Edition: Jazz Small Group Arrangement with Male Vocal Soloist and Female Vocal Trio [SAA]

Description: Dixieland - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters' version of "South Rampart Street Parade" is an appropriately festive interpretation of a song meant to commemorate one of the most celebratory places in the United States. In addition to the vocalists' joyful performances, Matty Matlock's arrangement for a Dixieland-style instrumentation only helps to enhance the mood.

Beginning with a traditional marching band-style street beat, the main tune commences at measure 13, with Crosby and the Andrews Sisters engaging in call-and-response with each other atop an energetic yet slightly reserved backing ensemble. Come measure 93, however, the vocalists step back for a bit to give the band the spotlight. Each instrument falls into its traditional New Orleans role - the trumpets handle the melody, the clarinet provides virtuosic improvised obbligatos on top, and the tenor sax and trombone flesh out the harmony with some occasional comical interjections.

When the vocalists return at measure 125, the horns are still allowed to play a prominent role by filling in the gaps in the melody with some collective improvisation. The horns eventually return to a more accompanying role for the finale, which begins at measure 149. The intensity continues to build all the way to the end, where the horns play a classic Dixieland-style conclusion atop the held last note of the melody.

The tuba and snare drum parts that come with this arrangement are largely doubled by the bass and the drum set, respectively. As a result, they are not required to be able to perform this piece, but if you have access to them, they greatly enhance the atmosphere.

This publication was based on the original Matty Matlock pencil score and the set of parts used during the recording session with the exception of sections of the vocal trio which were changed from Matlock's score. These sections have been transcribed accordingly.

Full Score
Male Vocal
Female Vocal Trio [SAA]
Clarinet
Tenor Saxophone
2 Trumpets
Trombone
Tuba (Optional)
Guitar
Piano
Acoustic Bass (Optional)
Snare Drum (Optional)
Drum Set

Vocal Keys: A to D to Bb to F
Trumpet 1: B5
Trumpet 2: C6
Trombone: C5