Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

For most of his career, Louis Armstrong would count Ain't Misbehavin' as one of the cornerstones of his go-to repertoire. This arrangement is not Armstrong's classic version from 1929, but rather a full big band arrangement that was part of his big band's book in 1943-44. The arranger is unknown, but it was possibly written by Chappie Willet who was Armstrong's main arranger during this time period. Of particular note is a young Dexter Gordon takes the tenor solo for the recording.

This is a fairly simple arrangement overall - no introduction or shout chorus, just a heavy emphasis on the base form of the tune. The melody is played twice - first as a full band instrumental, then as an Armstrong vocal feature. As one would think, the solo trumpet and vocals should be center stage at all time, with the rest of the group playing a firmly supportive role. Armstrong takes a break for a chorus beginning at measure 53, with tenor sax handling the three A sections and alto sax taking the bridge. The final chorus sees Armstrong's trumpet flying high, gaining intensity with each passing measure. It all comes to a head at measure 101, where Armstrong plays a couple of breaks before engaging in one of his stylistic trademarks from this period - a slowly ascending scale that finally climaxes on a last held high note atop the rest of the band. In live settings, sometimes the sidemen would get in on the fun, egging Armstrong along with each note. If you are interested in replicating this with your band, check out the recording provided on our website as a reference.

This was originally written as both a vocal and trumpet feature for Louis Armstrong. Recognizing that most bands don't have a trumpet soloist who also sings, a separate vocal part is included.

This publication was prepared from the original set of parts used for the 1943-44 live perfomances and recording session - this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
Vocal
Trumpet Soloist
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones (Tenor Sax 1 Doubles Clarinet)
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Vocal Key: Eb
Trumpet Soloist and Trumpet 1: C6
Trombone 1: G4