Edition: Jazz Little Big Band Arrangement

Description: Straight 8ths/Funk - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Kim Richmond's arrangement of Nature Boy for the Phil Norman Tentet is one of the most unique takes on the classic tune ever written. Leaning hard into the famously mysterious melody, the arrangement features a number of shifts in both volume and intensity, and features a large amount of complex counterpoint for the entire group.

Things kick off in subdued fashion, with the melody handled in unison by alto, baritone, and trombone atop a steady drone in the bass. The tenor sax echoes the melody, which can be interpreted somewhat soloistically. A more steady pulse begins to emerge at measure 13, solidifying into an almost-bolero a few measures later. The echoed melody motif is continued on through this section, with some added harmonic tension to only enhance the mood.

Just as the arrangement hits an early climax, the atmosphere sharply backs off before the drums establish a funky quasi-second line groove at measure 53. Once the groove has set in, a trumpet solo takes place over a series of short modal vamps before the entire band drops out for an a capella piano solo at measure 97. The tempo should not be lost or obscured too much during this section, as the bass eventually joins back in for a duet. Once the piano wraps up, the ensemble returns with some dense, interweaving counterpoint at measure 129. The intensity slowly builds through a series of key changes, hitting a peak at measure 153 that tapers off to an ending that is barely above a whisper.

This publication was prepared from the original set of parts used by the Phil Norman Tentet - this is not a transcription.

Full Score
Alto Saxophone/Flute
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
2 Trumpets
Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Percussion: Wind Chimes/Bongos/Shaker
Drum Set

Trumpet 1: Eb6
Trombone: B4