Swing & Easy Beat

Contest > Swing & Easy Beat

A – You’re Adorable

This tune is as sweet and light as they come. Show your audiences you are a clever speller, as well as being wise in the ways of love.

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive

Brothers and sisters, are you ready to eliminate the negative? Then just latch on to this lively tune and help spread the word!

All Night Long

The wonderful Chilton Price wrote this spicy song. Though no more than R rated, the song makes its meaning clear. Ms. Price’s biggest hit was “You Belong to Me.” She composed the latter song alone, though a couple of the band members who introduced the piece wangled their way into a share of the compensation. This practice has not been at all rare. Hey, do you think Elvis really wrote “Love Me Tender”?

Baby Song Medley

Here is a sweet, light combination of “Sing Me a Baby Song” and “Baby.” Have fun crooning to your sweetheart with this lovely medley.

Bare Necessities

From the animated musical “The Jungle Book,” this delightful tune will charm audiences and judges alike. Storm Front sang it until they decided to be unremittingly hilarious.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA
Tim Waurick
TTBB
Kohl Kitzmiller
TTBB

Basin Street Blues

This classic slow swing tune puts you right where the action is. No longer exclusive to Saturday Evening Post.

Blues in the Night

On just about everyone’s list of top 10 popular songs of all time, this song gets right to the heart of the downside of love. Do check out this most powerful, and contestable, piece.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

The lively pop hit by Neil Sedaka can now be sung in contest. Big fun awaits you! Anne Bureau has recorded women’s tracks for both the contest and show versions.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Button Up Your Overcoat

As cute as they come, this tune is available in regular and senior-citizens’ versions. Chris Arnold has recorded learning tracks for both versions. Do give this happy tune a try.

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

Calendar Girl

Neil Sedaka wrote and sang this most fun tune. Now it is available for your group to sing in contest, even!

Learning tracks available from:
Peter Nugent
TTBB

Call Me Irresponsible

Sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington and Michael Bublé, this tune gives a cheery declaration of love.

Cotton Club Medley

Picture yourself at THE night club in 1930s Harlem. What might you hear? What would you see? They would be marvelous and exciting things, that is for sure. This medley is no longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.

Learning tracks available from:
Peter Nugent
TTBB

Doo Wacka Doo

Ah, how much fun is it to sing a recently written tune about the songs and excitement of the Roaring ’20s? Big fun, that’s how much! This song will be exclusive to The Velvet Frogs until the fall of 2017, but you can start thinking right now about singing this delightful number.

Dreamer with a Penny

Which would you rather be, a rich person with a worried mind or a dreamer with lots of wealth other than money? This song answers that question in happy, swingy fashion.

Five Minutes More

Love needs just a little more sometimes. You are sure to enjoy this gentle tune. It is no longer exclusive to Fermata Nowhere, so get it while it’s warm and sweet!

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA
Anne Bureau
TTBB

Get Me to the Girl Medley

An ultra-cool combination of Get Me to the Church on Time and The Girl That I Marry, this medley is both hip and loving. No longer exclusive to Alchemy.

Girl from Kodak Town, The

This song is about a girl from—you guessed it—Rochester, N.Y. Your audiences will enjoy learning about her old-fashioned self.

Glory of Love, The

This song is beyond happy. “Ecstatic” might be a better word, as the both the highs and lows of glorious love are celebrated.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

God Bless the Child

The rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears revived this 1941 Billie Holiday song in 1968. This tempo, bluesy ballad is as moving as they come. And here is a blessing for you: The piece is no longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Waurick
TTBB

Gonna Get a Girl

This uptune is about turning over a new leaf. Faint heart ne’er won fair maiden!

Harmony Joe

A happy tune that just rolls along, this song can be sung in backbeat or downbeat fashion. The men’s version is published by the Society.

Harry Potter Parody #2

This tale of another misfit student at Hogwarts does not have as happy an ending as the first parody. The “Wizard School Dropout” in question never did and never will make the grade.

Honey Bun/Honey Pie

The old meets the new in this fun, lively medley. That’s right, we are talking South Pacific and the Beatles—for contest, no less!

Hooey

If you are addicterd to late-night TV, you are all too familiar with the commercials and infomercials. And you probably believe every word you hear about the products advertised, don’t you?

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

How D’Ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning

A purely delightful tune, Eggs tells of folks who don’t care, um, egg-zactly how their breakfast is cooked as long as a kiss and a hug are involved. Think Rock Hudson and Doris Day.

Learning tracks available from:
Jen Cooke
SSAA

Huckleberry Finn

An old-fashioned song about a carefree lad, this tune will take your audiences back in time to a slower, idealized era.

I Get a Kick out of You

Put a little sophisticated flair into your contest or show package with this classic Cole Porter love song.

I’ll Never Say “Never Again” Again

A lively swing number, this contestable tune was a hit for SAI medalist ReMix for the women and BHS medalist SRO for the men. We can’t really be sure about love, can we? Please specify whether you would like to preview the original ReMix version (Kim’s tracks) or Mo Field’s revision (Donya’s tracks) with intro by Jay Giallombardo—or both!

Learning tracks available from:
Shawn Thomas
TTBB
Donya Metzger
SSAA
Kim Kraut
SSAA

I’ll String Along with You

Do you want an easy, happy way to profess your love? You won’t come to the end of your rope if you sing this easy-beat tune, which is no longer exclusive. So tie it up for your group!

Learning tracks available from:
Shawn Thomas
TTBB

I’m Beginning to Like It

This one is tough to explain. Think of a typical ’30s swing tune with modern lyrics like “hard-rock diet,” “in your face” and “MTV and AMC.” Way cool, and it is contestable too! And now there is a second version, one that talks about leaving behind a “hip-hop diet.”

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

I’m Nobody’s Baby

This tempo ballad just drips loneliness. Songs like this can sometimes effect a real healing when a listener who is in the same boat realizes that he or she is not alone.

I’ve Got the World on a String

No doubt you have already guessed the punch line to this tune. No, the person is not a yo-yo. Yes, he or she is head-over-heels in love! Give this happy song a test spin. . . .

It’s the Girl

Is it the moonlight that makes love happen? This jumpin’ tune tells you where it’s at. Metropolis had big fun with this one, as will you and your audiences.

Joint Is Jumpin’/Truckin’

A most lively dance number, this medley is great for contest. Of course, the potential for energetic choreography is limitless.

Jones Boy, The

The whole town’s talkin’ about the Jones boy. Why? Because he’s in love, of course! Have great fun with this Mills Brothers’ song.

Just A-Sittin’ and A-Rockin’

What do you do when your lover just ups and disappears one day? Do you run around like a chicken with its head cut off? Or do you take a, well . . . easier approach. This fun arrangement is no longer exclusive to Cahoots, so do keep it in mind, for a Western-type or any other kind of show.

Laughter in the Rain

This happy Neil Sedaka tune was a #1 hit back in 1975. Arranged for the Dutch men’s quartet Unlimited, the song pairs very well with “Crying in the Rain” in contest. Laughing, crying—sounds a lot like real life, eh?

Lazy River (Up a)

Fine for either contest or show, this cheerful song helped Marquis win gold at the 1995 International, in Miami Beach. Though a bit rangy, this piece pretty much sings itself.

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB
Tim Waurick
TTBB
Kim Kraut
SSAA

Learnin’ the Blues

These are not lessons we necessarily look for—if fact, we try hard to avoid them—but sooner or later, we all are taught about the blues. This song will surely connect you with everyone in your audiences. Plus which, it is a cool, cool tune.

Let’s Do It Again

This uptune about the good old days helped the Grand Tradition win a medal back in the day. It can be sung in a driving way or as an easy-beat. Though it sounds pretty old, this happy piece was actually written in the 1950s.

Lovesick Blues

Her sweetie has left her, and the woman is feeling a deep, dark shade of blue. Despite that, the melody and rhythm lilt along nicely, so give this lively tune from 1922 a try.

Makin’ Whoopee

As an old college pal used to say, “You’ve buttered your bread, now lie in it.” After the fun times come consequences that are, well, not necessarily all that enjoyable.

May You Always

A modernish tempo ballad, this tune is suitable for contest. It conveys a  sweet sentiment with powerful, creative lyrics and images. Have a look and a listen. . . .

Michigan Rag

This energetic uptune was arranged, and partially composed, for Michigan Jake. It was sung in a cartoon by the one and only Michigan J. Frog, for whom that gold-medal quartet is named. If your lead(s) can handle a disjunct melody—and words that are, in the words of great bass man Bill Myers, printed very close to the page—then this lively number is for you!

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB

Mood Indigo

An all-time-great popular classic, this swingy tempo ballad is sure to please your audiences—and even the judges. Get down with this evocative, deep-blue tune. {Corny joke: What did the dark-blue cow do? It mooed indigo.)

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Moon Medley

This old-time medley contains “Bright Was the Night,” “Moonlight Bay” and “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.” How is that for some vintage classics?

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

My Guy

When this song went all the way to #1 back in 1964, it was no miracle. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson—get it?—this happy tune of loyal love made in big on both the pop and R&B charts for Motown star Mary Wells. This tune will make your audiences smile, and you as well!

My Romance

Though usually performed as a ballad, this lovely tune works just fine in a swinging tempo. This one is guaranteed to bring out the feeling of cool cat or kitten in you.

Old Cape Cod

This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA
Tim Waurick
TTBB

Once Upon a Long Time Ago

Written and performed by Jesse Goldberg, this nostalgic tune is sure to touch your audiences’ hearts. Riding bikes, playing games with friends, being loved by Mom and Dad, and just plain feeling safe—this song has it all, in surprisingly warm, non-sappy fashion. Do check this gem out for your quartet or chorus.

Orange Colored Sky

This tune is fun, lively and makes a great opener or closer. Short and to the point, It is available in both contest and show versions. Anne’s tracks go with the contest chart, and Drew’s and Jen’s with the show version. Really, though, either one is fine for competition these days.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA
Drew Wheaton
TTBB
Jen Cooke
SSAA

Peg o’ My Heart

No one doesn’t enjoy this easy-beat tune. It makes a fine change of pace for your performances.

Learning tracks available from:
Tim Brooks
TTBB

Pennies from Heaven

Yes, it does work in contest. There are not many prettier ballads than this one around. Even more fun is that it can be sung as a swinging uptune too.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Pretty Baby

This fun meter parody is quite contestable.  The lovable quartet Shenanigans had a hit with it, and so could your quartet or chorus.

Learning tracks available from:
James Estes
TTBB

Royal Garden Blues

Contestable, substantial and lively, this tune was arranged for and sung by Power Play. See if your group too can make that “trombone moan” with this golden oldie.

Splish Splash

This rock and roll oldie celebrates party time—in a rather unusual way! The next time someone tells you you’re all wet, there will be no need to take offense. . . .

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Standing/Leaning Medley

A charming mix of Standing on the Corner and Leaning on a Lamp-Post, this medley is about watching all the girls go by—or waiting for just that special one.

Steam Heat

From the 1954 Broadway musical The Pajama Game, this tune is hot. No, it’s hotter than hot! The Cleveland Heights High School Women Barbershoppers debuted this sultry song with great success at the Midwinter Convention, but is just fine for the grownups as well. The piece is probably not suitable for SAI contests, but it is great for shows. And don’t forget to wear your black derbies. . . .

Sugartime

What could be sweeter than singing this McGuire Sisters’ piece of confection? Your quartet or chorus will find out you definitely have not bitten off more than you can chew.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Sunday Night in Sydney

Happy and romantic, this tune is sort of a Down Under version of A Foggy Day in London Town.

Swinging on a Star

Great fun for singers and audiences alike, this lively tune is available in both contest and show versions. It is easily one of my most popular charts. Power Play sang it with much success, and it works just fine for any combination of voices. Kim’s tracks are for the contest version, but nowadays the slightly longer show version could be sung in competition just fine.

Learning tracks available from:
Kim Kraut
SSAA
Anne Bureau
TTBB
Chris Arnold
TTBB

Take Me There

Written by talented Canadian barbershopper Janet Kidd, this song is about a Southern city that is known for being, well, a certain amount of fun: New Orleans!

Too Marvelous for Words

This clever love song is just too marvelous not to sing. Hey, that is what international medalist State Line Grocery thought. How about you? Are you marvy enough?

Learning tracks available from:
Donya Metzger
SSAA

Ukulele Lady

Here is some gentle, sweet, lighthearted fun for you and your audiences. Mm, can’t you just feel the warm breeze and taste the drink with the little umbrella in it.. . . . The highly entertaining quartet Boardwalk can.

Way You Look Tonight, The

And now for something completely different. This jazzy version of a song usually heard as a barbershop ballad is patterned after Frank Sinatra’s interpretation. If you have some swing in your soul, give this one a look and a listen.

Learning tracks available from:
Jen Cooke
SSAA
Jordan Litz
TTBB
Monica Funnell
SSAA

We’ll Meet Again

This lovely song of friendship says that although we are parting now, on some wonderful day our paths will cross. Its message applies any time, but in the year 2020 it seems even more poignant than usual.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Swing

A Cab Calloway tune that really swings, this witty song has something for everyone. It is no longer exclusive to Sweden’s Dalton Bros., so do give it a shot.

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

This popular hit has a lot going for it. Sweet, gentle, flattering, wry—it is just plain fun to sing, and to listen to as well. Treat your seasonal audiences to this delightful tune!

When I Grow Too Old to Dream

A beautiful Sigmund Romberg tempo ballad, this song tells of a bittersweet parting that is more sweet than bitter. Do check out this lovely tune.

When I’m Sixty-Four

This Beatles’ song is always a kick, for singers and audience members alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Of course, you can vary the lyrics to reference any age that ends in a four.

Learning tracks available from:
BHS Charts with Tracks
TTBB
Anne Bureau
SSAA
Tim Waurick
TTBB

Wherever There’s Me, There’s You

You may not be familiar with this song, but it is way cheerful and appealing. Your group wants to sing it; you just don’t know it yet. Anne Bureau has made some killer tracks to help you learn this tune fast.

Learning tracks available from:
Anne Bureau
SSAA

Whispering

Here is an easy-beat, contestable love song that is most gentle and enjoyable. This tune is now available in both men’s and women’s voicing.

Learning tracks available from:
Chris Arnold
TTBB

Who’s Sorry Now?

This tune is available in both the typical uptune version and a new cool/hot treatment. The latter is quite unique, so do yourself a favor and give it a try.

Whole New World

A #1 hit for Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle in 1993, this lovely tune soars into the stratosphere to tell us of the joys of new love. And believe it or not, this song works just fine in BHS contests. So take a magic carpet ride on this theme song from the animated film Aladdin.

Learning tracks available from:
Matt Powell
TTBB

Young at Heart

With witty, quick-rhyming lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and a cleverly-fashioned tune by Johnny Richards, this song really shines. Frank Sinatra sang the definitive version of the tune, debuting it in the film titled, not surprisingly, Young at Heart.