Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium Easy

Publisher: Lush Life Music

Tommy Dorsey recorded the Alex Stordahl arrangement of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes in 1937 on RCA Victor 25657-B. This arrangement is somewhat unusual, as this particular song is generally performed in slow ballad tempo. The Dorsey chart is taken at a medium swing tempo which, when listened to for the first time, might give you the impression that the chart is a little corny. Don't be fooled, because the chart will quickly grow on you. Dorsey's band at that time carried 6 brass and 4 reeds. This transcription and adaptation of the original arrangement boosts the brass to a full eight voices, and the reeds to a five piece section. After a snappy little intro the melody solo is carried by trombone 2 for the first half of the chorus. The reeds take the middle eight, with alto 1 doubling clarinet a this point, and the trombone rounds off the chorus. A neat modulation from the band leads to a solo chorus shared between tenor 1 and trumpet 2, all backed by the rest of the band. Both solos are improvised from the chords provided. A six measure bridge then leads to the shout and close. The brass ranges are moderate (lead trumpet to high C and 2nd trombone to Bb) and the only sax double is alto 1 on clarinet. However, we have provided an alternate alto 1 part that removes the need for the clarinet double.

 

 

Style: Swing

Tempo: 135

Grade: Easy/Medium

Duration: 3 mins 2 secs

Trumpets 1-4: C6, A5, F5, Eb5

Trombones 1-4: G4, Bb4, C4, C4

Trumpets 1-4: C6, A5, F5, Eb5
Trombones 1-4: G4, Bb4, C4, C4