Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Ballad - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

The song Nature Boy was written in 1947 by eden ahbez and is partly autobiographical, basing it on his association with the groups who had adopted Naturmensch and Lebensreform philosophies. The story goes that in 1947 ahbez attended a concert that Nat Cole was performing at the Lincoln Theater. ahbez, who had recently written the song, attempted to get a copy of the music to Cole, but was unable to accomplish this. Instead, he left a copy of the sheet music with Cole's valet (Otis Pollard), who is the one who officially introduced the song to the famous singer/piano player.

Shortly after having been introduced to the song, Cole began performing live. The reaction was strong and Cole decided to officially record the song. However, he needed to get permission from the song's creator. Cole had some difficulty in tracking down ahbez, who was living a nomadic lifestyle. Finally he was tracked down living under the Hollywood sign, and Cole was able to secure permission to record the song.

Cole was under contract with Capitol records at the time, so it was decided that Frank De Vol, the in-house arranger, would craft the arrangement. De Vol's setting with woodwinds and strings suggests the enchanting and somewhat mystical vibe of the song. The recording session took place on August 22, 1947 but the track wouldn't be released until 1948, during the American Federation of Musicians recording ban. The track reached the Billboard music charts and sold over a million copies. The success of this recording helped cement Cole's status as an international pop star.

This publication was prepared from the original parts used for the 1947 recording session - this is not a transcription.

Full Score
Vocal
Flute/Clarinet
English Horn/Bass Clarinet
Horn in F
3 Violins
Viola
Cello
Harp
Guitar
Celeste
Piano
Bass
Drums

Vocal Key: D minor