Hey Mambo: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Barry Manilow / Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00160586
$30.00
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Description
From Barry Manilow's 1987 album "Swing Street," this hot Latin classic drew on the talents of Kid Creole and the Coconuts and makes a superb feature for vocal jazz and show choirs! Super feature for Latin percussion and choreography! Duration: 2:45.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00160586
More about this title
About the Composer: Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow built his career on infectious melodies and sophisticated pop arrangements that bridge commercial appeal with musical substance. His work across decades of songwriting, performing, and producing has made him a fixture in American popular music, with a gift for crafting songs that lodge themselves in listeners' minds while maintaining genuine musical craftsmanship.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the swagger and fun of the original while giving your ensemble room to shine, especially with Latin percussion and movement. The tune's infectious energy and relatively tight two-minute-forty-five-second runtime make it an ideal closer that leaves audiences grinning and energized.
What to expect
Warm, swinging, and thoroughly groovy. The mambo rhythm propels everything forward with a sense of joy and sophistication that feels both celebratory and assured. This is the kind of tune that makes an audience lean forward in their seats.
Who it's for
Vocal jazz choirs and show choirs looking for a Latin feature that combines contemporary pop songwriting with authentic rhythmic drive. Your ensemble needs solid vocal blend and comfortable rhythmic precision, but the piece doesn't demand virtuosic soloists or complex harmonies.
How to get the most out of it
- Nail the forward momentum in the rhythm section; this tune thrives on a tight, driving pulse that keeps the mambo feel crisp and clean.
- Let your Latin percussionists carry the character of the piece. Their groove is the backbone, so give them space and clarity in rehearsal.
- Build the arrangement's dynamics gradually. The piece gains momentum through repetition and layering, so resist the urge to go full volume from measure one.
- If you're adding choreography, keep it grounded in the mambo idiom itself. Hip action and sharp arm work will feel natural to this rhythm rather than fighting against it.
How to use it
Place it as a concert closer or as the anchor of a Latin-themed set that showcases your percussion section's musicality. The upbeat character and crowd appeal make it ideal for spring concerts or any program where you want to leave the audience with infectious energy.
Skills your students will build
- Mambo rhythm vocabulary and Latin groove internalization
- Ensemble blend and balance across Latin percussion and vocals
- Rhythmic precision in contemporary pop idioms
- Musicality within a groove-based framework rather than phrase-based singing
- Coordination with percussionists in a rhythm-section-driven ensemble