An Analysis of Vocal Jazz Repertoire by Three Selected Publishing Companies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) vocal jazz octavos ( N = 150) from three publishers in an effort to (a) identify the most prolific arrangers/composers, (b) cite improvisation opportunities, (c) document publisher improvisation markings, (d) indicate repeated titles, (e) identify most popular styles, and (f) investigate instrumental accompaniment combinations. Results revealed that the most prolific composers were Kirby Shaw, Steve Zegree, and Darmon Meader. Less than one fourth (22.6%) of the charts included improvisation opportunities for singers with transcribed notation ( n = 18) or instructions ( n = 16). Swing and Ballad styles were more prevalent than Latin and Contemporary. Categories for instrumental accompaniments included none/a cappella ( n = 31), bass ( n = 1), piano ( n = 39), combo ( n = 48), and augmented combo ( n = 32). Further results and discussion are included.