We're In This Love Together: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures the warmth and sophistication of Jarreau's original while remaining accessible for pianists still building their jazz vocabulary. The three pages provide enough harmonic interest to keep players engaged without overwhelming them, making it ideal for introducing students to contemporary jazz-pop sounds in a manageable setting.

Smooth, sophisticated, and inviting. The piece has an easygoing confidence that comes from Jarreau's effortless vocal approach, with harmonic movement that feels modern without being jarring. There's room for warmth and expression throughout.

Piano students and teachers seeking accessible entry points into jazz and contemporary pop contexts will find this arrangement well suited to their needs. Pianists with some harmonic awareness and rhythmic flexibility can tackle this immediately and sound musical doing it.

• Let the groove settle before the melody enters. The opening moments establish the pocket that carries the entire piece, so resist the urge to push the tempo forward.
• Voice the left hand voicings with intention, particularly in the jazz chords. Each note should feel intentional rather than simply filled in.
• Balance the accompaniment so it never competes with the vocal line if you're playing with a singer, or shine through clearly if you're performing solo.
• Lean into the syncopated rhythms as rhythmic content, not obstacles. They define the contemporary character that makes this tune sit apart from more traditional ballads.

This works beautifully on a casual concert or recital showcasing contemporary jazz standards, offering a refreshing change of pace from traditional classical repertoire. It also pairs well in a unit exploring how jazz vocabulary functions in popular music, bridging student interests in multiple genres.

• Interpreting jazz and contemporary chord symbols
• Playing syncopated rhythmic figures with control
• Balancing melody and harmonic accompaniment
• Developing groove orientation and stylistic flexibility