That's All: SATB Choral Octavo

Kirby Shaw's arrangement brings genuine jazz sensibility to a 1950s standard without overwhelming singers new to the style. The flowing 12/8 meter and lush harmonies create an unhurried, conversational feel that lets the sentiment of the lyric shine through. This is the kind of piece that sounds completely at home on a pop concert and gives choirs a sophisticated entry point into the Great American Songbook.

Warmth and nostalgia permeate this setting; there's a dreamy quality to the extended meter and lush harmonies that evokes a late-night jazz club where time slows down. The arrangement respects the intimacy of the lyric while surrounding it with rich harmonic support, creating a sense of timeless elegance that feels both relaxed and deeply musical.

This octavo suits teen and adult choirs with some harmonic experience but new to jazz vocal repertoire. The accessible voicing and familiar melody make it attainable for singers building confidence in contemporary choral music, while the arrangement's sophisticated harmonic language and 12/8 meter keep it rewarding for more experienced ensembles.

• Shape the phrasing in longer arcs within the 12/8 meter; resist the impulse to stress individual beats, letting the rhythm feel like natural speech set to music.
• Balance the four voices so the melody remains clear while the supporting harmonies create the lush texture that defines this arrangement.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the warm jazz aesthetic and help singers feel the groove without needing live rhythm section musicians from day one.
• Pay attention to vowel matching across all four parts during sustained harmonies to unify the sound and enhance the romantic quality of the setting.

Program this on a pop concert to anchor a set of Great American Songbook material or to provide a slower, introspective moment between more energetic contemporary pieces. Its romantic sensibility and 1950s aesthetic also work beautifully in holiday concerts or spring programs where you want to showcase your choir's versatility in non-classical styles.

• Singing in 12/8 meter and understanding how it differs from common time signatures
• Blending four-part SATB harmony in a jazz idiom
• Interpreting lyrical phrasing within a jazz aesthetic
• Listening to and matching recorded instrumental accompaniment
• Navigating chromatic and extended jazz harmonies