Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Peggy Lee's sultry vocals and Nelson Riddle's edgy, yet warm, arranging style were a perfect fit for one another. Their collaboration on What a Little Moonlight Can Do (from the 1958 Capitol album Jump for Joy) serves as a definitive sample of this, with voice and ensemble working in perfect concert throughout.

Taken at a brisk tempo that is typical for this tune, the band roars to life right off the bat with a series of hard riffs that slowly taper off for Lee's arrival at measure 13. The primary riff from the introduction pops up behind the vocals several times, getting passed through the horn sections and varied just enough to avoid monotony. Although Lee is the star of the show, the ensemble is not just along for the ride; all backgrounds should be performed with verve and enthusiasm.

Lee steps back at measure 77 to allow the band to swing for half a chorus on their own. The saxes initially carry the melody atop the punchy brass, with the two sections reversing roles at measure 93. The build-up leading into measure 109 turns out to be a red herring, as the band suddenly recedes back behind Lee with some copied backgrounds from earlier. A repurposed version of the intro serves as a thrilling grand finale.

Thanks to an agreement with Peggy Lee Associates, LLC this publication was prepared from the original set of parts used for the 1958 recording session - this is not a transcription. The vocal key is G and there are no saxophone doubles.

Full Score
Vocal
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
3 Violins (9 Players Recommended)
Viola (2 Players Recommended)
Cello (2 Players Recommended)
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Vocal Key: G
Trumpet 1: Eb6
Trombone 1: Db5