They’ve all been influenced by singers and value the importance of phrasing in a vocal way. Your piano playing will improve as well, since you’ll be able to phrase melodies like the great jazz musicians do. Now, he accompanies better than he did before. Most jazz pianists don’t accompany very well, and even the great Herbie Hancock admits that he spent most of his career ignoring the lyrics while he accompanied singers.

Not only will you have the experience of “standing in the vocalist’s shoes,” but you’ll know exactly what a vocalist need from a pianist in order to sing their best. For one thing, it will make you a better accompanist. In other words, become a vocalist for a while. Experiment with phrasing the melody differently, holding out some notes longer than their written and singing other phrases in more of a speech pacing. Listen to recordings of famous (and not-so-famous) vocalists sing it, and study their interpretations. Learn to sing it with the correct notes and rhythms. Pick the key that best suits your vocal range. Pretend you’re a vocalist and learn the song.

Sing the melody and lyrics to “When You Wish Upon A Star” as if you were a jazz vocalist. Here’s a practice tip that you probably won’t get anywhere else: Musical ideas and jazz piano practice tips: Study how Armstrong phrases the melody, in this recording from 1968. Jamal plays sparkly jazz piano over a smooth jazz beat. (for international readers who may not have access to these YouTube links, I’ve indicated the original album names wherever possible so you can listen to them on music streaming services, etc.)

There’s nothing “too commercial” about playing songs that people recognize! Remember… during the 1930s-1950s, the audience would have recognized a large percentage of the tunes in a jazz set.

In this case, it was the Disney movie “Pinocchio.” I’ve played with some jazz musicians who look down upon playing anything as beloved by children as this song, but I enjoy playing it myself, especially when I want the audience to recognize the song I’m performing. “When You Wish Upon A Star” is one of those beautiful ballads that was originally sung by an animated character in a movie. A Guide To Help You Play Better Jazz Piano

Song from wish upon a star movie