COMPOSITIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS
BELOW YOU WILL FIND PUBLISHED ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHORAL ENSEMBLES AND SOLO VOICE.
EACH WILL HAVE A YOUTUBE OR AUDIO DEMO.
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On Dreams
A sonnet written by John Guarieri, Jr. receives a modern treatment for tenor solo voice and piano.
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Two Poems by Dylan Thomas
Two of the most beloved and often recited poems of Dylan Thomas are set for solo tenor voice and piano. "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" written for his father in memorium and "Fern Hill" the epic ballad of lost yet remembered youth.
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26 Miles (Santa Catalina)
A little surfer rock ditty from the early 1960s about the island off the coast of Los Angeles. This is an adaptation of the original recording by the Four Preps arranged for TTBB choir and combo.
VOCAL SCORE
COMBO PARTS
All My Past Life
Setting of a poem by English poet John Wilmot (1647-1680) for unaccompanied SATB choir.
Awakening
Awakening is a setting of a poem by American ice skater Laurence Owen for SATB choir, piano, vibes, flute, and french horn.
Siddartha Songs
This is cycle of seven songs for soprano voice, SATB choir (on one song only) and piano set to selected text from the novel by Hermann Hesse. Sung in the original German, it follows the adventures of the book's protagonist as he searches for enlightenment in Northern India.
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SONG I SONG IV
SONG II SONG V
SONG III SONGS VII-VII
Another Hundred People (SSA)
This is a treble choir setting of the song from "Company" by Stephen Sondheim that laments the impersonal and sometimes transient existence of day-to-day living in NYC.
COMBO PARTS
1930s Love Songs
George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern, along with Irving Berlin were the Kings of Tin Pan Alley in the 1930s. These three love songs, all nominated for Oscars and mashed up for your pleasure, represent some of the best of these masters' melodies, along with lyrics by Porter, Dorothy Fields and Ira Gershwin. arranged for TTBB choir and combo, includes "The Way You Look Tonight," "They Can't Take That Away from Me" and "I've Got You Under My Skin."
VOCAL SCORE
COMBO PARTS
Another Hundred People (SATB)
This is a slightly different SATB choir setting of the song from "Company" by Stephen Sondheim that laments the impersonal and sometimes transient existence of day-to-day living in NYC.
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The Ballad of Davy Crockett
Just in case you are looking for something to include in a Disney-themed program for your TTBB ensemble. Yep, it's that song! Complete with combo parts that includes banjo.
VOCAL SCORE
COMBO PARTS
The Ballad of Jed Clampett
A Barbershop Quartet rendition of the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies. Need we say more?
VOCAL SCORE
COMBO PARTS
Blue Skies
The classic Irving Berlin staple is re-imagined for SSATTB/combo Vocal Jazz ensemble with a combination of meters and rhythms, including an a cappella setting of the rarely-heard verse.
California Here I Come
The Al Jolsen classic that became the unofficial state song of California. Arranged for treble choir, combo and wind section, presented in traditional style.
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The British are Here!
A medley of British Invasion songs from artists other than you-know-who. Includes "Catch Me if You Can," "Downtown," and "Henry the VIII" - lots of fun for treble choir and combo.
VOCAL SCORE
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California Soul
This Ashford and Simpson song was recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell as well as The 5th Dimension in the late 60s. It receives a loyal tribute here for 6 voice vocal jazz ensemble, full rock combo and horn section plus flute and percussion. (For the complete arrangement, be sure to purchase the instrumental parts available separately).
Celebrate Me Home
Classic tune from Kenny Loggins LP of the same name, a perfect change-of-pace piece for your holiday concert. As usual, lush harmonies and provocative lines treat the ears like a Christmas candy.
Choo Choo Ch'Boogie
This delightful song song has been a part of the vocal jazz lexicon for over 70 years and was featured by the Manhattan Transfer in the film "A League of Their Own." This arrangement (licensed for sale by Arrange Me) has all the fun of that version and more, a great tune for any level group.
The Christmas Song
(Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire...)
The Mel Tormé classic that was made famous by Nat King Cole and is known the world over receives a fresh vocal jazz a capella treatment here for SATB ensemble.
Christmas (This Song of Love)
This is a beautiful ballad written for a TV special in the 1990s by David Francis and Gavin Dillard. The song was cut from the production but lives on in this SATB a capella setting that is easily done by a vocal jazz ensemble or traditional choir.
Dare to Dream
The opening ceremonies of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia included this inspirational song that encourages and challenges us all to never give up on our goals and aspirations. Treble Choir, combo, and other instruments.
VOCAL SCORE
INSTRUMENTAL PARTS
Do It Again
One of Gershwin's early songs with lyricist Buddy De Sylva, this presents some fun rhythmic surprises and clever lyrics that singers and audience will enjoy. SATB with combo.
Don't Pass Me By
Ringo Starr got a rare writing credit with this selection on the Beatles "White Album" and it gets a funky/rock update here for SATB + Combo Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Down to Earth
The poignantly relevant move "Wall-E" produced by Pixar in 2009 included this song by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman during its end credits. This arrangement for Vocal Jazz Ensemble and combo captures the fun and gravity of the message. Available through Sheet Music Direct at these links:
Feelin' Good
This popular jazz standard originally from the Broadway musical "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd" is reimagined in straight-ahead 7/4 time in this arrangement for vocal jazz ensemble and combo. Recorded exclusively by Pacific Jazz & Electric, it is available for your group through Sheet Music Direct at these links:
Fern Hill
One of Dylan Thomas' most well-known poems receives a SATB choral with piano treatment here. An epic poem about Thomas' youth told in sweeping pastoral imagery. This is a choral adaptation of the GWA solo setting for tenor voice, also available in the Dylan Thomas set with "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" - details in the solo voice section.
Frosty the Snowman
A lovely little arrangement of the beloved holiday tale of an enchanted snowman trying not to melt. Perfect for the SATB caroling group that's looking to "jazz" things up a bit.
Getting Better
A complete reimagining of the rousing rocker from the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album. This one is mostly a latin waltz, with a little funky half-time rock thrown in, for vocal jazz ensemlbe, level IV. Available through Sheet Music Plus at the links below:
Got to Get You Into My Life
This classic Beatles romp from "Revolver" got a makeover by Earth, Wind, and Fire in the 1970s which is the inspiration behind this exciting and fun SATB arrangement.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Classic tune from "Meet Me in St. Louis" gets a great treatment for your vocal jazz ensemble. For unaccompanied SATB choir
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
A swingingly sensational setting of this old chestnut reminiscent of the Manhattan Transfer or New York Voices, great for an intermediate vocal jazz ensemble. The final chorus includes homages to some of the best songs about rainbows.
The Joint is Really Jumpin'
(Down at Carnegie Hall)
Judy Garland and José Iturbi introduced this in the WW2 era film cavalcade of stars "Thousands Cheer." It's a rousing jazzer encouraging the stuffed classical shirts to loosen up a bit. (Even though Carnegie Hall has been the site of many a jazz and big band event). Lots of fun in the SATB with combo arrangement.
Let Us Go Back
This setting of a poem by Vita Sackville-West expresses a desire and challenge to return to the simple things in life, eschewing constraints of modern living and finding excitement and adventure in the basic pleasures and unknown futures.
Love's Philosophy
A poignant poem by Percy set as a lovely ballad for SATB choir and piano. Fine for a high school or collegiate group or any community group.
Milestones
Nothing too crazy here. This is a vocal harmonization for vocal jazz ensemble of the classic from the Miles Davis Quintet. A fast bop that is loads of fun and great for improvisation. Only the vocal sheet is included with guitar chords for the band. Since this is a standard, most jazzers will know it.
Music Lights the Way
Commisioned piece for Cactus High School in Peoria, AZ
Purchase Instrumental Background
This is an SATB a capella setting of the famous poem by Emma Lazarus, a portion of which is engraved on the Statue of Liberty. I hope it finds many voices to give it life, especially right now when this reminder is needed of how generous and open-hearted we can be as a country, when we really try.
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The New Colossus
Nights on Broadway
A great update to the Bee Gees anthem from the 1970s. It gets funk-fied for either SATB or male chorus and band but still retains the textures infused by the Brothers Gibb.
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O magnum mysterium
A modern setting of this advent mainstay. However, the 3-part voicing (Alto or countertenor, tenor and bass) and textures are reminiscent of the renaissance period.
Once Was a Time I Thought
A little-known ditty from The Mamas and the Papas from the mind of John Phillips. Adapted for vocal jazz ensemble. A great entry-level piece but fine for any degree of experience.
Paperback Writer
Another Lennon/McCartney masterpiece, re-imagined for a cappella SATTB choir with some great expanded jazz harmonies and a little doo-wop flavor to spice things up a bit.
Rudy Red Nose
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has a very shiny vocal jazz arrangement for a cappella SATB. Great for a small ensemble, even a 4-piece caroling group. Doo-wop flavors abound and all the usual ad-libs ('like Monopoly!") are thrown in for good measure.
San Fernando Valley
The song about LA you didn't know you needed. A Bing Crosby classic written in the days of yore when the Valley was kind of like the wilderness, before all the asphalt and concrete arrived. Arranged for both SA or TB choirs, it retains its country charm form the original.
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Savoy Truffle
True Beatles fans will remember this nugget from the 4th side of the White Album by George Harrison. Harrison wrote this as a nudge to his friend Eric Clapton's notorious sweet tooth. I've taken the original hard rock feel and given it a whimsical, doo-wop flavor with some fun choral and vocal jazz twists and turns. Inspired by "The Bobs" arrangements, and written especially for Heatwave, ASU Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Novemeber 2011),
Something
George Harrison's beloved tune from "Abbey Road," The Beatles' final studio album, gets a great reimagining in this vocal jazz ensemble arrangement that is perfect for any experience-level group. Beginning with a lush close-harmony a capella, it segues into a bluesy feel and features a great solo opportunity to pay tribute to George's solo on the original.
Stairway to Paradise
A rockin' fresh take on an early Gershwin gem, featuring solos, tight harmonies, and all the vocal jazz flavors you need. Intermediate to advanced, mostly SATB but with a small amount of S/T divisi.
Punky's Dilemma
More Paul Simon from the Bookends album. This mildly anti-war jaunt stays close to the original although it jazzes it up a bit with lush harmonies, solos and a brief scat-soli section for the entire ensemble. Voiced for SATTB and accompanied by combo,
Sailing
Christopher Cross' classic tribute to riding the waves (in a boat of course) gets a beautifully poignant treatment here for SATB and combo. Appropriate for vocal jazz ensembles as well as any traditional choir of mixed voices. This arrangement is very approachable for any level group, staying true to the original but lushly realized for vocal ensembles.
San Francisco Medley
This arrangement for treble choir is a pastiche of well-known songs about the city by the bay from different eras. Includes The Gus Kahn song from the 1930s, the "Flowers in your hair" song from the summer of love in the 1960s, Rodgers and Hammerstein's show tune "Grant Avenue" from Flower Drum Song, and finishes off with the Tony Bennett classic "I Left My Heart in SF." Includes combo with strings, winds and brass and is available at Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct.
Se tu m'ami
A resetting for SATB of the beloved Italian art song by Marco Cesti. This is one of an ongoing series that reimagines the Italian Song anthology. Completely new music to the original Italian text,
Spain (I Can Recall)
Vocal Jazz rendition of the classic Chick Corea tune with lyrics by Al Jarreau. Starts of kind of mellow then heats up to a fever pitch and a screamin' ending. Level IV.
They Go to San Diego
Mel Tormé created his California Suite as a tribute to the many sites and experiences of the Golden State. This is his tome from that suite to the southern-most city on the Pacific Coast arranged here for SATB Vocal Jazz ensemble, complete with percussion and horn sections. Not yet for sale. Contact us here for details as to performance rights.
Toyland
This song from the beloved Christmas fantasy operetta "Babes in Toyland," arranged for SATTB in a capella-vocal jazz style, is perfect for your holiday program or adventurous caroling group. Accessible to intermediate ensembles.
Tu mancavi a tormentarmi
A resetting for SATB of the beloved Italian art song by Marco Cesti. This is one of an ongoing series that reimagines the Italian Song anthology.
The Wassail Song
The old English carol that has everyone asking "What's a Wassail?" Well this is a song that will help you do that activity during the holidays with your caroling group or choir. Enjoy your wassail!
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We Got the Melody
Kenny Loggins recorded this Patti Austin-written gem back in the 1970s (original title "I Got the Melody") and this arrangement was written for the 1980s vocal jazz ensemble Pacific Jazz & Electric. It is not yet for sale due to licensing issues. Stay tuned for further developments. Contact us here if you would like details on performance rights,
We Wish You a Merry Christmas SSA Piano
Everyone knows this song about the figgy pudding, but you don't know it like this! Lots of fun twists and turns to keep an old favorite interesting. Available for SATB group as well.
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Welcome
A great concert opener for your youth or treble choir, this song about family from Disney's "Brother Bear" sets just the right tone. Accessible for any level choir and a real audience pleaser. Be sure to order the instrumental pack (sold separately) to have the complete performance package.
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White Christmas
My most popular arrangement by far, set for either SATB or TTBB. Sweet and juicy harmonies and accessible for a large group or a quartet and everything in between.
Why Should I Worry?
From the beloved Disney film "Oliver and Company" that reimagines the Dickens classic in NYC with a group of canines standing in for the boys. This number introduces us to that film's version of the Artful Dodger, voiced and sung by Billy Joel. This arrangement is a reimagining into a vocal jazz format for both SSAB and SATB voicings. Lots of fun and a great chart for any level of expertise. Be sure to purchase the combo parts (sold separately)
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Up, Up and Away
A great vocal jazz treatment of the classic Jimmy Webb tune recorded by The 5th Dimension. Perform this with combo or full big band.
Yosemite
SSA - plus piano, percussion, bass, and flute. Celebrating the most beautiful place on Planet Earth where I had the pleasure of living and visiting so many times. Great for women's choir or youth choirs.
Broadway Medley
Some early classic tunes about the Great White Way mixed with the 1950s song "On Broadway" a la George Benson's iconic treatment. The Rhythm, Melody and Lullaby of old Broadway will have everyone singing and dancing in the rain or shine. For Treble Choir and combo.
VOCAL SCORE
INSTRUMENTAL PARTS
Castle On a Cloud
A haunting reimagining of the poignant song from "Les Misérables" set for Treble choir and piano,
Not yet available for purchase but we are happy to share if you are interested in performing the piece with your ensemble. Contact us here for details.
Christmas is Always Here
An orignial GWA composition that sends the message of hope that the holiday spirit can become a constant in our lives, not just once a year. SSA/Piano/Flugelhorn arrangement.
Crescent Moon
Songwriter Ron Mesa penned this gorgeous song that harkens back to the days of Tin Pan Alley in style and form. Imagine a cool evening with a waxing or waning moon shining through the clouds as a marker for the beginning of a great love affair. This is a challenging but rewarding a capella setting of Ron's tune for SSATTB jazz choir that you will want to sink your teeth into.
Don't Forget 127th Street
This is a fun tune from the Broadway musical "Golden Boy" with music by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams. A jazzy anthem that extols the delights to be found on this typical uptown thoroughfare in New York City. Arranged for two-part treble choir and combo.
VOCAL SCORE
COMBO PARTS
Fascinating Rhythm
A great George and Ira Gershwin tune that is timeless as well as of its time. But this SATB Vocal Jazz ensemble chart melds the Gershwin classic with little Miles Davis sampling from his iconic recording "All Blues," making a perfect marriage of 1930s swing and 1950s bebop.
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For the Sake of Peace
This is a song about redemption in the face of the atrocity of the attacks on 9/11/2001. In the immediate aftermath of that historical event, many reacted with anger and revenge in their hearts. This song, written for the SGI-USA Cactus Chorus in Phoenix, AZ, posits a more humanistic approach to not only the violence of that moment but the violence of our species in general. Inspired by a series of writings by Daisaku Ikeda, "For the Sake of Piece" calls on all of us to stand up and take responsibility for the future of our planet and all its inhabitants. For SATB Choir, combo, and small instrumental ensemble. Accompaniment recording is also available for performance. Order at the links below:
GoddesSongs
A collection of eight pieces that celebrate the pagan holiday calendar: Yule, Imbolc, Eostar, Beltane, Lughnasadh, Litha, Mabon, and Samhain. It is written as a connected and complete cycle but pieces may be purchased and performed individually. To order, follow this link.
Hobo's Blues
Paul Simon wrote a blues and teamed up with Stephane Grappelli who created a magnificent violin solo. This adaptation adds a vocalese lyric to that solo and some juicy jazz harmonies that results in a challenging romp through the changes. Intermediate to advanced.
L. A. Bohême
The closest to a vocal jazz master work written by GWA that covers the several decades spent in LA as a struggling musician. A bit auto-biographical but mostly a collection of scenes and moments that chronicle the artistic point of view in a love-hate relationship with the city of light. It is available as a complete set or in individual selections. SSATTB vocal jazz ensemble, a capella plus big band and small combo variations.
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MacArthur Park
Jimmy Webb's masterpiece in choral form. This arrangement stays true to the original Richard Harris recording with strings, flutes, and horns to back up a soaring SATB choir.
N. Y. C. from "Annie"
An especially good opening number if you are doing a concert of Broadway hits or a tribute to the Big Apple.
Nowhere to Run
Great arrangement for soloist and vocal ensemble. Horn parts available as well. This one really ROCKS!
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Overs
This Paul Simon "break-up" song was one of the best of the Simon and Garfunkel years, appearing on the Bookends album. This arrangement for unaccompanied SATTB choir was written for Pacifc Jazz & Electric and was always an audience and fan favorite.
Quiet Corcovado Night
You need this chart!!! For SSATTB jazz choir and band, this one starts off quietly with an a cappella setting of Quiet Night by Rodgers and Hart then glides smoothly into Tom Jobim's Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) that is anything but quiet. Have I said the word quiet enough yet? Should I be quiet now? Here are the links on Sheet Music Direct:
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Sally's Samba
This is a GWA original solo arranged for SATB vocal jazz ensemble. A lovely little tune dedicated to all the star-crossed lovers out there who resemble the couple in "When Harry Met Sally" just missing the soulmate that is right there in front of them.
Save the Country
Laura Nyro is an American treasure. She penned this song at the height of the civil unrest of the late 1960s as a plea to everyone to fight together rather than against each other. Its message is timeless.
Sento nel core
A resetting for SATB of the beloved Italian art song by Marco Cesti. This is one of an ongoing series that reimagines the Italian Song anthology. Completely new music to the original Italian text,
Spinning Wheel
This is the classic "Blood, Sweat & Tears" number with vocals standing in for horns.
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Three by e. e. cummings
The renowned American poet, e. e. cummings left behind a rich and varied body of work, three of which are given modern, complex, and rewardingingly challengiing settings for treble choir and piano here. May be performed individually or as a mix-and-match set but are sold as a complete set.
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Tuxedo Junction
Inspired by the Manahattan Transfer, this is an a cappella treatment for SATTB that is perfect for any level ensemble looking to revisit the Big Band era in style. A walking bass line plus some terrific solo breaks makes this one a winner.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas SATB Piano & A Capella
Everyone knows this song about the figgy pudding, but you don't know it like this! Lots of fun twists and turns to keep an old favorite interesting. Available for SSA group as well, or if you prefer, an a capella version for SATB is available too.
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While My Guitar Gently Weeps
A classic Beatles tune from "The White Album," this lush and sweeping choral treatment will thrill your ensemble and audience as well with its poignant re-harmonizations and at times surprising turns. Ideal for a group of 12, but will also work with one per part or in larger choral settings.
Who Will Buy?
A very accessible but still interesting setting of this beloved tune from the Oscar-winning musical "Oliver!" - great for treble choirs of all ages. SSA, with Piano (Guitar, Bass and Drum parts available). PURCHASE VOCAL/PIANO SCORE
You Don't Know What This Thing Called Love Is
A mash up of Cole Porter's "What is This Thing Called Love?" and "You Don't Know What Love Is" by Don Raye and Gene DePaul. Great a capella treatment for SATTB vocal jazz ensemble. Originally performed by Pacific Jazz & Electric
Your Mother and Mine
The lovely lullaby that Wendy sings to the lost boys in Neverland finally has an a cappella choral arrangement. Great for a Mother's Day tribute in your spring concert! Appropriate for any level of choir from High School onward.
Yuletide Bossa Nova
A nice vocal jazz holiday number - latin arrangement of "Christmas is Always Here" (see above SSA arrangement)