Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Ballad - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Originally released in 1962 on the album 'Ella Swings Gently With Nelson,' this collaboration between Ella Fitzgerald and Nelson Riddle provides a highly effective treatment of a standard that has been covered countless times over the years.

After a typical Riddle four measure introduction in the low brass and woodwinds, the vocalist enters with the melody at measure 5. Throughout the vocal chorus, the volume should be kept fairly low. Even more important, however, is for the band to maintain a very light and easy feeling of swing. At times, Riddle's backgrounds even invoke the feeling of the Count Basie Orchestra; the ensemble should use this atmosphere as a template for their ideal performance of this section.

After a brief swell in volume, the spotlight is handed over to the first trumpet for an 8 measure melody statement. This section is no doubt intended to call to mind the now-famous interpretation of this song by Bunny Berigan, and the trumpet soloist should approach accordingly. The volume level drops back down for the vocalist's re-entrance on the bridge, but builds back up gradually during a slightly extended ending phrase. The band returns to a more Riddle-esque figure for the final few measures, with the arrangement coming to an innocent and auspicious ending with a solo descending bass line.

This arrangement is for jazz big band with vocal soloist. This is not a transcription - this arrangement has been prepared from Nelson Riddle's original score and the set of parts used during the recording session. There are no saxophone doubles.

Full Score
Vocal
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Vocal Key: Ab
Trumpet 1: Bb5
Trombone 1: Db5