Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Fascinating Rhythm is one of the more endearing entries into the song catalogue of the Brothers Gershwin. This particular version, arranged by Fletcher Henderson in the mid 1930s, was finally recorded by the Benny Goodman Orchestra in 1945. Despite the Swing Era being in its twilight years at the time, the Goodman band was still churning out high quality performances at a regular clip, and this is no exception.

A brash and brassy introduction is followed by a sudden drop in volume for Goodman's melody statement at measure 5. The sax backgrounds underneath are subtle, but appropriately rhythmic in nature. Goodman and the full band trade sections of the melody back and forth, with the full band sections needing to be performed with a bit more intensity than the Goodman sections. A key change occurs at measure 37, with the muted brass continuing to play the melody. This time, however, the melody statements trade back and forth with short Goodman improvisations.

An ensemble send-off following Goodman's final solo statement ushers in another key change at measure 71. The arrangement continues to have a soloist-oriented focus at first, with a trumpet solo for half a chorus followed by an 8 measure alto sax solo at measure 87. The backgrounds under the trumpet solo are a little more involved than those under the alto solo, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should be played with any more volume. The arrangement's ending is quite brief, with the full ensemble playing the last 8 measures of the melody, with a few clever alterations, beginning at measure 95. The band should reach its maximum volume level at this point to create an energetic conclusion.

This arrangement was prepared for publication using the original set of parts used during the recording session - this is not a transcription. However, an optional baritone saxophone part was added.

Full Score
Clarinet Soloist
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone (Optional)
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: Bb4