What are some good jazz, R&B and soul songs to play?

Can someone please explain to me everything in these audition requirements?

• I'm wanting to apply for Mannes the New School for Jazz and Contemporary music as a vocalist. I'm trained classically as well as in a contemporary style. I'm confused as to exactly what they're wanting as far as a prescreening audition goes. Especially towards the end when it says "At the end of the melody, have the bacnd play a one-to-two chord vamp". I have no idea what that means, and I dont know how you're supposed to have "the band" play something if you're using their online audition accompaniment on ekomi.com/newschool. Another question...when it says "Applicants who find it difficult to put together a rhythm section are strongly advised to take advantage of option B (the online audition)" WHAT is a rhythm section and how would a singer perform that?? thanks for the help..... The Prescreen Audition Process Vocal applicants have two options for prescreen audition material submission. Applicants must demonstrate their vocal quality, range, articulation, and ability to interpret the lyric using the melody of a song as written. Applicants who find it difficult to put together a rhythm section are strongly advised to take advantage of option B (the online audition). Option A: CD Option B: Online Audition (with Rythm Section) www.ekomi.com/newschool REPERTOIRE REQUIRED 1. One of the following songs: • “Here’s That Rainy Day” • “In a Sentimental Mood” • “All the Things You Are” Guidelines for song 1: a) Sing the melody as written b) Sing the melody a cappella c) Sing the melody twice, the first time in one key and the second time in a key at least a major second higher. 2. Two of the following songs: • “All Blues” • “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise” • “Body and Soul” Guidelines for song 2: a) Sing the melody with the band using the standard (not substituted) chord changes. b) At the end of the melody, have the band play a one- to two-chord vamp. c) While the band is vamping, improvise using either lyrics or scat syllables for at least 45 seconds. d) Come to a definite end (do not fade out).

• Answer:

  If you don't know what these are, you need to find a jazz teacher quick. Jazz people know all these options. It is like a classical audition asking to prepare an aria, an arpeggio warm up and something from the Baroque period. I bet you know what these are - and what your suggestions would be to a singer asking you what it all meant. You can learn this jazz stuff in a few weeks with a good jazz teacher. Good Luck!