Playing for Singers

Playing For Singers by Mike Greensill explores in depth the art of accompaniment for the jazz or cabaret pianist. A comprehensive resource for everyone - from the beginning jazz pianist, to the crusty old pro needing a tune-up for his/her next accompanying gig - it covers all the fundamentals of playing for vocalists, especially as it applies to the performance of the "Great American Songbook". Including accompaniment philosophies and tricks of the trade from the great accompanists - Norman Simmons, Jimmy Rowles, Bill Charlap, Christian Jacob, Tedd Firth, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, and more - this 121-oage book is also useful for singers, as well as pianists, since it sheds much light on the intimate relationship between the two. Topics covered include: how to accompany singers as a solo pianist; Duo and Trio accompaniment and what happens when we add bass and drums; teh art of "out of tempo" accompaniment; The accompanist as arranger/composer, including the skills needed to put together readable, good looking charts; and the accompanist as music director, from conducting the band, to running rehearsals, to helping write and organize vocalist's shows.