Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Advanced

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

When Rob McConnell gets his hands on a standard, you can be assured that said standard will be reconfigured in every possible way imaginable by the time the arrangement comes to a close. You Took Advantage of Me is no exception to that trend, as it features a number of key changes, driving rhythms, and creative harmonic and melodic alterations that will make it a thrilling challenge for your ensemble.

A boisterous, brass-heavy introduction sets the proceedings at a fiery pace that doesn't let up for the entirety of the performance. The melody's first two A sections are handled by the harmonized saxes, with trumpeter Guido Basso handling melody duties on the bridge. The final A section sees the arrangement's first key change, up a whole step from Db to Eb, with the sax section retaking the lead. For the first ensemble shout chorus, the key modulates up a whole step yet again, this time staying put for the entire form. The woodwinds and brass play similar, but not identical, figures during this section, so make sure everyone is aware of how they fit together.

Soloists take center stage for much of the middle part of the performance, with two choruses of muted trumpet and two choruses of tenor sax (with yet another key change) sandwiching a sax soli (plus McConnell's valve trombone) for a chorus. Following the tenor sax solo, a cleverly polytonal reworking of the melody occurs around some dissonant ensemble hits before everyone comes together in raucous fashion at measure 222. A four bar drum fill sets up one final key change, with some more drum fills surrounding an ascending horn line culminating in a surprisingly open-ended chord to bring the performance to a close.

We have included alternate parts for trumpet and trombone if your ensemble does not have easy access to French horn players. The 4th trombone part was played by Rob McConnell and only consisted of him playing along with the saxophone soli, so this is considered an optional extra part and is not essential. However, if you have a trombone player you wish to show off, here's your chance.

This publication was prepared from Rob McConnell's pencil score and the original set of parts used for the recording session - this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 1 Doubles Soprano Sax)
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
5 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Percussion: Xylophone/Vibraphone
Drum Set

Trumpet 1: G6
Trumpet 2: E6
Trombones 1-3: B4
Trombone 4: D5