Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Benny Carter wrote this arrangement of Please Don't Talk about Me When I'm Gone for Ella Fitzgerald to perform with the Count Basie Orchestra. It was recorded on multiple occasions, both in-studio and live, and has an infectious, raucous energy that provides excitement without being overly challenging, minus a couple brief rangey figures in the brass.

Moving at a quick yet comfortable clip throughout, the band kicks things off in uproarious fashion before Fitzgerald handles melody duties beginning at measure 9. The first half chorus is just vocals and rhythm section, with the horns hopping in with some call-and-response backgrounds for the second half. An exciting swell sets up a half chorus ensemble shout, with the boisterous brass counterbalancing the deft saxes superbly. The second half of this chorus is entirely a piano solo on the studio recording, but the original parts call for a trumpet solo for the bridge at measure 57 (we have included chords in the 2nd trumpet part if you wish to feature them).

Fitzgerald returns at measure 73, just in time for a key change. The band provides some 'Charleston'-esque accompaniment underneath, substantially lightening the vibe from the denser preceding shout chorus. This only lasts relatively briefly, as a more traditional swing feel (and higher dynamic level) returns for the bridge. The arrangement builds even further for the final stretch, culminating in a joyous and thrilling grand finale.

Note: When this arrangement was recorded live for A Perfect Pairing - Ella and Basie, the shout chorus beginning at measure 41 was cut in its entirety, likely for time purposes, with the band skipping ahead to measure 71.

This publication was prepared using the original set of parts from Ella Fitzgerald's library - this is not a transcription. The vocal key is G.

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

Vocal Key: G
Trumpets 1 and 2: E6
Trombone 1: B4