Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Nelson Riddle's arrangement of Should I? was written for Frank Sinatra, recorded in August of 1960, and released a few days into 1961 on Sinatra's Swingin' Session. The performance moves at a brisk pace, and although somewhat repetitive, this chart will keep your band on their toes from start to finish.

The riff Riddle uses in the introduction serves as the cornerstone of the instrumental accompaniment behind Sinatra's vocals, being moved around the sections in different configurations and intensities. The horn players should utilize sharp, pointed articulations to keep everything nice and clear, while the strings should counterbalance this with a more gentle approach when they join in at measure 25.

Sinatra steps back at measure 41 to let the band shine for half a chorus. The band has the spotlight as a group initially, but a tenor sax solo (written for Plas Johnson, but possibly played by Buddy Collette based on personnel listings) takes point at measure 49. Sinatra returns at measure 57, with the key modulating up a half step for the grand finale a few measures later. Alvin Stoller's backbeat propels the band forward, with a sudden dip in volume providing a surprise contrast at measure 73. Everything wraps up with a few quick rhythmic hits (and some optional high note heroics for your first trumpeter), with Stoller playing a couple rim shots to definitively bring the performance to a close.

This publication was prepared from Nelson Riddle's original score - this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Harp
3 Violins (9 Players)
Viola (3 Players)
Cello (3 Players)
Guitar
Piano
Acoustic Bass
Percussion: Xylophone
Drum Set

Vocal key: Ab to A
Trumpet 1: D6 (Opt. F#6)
Trombone 1: C5