Orange Colored Sky: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures everything that makes this standard irresistible: the percussive, rhythmic energy of mid-century jazz phrasing packed into material that's genuinely singable for high school and college choirs. The two notated solos give singers a taste of real improvisation within a structured chart, and the hip turnaround changes feel current even though the tune is over seventy years old.

Bright, snappy, and propulsive. The opening "Flash! Bam! Alakazam!" immediately signals that this is music meant to swing, and the tight harmonies over blues-tinged changes create an upbeat energy that feels modern despite its classic origins. There's humor and joy in the rapid-fire delivery, balanced by the sophisticated harmonic language.

Jazz-curious choirs at the high school through college level who want to experience authentic Great American Songbook style without needing trained soloists or a big band. The arrangement works equally well for show choirs looking to expand their repertoire and traditional choirs ready to stretch into rhythmic sophistication.

• Study the Nat King Cole recording to absorb the rhythmic pocket and phrasing style. Notice how he digs into the triplet figures and lands each syllable with precision.
• Shape the fall-offs and slides with intention. These aren't decorative: they're central to the tune's personality, so rehearse them as carefully as you would any melodic passage.
• Let the rhythm section lock in during rehearsals before adding the voices. A tight groove underneath gives singers something solid to lean on when navigating the rapid triplet figures.
• Treat the two notated solos as interpretive moments. Encourage the soloists to phrase and breathe naturally, as if they're improvising, rather than delivering the notes mechanically.

Pair this with other Great American Songbook standards to build a full set around classic American songwriting, or use it as a change-of-pace moment in a mixed concert where you want to surprise the audience with rhythmic drive and vocal jazz vocabulary. It works particularly well in spring concerts or informal settings where audiences appreciate both technical skill and entertainment value.

• Swing rhythm and jazz phrasing (triplet figures, behind-the-beat placement)
• Fall-off and slide techniques with musical intention
• Singing over blues-based harmonic changes
• Tight, rhythmically coordinated ensemble singing
• Notated solo interpretation with semi-improvised style