Jazz & Blues

Takin’ it Easy, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a jazz-shuffle style. It is fun to play, fits well under the hands, and will make a splash on any recital program.

When You Smile, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a lyrical light-pop or jazz style. It is dedicated to jazz singer Dubby Spivak, widow of the American bandleader Charlie Spivak, who is a friend of the composer.

Sock Hop Doo-Wop is a classic 1950s style shuffle composed as a duet by Rick Robertson. This intermediate level showcase works as a duet for two pianos or for one piano. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Tweedledum & Tweedledee, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is a whimsically macabre bluesy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Once Upon a Time songbook.

City Jazz Club, a selection from Sarah Reaser O’Brien’s Star City Solos songbook, is an upbeat jazzy solo ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Minuet in Gee! is a light-hearted ragtime spin on Beethoven’s classic Minuet in G. This solo, composed by Ron Levy, is ideal for intermediates of all ages. Cover photo is an original painting entitled “Dancers” by Carol Julien.

Crocodile Tears, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an upbeat bluesy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Walkin’ the Dawg is a bright jazzy swing piece with a bluesy feel by Gary Johnston. Great introduction to learning walking bass lines for the intermediate pianist.

Take It Easy, is a smooth jazz solo composed by Joanne Griffiths full of lush harmonies and a lilting rhythmic flow. This piece is part of the Double Takes songbook that features progressive pairs of jazz, rags, and blues-inspired solos.

July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.

Moose on the Loose is a jazzy showcase piano solo by Lisa Frederick. This delightful hard-romping swing solo is an ideal spotlight piece for late-intermediates of all ages.

Barrelhouse Blues is an evenly-leveled, boogie-woogie style piano duet by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This joyful romp is ideal for intermediates of all ages and is sure to be full-time fun at your next recital!

High Five, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level jazz showcase solo in 5/4 time. It has a rhythmic drive and is an audience pleaser.

April is an intermediate jazz solo with a leisurely, easygoing feel. The syncopated rhythmic accompaniment is offset by a straight-eighth melody with built-in improvisational bits. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

All aboard! Choo-Choo-Boogie is a blues-boogie style piano solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. This showcase solo, ideal for advancing intermediates will delight students of all ages!

Get your body moving with this upbeat boogie-style solo by Paul Sweet. It’s great for working on syncopations, building left-hand agility, teaching the blues scale, and having some major fun!

Londonderry Air (O, Danny Boy) arranged in a lyrical and up-tempo jazzy style for intermediates. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

Keep the Change is a lyrical jazz waltz in B minor with a written out improvisation. Great as a launching point for intermediates into jazz studies.

Something Wicked This Way Strides is an exuberant, late intermediate solo that evokes the Roaring Twenties. Pianists will not only train their left hand to play typical stride leaps, they’ll also learn a few tricky bits of Chopin’s <em>Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2</em>, while they’re at it!

Cruisin’ is a laid back jazz-waltz solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Ready for a lazy ride in a cool car? This is your ticket to ride!

On Your Case by Lisa Frederick is a minor-key jazzy showcase solo for late intermediates of all ages. Ideal for students who want spy-themed pieces, this will be a sure-fire hit at your next recital!

Ah, Capella! is a dream-like piece by Debbie Center, inspired by gazing at Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Its lush jazz chords fit easily in the hands.

Portrait No. 6: Apeñas Amigos is an Intermediate to Late Intermediate work- paying tribute to Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, and it combines elements of both Classical and Jazz idioms. A hauntingly lyrical melody plays throughout the beginning and end of the work, while students will also be exploring various angular sequences as well. Teachers will enjoy this work for its lush harmonic content, perpetual rhythmic drive, as well as teaching various articulations and how to handle various tempi.  Intertwined within this work is a brief section of frenetic chaos, as well as a jovial (and dissonant) left-hand melody, which is sure to give students a real workout!

Easy on the ears and downright fun to play, Toccata Breve by Paul Sweet packs catchy melodies, interesting harmonies, and showy passagework into a solo both teachers and students will love!