Kirby Shaw : The Best Things in Life Are Free

Turn back the clock roughly a century with Kirby Shaw's bright and appealing arrangement of The Best Things in Life Are Free, a juanty jazz-age anthem with a timeless message of positivity. This classic by the legendary songwriting trio of DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson encourages us with the reminder that the greatest treasures - life, love, and the beauty of the world around us - can be ours at no cost.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Ray Henderson

Rhythm and blues singer Etta James recorded this classic 1940s song which became her signature. Her version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and continues to be covered by heavy hitting singers like Celine Dion and Beyoncé.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Performed By: Etta James

You'll capture the sound of an era when you perform this campy hit from 1963 at the zenith of the Bossa Nova craze! Opening with a two part call and response, it moves into a fully harmonized chorus with some clever lyrics that will create smiles all around. Available separately SATB, SAB, SSA and ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as digital download. Duration: ca. 2:40.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

Two legends combined in this duet with Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse in the final recording made before her death in 2011. Adapted for jazz choirs, this setting retains the bluesy, ballad quality of their popular recording. Available separately SATB, SAB, SSA and ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as digital download (vibes, syn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:10.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Johnny Green | Performed By: Manhattan Transfer

You'll love the clackety clack too with this classic from the big band era! Easily learned and a great crowd-pleaser!

Arranger: Mark Brymer

Arranged in a swinging big band style, this standard was recorded by all the greats from Frank Sinatra to Diana Krall. Your vocal jazz or pop group will shine in performance! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:50.

Arranger: Steve Zegree | Composer: Jimmy Van Heusen | Performed By: Frank Sinatra

Three classic tunes from song-writing great Harold Arlen are showcased in this appealing 5-minute mini-medley! Opening in a happy swing style, transitioning to a sultry ballad and closing again with a happy swing, it includes Get Happy, Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time), It's Only a Paper Moon. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 5:10.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Harold Arlen

Flute and rhythm section bring charm to this jazz waltz setting of Henry Mancini's famous theme from the 1964 movie, most famously recorded by Andy Williams. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm Section and Flute parts available as a digital download (fl, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:55.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Henry Mancini | Performed By: Andy Williams

From the iconic opening notes of the tune over a walking bass to the full shout scat chorus, your vocal jazz ensemble will dig this medium swing setting of the Duke Ellington classic. A super choice for developing style and skill! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Steve Zegree | Composer: Duke Ellington | Performed By: Duke Ellington

Recorded by greats such as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, this bluesy standard is a great tribute to a great city! Ideal for a tribute concert!Available separately: SATB, SAB and SSA. Instrumental ePak has parts Bb Trumpet, Bb Clarinet, Trombone, Banjo/Guitar, Bass and Drums. ShowTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 3:55

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

This classic song recorded in the 30s by Marlene Dietrich gets an update with this accessible setting which opens in a straight-forward 3/4 meter, then moves into a fun 4/4 swing.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composer: Friedrich Hollaender | Performed By: Marlene Dietrich

Here is an easy swing style arrangement of the classic Rogers and Hart song from the musical The Boys from Syracuse. A second Rogers and Hart song--This Can't Be Love--mashes in and together we have a hot swinging love song. Pure joy.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Richard Rodgers

This great jazz standard has been recorded by Tony Bennett and many others. The Latin groove setting is great for developing style, diction and ensemble skills. Don't miss it!Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak (Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Bart Howard | Performed By: Perry Como

Now available separately: SSA groups, this arrangement is classic Kirby Shaw! Warm jazz harmonies are a perfect fit for any group!Available separately: SATB, SSA, TTBB and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:15

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Hoagy Carmicheal

One of the most performed and recorded songs ever, this classic standard will enhance programming for jazz, pop and concert choirs in this well-crafted setting. A gem!

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Johnny Burke

This Grammy Hall of Fame song by Fats Waller is a standard in both the American popular song and jazz idiom. New York Voices mastermind Darmon Meader has created an arrangement that covers both of these areas with a new version for women.

Arranger: Darmon Meader | Composer: Fats Waller

A hit by Marvin Gaye in 1965, a hit for James Taylor in 1975, this perennial classic gets a big band swing remake by Michael Bublé! A wonderful showcase for pop, show, jazz or community groups, your audience will rave! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Marvin Gaye | Performed By: James Taylor

This American standard song has been covered by countless iconic singers including Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. It is a standard among vocal jazz ensembles from Lambert Hendricks and Ross to the New York Voices. Here is a fresh arrangement from a master jazz arranger.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Sammy Fain | Performed By: Frank Sinatra

The 1935 motion picture Top Hat introduced this Irving Berlin song to the world and it continues to be a popular standard for jazz performers. It features a vintage, bluesy swing that will showcase your singers at their best! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, syn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:35.

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Irving Berlin

Pay tribute to the music of Duke Ellington in this hot 7-minute medley. Includes four of his greatest hits: Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, Take the A Train and It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental ePak (parts for Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Duke Ellington

Pay tribute to one of America's greatest composers with this short medley. Timeless lyrics and melodies in new fresh arrangements will prove to be a real crowd pleaser! Includes: Always True to You in My Fashion, From This Moment On, In the Still of the Night, It's De-Lovely.Available separately: SATB, SAB and SSA. Instrumental Pak includes parts for Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar (opt. Banjo), Bass and Drums. ShowTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 6:30

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Cole Porter

An old-fashioned song with an ageless text, this Lewis Gensler original-- notably covered by Al Jolson and Tony Bennett-- can occupy virtually any space in your concert. Fun, up-beat, and full of infectious charm!

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

You'll create a spellbinding effect with this Irving Berlin classic in a Latin style arrangement filled with rich jazz harmonies. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm section parts available as a digital downlaod (vbs, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Irving Berlin

This Gershwin classic is set in an easy swing filled to the brim with nonchalant charm and optimism. A great selection for jazz, pop and concert choirs in a program of standards or a love-themed concert set.

Arranger: Ed Lojeski

Here is an irresistible choral setting of Rosemary Clooney's famous hit from 1955 that will be tons of fun to perform! A delightful concert change of pace! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, barsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:35.

Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Composer: Bob Merrill | Performed By: Rosemary Clooney

This Academy Awardae winning song of 1961 by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer gets a Basie-esque treatment in this swinging chart. Set in a 4/4 swing over walking bass, the vocal and instrumental lines play off each other, punctuated by chord hits and characteristic piano riffs. An optional improvised solo section completes the package. Sensational! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm) available as a digital download. Duration: ca. 3:55.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Henry Mancini

This treasured classic is set in a warm and expressive concert setting by Ed Lojeski. Polychords shimmer over the gently arpeggiated accompaniment. Not to be missed! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Henry Mancini

This has become a standard from the Great American Songbook. Covered by jazz, pop, traditional, and Broadway singers too numerous to name, here is a concert setting of this great song by Rodgers and Hart.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Richard Rodgers

Following the huge success by Harold Arlen of Over The Rainbow he was both incredibly busy and incredibly successful. In 1943 he wrote the film score for The Sky's The Limit and, although the film was not a huge success, My Shining Hour was the #1 song of its day. Since then if has been covered by countless jazz musicians as well as song stylists. Here is a strong arrangement for your choir that they will love to sing.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Johnny Mercer

This popular standard from Finian's Rainbow really swings, making it a great showcase for SSA groups of all ages! Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Burton Lane | Musical: Finian's Rainbow

Set in a medium swing, this jazz standard cooks from start to finish! Opening with unison vocals, it moves to two-part, then four-part jazz chords over a steady walking bass. The group scat chorus packs a punch and leads to a tasty modulation, final chorus and easy out for a super vocal jazz showcase. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm Section parts available as a digital download (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:10.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Frank Loesser,

Written as a reaction to the famous Wall Street Crash, this standard has been recorded by a variety of performers, from Louis Armstrong to Cyndi Lauper. Perfect for show choirs, this arrangement will almost choreograph itself!Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Instrumental Pak (instrument parts for Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Baritone Sax, Synthesizer, Guitar, Bass and Drums), and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:50.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Jimmy McHugh

Here is a jazzy take on a classic pop/rock tune. The original version, sung by the Drifters, with all of its back up harmony and part singing, is a great beginning for a choral arrangement. In the hands of this skilled arranger it is a real concert piece.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Mort Shuman | Performed By: Drifters

Showcase your vocal jazz group with this accessible setting of the Ella Fitzgerald/Count Basie standard. Swing style, jazz harmonies, group scat and solo improvisation make this a great selection for developing style and technique.

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Frank Foster

Warm vocal harmonies shimmer above the lush piano accompaniment of this classic Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer song. An excellent choice for concert and vocal jazz groups!Available separately: : SATB, SAB and SSA. Performance Time: Approx. 3:45.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Hoagy Carmicheal

Set in a smooth samba style, this arrangement will showcase your vocal jazz or pop ensemble at their very best! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:45.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Jerome Kern

The famous Love Theme from The Godfather, this soft samba setting offers plenty of options to showcase your ensemble skills: blend, style, rhythm and a full group scat interlude, for a great vocal jazz change of pace!

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Larry Kusik

From Cotton Club Parade of 1933, the sultry, bluesy style makes this an outstanding choice. Available: SSA, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:25.

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Harold Arlen

Classified by BMI as one #25 in the Top 100 Songs of the Century, this 1966 pop hit by Bobby Hebb has been covered by hundreds of artists. The soul-stirring melody will be a fantastic selection for vocal jazz and pop groups alike. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm Section available digitally (gtr, b, dm).

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Bobby Hebb

A show-stopping Big Band medley! Includes: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Tuxedo Junction, Sentimental Journey, The Joint Is Jumpin'. Available: SATB, SSA. Performance Time: Approx. 6:24.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw

The legendary Brazilian composer Antonio Jobim's most famous song in a memorable setting. Also available: Instrumental Pak, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:55.

Arranger: Ed Lojeski

This 1968 Hal David/Burt Bacharach hit recorded by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 still grooves in this smooth and sultry choral setting. Show off a great soloist with this concert change of pace. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Combo Parts, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:50.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Burt Bacharach | Performed By: Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66

Set in a happy swing tempo, this standard arranged by Kirby Shaw just brims with energy. The vibrant rhythms and full jazz harmonies complete the package.Available separately: SATB, SAB and SSA. Instrumental ePak includes parts for Trumpet 1 & 2, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums. ShowTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 2:40

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Jerome Kern