Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Tango - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

In October of 1949 Tony Bennett, along with his pianist and vocal coach Tony Tamburello, recorded a demo 78 consisting of the songs Crazy Rhythm and Boulevard of Broken Dreams. It was these recordings that inspired Mitch Miller to sign Bennett to a Columbia Records recording contract. And, it is safe to say that it was the recording of Boulevard of Broken Dreams that was the motivating factor as Bennett then recorded the song in his first Columbia recording session in April of 1950. That arrangement was crafted by Marty Manning and featured strings. In 1956, Bennett revisited this song with a big band, this time featuring an arrangement supplied by Ray Conniff. This recording went on to become one of Bennett's signature songs and it consistently regarded as one of his greatest hits.

Written in a tango style, the arrangement begins with a quiet, reflective guitar introduction. This solo guitar part was actually written out by Conniff and was largely played as-written. The vocalist then enters and sets the tempo. Other than a 6-bar instrumental interlude this is a vocal feature. The difficulty in this arrangement is maintaining the tango style staccato interpretation throughout.

The original arrangement was written for five saxophones, three trumpets, and two trombones. To make this arrangement playable by a standard big band, optional 4th trumpet, 3rd trombone, and bass trombone parts have been added. In addition, there is a percussion part that includes castanets and maracas. The vocal key is E minor throughout.

This publication was prepared from Ray Conniff's original pencil score - this is not a transcription.

 

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets (Trumpet 4 Optional)
3 Trombones (Trombone 3 Optional)
Bass Trombone (Optional)
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set
Percussion: Castanets/Maracas

Vocal Key: E minor
Trumpet 1: C#6
Trombone 1: B4