The Man I Love: Vocal Solo with Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Dave Wolpe's arrangement respects the song's intimate character while giving a full jazz ensemble genuine musical work to do. The modest vocal range (just an octave) and accessible brass writing mean your performers stay focused on the artistry rather than fighting the technique. A concert that includes this piece signals sophistication and taste to your audience.

Sultry and intimate, with the kind of ease that only comes from careful craft. The arrangement glides between moments of tender vulnerability and fuller ensemble textures, creating a conversation between the voice and the band. There's a timeless quality here; audiences hear immediately why this song has endured.

Jazz ensembles with a vocalist who can sustain a lyrical line and communicate emotional depth. This works equally well for a lead singer in a smaller jazz combo or as a feature for an ensemble that wants to expand beyond instrumental repertoire. The grade 3 level makes it accessible to accomplished high school and community college groups.

• Shape the vocal line with the breath and phrasing of a storyteller rather than a classical singer. This is conversational music; let rubato and space around the lyrics carry the emotional weight.
• Balance the rhythm section carefully so the drummer and bass player anchor the groove without overwhelming the vocalist. The ensemble exists to support, not dominate.
• Rehearse the trumpet solo with particular attention to tone and control. This is a feature moment that needs warmth and clarity to land its impact.
• If using the tenor saxophone substitute part, ensure the soloist understands they're replicating a vocal quality, not playing an instrumental showcase.

Use this as a concert centerpiece or the closer to a set. It works beautifully in a spring concert that balances jazz standards with original compositions, and it's equally at home in a cabaret-style show where programming narrative matters. The piece signals a shift in mood, so place it strategically to give your audience a moment to breathe.

• Singing jazz phrasing and rubato over a steady ensemble groove
• Leading an ensemble from the vocal line while staying rhythmically connected
• Balancing legit vocal tone with the intimate, conversational quality jazz demands
• Ensemble balance and dynamics when supporting a featured soloist
• Interpreting written solos (brass or saxophone) with stylistic authenticity