Java Jive (arr. Ed Lojeski): SATB Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's arrangement captures the swagger and rhythmic snap of the Manhattan Transfer recording while remaining genuinely singable for a mixed chorus. The voicing sits comfortably across all four parts, and the jazz vocabulary (syncopated lines, blues inflections, call-and-response moments) teaches singers how to phrase and accent in a style that feels authentic, not theatrical.

Playful and energetic, with the warmth of a vintage jazz vocal group. The piece swings with a confident snap, featuring clever rhythmic interplay that gives every voice something fun to do while maintaining the light, conversational tone of the original.

Directors seeking a secular concert piece that engages singers with jazz idioms and builds ensemble blend through syncopated writing. This arrangement works for choirs with even moderate jazz experience and creates a natural bridge between classical choral technique and contemporary popular styles.

• Lock the rhythm section into a solid swing feel from day one; the groove is the foundation that lets the melodic content breathe.
• Shape the call-and-response sections between soprano and the lower voices with clear articulation and slight space between phrases.
• Treat the scat passages and rhythmic figures as a conversation, not a race; precision matters more than speed.
• Balance the ensemble sound so the melody is never buried, particularly when parts move rhythmically underneath the main line.

Pair this with other mid-century popular standards or modern jazz charts for a concert that showcases your choir's versatility in non-classical repertoire. It also serves as an excellent closer for a pop or jazz-focused show, leaving audiences in a buoyant mood.

• Swing rhythm and syncopated phrasing
• Jazz articulation and accent placement
• Call-and-response coordination between voice parts
• Blend and balance with independent rhythmic lines
• Interpretation of jazz vocabulary and style