Edition: Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Ballad - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Ervin Drake wrote this song in 1961 for Bob Shane of The Kingston Trio, who wanted to record a vocal solo feature for the group's upcoming album Goin' Places. Sinatra supposedly heard the recording on the radio while driving back to his Palms Springs house and pulled over to the side of the road and called Gordon Jenkins and told him he wanted to record it. The subsequent 1965 recording for his album September of My Years, backed by a Jenkins arrangement, would become one of the cornerstone entries in Sinatra's catalog. This recording would net him a #1 adult contemporary hit and a Grammy award for Best Male Vocal Performance the following year. Jenkins also won a Grammy for his arrangement.

The tempo of the entire arrangement is highly elastic and should follow the pacing of the vocalist as closely as possible. We have indicated several tempo shifts based off of Sinatra's original recording, but encourage you and your ensemble to experiment with your own interpretation. The string and woodwind writing is typical Jenkins - dense, lush, and dramatic, making for a perfect setting for the song's wistful, reflective lyrics and melody. Pay careful attention to how the accompaniment changes depending on where Sinatra is in the song. As the narrator ages, the writing becomes increasingly anxious, concluding with an atmosphere of triumphant contentment as he expresses satisfaction toward a life well-lived.

String bowings were supplied by Las Vegas violinist Geri Thompson.

 

Full Score
Vocal
Woodwind 1: Flute
Woodwind 2: Clarinet
Woodwind 3: Oboe/Clarinet
Woodwind 4: Clarinet
Woodwind 5: Clarinet
Woodwind 6: Bassoon
4 Violins (16 Players Recommended)
Viola (4 Players Recommended)
Cello (4 Players Recommended)
Double Bass (2 Players Recommended)
Harp
Percussion: Triangle

Vocal Key: d minor