Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Having achieved widespread popular success through the 1970s and 1980s, George Benson decided to return to his jazz roots in 1989 with the album "Big Boss Band." Accompanied by the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Frank Foster, this arrangement of the evergreen "Without A Song" manages to be both classic and modern at the same time, and suits Benson's soulful vocals perfectly.

A simple riffing four measure introduction sets up Benson's vocal entrance at measure 5. The melody's first A section is largely just vocal and rhythm section, with the introductory riff coming back to set up the second A at measure 21. The backgrounds throughout the melody are detailed, but not overly complex or overwhelming, and there are some brief muted trumpet fills under the vocals at measure 37.

Foster's arrangement features a surprise twist at measure 65 - an eight measure drum solo that sets up a sudden shift to double time. Benson sings the melody again, but with a new set of backgrounds that are knottier and more complex than before, taking advantage of the uptick in intensity. This intensity only continues to build at a gentle but noticeable rate at measure 105, eventually coming to a grinding halt at the pickups to measure 121.

At this point, the tempo returns back to its original, easy swinging feel for the final A section. The introductory sax riff returns once more at measure 133, ultimately played three times, with Benson intoning the melody's title while a muted trumpet solo provides additional commentary. The arrangement ends with a typically unassuming Basie-style piano plunk and a single bass and drums hit.

This arrangement is for jazz big band featuring male vocalist, although the range is suitable for a female alto. This is not a transcription - it has been prepared from Frank Foster's original score.

 

 

Full Score
Vocal
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Vocal Key: G
Trumpet 1: E6
Trombone 1: Bb4