All The Things You Are (J.Lally)

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 evolve into one of the most revered and frequently performed cornerstones of the American Songbook and modern jazz canon. Immortalized by bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and modal explorers like Keith Jarrett, the composition is celebrated for its sophisticated harmonic progression, which cycles through several unrelated key centers before resolving home. It stands as a supreme test of improvisational maturity and harmonic comprehension for jazz musicians across generations, capturing the bittersweet romanticism and structural sophistication of the late Golden Age of Broadway. Jimmy Lally’s big band interpretation approaches this legendary vehicle with a brilliant blend of classic swing elegance and modern harmonic sheen. Set at a driving, invigorating medium-up swing tempo in 4/4 time, the chart crackles with sophisticated energy while maintaining an approachable melodic clarity. Lally constructs a lush, cinematic landscape that evokes the golden era of studio radio orchestras while introducing rich, contemporary brass voicings and intricate woodwind counterlines. The mood shifts fluidly from tender, harmonically rich ballad-esque rubato phrasing in the introduction to an infectious, forward-driving rhythmic momentum once the main theme takes flight. Lally’s distinctive arranging style shines through inventive section writing, utilizing tight, interlocking saxophone solis and soaring, dynamic brass counterpunches that highlight the unconventional modulations of Kern's original form. The melody is initially introduced by the saxophones with subtle, shimmering brass pads underneath, building organically toward a high-energy shout chorus that boldly reinterprets the tune's famous sequential key changes. Featured solo opportunities are thoughtfully integrated into the arrangement, giving skilled improvisers ample room to stretch out over the cyclical changes while the ensemble provides a vibrant, responsive cushion of background figures. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional community big bands will find this 15-instrument configuration immensely rewarding. While the technical demands require solid sight-reading abilities, precise section articulation, and a strong command of swing subdivision—particularly given the shifting tonalities—the payoff is an exceptionally sophisticated chart that commands audience attention. The arrangement balances educational rigor with pure performance thrill, making it a stellar centerpiece for any serious concert program or festival performance. Conductors should approach Jimmy Lally’s setting of "All The Things You Are" with a keen focus on smooth voice-leading and stylistic continuity across shifting key centers. The primary technical challenge lies in navigating Kern's complex harmonic progression without letting the tempo drag or rush during modulation points. Aim for a crisp, buoyant medium-up swing feel; the eighth notes should be played with a natural, forward-leaning triplet feel rather than an overly exaggerated bounce. Balance is critical during the transitional bridges, where the brass and saxophones trade intricate countermelodies. Ensure that the rhythm section—particularly the pianist and bassist—maintains a transparent, supportive texture that outlines the harmonic motion without cluttering the ensemble sound. No extreme extended techniques like plunger mutes or unconventional altissimo work are strictly required, but clean articulation, unified breath support during long phrasing blocks, and precise dynamic control from piano to forte are essential to bringing out the sophisticated color palette of Lally's writing. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 15-instrument big band arrangement includes parts for Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, and Baritone Saxophone, alongside a comprehensive score spanning 29 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is best suited for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands that possess strong technical facility, good intonation, and experience navigating complex harmonic modulations in a swing context. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: Written originally by Jerome Kern in 1939, this chart reimagines a quintessential jazz standard within a sophisticated big band swing style, drawing on decades of jazz tradition from the swing era through modern mainstream jazz. Q: What makes Jimmy Lally’s arrangement unique? A: Lally’s treatment stands out through its lush, contemporary chord voicings, seamless handling of Kern's notoriously shifting key centers, tightly knit saxophone solis, and a driving shout chorus that reinvigorates the classic melody. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The arrangement is designed for a driving medium-up swing tempo, typically lasting around 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of the improvised solos taken during the form.