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It's All Right: SAB Choral Octavo

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It's All Right Cover Image
It's All Right: SAB Choral Octavo

It's All Right: SAB Choral Octavo

Inspired by Jon Batiste for the movie Soul

Words and music by Curtis Mayfield / arr. Robert T. Gibson

Item: 00-48963

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Description
Jon Batiste's cover for Pixar's Soul brings this feel-good Curtis Mayfield song to a whole new generation. Built on a soulful groove, jazzy twists, and and upbeat vibe, it's everywhere! First made famous by The Impressions, a 60s group of which Mayfield was a member, this happy hit has stood the test of time, recorded by many diverse artists over the years. The arranger adds his own authentic touch with some gospel inflections and interjections. "It's all right, have a good time, 'cause it's all right!"

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081562872
SKU: 00-48963

More about this title

About the Composer: Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield shaped the sound of soul and R&B across five decades, moving from his early work as a guitarist and vocalist with The Impressions in the late 1950s to his landmark solo career. His songwriting voice—thoughtful, politically conscious, and musically innovative—made him a major influence on how popular music engaged with social issues. Beyond his own recordings, his compositions have been interpreted across genres and generations, proving the durability of melodies built on genuine human warmth and rhythmic sophistication.

Mayfield's legacy in music education extends through his role as a bridge between traditions. His songs invite performers and listeners to engage with African American musical heritage while remaining immediately accessible to contemporary audiences. "It's All Right" exemplifies this quality: a track that sounds at home in a soul revue, a film score, or a modern choral arrangement.

Why we love this

Robert T. Gibson's arrangement respects the song's DNA while giving it fresh life for a three-part choir. The gospel inflections and interjections feel earned rather than imposed, honoring both the original material and the tradition it draws from. A piece this joyful and grounded in authentic soul language works beautifully as a concert closer or as the centerpiece of a program exploring contemporary interpretations of classic American popular song.

What to expect

Walking into a room where everyone already knows the vibe is good. The arrangement wraps you in a warm, syncopated groove that feels both sophisticated and inviting, with moments where the harmony gets jazzy enough to surprise you without ever losing its heart. This is music that makes singers and listeners smile without apologizing for feeling good.

Who it's for

Treble and mixed choirs at the secondary and early collegiate level who want to program something contemporary and culturally grounded without sacrificing musical substance. This works well for groups comfortable with jazz harmony and rhythmic independence, or for singers eager to expand their stylistic range beyond traditional art song.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the groove before worrying about precision in the melody. This arrangement lives in the pocket; if your choir feels the underlying pulse and doesn't rush the attack, the joy becomes contagious.
  • Balance the gospel interjections so they land with personality but don't overshadow the main vocal line. These moments need rhythmic clarity and a touch of swagger.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment to internalize the harmonic setting and the rhythmic feel, especially if your singers are more comfortable with traditional choral literature. Hearing it once or twice makes the arranging choices obvious.
  • Attend to the dynamic shape of phrases rather than singing at one volume. The soulful quality depends on subtle peaks and valleys within each section.

How to use it

Close a concert or end the first half with this one. Its upbeat energy and contemporary source material create a natural bridge between serious repertoire and audience connection, and its brevity (16 pages) means it won't exhaust your singers before a finale. It also pairs well in a program exploring how classic soul songs endure across different media and arrangements.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing jazz harmony and contemporary chord extensions
  • Interpreting rhythm with swing and groove rather than metronomic precision
  • Balancing stylistic authenticity with choral blend
  • Responding to gospel musical language and call-and-response techniques
  • Leading a choir to commit emotional presence to contemporary repertoire

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