teaching jazz history, arranging, or ensemble playing, as well as serious students building a working knowledge of American songwriting at its finest.

• Study the harmonic movement carefully. Gershwin often uses chromatic voice leading and unexpected chord progressions within an otherwise accessible melodic framework; let those chord changes inform your comping and solo navigation.
• Approach the melody with clarity and shape. These are songs written for singers first; even as an instrumentalist, honoring the contour and phrasing of the original vocal lines will keep your interpretations grounded and musical.
• Experiment with different chord voicings and extensions. Lead sheets invite personal arrangement choices. Gershwin's changes support rich jazz vocabulary, so use these tunes as vehicles to explore upper structures and contemporary reharmonization.

Build a jazz standards unit around selections from this collection, pairing Gershwin compositions with other American songwriters to trace the development of harmonic language and melodic sensibility in jazz. Individual songs work beautifully in small ensemble settings, jam sessions, or as repertoire for students preparing jazz auditions or recitals.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation and chord symbols
• Recognizing and performing Gershwin's characteristic harmonic progressions and voice leading
• Improvising over jazz standards with sophisticated harmonic content
• Understanding the relationship between vocal melody and jazz guitar voicings
• Building a foundational working knowledge of American popular song standards