Should I Stay Jazz Ens

Should I Stay Or Should I Go | The Clash | Jazz Ensemble

Should I Stay Or Should I Go | The Clash | Jazz Ensemble

THE CHART

Written specifically for Swing Punks, the amazing London big band who play punk tunes in a jazz style, this vocal arrangement has all the bells and whistles. Starting in a bluesy swing style, see if you can pick up all the quotes as you progress through the chart. When it kicks into double time, it’ll get your audiences toes tapping just enough for you to snap them back to a languid blues atmosphere. With an open solo section this chart comes alive, allowing for soloists to take the tune where they want to. Double time ensues after that, with a big ending to finish this cracking chart.

THE SONG

Released in 1981, Should I Stay became The Clash’s only UK number 1 single, albeit 10 years after in a reissued single. It made 228 in Rolling Stones Top 500 and features Spanish backing vocals, in a strange twist.

THE BAND

Swing Punks (www.swingpunks.com) are an exciting big band based in London, UK who take the best punk music and turn it into swinging big band music. Featuring 3 vocalists and a full complement of horns, their shows are full of energy and pizzazz. I’ve been lucky enough to play with them a few times since moving closer to London, and I always enjoy mixing it up with such great musicians.

PRINTING TIPS

Beautifully laid out, the score and parts are easy to read and available NOW for digital download at www.sheetmusicplus.com, thanks to the Arrange Me program at SMP Press. We suggest you print on 80gsm paper, to ensure that the copies last longer in your bands library. For more printing tips, visit here

Heavenly Father SATB

Heavenly Father | Bon Iver | Choir

Heavenly Father | Bon Iver | Choir

The Arrangement

Recently, I was asked to write an arrangement for choir of the fantastic track Heavenly Father by Bon Iver. The performance he gave at the Sydney Opera House in 2016 as part of Vivid Live, featuring The Staves, was so breathtaking that I immediately agreed to transcribe and arrange the song.

An earthy arrangement that features a soloist and some extra special choral effects, this tune is full of emotions and reaches an amazing climax that will wow your audience. Featured in the movie Wish I Was Here by acclaimed director Zach Braff and scored for SATB Choir and soloist.

The Purchase

The arrangement is available at Sheet Music Plus at the below link. If there’s one piece of music you purchase for choir this year, make it this one!

Live performance

The performance Bon Iver delivered at the Sydney Opera House really took this song to a new level, giving it such emotion and power that takes your breath away. Utilising subtle body percussion and some exquisite voices, this video is a must watch if you wish to recreate the song at the highest level.

Original recording

The original track that Bon Iver recorded on the Wish I Was Here soundtrack uses an electronic choir for the drone, but Justin Vernon’s earthy voice remains the same – such an emotive tone and inflections. The song was written immediately after Justin viewed the film, an immediate reaction to the visuals of director Zach Braff. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival and received mixed reviews – but the soundtrack was critically acclaimed with songs from The Shins and Coldplay.

Printing tips

Beautifully laid out, the score and parts are easy to read and available NOW for digital download at www.sheetmusicplus.com, thanks to the Arrange Me program at SMP Press. We suggest you print on 80gsm paper, to ensure that the copies last longer in your choirs library. For more printing tips, visit here