Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Ballad - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Written for Ella Fitzgerald and the Count Basie Orchestra, Nelson Riddle's arrangement of one of jazz's oldest standards is a very unique entry into the great arranger's storied career. Although it displays several Riddle trademarks, his ability to adapt his style to a more Basie-esque feel showcases how versatile Riddle was capable of being.

The arrangement begins with a very hushed feel, with some rich textures in the saxophones underpinning a simple but effective muted trumpet riff. The vocals enter at measure 5 with some call-and-response background figures being traded back and forth between each section of the band. As is typical of the Basie band, these backgrounds should be played fairly soft without sacrificing a hard sense of swing.

A brief swell in volume sets up a significant shift in the arrangement's overall feel at measure 39. Not only does the key change, but the groove shifts from a walking ballad to more of a shuffle feel. Riddle's original sketch score features a modified version of the melody during this portion, which Fitzgerald largely adheres to. Although the overall feel of this section becomes noticeably heavier, it is of utmost importance for the band to remain underneath the vocalist without sacrificing intensity.

Beginning at measure 63, the arrangement begins to gradually wind down. A brief dip in tempo sets up the lovely conclusion beginning at measure 73. The overall pace of the arrangement dramatically slows down as the trombones and saxophones play a figure that descends in both range and dynamics. The final chord is a staggered entrance, with the saxophones and trombones coming in first, followed by the trumpets adding a lovely final layer of color to bring the arrangement to a close.

This arrangement is for jazz big band with vocal soloist. This is not a transcription - it has been prepared from Nelson Riddle's original sketch score and parts.

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

Vocal Key: Eb
Trumpet 1: Bb5
Trombone 1: G4