Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn were not shy about paying tribute to their favorite musicians in their own unique way. This first movement of their musical mini suite dedicated to singing legend Ella Fitzgerald is meant to serve as a (somewhat over-exaggerated) tribute to her purported royal forbears.

The original recording begins with Ellington giving a spoken word introduction over Strayhorn playing a rubato piano interpretation of the main melody (which has not been included). The melody proper begins in the unison saxophones, accompanied at first by a slightly reduced brass section, with the 3rd and 4th trumpet not joining in until measure 25. Take note of the miniature trombone soli at the pickup to measure 20, as it is a cleverly devised little figure to fill in a gap in the melody.

The ensemble gradually leads into a tenor saxophone solo from Paul Gonsalves beginning at measure 33. The rest of the saxophones enter with a subdued but rhythmically punchy unison background at measure 41. The full ensemble returns at measure 65. The saxophones initially retain their background figure while the trombones take their turn with the melody and the trumpets and clarinet play some slightly dissonant accompaniment on top. The melody returns to the saxophones at measure 77, with a gradual fade out beginning at measure 93. The bass plays what counts more or less as a walking solo beginning at measure 98 with the rest of the ensemble gradually dying out in order to set up the next movement.

This arrangement is for jazz big band. It is not a transcription - it has been prepared from Strayhorn's original sketch score and the set of parts used during the recording session. Alto Sax 2 doubles on clarinet.

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 2 Doubles Clarinet)
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: G#5
Trombone 1: G4