Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Ballad - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

One of the things that makes Hoagy Carmichael's 'Stardust' such a special song is that it can effortlessly be performed in a wide variety of ways. This Bill Holman arrangement for the Terry Gibbs Dream Band is slow in tempo, but ranges the entire dynamic gamut of which a big band is capable.

The chart's introduction leans heavily into the blues, with both the saxes and brass getting a chance to exhibit some soulfulness atop a somewhat minimalist rhythm section accompaniment. Be sure not to get tripped up by the single bar of 2/4. Gibbs' vibes handle the first half of the melody beginning at measure 10, where the performance takes on a style reminiscent of the dance bands of the 1930s.

Gibbs bows out at measure 26, where the ensemble plays a mini shout chorus of sorts that features some implied double time figures in the saxes and drums. A short trumpet solo, originally handled brilliantly by Conte Candoli, takes over for a few measures before some more bluesy horn figures lead into a key change at measure 44. Here, Gibbs and the saxes play a twisting, bebop-inspired double time line atop the brass and rhythm section before the classic swing feel returns at measure 52. Gibbs plays the last few bars of the tune's melody, followed by what begins as a bright brass fanfare that suddenly morphs into a rather moody final chord under a Gibbs cadenza.

This publication was prepared from the original set of parts provided to us by Terry Gibbs - this is not a transcription.

Full Score
Vibraphone Soloist
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Piano
Bass
Drums
Bb Soloist (Optional)
Eb Soloist (Optional)

Trumpets 1-4: D6
Trombones 1-3: C5