The Birth of the Blues Cover Image

The Birth of the Blues: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

$22.95 USD
$22.95 USD
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The Birth of the Blues Cover Image
The Birth of the Blues: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

The Birth of the Blues: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Arr. Carl Strommen

Item: 00-25235
$22.95
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Description
This Broadway hit of 1926, from the great songwriting team of DeSylva, Brown and Henderson, has also been featured in numerous Hollywood motion pictures. Carl's creative arrangement captures all the jazzy nuances to maintain the original feel that has helped to make this tune a blockbuster among Broadway standards. Programming possibilities abound!

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Additional Details
Series: Standard Library Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
UPC: 038081267241
SKU: 00-25235

More about this title

About the Arranger: Carl Strommen

Carl Strommen

Carl Strommen has established himself as a versatile and prolific arranger and composer across multiple musical genres. His works appear regularly in concert halls, on television, and in film, while his consistent recognition through the annual ASCAP Standard Writers Award reflects the breadth and quality of his output. Strommen holds an adjunct position in orchestration and composition at C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, where he remains connected to the academic world while maintaining an active schedule as a clinician and commission writer.

Why we love this

Strommen's arrangement preserves the jazzy character that made this 1926 standard endure while remaining accessible for a choral ensemble. The recorded accompaniment gives singers a reliable reference to lock into the style's rhythmic and harmonic nuances, something essential for getting the swing feel right without rehearsal fatigue. This is a piece that genuinely sounds like the real thing once your choir settles into the groove.

What to expect

The arrangement captures the sophisticated sass of 1920s Broadway, complete with jazz inflections that feel both elegant and playful. Singers will encounter genuine jazz harmonies and syncopated rhythms that demand rhythmic precision and stylistic sensitivity, creating a recording that feels polished and authentic rather than novelty-driven.

Who it's for

This octavo works for choirs seeking a genuine jazz standard with Broadway charm and proven audience appeal. The recorded accompaniment makes it particularly valuable for groups without access to an experienced jazz accompanist or for directors wanting to ensure rhythmic accuracy in a style that demands precision.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the syncopated rhythms rather than straightening them; let the jazz phrasing breathe naturally against the steady pulse.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals to establish the stylistic foundation, then gradually move away from it so singers develop independence with the harmonic language.
  • Balance the ensemble blend carefully during the jazzier passages; clarity of individual lines matters more here than blended blend.
  • Pay attention to the dynamic shadings that suggest the arrangement's Broadway heritage; sudden shifts in volume and intensity create the theatrical energy.

How to use it

Program this as a standalone showstopper in a concert celebrating American popular song, or pair it with other standards from the same era for a themed set. The recorded accompaniment means it works well even in concert settings where you may not have a live pianist, making it a reliable choice for spring pops programs or community performances.

Skills your students will build

  • Jazz phrasing and rhythmic syncopation within a choral context
  • Navigating jazz harmonies and chromatic voice leading
  • Stylistically authentic interpretation of 1920s Broadway idiom
  • Ensemble rhythmic precision with a recorded accompaniment

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