Don't Blame It on Me: Choral Octavo SoundPax

Jack Zaino's arrangement captures everything that makes Bublé's original infectious: the New Orleans shuffle groove, the flirtation between voice parts, and that irresistible big-band warmth. The men's feature at the top gives your ensemble an immediate hook, and the call-and-response section energizes rehearsals while the stacked harmonies reward singers who've developed blend and intonation.

Bright and buoyant from the opening men's feature, with that unmistakable New Orleans lilt that makes you want to move. The playful lyrics about falling in love land as genuinely charming rather than saccharine, and the mix of call-and-response trade-offs with lush stacked harmony creates a sense of both fun and sophistication.

Choirs that thrive on contemporary pop and jazz-influenced music will embrace this arrangement. It works equally well for high school and adult community choirs, and it's accessible enough for ensembles still building advanced harmonic technique while remaining engaging for singers with strong jazz or musical theater backgrounds.

• Lock the shuffle groove early in rehearsal. The lift and bounce of this rhythm defines the entire arrangement, so establish the pocket before layering harmonies.
• Balance the featured male section against ensemble entries. The opening needs clarity so the guys' charm comes across, then blend smoothly when the full choir enters with the call-and-response.
• Lean into the horn rhythms on the accompaniment. Those big-band stabs and the thumping bass aren't background texture; they drive the energy and give your singers something rhythmic to lock onto.
• Shape the dynamics across stacked harmonies without losing vertical blend. Each harmonic layer should contribute to the overall warmth rather than stand out as a separate voice.

This arrangement shines on a concert celebrating contemporary music or a program that pairs well with other pop and jazz selections. It's substantial enough to anchor a set without being heavy, and the recorded accompaniment option makes it ideal for pops concerts, fundraisers, or hybrid programs where you want ensemble material that audiences genuinely know and love.

• New Orleans shuffle groove and swing feel
• Call-and-response ensemble execution
• Stacked harmony blend and balance
• Rhythmic precision in big-band style accompaniment
• Gender-specific feature performance and seamless ensemble re-entry