Blues Back to Back: Choral SoundPax

Shaw's arrangement captures the swagger and sophistication of classic American songwriting without overwhelming your singers. The pairing of two well-known pieces gives your choir maximum impact in one rehearsal investment, and his attention to jazzy articulation and phrasing details rewards the time your ensemble puts in.

Smooth and swinging, with the easy confidence of music from Hollywood's golden age. The arrangement invites singers into the relaxed phrasing and bluesy tonality that make American songbook standards timeless, creating moments where the choir sounds like a polished vocal jazz ensemble.

Directors seeking sophisticated blues and jazz material that engages mixed choirs without requiring extensive vocal jazz training. This works equally well for concert choirs wanting to expand their stylistic range and for directors building a vocal jazz program with accessible, high-interest repertoire.

• Pay close attention to articulation markings and dynamic shadings. Shaw's arranging style relies on these details to create the authentic blues and jazz feel that lifts the piece beyond a straightforward choral reading.
• Use the SoundTrax accompaniment early in rehearsal to establish groove and style. The recorded tracks model the swing and rhythmic ease that make these arrangements come alive.
• Have your rhythm section (or designated singers) lock onto the walking bass and comping patterns before full ensemble rehearsals. This foundation makes the vocal parts sit naturally in the pocket.
• Layer the jazz inflections gradually. Teach chord changes and blue notes separately, then add rubato and swung rhythms in later rehearsals so singers absorb the style rather than forcing it.

Program these back-to-back in a pops concert or as a tonal and stylistic shift within a larger mixed repertoire concert. The pairing also works well as a complete set piece for competitions or showcases focused on American music or jazz styles.

• Jazz articulation and rhythmic swing in a choral context
• Blues tonality and blue note intonation
• Ensemble cohesion in syncopated, groove-based music
• Interpretation of jazz phrasing and dynamic nuance
• Blend and balance across jazz harmonies