Cool April
(April Is in My Mistress' Face)CH-1057
Review from The Choral Journal, April, 1996
In his preface to this arrangement, Gregg Smith states at the intent of the "Doo-Wop Madrigals" series is to create jazz interpretations of standard madrigals that retain all the essential musical elements of the originals. Smith has certainly succeeded in this delightful blues version of Morley's classic madrigal. Sung with scat syllables throughout, it would be a fine stand-alone piece for a jazz choir but would be even more effective preceded by Morley's original. Individually, the lines are not difficult, but the frequent tight harmonies could pose some intonation challenges. The ranges in most voices are moderate; bases, however, descend to a D. The soprano and tenor parts are occasionally divided. This piece would be best suited to a small vocal jazz or madrigal ensemble with the agility necessary to handle the arpeggios, leaps, and tight harmonies.
Review by Benjamin Kornelis