Alone Again – J.R. Monterose
This dreamy vocal piece celebrates finding yourself after losing a love. Try it as a bossa or a ballad. Exclusive MP3s available: both full tracks and Minus You backing tracks to practice along with.
- Recording: Nancy Valentine - The JazzLeadSheets Songbook
- Recorded on: May 24, 2003
- Label: jazzleadsheets.com (JLS 1011)
- Concert Key: G minor
- Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano, A3 to A-flat4
- Style: Ballad
- Vocal - Nancy Valentine
- Piano - Cecilia Coleman
- Bass - Tim Givens
- Drums - Vince Cherico
This can be sung either as a ballad or a bossa. As you'll hear in the audio clip above, our ballad recording starts with a one-measure solo piano set up. The bossa version bossa starts with a two-measure solo piano introduction. Recorded versions of both are available in MP3 format, with and without the vocal.
There is no key indication for this song because it's not really in a definable key. When that's the case, we label the song by the first chord of the melody. However, Alone Again definitely has a minor flavor (and message) and very interesting chord progression.
Lyric Description: J.R.'s Alone Again speaks of how, after a relationship has ended, the ensuing period of solitude and reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of the essential issues of life.
No-vocal versions: Both the complete bossa and ballad recordings are also available without the vocal track, so you can have your chance to express the song with the rhythm section.
If another key would be better for you, send the key you'd like to Don and we'll post the transposition on the website for purchase. If you're not sure which key is best, send us your range and we'll work with you to figure out the best key.
There is no key indication for this song because it's not really in a definable key. When that's the case, we label the song by the first chord of the melody. However, Alone Again definitely has a minor flavor (and message) and very interesting chord progression.
Lyric Description: J.R.'s Alone Again speaks of how, after a relationship has ended, the ensuing period of solitude and reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of the essential issues of life.
No-vocal versions: Both the complete bossa and ballad recordings are also available without the vocal track, so you can have your chance to express the song with the rhythm section.
If another key would be better for you, send the key you'd like to Don and we'll post the transposition on the website for purchase. If you're not sure which key is best, send us your range and we'll work with you to figure out the best key.
"The JazzLeadSheets Songbook" was recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs.
First recorded in 1981 by vocalist Carmelita Esposito on a session with J.R. and trumpeter Sal Amico, but we can't find this version available anywhere. Sal brought a cassette to our office a few years after J.R. died. The album was titled "The Men I Love," and we were able to find a clipping from the Ottawa Citizen (Sept. 17, 1982):
This lead sheet is also found in our Sing JAZZ! songbook, a collection of stunning, lesser-known vocal selections from the Second Floor Music repertoire (Sing JAZZ! contents).
Hear more of Nancy Valentine on "The JazzLeadSheets Songbook."
First recorded in 1981 by vocalist Carmelita Esposito on a session with J.R. and trumpeter Sal Amico, but we can't find this version available anywhere. Sal brought a cassette to our office a few years after J.R. died. The album was titled "The Men I Love," and we were able to find a clipping from the Ottawa Citizen (Sept. 17, 1982):
This lead sheet is also found in our Sing JAZZ! songbook, a collection of stunning, lesser-known vocal selections from the Second Floor Music repertoire (Sing JAZZ! contents).
Hear more of Nancy Valentine on "The JazzLeadSheets Songbook."
J.R. Monterose
January 19, 1927 – September 26, 1993
A tenor saxophonist with a light though penetrating tone and a keen melodic and rhythmic approach, Monterose always brought something special to the bandstand or recording studio. He played extensively with Buddy Rich, Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham (he recorded with the latter pair) and pianist George Wallington, but he was mostly a leader. Read more...