A Cappella Jazz Classics

SKU: BT.PMC3603

Four poems sharing a common motif of 'Night' provide the texts for my choral cycle Nocturnes, the American Choral Directors Association's commissioned work for its 2005 national convention. For Rilke's atmospheric Sa nuit d'ete,several melodic themes are supported by dense, colorful harmonies in both the choral and piano parts, leading to a climactic section where all are combined and stated simultaneously. Neruda's Soneto de la Noche, from his CienSonetos de Amor, speaks of an eternal love that transcends death while reaffirming life. My a cappella setting of this gorgeous poem is predominantly quiet, serene and folk-like, utilizing direct harmonies accompanying long,lyrical vocal lines. Agee's wondrous Sure on this Shining Night is set much like a song from the American musical theater, a genre for which I have held a life-long esteem. Rilke's poignant Voici le soir recalls the opening bellsounds and jazz-tinged chords of the first movement and serves as an epilogue, quietly concluding this cycle of night songs as darkness descends. --Morten Lauridsen.

SKU: CY.CC3028

ISBN 9790530110034. 8.5 x 11 in inches.

Us, composed by Thad Jones in 1970 and originally recorded that same year, is one of the pieces which defined the new sound of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. While being one of the most successful, early melding of big band instrumentation with rock rhythms and rhythm section instruments, it also includes an a cappella chorus for the 'band' (for this version, read: trombones) and intricate saxophone lines which are challenging but very rewardingly playable. David Fletcher has done a magnificent job of translating the richness of Thad's voicings and the exuberance and spirit of this piece to the Trombone quintet plus rhythm section instrumentation of the University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble, who have performed it at both American Trombone Workshops and International Trombone Festivals. David Fletcher, a member of the award winning University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble under the direction of Jim Pugh arranged this great chart for Trombone Quintet and rhythm section. It is about 4 minutes in length and includes improvised jazz solos for Trombone 2 and Electric Guitar.

SKU: BR.CHB-5380-00

ISBN 9790004413814. 7.5 x 10.5 inches. German / Latin.

As director of the Bavarian Radio Choir, Howard Arman has been actively engaged with international Christmas carols through various Christmas-related CD productions in the past years. This has resulted in a number of original arrangements for four- to eight-part mixed choir a cappella, shedding new light on well-known classics such as O du frohliche [O, you joyful], Stille Nacht [Silent Night] and Lasst uns froh und munter sein [Let us be happy and cheerful]. The first volume includes five Christmas carols from the German-speaking regions. They range from simple but harmonically intriguing settings such as Lieb Nachtigall, wach auf [Dear nightingale, wake up] to eight-part sound paintings with bell-like chimes as in O du frohliche and classical double choir settings such as Resonet in laudibus. The second volume includes five Christmas spirituals with English texts, forming a contrast to the solemn and festive character of the first. The choir can prove its swing and jazz qualities here; the stirring arrangements are a gain for classical Christmas concerts, too. Following the tradition of the spiritual, some settings also require soloists, which can, however, also be recruited from the choir if adequate singers are available. The first piece combines the spirituals It's a Birthday and Wasn't That a Mighty Day to form a medley, Ain't That a Rockin' gives a moment of tranquility before the likewise rousing spirituals Mary Had a Baby and Little David conclude the volume. In both volumes, Howard Arman provides a short preface in German and English, explaining the background of each piece and giving advice on performance.

SKU: HL.1424335

UPC: 196288200604.

Experience the innovative SATB divisi arrangement in the Jason Max Ferdinand Choral Series, breathing new life into Bach's iconic “Air on the G String.” This piece introduces an acrobatic jazz quodlibet, showcasing a spirited contrapuntal structure with glimpses of both Bach and non-Bach themes. Dedicated to Ward Swingle's memory, this vibrant arrangement is tailored for advanced-level jazz choirs or vocal octets, offering an exhilarating challenge and an exciting fusion of classical and jazz elements.

SKU: HL.1165276

UPC: 196288123170. 6.75x10.5x0.01 inches.

This classic arrangement was originally scored for mixed voices, and is now available for treble choirs! Jazz harmonies are found throughout this lovely a cappella setting, which is full of opportunities to teach expressive singing and vocal blend.

SKU: AP.50270

UPC: 038081574400. English.

The cherished love song from Camelot receives a classic choral treatment in this lush, a cappella setting. Equally suitable for large ensembles or small vocal jazz groups, Kirby Shaw's impressive arrangement presents Lerner and Loewe at their finest!

About Alfred Pop Choral Series

The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.

SKU: HL.1428501

UPC: 196288202677. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.

Ken Burton's “Swing Down, Chariot,” showcased in the Jason Max Ferdinand Choral Series, intricately weaves a tapestry of musical genres intrinsic to Black American sacred music. This arrangement harmonizes African influences, quartet styles, close harmony jazz, big band, and classical elements, delivering a vibrant and diverse sonic landscape. While its entertaining aspects shine, the piece maintains a heartfelt essence, reflecting a deep yearning for freedom. Inspired by twentieth-century gospel quartets like the Fairfield Four and Golden Gate Quartet, Burton's arrangement infuses percussive articulation and dynamic flexibility. Choirs are encouraged to explore creative articulation options, ensuring a spirited and engaging rendition. Ideal for collegiate, chamber, honor, and all-state choirs, this arrangement captivates effortlessly, resonating with its rich musical essence. Excellent choice for your advanced and professional choirs. You can never go wrong with a Ken Burton arrangement or composition.

SKU: BT.ALHE31212

French.

Composed by Darius Milhaud, Valaisian Quatrains is a piece for SCBT a capella, based on poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. This piece features five different parts, each one from a poem, whose lyrics are inspired by the Valais area inSwitzerland. The composition includes polytonality and polyrhythms that make it highly lyrical, cheerful and nice to sing. The five poems selected are: 1. Pays, arrêté a mi-chemin / Country that stops half-way... 2. Rose delumiere / Rose of Light 3. L'année tourne / The year revolves 4. Chemins qui ne menent nulle part / Paths that take you nowhere 5. Beau papillon / Lovely butterfly Darius Milhaud (1892-1974) was a composer and a teacherwho was also known to be part of Les Six. His composition were known to use politonality and to include some characteristics drawns from the jazz genre.

SKU: HL.1247357

UPC: 196288152934. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.

Looking for an arrangement to feature a great soloist while still highlighting your choir? Look no further. Stacey Gibbs' arrangement of Dottie Rambo's classic hit “I Go to the Rock” is full of rhythmic energy, while exploring many harmonic shifts that will keep your singers and the audience completely engaged from beginning to end. This is what an a cappella gospel arrangement with a smooth jazz vibe is all about, and we give it our highest recommendation!

SKU: OU.9780193566996

ISBN 9780193566996. 10 x 7 inches.

For SSATBB unaccompanied This song skillfully blends a classic poem, Christina Rossetti's Uphill, with a relaxed, lightly jazzy style. Expanding from three- to six-part harmony, the chordal texture allows for strong annunciation of this well-known text. Chydenius's opening direction 'Swung, yet profound' encapsulates the essence of this work.