Chain of Fools: SSAB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Don Covay / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0006603
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
One moment…
Related Items
Chain of Fools: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download |
$27.99
|
View | |
Chain of Fools: SATB Choral Octavo |
$2.10
|
View | |
Chain of Fools: SSA Choral Octavo |
$2.10
|
View | |
Chain of Fools: SATB Choral Octavo |
$2.10
|
View | |
Chain of Fools: SSAB Choral Octavo |
$2.25
|
View | |
Chain of Fools: SSA Choral Octavo |
$2.10
|
View | |
Chain of Fools: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD |
$27.99
|
View |
Description
Oh, baby! Aretha Franklin move on over! Greg's arrangement is just as funky and full as can be. Great solo feature, too.
Chain of Fools: SSAB Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006603
More about this title
About the Composer: Don Covay
Don Covay wrote and recorded "Chain of Fools" in 1967, crafting a soul-funk anthem that became one of the era's most recognizable hits. His songwriting centered on groove-driven melodies and lyrics with real bite, making him a significant figure in the soul and R&B landscape. When Aretha Franklin recorded her version two years later, the song became a crossover classic, but Covay's original remains the blueprint for the infectious, funky energy that makes this arrangement so effective.
Why we love this
Greg Gilpin captures the swagger and punch of the original without requiring a large ensemble or complex orchestration. The solo feature gives your strongest vocalist a moment to shine while the three-part voicing keeps the arrangement accessible for most choirs. You get authentic funk flavor that still sounds current in concert, and the recorded accompaniment option means you can rehearse without a pianist if needed.
What to expect
Funky, confident, and a little sly. The groove sits low and easy, with just enough attitude in the lyrics and melody to keep things fun without veering into novelty. It's the kind of piece that makes audiences smile and your singers feel like musicians.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for contemporary repertoire with real soul and energy. This works for singers who thrive in secular contexts and aren't afraid of rhythm-driven material.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section (basses and any percussive elements) into a tight pocket; the funk lives in the groove, not the notes.
- Let the soloist own the attitude. This song demands personality and confidence, so rehearse the solo part with enough space for individual interpretation.
- Balance transparency in the three-part writing. Gilpin's arrangement is economical; every voice has a reason to be there, so resist the urge to over-project.
- Nail the articulation changes between the groovy sections and any tighter, rhythmic moments. Crisp consonants and clean releases will enhance the funk feel.
How to use it
Program this after a set of more traditional work to reset the energy in your concert. It's equally at home in a contemporary pop set or as a standalone moment that shows your choir's range. The piece also works as an excellent teaching tool for understanding groove and funk elements in choral writing.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in a tight rhythmic pocket and maintaining groove against sustained harmonies
- Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a single piece
- Articulation control in funk and soul idioms
- Understanding syncopated rhythms and where to sit in the beat rather than on top of it