Singin' with the Big Band: Vocal Book & CD

Stepping into a recording studio where the band is already in the pocket, waiting for your entrance. Each arrangement swings with the energy of a real ensemble, from the easy groove of "Just Friends" to the sophisticated harmonies supporting ballads like "When I Fall in Love." The professional vocalist on the demo tracks models how to land in the swing feel and shape phrases with the jazz idiom.

Jazz singers building solo repertoire and vocal jazz fundamentals, students who lack access to live big band accompaniment, and vocalists preparing auditions or recitals with high-quality professional backing. This collection works for beginners through early intermediate singers who are ready to engage with classic standards.

• Study the demo track first without the book to absorb phrasing and style choices, then reference the written music to understand where those interpretive moments land on the page.
• Use the sing-along track in varied tempos during practice: slow it down mentally to isolate technique, then perform at full tempo to build stamina and ensemble awareness.
• Record yourself singing over the accompaniment and listen back for blend issues, rhythmic placement, and intonation adjustments you'll want to refine before performing live.
• Notice the variety of tempos and styles across the 11 tracks and practice switching between them to develop flexibility and stylistic range in a single session.

Feature one or two of these standards in a jazz vocal recital, pairing them with unplugged versions or piano trio arrangements to show different facets of the same song. This book also works as a semester-long independent study resource where singers tackle one new standard every few weeks, building a performance-ready solo repertoire.

• Intonation and tuning within jazz chord voicings
• Swing feel and rhythmic placement in big band style
• Phrasing and lyrical interpretation from professional demonstration
• Breath management and stamina in medium-difficulty vocal lines
• Ensemble listening and balance awareness while singing with recorded accompaniment
• Stylistic flexibility across tempos and song forms