Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Billy Strayhorn's 'Intimacy of the Blues' can be considered to occupy a similar musical realm as its cousin 'Jeep's Blues' in many ways. What it lacks in detailed expanded arranging it more than makes up for with an unforgettably catchy melody and superb atmosphere. This version is based off of the version recorded on Ellington's 1967 tribute album to Strayhorn, '...and his mother called him Bill.'

The drummer sets up the steady shuffling groove with a pickup into the first full measure. The melody is stated in unison by a small ensemble of five horns (in this case, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes, plunger muted trumpet and trombone). The melody is given a straightforward yet effective read-through and is then repeated at measure 13 with a Lawrence Brown trombone solo on top.

From here, the arrangement largely turns into a vehicle for various soloists. First up is Johnny Hodges' alto saxophone at measure 25 with only rhythm section accompaniment. Next is Cat Anderson's muted trumpet at measure 37 with a simple riff in the saxophones as a background. Finally comes Jimmy Hamilton's clarinet at measure 49, with some more fleshed out (but still simple) backgrounds in the brass that represents the only truly orchestrated part of this arrangement.

Things wind back down beginning at measure 61, where the melody is once again stated in unison by the same five horns as before. The original studio recording featured a booth fade out as the band continues to repeat the melody a second time. To make for an easier ending for live performances, an optional, simple, yet appropriate ending is included.

This arrangement is for jazz big band. The only parts known to exist are lead sheet melodies that were used for a small group recording in 1967, as well as sketches for two trumpet background parts. There appear to have been inserts written for the brass backgrounds at measure 49, but only two trumpet parts and a trombone part appear to have been recovered. The rest of the parts have been transcribed accordingly.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
Clarinet
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: Eb6
Trombone 1: G4