Great American Songbook
Musical Theater
Jazz and Big Band
Impersonations, Improvisations, Requests
Light Classical
Operettas
Miscellaneous
Focused Programs
…………………………….
This page describes a general performance repertoire focusing on the genres, songwriters, composers and pieces that have been an important part of my exploration of music, both instrumentally and vocally. Scroll down for further descriptions.
Great American Songbook
These songs span roughly the early to mid 20th century and usually originated in musicals of the stage and screen. Today, with the exceptions of the songs written for the movies, these songs aren’t immediately linked to their origins, primarily known to fans of Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Nat and Natalie Cole, the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.), Bobby Darin, and performers of that nature. Songs of this type aren’t written today commercially, but jazz singers, the movies, the occasional new musical comedy, and nightclub acts still introduce songs written in the classic tradition. The talented composers and lyricists are many and varied, but here are just a few of their names and most well-known songs.
Hoagy Carmichael (“Stardust,” “Lazy River,” “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening,” “Heart and Soul,” “The Nearness of You”)
Johnny Mercer (“Something’s Gotta Give,” “Dream,” “I Remember You,” “That Old Black Magic”)
Jerome Kern (“All The Things You Are,” “Ol’ Man River,” “The Way You Look Tonight”)
George and Ira Gershwin (“I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me”)
Cole Porter (“I’ve Got You Under my Skin,” “Night and Day,” “I Get a Kick out of You” and others)
Irving Berlin (“White Christmas,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “God Bless America,” and too many others)
Richard Rodgers (with either Lorenz Hart or Oscar Hammerstein II) (“The Lady is a Tramp,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and others)
Musical Theater
Many of these same songwriters also wrote entire shows, usually for Broadway, that stand the test of time, where almost every song from the score can have its own life outside the theater. These include Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate” and Richard Rodgers’ “Babes in Arms” and “South Pacific.” Here are some other musical theater composers and their most famous shows.
Meredith Willson (“The Music Man”)
Jerry Herman (“Mame,” “Mack and Mabel,” “La Cage aux Folles,” “Hello, Dolly!”)
Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) (“My Fair Lady,” “Camelot,” “Gigi,” “Paint Your Wagon”)
I will include other names in this category whose songs work for me as an instrumentalist, namely, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. Theatrically, these types of composers don’t sit too well with me, but instrumentally, outside the theater, I’ve found ways of placing their songs melodically and harmonically within the realm of jazz piano, suitable for dinner music. Otherwise, if a song works lyrically outside the theater (they seldom do), into the act it goes!
Jazz and Big Band
These emphasize numbers popularized by jazz instrumentalists and vocalists, either covers of old show tunes and standards or originals written or co-written by the artists. This part of the repertoire includes songs made popular by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Peter Nero, George Sheering, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, John Pizzarelli and Dave Brubeck. I also emphasize songs from the 1940s big band era, made popular by such legends as Benny Goodman, the Dorsey brothers, and Harry James. My favorite big band artist of this era is Glenn Miller, the trombonist/arranger/composer/bandleader whose hits included “In the Mood,” “String of Pearls,” and “Moonlight Serenade.”
Impersonations, Improvisations and Requests
These include, but are not limited to: marches, patriotic songs, country, some rock ‘n’ roll, my own improvisations based on anything at all, an instrumental cover of a show tune or two, and the celebrity impersonations of singers and actors that I picked up from the likes of Bobby Darin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Usually, these items are informal oddities done on the side, in addition to the serious emphasis on the genres previously mentioned.
Light Classical
This usually consists of the most famous or accessible parts of larger compositions. These might be taken from such source material as operas (Bizet’s Carmen, Rossini’s William Tell, Verdi’s Aida), ballet scores (Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Pineapple Poll), symphonies, orchestral and/or piano works, and others. Stylistically, they are either done in their original versions or updated to styles such as jazz piano (Ramsey Lewis’s version of the Habanera from Carmen, which he simply calls “Carmen”).
Operettas (i. e. Gilbert and/or Sullivan)
These are the 1800s European model for American musical theater. The most famous are those written by William S. Gilbert (words) and Sir Arthur Sullivan (music), including HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. The 1951 ballet score, Pineapple Poll, was compiled and arranged for a large orchestra by conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, consisting entirely of his clever orchestral arrangements of Sullivan’s operetta tunes. Other operetta composers include, but are not limited to:
Johann Strauss II (“Die Fledermaus”)
Franz Lehar (“The Merry Widow”)
Victor Herbert (“Naughty Marietta,” “Babes in Toyland”)
Sigmund Romberg (“The Student Prince”)
Jacques Offenbach (“Orpheus in the Underworld,” “La Belle Helene,” “La Perichole,” “La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein”).
Miscellaneous
These are mainly seasonal shows, artist spotlights, and emphasis on a genre, mood or theme.
Focused Programs
These are Vincent’s proudest accomplishment: educational concerts combining instrumental and vocal selections with lecturing on the music presented in each program. Vincent put these together starting in 2014, and first performed them for the Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo (CECRB). Some of these have since been performed for other organizations and at other venues. The duration of these programs can be adapted to your needs – Vincent is very flexible and cooperative. Enjoy!
2014-15
Fall 2014
“The Melodies of Gilbert and Sullivan”
William Schwenck Gilbert was a famous dramatist who wrote many plays, poems, and lighthearted works. Arthur Sullivan was a famous classical composer who appealed to his public’s tastes while also dabbling in serious pieces for orchestras and especially voices. Together, these two Englishmen changed musical theater forever with their lighthearted, tuneful shows satirizing social class distinctions and other universal topics. This is why their shows are still so well loved more than a century after they were written. The program presents an overview of their careers, and features a sampling of some of the most tuneful, detachable melodies from all of their shows, including rarities that excite many fans. Sit back and enjoy Gilbert’s witty words, and Sullivan’s tuneful, memorable music.
“The Melodies of Glenn Miller”
Alton Glenn Miller was one of the great musicians of the 1930s and ‘40s, a trombonist, arranger and bandleader who put many listeners “In the Mood” for up-tempo dance tunes and slow, beautiful ballads. This program’s talking points will include historical notes, tribute bands, and what made the “Miller Sound,” as well as Vincent’s interpretations of popular favorites.
Spring 2015
“The Music of Broadway”
Whether it was one person writing both the music and the lyrics, or legendary collaborative partnerships, American musical theater gave us some of the greatest songs and shows of all time. Frank Sinatra and other performers took many of these show tunes outside the contexts of their musicals, and it’s in this way that most of us know these songs. This performance will include medleys and detachable hit songs from: George and Ira Gershwin’s “Girl Crazy” and “Funny Face”; Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” and “Camelot”; Rodgers and Hart’s “Babes in Arms” and “Pal Joey”; Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”; Jerome Kern’s “Show Boat”; Jerry Herman‘s “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mame”; and Stephen Schwartz’s “Wicked”. (not necessarily all or in this order.)
“Music of the Rat Pack and All That Jazz”
Enjoy the songs associated with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Plus instrumentals from jazz greats like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ramsey Lewis, Oscar Peterson, Lionel Hampton and others. (not necessarily all or in this order.)
Variations
These are spinoffs of the four programs described above, repackaged in order to focus on different aspects of these specific topics.
Spring 2016
“The Ballads of Gilbert and Sullivan”
Gilbert and Sullivan were famous for their fast songs and tongue-twisting lyrics in their shows. While the lighthearted aspects of the shows live on, Gilbert’s words and plot points could also be tender or dramatic, with lyrics also musing on life’s truthful absurdities. These opportunities gave Sullivan the occasional moments for his music to soar. Gilbert’s timeless words speak as eloquently as ever, and Sullivan’s beautiful music takes center stage.
“the Big Band Era”
From uptempo dance tunes to beautiful ballads, a salute to the 1930s and ‘40s bandleaders and arrangers including the Dorsey brothers, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and more. Their music puts many of us “In the Mood” for dancing. This program focuses on solo piano renditions of the intricate, fun arrangements. Segments include musical examples, and accessible explanations of arranging, as well as live interpretations of some favorites.
“Broadway melodies”
From lighthearted operettas and musical comedies to serious musical plays, and even shows that are somewhat in between, the timeless stories and songs from the American musical theater are still delighting listeners and audiences. The lighter side will be represented in the first half of the program by the Gershwins, Victor Herbert, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, and Jerry Herman. The second half will be devoted to musical plays of Richard Rodgers (words by either Lorenz Hart or Oscar Hammerstein II), Jerome Kern, Lerner and Loewe, Kander and Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“Old Blue Eyes and Friends”
The repertoire in the Great American Songbook generally spans from the early to mid 20th century. The songs began life on Broadway and in Hollywood, and quickly took on lives of their own when “Old Blue Eyes” and the rest of the greats performed them. In fact, Frank Sinatra did more than anyone to bring these songs to the masses. Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald are just a few of the other performers who put their own stamp on this music. Many artists today are keeping the tradition alive. Enjoy songs associated with Sinatra and others of his era, including vocal renditions and jazz instrumentals.
Fall 2016
“Rodgers and More”
A tribute to the versatility of composer Richard Rodgers, who wrote over 900 songs for 43 musicals. The program includes songs with lyrics by his main collaborators, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, plus short excerpts from his other output.
“Anything Goes: The Rat Pack Revisited”
The first half comprises the music and lyrics of Cole Porter, from Broadway to Hollywood, with operatic renditions and jazz covers. The second half is a vocal and instrumental jazz salute to Sinatra and company, who put their own stamp on stage and film songs written from the early to mid 20th century. This program has also been done as simply “Cole Porter” without the jazzed-up Rat Pack covers. Vincent originally intended to combine Porter and the Rat Pack because “Night and Day” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” are two Porter songs most commonly associated with the Rat Pack.
“The Melodies of Sir Arthur Sullivan”
Savor the delightfully uplifting and joyful melodies of this versatile musical knight. The program presents an assortment of selections from all aspects of Sullivan’s career, plus examples of Sullivan as respectfully imitated by other composers.
Spring 2017
A new program to kick things off, plus more spotlights on great Broadway composers.
“Opera’s Greatest Melodies”
Enjoy instrumental performances of opera’s most popular selections. Composers include: Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, Offenbach, Puccini, Gershwin, and Bernstein.
“Broadway Melodies: Celebrating Jerry Herman”
Irving Berlin lived 27 more years after writing his last stage musical in the early 1960s, not adapting well to rock ‘n’ roll. Jerry Herman continued writing in Berlin’s style, carried to another joyful level. Enjoy Herman’s optimistic words and tuneful melodies. The program includes selections from his musicals Milk and Honey, Hello Dolly, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles, Mack and Mabel, and others.
“Hamilton”
The current Broadway hit Hamilton sets early American history to the tune of rap, hip-hop and current pop music, with a dash of just about every other music genre. The show is the most nominated musical in Broadway history, with 16 Tony nominations. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s book, music and lyrics are the story of America then, as told by America now. Enjoy solo arrangements of selections from the musical that’s changing how we understand history.
“All That Jazz!”
Enjoy songs associated with favorite instrumentalists and vocalists, including Count Basie, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and others. The program was originally intended to be performed in April, honoring Jazz Appreciation Month, but can be performed at any time during the year. The talking points about jazz itself remain the same, while some selections change each year to mark important birthday centennials (I. e. Ella Fitzgerald, 2017).
“The Gershwins and Beyond”
George Gershwin’s music, spanning musical theater, jazz, classical, and popular song, has always been hard to categorize. His brother, Ira, was a brilliant lyricist who worked with other composers including Vernon Duke and Jerome Kern. Enjoy a “‘s Wonderful” tribute to this enduring legacy.
2017-18
Mostly new programs, with a few repackagings of jazz and Broadway material.
Fall 2017
“Vincent at the Pops”
(Mozart Beethoven Handel Rossini Others)
The famous, tuneful excerpts of larger classical pieces are commonly considered to be the lighter side of classical music. Even if the titles, composers, and history of the music aren’t immediately recognized, the music itself continues to transcend the centuries. Enjoy some of the most recognizable music of all time.
“Let Me Entertain You” Part I
An informal program emphasizing a variety of genres, from light classics, jazz, opera, and musical theater, to some light rock ‘n’ roll (Elvis, The Beatles), and maybe a little country (Willie Nelson, Roger Miller). This is basically a typical gig.
“Let Me Entertain You” Part II
This revealing and personal program focuses primarily on the concept of musical improvisation, also including songs typically performed at jazz and blues jam sessions. Vincent will also try to explain his own intuitive understanding of music.
Spring 2018
“Vincent at the Pops: American Classics”
Enjoy timeless music that transcends the centuries. This program celebrates the USA’s rich and diverse musical landscape: rousing marches, patriotic show tunes, stirring anthems, and famous light classics, plus jazz and pop standards from the World Wars and beyond.
“Hidden Gems”
A program of obscure gems from iconic composers of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a repertoire drawn from the stage, screen, and traditional pop music.
“Broadway: Cole Porter, Lerner and Loewe, and Stephen Sondheim”
These giants of musical theater all formally studied music. Their classical background makes their music all the more suitable for interpreters to find new and intriguing ideas, while still staying true to their original intentions. Enjoy great Broadway music in renditions to please both purists and adventurous listeners.
“The Evolution of Jazz”
This American art form has evolved like no other, from Dixieland, to big band, to bebop, to the adventurous sounds from the mid 1960s onwards. Enjoy a fun, casual romp through some of jazz’s unique variations.
“Hooray for Hollywood”
A celebration of timeless songs and scores from the movies, emphasizing great American standards by Mercer, Mancini, Kern, the Gershwins, and others.
2019-2020
Popular recurring programs, new variations on old favorites, and further excursions.
“The Melodies of Sir Arthur Sullivan” (see 2016)
“The Big Band Era” (see 2016)
“Broadway Melodies: Celebrating Jerry Herman” (see 2017)
“The Versatility of Lin-Manuel Miranda”
Enjoy the rousing rhythms, confident melodies, and meaningful lyrics of Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose genre-bending works include In the Heights, Hamilton, and songs from Disney’s Moana. In tribute to Miranda as performer, the program also includes selections from Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, co-starring Miranda In his feature film acting debut, with Emily Blunt in the title role, and joyfully uplifting songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman of Broadway’s “Hairspray” fame.
“Rodgers and More” (see 2016)
“Old Blue Eyes and Friends” (see 2016)
“All That Jazz” (see 2017)
“The Gershwins and Beyond” (see 2017)
“Opera’s Greatest Melodies – San Diego Opera’s Current Main Stage Season”
Enjoy instrumental performances of opera’s most famous selections. In addition to works by Mozart, Puccini, and others, the program includes a tribute to San Diego Opera’s current main stage season. The 2019-2020 offerings are Verdi’s Aida, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.
“Vincent at the Pops: An American in London”
Timeless music continues to transcend the centuries, pleasing fans of all ages. Calling all classical Anglophiles! Enjoy the many moods of Englishm music: love ballads; cheeky ditties; light classics and traditional pop. Composers include Handel, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Sullivan, and Coward, among others.
“The Glenn Miller Sound”
Enjoy up-tempo dance tunes and beautiful ballads in a piano and vocal tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the swing era. Song selection will vary, but expect popular hits including “In the Mood,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Serenade in Blue,” and “Moonlight Serenade.”
“Vincent at the Pops: American Classics” (see 2018)
“Vincent at the Pops: The Songbook Goes Classical”
Savor familiar instrumental light classics that transcend the centuries, plus vocal selections inspired by this same repertoire. Throughout the history of the Great American Songbook, composers and lyricists have used famous themes from the world of classical music as the basis for hit songs. These include Jack Fulton’s “If You Are But a Dream” (based on the music of Anton Rubinstein), and Andre Kostelanetz and Mack David’s “Moon Love” (based on the second movement of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony). These classical-inspired pop songs give new life to the old masters.
“Vincent at the Pops: Happy Feet”
Timeless music continues to transcend the centuries, honoring old favorites while saluting each new trend. Enjoy light classics from ballet, opera and film, as well as pop music, saluting the happy feet that have always danced to music’s diversity.
“From Jazz to Bach”
A personal tribute to Vincent’s family, friends and acquaintances and the music that defines them. Be inspired by a first half that features everything from light classics to jazz to some light rock and pop; then, laugh out loud with parodies and comic songs made famous (or infamous) by the likes of Allan Sherman, Weird Al Yankovich, Spike Jones, P. D. Q. Bach (Peter Schickele), Eric Idle, and more.
“A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein”
This program is a heartfelt tribute to all he has given us. Enjoy selections from his musical theater classics Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town and West Side Story. Also included are talking points and musical examples inspired by his lectures, plus tributes to his work as conductor and pianist.
2020-2021
Ever evolving variations on general topics, plus the return of old favorites.
“Vincent at the Pops: Music by Arrangement”
Musical arrangers can transform the classics to pop hits and hot jazz, add their own instruments to an orchestration, and change the mood of a piece from somber to happy. Enjoy a tribute to some of the best arrangers in the business, including Nelson Riddle, who arranged Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You under My Skin” for Frank Sinatra; Billy May, who arranged for Sinatra and others; and Glenn Osser, who arranged Jerome Kern’s “I’m Old Fashioned” for Sylvia McNair.
“The Ballads of Gilbert and Sullivan” (see 2016)
“Nat King Cole and Company”
Enjoy a piano and vocal tribute to Nat King Cole, who started as a jazz pianist and formed the King Cole Trio. Later he became a singer of hits in a wide variety of genres with his smooth, resonant voice. Other artists who took their cue from Nat’s versatility include his daughter, Natalie Cole, and jazz great John Pizzarelli.
“Broadway Melodies: Celebrating Jerry Herman” (see 2017)
“Comic Operas and More”
In contrast to serious grand opera, comic opera is distinguished by its light, humorous stories and happy endings. The comic opera evolved in Italy in the 18th century and eventually spread to North America. Vincent Young plays, sings (a little), and narrates this rollicking journey through opera’s lighter side – plus highlights from Sir Arthur Sullivan’s 1898 romantic musical drama The Beauty Stone.
“Lerner and Loewe – Broadway’s Last Romantics”
Enjoy selections spanning the magical collaboration of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. These two Broadway romantics captured Tony and Academy awards for such creations as Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, My Fair Lady, Camelot, and Gigi.
“A Tribute to Jazz Royalty”
William “Count” Basie, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, and the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman, are the focus of this program. The straight-ahead swing of Basie and Goodman always guarantees smiles, and Ellington’s standards span the playful to the pensive.
“James van Heusen: Hollywood and Broadway Musicals”
James van Heusen wrote songs for film, TV and theater, and won an Emmy (“Love and Marriage”) and four Academy Awards (“Swinging on a Star,” “All the Way,” “High Hopes,” “Call me Irresponsible”) for Best Original Song. Enjoy the tuneful melodies of this overlooked American popular composer.
“Ballet Music”
In the Baroque music era, ballet music started as an accompaniment to dances for royalty and for the theater. It wasn’t until the Romantic music era that composers began to write ever more substantial music for the ballet stage that would stand on its own in the concert hall. From the grace of Swan Lake to the sheer fun of The Nutcracker, enjoy a concert of selections from memorable ballets. Delibes and Tchaikovsky rule the first half of the program, while Rosenthal and Mackerras arrange the music of Offenbach, Sullivan and Verdi into energetic ballet scores. Khachaturian and Copland bookend the second half. Let’s dance!
“Walt Disney’s Merriest Songs”
Walt Disney couldn’t read or write music, but he instinctively recognized its powerful influence on our emotions, and its ability to make stories come to life. The melodies of Disney’s staff composers, and even staples of European and American light classics, will always endure. From sentiment to silliness and everything in between, celebrate this timeless legacy through magical and diverse music.
“Cole Porter’s Music”
This iconic composer-lyricist’s Broadway and Hollywood musicals include Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate, and Can-Can, among others. His work evolved from his studies of Europe’s classical music tradition, and therefore can be performed in styles spanning the theater and the opera house to the jazz nightclub. In short: Anything goes!
“Miranda & More: American Originals”
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a true American original: composer, lyricist, actor, singer, rapper, and beyond. His musicals include In the Heights and Hamilton, both winners of numerous honors and awards, plus the songs for Disney’s animated film musical Moana. Miranda also starred opposite Emily Blunt in Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns. Also represented on the program, through overtures and orchestral suites, will be the work of the muses who inspired him: Lerner and Loewe (“Camelot”), and Claude-Michel Schönberg, Jean-Marc Natel and Herbert Kretzmer (“Les Misérables”).
“The Rat Pack Revisited”
Enjoy an instrumental and vocal jazz tribute to the composers whose work gave the Rat Pack something to sing about: Frank Loesser, Jerome Kern, Leslie Bricusse, and more. This program attempts to further reinvent their work while also staying true to the original intentions of their music. When Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. performed together on stage, they would frequently re-interpret the work of these composers to fit their own personal style. Ever since, instrumentalists and vocalists have continued to honor the beauty of these composers, while also finding fresh ways to revitalize their work.
“The Glenn Miller Sound” (see 2019)
“Rodgers and More” (see 2016)