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.