This is the updated version of Frank Ticheli's wildly popular Blue Shades. The composer has created a work that combines his love of jazz and the blues with his own contemporary style. Although there is a strong allusion to the blues and a jazz feeling is prevalent, this is not a literal "blues" piece. Blues harmonies, rhythms and melodic idioms do pervade the work, and many "shades of blue" are heard, from bright and dark to dirty and hot. It's a demanding work that will require strong players in every section of the band.

The original edition score is still available, and can be ordered for competitions.