And All That Jazz

John Kander and Fred Ebb created a number of 20th-century show classics, including Cabaret and Kiss of the spider woman, but Chicago is perhaps their greatest and best-loved show of them all. On the surface ‘And All That Jazz’ is a celebration of bohemian excess of every conceivable kind. Sing the fantastic, show-stopping melody with great energy, have a ball and relish the rich word painting. There is an underlying dark side, however, which shows itself at the end when Roxie murders her unfaithful husband in anger. Vibrato is appropriate and a clear, well-tuned, brash sound that carries a mile is more important than a refined, classically rounded tone here. Make sure the words are exceptionally clear and above all, prioritize telling the story.