Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me: Choral SoundPax
By Bob Russell and Duke Ellington / arr. Darmon Meader
Item: 00-PK-0001030
$15.00
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Description
Parts included are: piano, bass, drums
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PK-0001030
Instrumentation:
piano, bass, drums
More about this title
About the Composer: Bob Russell
Bob Russell (1914-1970) was a lyricist and composer who shaped the Great American Songbook alongside some of jazz's most celebrated musicians. His partnership with Duke Ellington produced enduring standards, including this piece, which showcases Russell's gift for writing lyrics that swing naturally over complex harmonic changes. Russell's work bridges popular song and jazz sophistication, making his compositions particularly rewarding for choral arrangers seeking material with both accessibility and musical depth.
Why we love this
Darmon Meader's arrangement captures the relaxed sophistication of the original while making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs. The piece swings without demanding extensive jazz experience from your singers, and the inclusion of a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) gives choirs a taste of working with live accompaniment that feels both authentic and achievable.
What to expect
Smooth, unhurried, and effortlessly cool. The tune floats over a gentle swing rhythm, inviting singers into a world of vintage sophistication and easy charm. There's a playful quality to the lyrics paired with the underlying harmonic richness that makes this piece feel both vintage and contemporary.
Who it's for
Mixed choirs at the intermediate level and above who want to explore the Great American Songbook and jazz idioms. Directors seeking an accessible entry point into swing repertoire will find this arrangement especially useful, as it builds ensemble musicality without requiring advanced jazz technique.
How to get the most out of it
- Treat the lyric as spoken conversation. The phrasing should land naturally, as if the singers are delivering a message rather than performing a song. This authenticity is what makes the text resonate.
- Balance the choir's blend with the rhythm section's pocket. Rehearse multiple times with the recorded accompaniment so singers internalize the groove and lock into the groove without oversinging.
- Shape phrases around the text's punctuation and meaning. Let the lyrics breathe, especially during the song's narrative moments, rather than sustaining every phrase to the bar line.
- Keep the tempo conversational and easy. Resist the urge to rush; this song's charm lives in its unhurried delivery and natural swing feel.
How to use it
This works beautifully in a program exploring American popular song or as a standalone piece that brings a fresh vocal and instrumental energy to a concert. Consider pairing it with other swing standards or using it to bridge between classical choral work and more contemporary popular repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Jazz phrasing and swing feel
- Lyric diction in a conversational style
- Blending voices with jazz rhythm section (piano, bass, drums)
- Interpretation of Great American Songbook repertoire