Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Ain't We Got Fun has been a staple in the American popular song catalog for decades due to its bouncy melody and lyrics that mix upbeat optimism with world-weary cynicism. Peggy Lee leans more into the former with her playful interpretation, accompanied by an expectedly hard-swinging arrangement from the pen of Nelson Riddle. This arrangement was recorded in 1957-58 for the Jump for Joy album.

Riddle's primary accompanying device in the horns comes in the form of a riff that mimics, but does not mirror, the main melody. The rhythm section shifts back and forth between a two-beat feel and a standard walking tempo at several points throughout the performance. Once Lee finishes the first chorus, the ensemble gets to shine on a sprightly shout chorus at measure 37. After the band wraps up, the key modulates up a whole step for the final half chorus, reusing many of the same riffs from the first melody. The ending is typical Riddle - an extended tag that features an ascending line in the horns, coming to a close with a short a capella bass trombone solo and a ping of the celeste.

The vocal modulates from G to A. There are no saxophone doubles. The string parts may be omitted so that this can be played by a standard big band.

This arrangement has been published from the set of parts used during the recording session, this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
Vocal
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
3 Violins
Viola
Cello
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Vocal Key: G modulating to A
Trumpet 1: B5
Trombone 1: A4