Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

This arrangement was commissioned by Delfeayo Marsalis for his Uptown Jazz Orchestra. It was recorded in 2024 for the band's CD, Crescent City Jewels. Branford Marsalis is the featured tenor saxophone soloist on this famous composition by Joe Henderson.

The arrangement features new compositional material beyond the original form of Henderson’s tune. The new material is urgent and driving but it’s important to keep the tempo from racing into a frenzy. The fast tempo encourages each player to think in '2' versus in '4.' This will keep the groove and phrasing relaxed. The introduction begins sparsely and quietly with only the two alto saxophonists. The tenor trombones enter in quick succession, followed by two trumpets and then the lower saxes. The remaining instruments enter as the rhythm section begins to ground the energy. Dynamically, the introduction should crescendo steadily until it explodes into the start of Henderson's composition at Letter A.

After playing the original tune and succeeding solo choruses with backgrounds, the 8-bar extension at bar 117 is designed to reduce the energy to a simmer as another new section (music composition) is introduced at Letter E. It begins quietly with the rhythm section laying down a fast chord progression that moves boldly in mostly half notes. It's important that the bass notes unite with the chords (no walking). The drummer should play a loose time pattern (omit the hi-hat on 2 & 4). The written part will provide a good sense of what to play. The format is similar to the introduction as a few horns enter with more following in counterpoint. All three horn sections ultimately engage in a dense melodic dialogue that is reminiscent of the three horns (clarinet, trumpet, and trombone) in the New Orleans jazz bands during the 1920s but staying within the modern jazz style. Dynamics are crucial here. The writing and its dramatic effect are enhanced when starting quietly and then progressing through a long crescendo. The pacing must be gradual from Letter E to the climax point at Letter G.

The reprise of Henderson's tune is scored bigger (as an ensemble shout) which should remain until the very last note. Typically, with any exciting tunes that end suddenly, it’s important for the ensemble members to remain still during the ring-out of the last note.

Delfeayo and I hope you enjoy creating your performance of this arrangement.

-Rich DeRosa

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar (Optional)
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Trumpet 1: D#6
Trombones 1-3: Bb4