All The Things You Are (F.Mantooth)

Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II penned "All The Things You Are" for the 1939 musical *Very Warm for May*, little knowing it would rapidly ascend to the apex of the jazz canon. Epitomizing the sophisticated Golden Age of American songwriting, the composition gained immortality through bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and modern jazz masters who reveled in its deceptive harmonic motion. The tune is celebrated for its sequential key centers and rich chromatic voice leading, making it an ultimate rite of passage for improvisers navigating the Great American Songbook. Frank Mantooth’s inspired big band adaptation transforms this familiar standard into a masterclass of contemporary jazz orchestration. Driven by an infectious, pulsing contemporary swing feel at a medium-tempo groove, the chart balances lush, cinematic voicings with sharp rhythmic punctuations. Mantooth avoids predictable textbook resolutions, instead employing his signature sophisticated cluster voicings, unexpected modal shifts, and sparkling chromatic inner-voice movements that evoke a vibrant, high-definition emotional landscape ranging from introspective nostalgia to exhilarating, high-energy release. The arrangement deftly distributes melodic responsibility across the ensemble, featuring tightly knit horn solis that require pristine articulation and unified phrasing. Solo opportunities are integrated seamlessly into the form, allowing standout improvisers to stretch out over Mantooth’s clever harmonic reharmonizations. Technically demanding due to its intricate syncopation and dense chord structures, the chart rewards diligent preparation with breathtaking dynamic contrasts and a deeply satisfying textural richness. Particular highlights include a luminous developmental section where the woodwinds weave intricate countermelodies against a shifting brass background. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section players, as well as collegiate and professional big bands, will find this chart an ideal vehicle for showcasing ensemble cohesion and advanced jazz phrasing. Directors will appreciate how Mantooth’s meticulous scoring ensures clarity even through thick, modern extensions, making it a standout festival piece or a sophisticated anchor for any concert program. Rehearsing Frank Mantooth’s arrangement requires meticulous attention to articulation balance and dynamic shading. The primary technical challenge lies in executing the dense, chromatic chord clusters with flawless intonation, particularly in the brass sections during exposed transitional passages. Establish a crisp, forward-moving medium swing feel early on, ensuring the rhythm section locks into a driving yet relaxed groove that underpins the complex horn lines without dragging. Conductors should emphasize that short notes are properly clipped and accented, while legato lines maintain a smooth, vocal quality reminiscent of the original Kern melody. Balance is crucial: inner voices often carry essential harmonic movement that must project through the texture without masking the primary melodic lead. Encourage the rhythm section to listen closely to the changing color chords in the piano and guitar parts to complement the overarching harmonic architecture. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This publication includes a comprehensive conductor score alongside instrumental parts tailored for a flexible 7-instrument instrumentation, specifically featuring Bb, Eb, and C instrument parts, plus essential rhythm section support for piano and guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for accomplished high school bands, collegiate ensembles, and professional big bands equipped with strong section leaders and experienced soloists. Q: What style and historical context define this piece? A: Based on Jerome Kern’s 1939 timeless standard, this chart reimagines the classic tune through a modern, sophisticated jazz big band lens, incorporating contemporary harmonic extensions while honoring its Golden Age roots. Q: What makes Frank Mantooth's treatment unique? A: Mantooth distinguishes the arrangement through his signature rich cluster voicings, clever reharmonizations, dynamic textural shifts, and intricate countermelodies that breathe fresh life into the familiar chord progression. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo of the piece? A: The arrangement is set at a vibrant medium-swing tempo and typically runs between 4 to 5 minutes, providing an ideal length for festival adjudication or concert programming.