Let's Call the Whole Thing Off: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

Russell L. Robinson's arrangement captures the wit and rhythmic sophistication of Gershwin's original without overwhelming young singers. The piece swings naturally, lets the text sparkle, and sits comfortably on the voice while sounding genuinely jazz-influenced rather than diluted.

Urbane and conversational, with the easy sophistication of 1930s New York. The melody bounces with charm; the harmony nods to jazz without demanding technical virtuosity from singers. It's a piece that feels cool and accomplished while remaining genuinely fun to perform.

Choirs looking to program accessible jazz repertoire with genuine harmonic and melodic substance. This arrangement works for intermediate and advanced high school choirs, college pop ensembles, and community choirs wanting to reach audiences with familiar, beloved material.

• Keep the rhythm section laid back and conversational. The charm lives in the relaxed swing feel, not driving the tempo forward.
• Shape the lyrical phrases as if you're having a friendly argument. The text should feel spoken and playful, not belted.
• Balance the recorded accompaniment so the rhythm is clear but the voices remain the focal point. The full mix should support, not overshadow, your singers.

Pair this with other standards or classic pop pieces for a themed concert celebrating American songwriting. The recorded accompaniment makes it ideal for a concert where instrumental accompaniment isn't available, or for showcasing how modern audio resources expand programming possibilities.

• Swing rhythm and jazz phrasing
• Syncopated rhythmic patterns typical of Great American Songbook standards
• Blend and balance in sections singing around jazz harmonies
• Lyrical clarity and text articulation for comedic effect
• Following recorded accompaniment and staying locked with an audio track