I Only Have Eyes for You / The More I See You: SSA Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's samba arrangement injects genuine rhythmic vitality into two standards that risk feeling stale in traditional treatments. The pairing is smart repertoire curation that lets singers experience the Great American Songbook through a contemporary rhythmic lens, and the SSA voicing makes it accessible without oversimplifying the harmonic richness these songs deserve.

Breezy and sophisticated at once. The samba rhythm creates forward momentum and brightness, while the harmonic language and lyrical content keep things emotionally grounded. There's a sophisticated ease here, as if these beloved songs are being shared at an intimate evening gathering rather than performed in a museum.

Directors programming pop/jazz repertoire for treble choirs who want standards sung with fresh energy rather than nostalgic reverence. SSA groups benefit from the accessible voicing without sacrificing harmonic interest, and singers at the intermediate to advanced level will find the rhythmic independence and stylistic demands genuinely engaging.

• Keep the samba rhythm light and swinging rather than rigid. The groove should feel relaxed enough that the lyrics land clearly, even as the ensemble locks the offbeat percussion feel.
• Balance the soprano line prominence with supportive alto writing. The arrangement depends on blended tone in the lower voices to maintain harmonic sophistication.
• Shape the phrases across the bridge and key modulations to avoid monotony. These songs deserve musical storytelling even within a dance groove.
• Use the recorded accompaniment as a reference for the samba pulse, but encourage singers to listen to classic interpretations of each song separately so they understand the emotional core beneath the rhythmic treatment.

This works beautifully in a concert section featuring jazz standards or Great American Songbook material, especially if you're programming a mix of styles and eras. The upbeat samba treatment pairs well alongside slower ballads or more traditional pop arrangements, giving a concert shape and variety. It also serves as an excellent introduction to standards for younger ensembles discovering classic repertoire.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated and swung figures
• Stylistic awareness of jazz/samba interpretation versus traditional ballad singing
• Independence in three-part SSA voicing with active inner lines
• Historical context for Great American Songbook standards
• Lyrical clarity and phrasing across a contemporary rhythmic groove