That's All: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Kirby Shaw's arrangement strips away nothing essential while keeping the piece within reach of singers new to jazz idiom. The 12/8 meter and lush voicings create an immediately satisfying sound without demanding years of jazz experience, making this a rare entry point that doesn't compromise musicality. Pair it with a recorded accompaniment, and your ensemble has a polished concert selection that feels contemporary and timeless simultaneously.

Nostalgic and intimate, this arrangement wraps you in the sound of a 1950s jazz lounge without being retro or campy. The flowing 12/8 meter and lush harmonies create space for reflection, and the recorded trio accompaniment brings that warm, intimate trio sound right into your rehearsal hall and concert.

High school choirs and adult vocal ensembles exploring jazz standards will find this arrangement welcoming and musically satisfying. Singers new to the jazz idiom benefit from the accessible voicings and guided recorded accompaniment, while experienced groups appreciate the warmth and sophistication of Shaw's orchestration.

• Shape phrases across the bar lines rather than stopping at each measure; the 12/8 meter naturally encourages longer melodic arcs, so encourage singers to think in three-beat groupings and connect through the form.
• Balance the chord textures carefully, especially in the upper voicings. Jazz chords can blur if all parts sing with equal weight; lighter touch on inner harmonies lets the melody and bass line breathe.
• Work the swing feel early in rehearsal. Even with a recorded accompaniment, your singers should understand where the groove sits so they don't rush or lag behind the rhythm section.
• Pay attention to the lyrical quality of Haymes' melody. This is a love song, and the sentiment should come through in phrasing and vowel warmth, not get lost in the jazz styling.

Program this as a standalone concert feature or pair it with other Great American Songbook selections to build a full set that explores jazz vocal tradition. The romantic character and accessible style make it equally at home on a spring pops concert or a fall show focused on accessible new repertoire.

• Reading and singing in 12/8 meter
• Jazz phrasing and swing feel
• Balancing jazz voicings and inner harmony
• Singing to a recorded rhythm section
• Interpreting lyrical content in a jazz context