Invitation (arr. Paris Rutherford) - Paul Francis Webster and Bronislau Kaper, Bronislau Kaper, Paul Francis Webster (Choral, SATB) – “Invitation” is a very special song, composed by Bronislau Kaper for the 1950 film A Life of Her Own, starring Lana Turner. In 1952, lyrics were added by Paul Francis Webster as the tune became the title song for another film, Invitation. Other important recordings include John Coltrane, the Jazz Messengers, and the Roy Hargrove Quintet. A lush and haunting melody, my arrangement presents the song a cappella to highlight its beauty. The singer performing the “walking bass” is free to use his own preferred syllables, but avoiding dark sounds such as “ah” and “oh” (which tend to diminish the beauty of the lyric message). Mouth percussion was avoided for “Invitation,” since typical sounds at this slower tempo would tend to “date” the arrangement. I hope that you enjoy your Invitation to this area of vocal jazz! Paris Rutherford