Category: JAZZ CHOIRS
Composer: Duke Ellington
Arranger: Anders Edenroth
Publisher: Walton Music
Edition: WRG1023
Voicing: SATBB
Setting: A Cappella
Reviewer:
Michael Shafer
St. Anthony Village 2009
R&R Chair Jazz Choirs
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) was written by Duke Ellington in 1932, defining the swing era and continuing to be a favorite in all vocalists’ libraries. Mr. Edenroth has taken this sparse, playful melody and made a hard swinging a cappella “burner.” The tune begins with an introduction that features interchanging soloists, and sets a ballad-like feel. It quickly moves to cut time with a walking bass line accompanied by imitative horn kicks. After the head, there is a crowd-pleasing complex soli section that is challenging to even the most accomplished group. It will quickly top your ensemble’s list of favorites.