All The Things You Are (F.Boland)

Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II penned "All The Things You Are" for the 1939 Broadway musical *Very Warm for May*, but it swiftly transcended its theatrical origins to become one of the most revered and frequently performed jazz standards in the American Songbook. Immortalized by bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and modernists alike, the composition is celebrated for its complex harmonic progression, which modulates through unexpected key centers before settling. Its lyrical contour and sophisticated chord structure make it a masterclass in jazz composition, inviting endless reinterpretation by small groups and large jazz orchestras alike across generations. Francy Boland’s formidable big band arrangement injects European sophistication and ferocious swing into Kern’s timeless framework. Built around a driving medium-up swing feel in 4/4 time, Boland’s chart balances lush, chromatic chord clusters with blistering, high-energy counterpoint. The mood shifts masterfully between introspective, harmonically dense ensemble passages and explosive, pent-up rhythmic releases. Boland utilizes chromatic voice-leading and dense, modern European jazz harmonies reminiscent of the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band's signature sound, giving the standard a sleek, muscular edge that sounds refreshingly distinct from traditional American swing-era treatments. The architectural brilliance of this 69-page score lies in its masterful distribution of thematic material and virtuosic demands. The 8-instrument horn section (featuring Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxes, alongside Trumpet and Trombone) is utilized with maximum textural efficiency, creating a powerhouse sound that punches well above its numerical weight. Rich, cascading sax solis interplay dynamically with sharp brass stabs, while open solo sections provide ample space for featured improvisers to stretch out over Boland's sophisticated changes. The technical challenges center on precise articulation, rapid chromatic shifts, and maintaining a relentless forward momentum through the cyclical modulations. It is an immensely rewarding chart that demands absolute rhythmic precision, making it an extraordinary centerpiece for a serious concert program. Advanced collegiate ensembles, professional big bands, and elite community jazz orchestras will find this chart an exceptional vehicle for showcasing technical finesse and stylistic versatility. Because of its dense harmonic language and demanding ensemble interplay, it requires mature musicians who are comfortable navigating advanced jazz vocabulary and intricate sectional blends. Directors programming this work will discover a sophisticated, high-impact chart that immediately commands audience attention and elevates the prestige of any advanced performance setlist. Navigating Francy Boland’s arrangement of "All The Things You Are" demands pristine rhythmic alignment and acute harmonic awareness from every section. The tempo should be locked into a brisk, driving medium-up swing—avoid rushing the transitions during the cyclical modulations. A primary technical hurdle involves the dense, chromatic chord voicings in the brass and saxophones; conductors should isolate these vertical alignments during sectional rehearsals to ensure intonation remains centered, particularly on altered dominants. Pay close attention to short, clipped articulation markings in the shout chorus to preserve the crisp, punchy European big band aesthetic. Balance is critical: when the low-register baritone sax and trombone carry counter-melodies beneath the upper-register trumpet lines, ensure the inner voices project without masking the primary thematic material. Encourage soloists to lean into the advanced harmonic shifts rather than relying solely on diatonic patterns. Q: What specific instrumentation and parts are included in this 69-page score? A: The arrangement is scored for an 8-instrument ensemble comprising Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and accompanying rhythm section components tailored to Boland's concise writing style. Q: What is the overall difficulty level of this Francy Boland arrangement? A: This chart is firmly graded for advanced college, professional, and elite community big bands due to its sophisticated chromatic harmonies, intricate sectional interplay, and demanding technical passages. Q: How does this chart fit into the historical context of jazz standards? A: It takes Jerome Kern's 1939 Broadway classic and re-imagines it through the lens of modern European post-bop big band writing, infusing the traditional standard with the fierce energy and complex voicings characteristic of the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland idiom. Q: What makes Francy Boland's treatment of "All The Things You Are" unique compared to standard big band versions? A: Boland avoids predictable swing-era clichés by employing lush, shifting chromatic voicings, unexpected modulations, and tightly wound counterpoint that gives the familiar melody a sleek, modern edge. Q: What is the recommended tempo and expected duration for performing this arrangement? A: The chart is designed for a brisk, driving medium-up swing feel, typically clocking in around 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of the open solo sections.