Something's Gotta Give: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Jay Althouse captures the swagger and sophistication of this Mercer standard in an arrangement that works equally well for vocal jazz ensembles and traditional choirs. The SoundTrax CD removes a major rehearsal bottleneck, giving your singers a reference recording and accompaniment track immediately, so rehearsal time focuses on blend, articulation, and the rhythmic tightness that makes a swing arrangement sing. The writing is accessible without sacrificing the jazz vocabulary that makes this era of American music so rewarding to explore.

The groove has lift and attitude; this is music that swings without sounding forced or self-conscious. Mercer's lyrics carry the warmth of mid-century vernacular and wit, while Althouse's arrangement seats them in lush jazz harmonies that feel both sophisticated and joyfully accessible. Your singers will feel the difference between performing and performing with style.

Choral directors seeking repertoire that bridges concert and jazz idioms will find this Mercer classic an ideal fit for mixed or treble choirs at the intermediate level and above. This octavo works for programs celebrating American songwriting, centennial or tribute concerts, and ensembles looking to expand into swing and jazz phrasing without relying on a full jazz band arrangement. Singers with some experience in popular music will engage immediately with both the melody and the era it represents.

• Study the recorded accompaniment first as a full ensemble so singers understand the groove and harmonic motion before learning their individual parts.
• Lock the rhythmic precision in the section work by isolating phrases and counting through swing eighth-note subdivisions; this style demands crisp ensemble attacks and releases.
• Balance the jazz interpretation against over-articulation; let the swing feel breathe naturally rather than forcing every syllable to punch.
• Use the SoundTrax CD at performance tempo during the final weeks of rehearsal to condition the ensemble to sing with the track without losing their internal pulse.

Pair this with other Mercer numbers or classic American standards to create a concert segment that resonates with audiences of all ages. The arrangement's versatility allows it to anchor a pop choral showcase or to serve as the bridge between traditional concert repertoire and more contemporary popular music. Consider it a perfect vehicle for a spring pops concert or an end-of-year celebration where vocal jazz energy can take center stage.

• Swing rhythm and jazz phrasing (swing eighths, triplet feel subdivision)
• Blend and intonation in jazz harmony contexts (extended and altered chords)
• Stylistic interpretation and articulation appropriate to the American Songbook era
• Ensemble precision and synchronization with recorded accompaniment