Mornin' Sheet Music Preview

Mornin': Choral Instrumental Pak

By Jay Graydon / By David Foster / As performed by Al Jarreau / Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Item: 35-PK00179745

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Description
In terms of longevity and versatility, there are few who can match Al Jarreau with a catalog that ranges from RB to jazz and pop! This bubbly song from 1983 is so positive and uplifting, your audience can't help but smile! A wonderful showcase for jazz and pop ensembles! Duration: ca. 4:00.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00179745

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Graydon

Jay Graydon is a prolific session guitarist, composer, and producer who shaped the sound of 1970s and 1980s pop and R&B. His work as both instrumentalist and songwriter appears across countless platinum records, collaborating with artists like Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, and George Benson. In the classroom, Graydon's compositions offer direct access to the sophisticated harmonic language and groove sensibilities that define the era.

Graydon's approach to songwriting prioritizes melody and accessibility without sacrificing musical depth. His catalog demonstrates how strong harmonic choices and rhythmic clarity can carry a song across multiple genres, making his work invaluable for teaching students how professional pop and jazz compositions actually function.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the infectious optimism of the original while building in space for your ensemble to shine. The Rhythm voicing gives you flexibility to highlight your strongest singers and instrumentalists without losing the polished, professional feel that makes this song instantly recognizable.

What to expect

Sunshine in four minutes. The song radiates the kind of effortless positivity that comes from impeccable musicianship and genuine warmth. It moves with the confidence of a hit record while inviting your ensemble to participate in something both polished and genuinely joyful.

Who it's for

Jazz and pop ensembles looking for a crowd pleaser with legitimate musical substance. High school and college groups comfortable with contemporary voicing and the grooves that define 1980s studio production will find immediate success here.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the groove locked between your rhythm section and any accompanying musicians. The pocket in this song is its engine; even slight hesitation will flatten the energy.
  • Lean into the legit pop phrasing throughout. This isn't a classical line; let your singers sit back, use their natural vibrato, and breathe where a real vocalist would.
  • Balance the ensemble sound against any soloists or small group moments. The arrangement likely features spotlight opportunities, so clarity matters more than thickness.
  • Capture the brightness in the upper register without forcing. This song lives in the optimistic space between jazz sophistication and radio-friendly accessibility.

How to use it

Open a concert with this to set an upbeat tone, or place it in the middle of a set to refresh audience energy. It pairs naturally with other contemporary pop and R&B selections and works equally well as a centerpiece for a jazz or vocal pop showcase.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing rhythmically complex rhythms in a contemporary groove context
  • Phrasing and articulation in pop and R&B styles
  • Blending with rhythm section and instrumental accompaniment
  • Lock and sync between vocals and pre-recorded or live accompaniment
  • Jazz and pop harmonic understanding through performance

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