Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Just before diving into her acclaimed "Songbook" projects, Ella Fitzgerald recorded "Ella Fitzgerald Sings Sweet Songs for Swingers." Accompanied by an orchestra arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol, this project turned out a number of hard swinging and fun performances. "Lullaby of Broadway" stands out as one of the session's highlights.

The opening low riff in the saxes, trombones and bass continues throughout the first portion of Fitzgerald's melody statement. Some more standard accompaniment enters at measure 21, with DeVol's arrangement filling in the melody's natural gaps quite amiably. The muted trumpet section even gets what amounts to a mini soli section at measure 37, although it's important for them to not overwhelm the vocalist in the process.

The introductory riff returns at measure 45 for the second verse of the vocals. This time, when the riff ends, the ensemble does not immediately kick back in, instead allowing for some muted trumpet obbligatos behind Fitzgerald at first. The ensemble gradually begins to re-enter for the final part of the melody at measure 73. First the woodwinds provide some string-like pads, followed by the brass entering with a surprisingly complicated, bebop-influenced background line.

The melody undergoes a bit of a rhythmic and harmonic breakdown starting at measure 82. During this section, both the volume and intensity should start to build rapidly. This all climaxes at measure 89, with the same background figures from before. This time, some optional screaming trumpet over the top of the ensemble adds a new layer of excitement. The arrangement comes to an end with an extremely cutesy final riff that is clearly inspired by the end of "Old MacDonald." This publication is not a transcription: it has been prepared from the original set of parts used during the recording session. Alto sax 1 and baritone sax double on clarinet. There is also a percussion part that can be considered optional.

 

 

Full Score
Vocal
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 1 Doubles Clarinet)
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone (Doubles Clarinet)
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Percussion: Xylophone, Bongos, Timpani
Drums

Trumpet 1: E6 (opt. Bb6)
Trumpets 2-4: E6
Trombones 1-4: Ab4