Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Nelson Riddle was at his creative peak when he collaborated with Ella Fitzgerald on her 1959 album "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook." Having already essentially written the book on arranging for studio orchestra through his work with Frank Sinatra, Riddle pulls out all the stops on his treatment of the Gershwin brothers' "'S Wonderful."

Some brief lush textures in the woodwinds and muted trumpets set up Fitzgerald's entrance with the oft-neglected verse at measure 5. The gentle tempo and dreamy string and woodwind writing establish a delightfully warm environment for Fitzgerald's simple but beautiful interpretation. A brief ritard leads the band into the gentle medium swing tempo that is maintained throughout the rest of the arrangement at measure 17. Some typically bright Riddle background figures are passed around throughout the woodwinds and muted brass during this section, with some gentle string pads underneath provide extra warmth.

This continues throughout the melody until another Riddle trademark: a lengthy ensemble build over a pedal figure in the rhythm section. The buildup starts at measure 47 with the strings and a rhythmic bass trombone figure at a bare minimum volume level, gradually adding bits and pieces until the full ensemble is roaring at full blast at measure 63.

At this point, Fitzgerald and the ensemble engage in some call and response. Once again, the ensemble figures are typical Riddle, with an unmistakable playful energy that clearly galvanizes Fitzgerald's performance. The initial horn riff returns at the final A section at measure 87 before a tag in the vocals and saxophones set up the arrangement's final few measures. The ensemble suddenly drops down to a much softer volume, with a steady build in both volume and register until one final triumphant fanfare.

This arrangement is for studio orchestra with female vocal soloist. This publication has been based off of Riddle's original score and the set of parts used during the recording session.

Full Score
Vocal
Woodwind 1: Alto Flute/C Flute/Alto Sax.
Woodwind 2: C Flute/Alto Sax.
Woodwind 3: C Flute/Tenor Sax.
Woodwind 4: Clarinet/Tenor Sax.
Woodwind 5: Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Baritone Sax.
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
3 Violins
Viola
3 Celli
Harp
Guitar
Celeste/Piano
Acoustic Bass
Vibraphone
Drum Set

Vocal Key: Bb
Trumpet 1: E6
Trombone 1 - Bb4