Shaking The Blues Away (from Holiday Inn): E-Z Play Today

Berlin's "Shaking The Blues Away" radiates infectious optimism, making it a reliable choice for lifting the energy of any program. The song sits perfectly for piano solo or as an accompaniment vehicle, and its straightforward harmonic language lets students focus on style and swing rather than getting tangled in complexity.

Bright and buoyant, with a vaudeville-inflected charm. The song bounces with optimism; despite the title invoking blues, the harmonic and rhythmic language is pure sunshine and motion.

This arrangement works for pianists tackling Broadway repertoire for the first time as well as for experienced players looking for a reliable performance piece. Show choir directors will find it useful as a solo piano feature or as an interlude between larger ensemble numbers.

• Lean into the rhythmic drive of the accompaniment. Berlin's patterns in this song want momentum; resist the urge to let tempo sag between phrases.
• Pay attention to where Berlin places syncopation and where he lands on strong beats. The contrast between syncopated lines and solid downbeats creates the song's cheerful propulsion.
• Treat the melody with flexibility. While the lead line should sing clearly, the surrounding comping has room for swing and a conversational feel typical of 1930s show music.

Pair this with other Berlin standards from Holiday Inn for a focused tribute concert, or use it as a solo piano interlude in a Broadway revue. Its upbeat character makes it an excellent closer or pick-me-up after a slower ballad.

• Swing rhythm and syncopation characteristic of 1930s Broadway
• Comping in a jazz-influenced idiom
• Balancing melody and accompaniment texture
• Tempo control and rhythmic momentum in uptempo material