Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

This Cole Porter song was written in 1940 for the movie Broadway Melody of 1940. This version was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald in 1956 for her Cole Porter Song Book album, arranged by Buddy Bregman.

Buddy Bregman's arrangement of I Concentrate on You for Ella Fitzgerald provides a fairly simple, but rich accompaniment that complements the song's naturally lovely melody. Aside from a few swift string figures, this arrangement is not overly difficult, and the minimal brass parts make it an ideal option for a mid-concert chops break.

A rubato string melody serves as an introduction before the melody (and steady tempo) commences at measure 5. Most of the counter-melodies to Fitzgerald come in the form of short string figures, but there are some occasional moments for the woodwinds too. The steady tempo drops out for a bit at measure 37, but ultimately locks back in a couple measures before the final A section. Behind the vocals, the strings swirl up and down before finally settling in to a held chord, with the celeste playing a pleasantly mini-solo to gently wrap everything up.

This publication was prepared from Buddy Bregman's original pencil score - this is not a transcription. NOTE: the brass play only two measures in the entire arrangement. Optional, alternate saxophone parts are provided that may be used in place of the flutes, clarinets, and bass clarinet.

 

Full Score
Vocal
2 Flutes (see alternate parts)
2 Clarinets (see alternate parts)
Bass Clarinet (see alternate parts)
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
2 Violins (8 Players Recommended)
Viola
Cello
Harp
Guitar
Celeste/Piano
Bass
Drum Set
2 Alto Saxophones (Alternate Parts for Flutes)
2 Tenor Saxophones (Alternate Parts for Tenor Saxophones)
Baritone Saxophone (Alternate Part for Bass Clarinet)

Vocal Key: Bb
Trumpet 1: D5
Trombone 1: Eb4