Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Ballad - Medium Easy

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Blue and Sentimental was one of the Count Basie Orchestra's first big hits during their rise to prominence in the 1930s. This version, arranged by Frank Foster, was released on the 1960 album The Count Basie Story, and although it follows the same format as the 1938 original, it has some subtle deviations that give it something to differentiate itself.

Beginning with an unusually elaborate rubato Basie piano solo (which has been transcribed and included in the piano part), a steady slow ballad tempo is established by the time Frank Wess enters with the melody. The form of the tune is repeated three times in total, and the chart is mostly built around a series of soloists. Wess serves as the main star, but other featured instrumentalists include Basie again, trumpeter Sonny Cohn, and, with a rare spot on clarinet in lieu of his typical alto sax, Marshall Royal. Much like the original, the short shout chorus sees the band switch to a double time feel before handing the reigns back to Wess, who takes point for the remainder of the performance.

The original sax section for this arrangement consisted of one alto, three tenors, and baritone. We have included an optional 2nd alto part that can be used as a substitute for the 2nd tenor part in order to allow this arrangement to be performed by a more traditional instrumentation.

This publication was prepared from the original parts that the Count Basie Orchestra used for the 1960 recording session - this is not a transcription.

 

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

Trumpet 1: Ab5
Trombone 1: Db4