Jean Laughlin

Jean Laughlin

Jean Laughlin is a Chicago jazz/cabaret singer songwriter whose songs are like a self-help book put to music—her satiny voice and rich lyrics touch the music lover’s heart.

Jean’s solid vocal and musical command underlie each composition’s appeal. She began singing at age five and studying classical piano at seven. At the age of eleven, she performed on the nationally televised ‘Bob Crosby’ Show.

Graduating from the University of Wisconsin, she majored in Speech/Drama and studied opera for two years to fine tune her instrument. After settling in Chicago, Jean became a fixture in recording studios, doing work in television commercials, voice-overs and radio spots for agencies such as Leo Burnett, J. Walter Thompson and Foote, Cone & Belding. She performed in industrial shows, where she worked with Chicago legends like Shelley Long.

Jean has teamed up with arranger Jim Martin on 4 separate CD’s that include songs by Jean scored by Jim for string orchestra, orchestra as well as full big band. Listen to Jean’s latest CD release here.

Songs by Jean Laughlin arranged for big band by Jim Martin

Disagree

(for female vocalist)
Composed by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

This is another fun chart that was done for Jean Laughlin’s latest CD What Am I Looking For? It’s an uptempo chart that is right out of the 40’s swing dance band era.

This recording features Jean Laughlin along with solos by Tom Garling (trombone) and Jim Gailloreto (tenor). Another fun chart to feature your female vocalist. Listen by clicking on the icon to the left.

PRICE – $17.95

Take A Risk

(for female vocal)
Composed by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

This is a chart that was done for Jean Laughlin’s latest CD What Am I Looking For? Jean and I have collaborated on a few CD’s over the years. The charts are mainly for string orchestra but we do sneak a few big band arrangements in too.

“Take a Risk” is a bluesy 3/4 time tune with some hard driving figures in the band. (Actually the whole band is chocked full of great players!) Feature your female vocalist on this one. Listen by clicking on the player on the right.

PRICE – $17.95

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Own Up

(for female vocalist)
Composed by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

Own Up is a blues 12/8 feel swinger that begins with a rubato section for female vocalist and piano.

This recording features Jean Laughlin along with the soulful tenor work of Jim Gailloreto. Another fun chart to feature your female vocalist. Listen by clicking on the icon to the right.

PRICE – $17.95

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Party Down

(for female vocal)
Composed by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

This chart is a fun medium swing chart. Solo changes are similar to Doxy changes. Solo section can be open if desired.

PRICE – $17.95

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Looking At The Downside

(for female vocal)
Composed by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

This chart has a minor blues type of form. Solos can be open over straight 12 bar minor blues. It is a fun chart to play and your singer will enjoy singing this one as well. Take a listen. Mp3 is available free with purchase.

PRICE – $17.95

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Sad Eyes

(for female vocal)
Composed by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

Sad Eyes is a slow bluesy vocal in a 12/8 type of feel. The chart begins rubato for vocalist and piano. Time starts with the vocalist setting the tempo. Solo section can be opened up since its basically a blues although the tune itself has a “bridge”. This will be fun for band and vocalist. Tenor solo on this recording features Mark Colby.

PRICE – $17.95

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Simplify

Music by Jean Laughlin
Arranged by Jim Martin

This chart is a fun one for both band and vocalist. Set in a medium swing groove, this chart allows for 2 soloists, tpt and bone – but it can be opened up more if needed.

Simpify is a tune based on everyone’s frustration at times with technology. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.

PRICE: $17.95

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