All The Things You Are (W.Senior)

Jerome Kern's timeless composition, "All The Things You Are," debuted in 1939 as part of the Broadway musical *Very Warm for May*. Despite the show's brief run, the song quickly transcended its theatrical origins, evolving into one of the most revered and frequently performed jazz standards of all time. Its enduring appeal lies in its remarkable harmonic sophistication, characterized by a seamless journey through multiple keys—often described as moving around the circle of fifths—which sets it apart from many popular tunes of its era. This romantic and warm-hearted ballad has been embraced by countless jazz luminaries, with early popular recordings by big bands like Tommy Dorsey's and Artie Shaw's, and iconic jazz interpretations by artists such as Art Tatum, Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Charlie Parker, solidifying its place in the jazz canon. This big band arrangement by the legendary Bobby Shew transforms the classic standard into a vibrant, medium-swing showcase, primarily set in the key of Ab major. Shew, renowned for his exceptional trumpet playing and profound understanding of big band dynamics, imbues this arrangement with his signature blend of precision, musicality, and high energy. His approach emphasizes a loose, relaxed, and swinging feel, even in technically demanding passages, ensuring that the music breathes with authentic jazz sensibility. The arrangement masterfully balances ensemble richness with opportunities for individual expression, creating a mood that is both exhilarating and deeply musical. Bobby Shew’s distinctive arranging style is evident throughout this 74-page chart. The melody is initially carried by the lead trumpet, featuring Bobby Shew himself, setting a clear and authoritative tone. This is seamlessly interwoven with lush saxophone soli sections, showcasing intricate voicings that highlight the ensemble's blend and balance. The brass sections deliver powerful shout choruses, characteristic of Shew's ability to generate excitement through dynamic contrasts and expertly crafted figures. The arrangement features an extended trumpet solo, allowing the soloist ample space to explore the rich harmonic landscape of the tune. Technical challenges include precise articulation in fast-moving lines, dynamic control across all sections, and maintaining a cohesive swing feel. The rewarding aspect lies in the collective experience of performing a meticulously crafted arrangement that truly swings, allowing musicians to engage with the piece on both a technical and emotional level. Designed for a robust 17-instrument big band (5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, and a 4-piece rhythm section), this arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles. Its comprehensive scoring and sophisticated musical demands make it an excellent vehicle for developing ensemble precision, stylistic authenticity, and individual improvisation skills. The blend of challenging ensemble passages and featured solo opportunities makes it a valuable addition to any serious big band's repertoire, offering both educational growth and thrilling performance potential. This Bobby Shew arrangement of "All The Things You Are" thrives on a consistent, medium-swing feel, ideally around 110-120 BPM, allowing for both precision and rhythmic elasticity. Conductors should emphasize a relaxed, yet driving pulse, ensuring the rhythm section lays down a solid foundation. Key technical challenges include maintaining clean articulation in the brass and saxophone soli passages, particularly in faster phrases. Encourage horn players to listen across sections for blend and intonation, especially during the harmonically rich voicings. The lead trumpet part, often featuring Bobby Shew's characteristic lines, requires strong endurance and a brilliant, focused sound, with careful attention to dynamic shaping to build excitement without overblowing. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to finessing dynamic contrasts, ensuring that the shout choruses achieve maximum impact while softer passages retain clarity and warmth. Trumpet players should be prepared for potential plunger mute work or subtle falls and doits to enhance stylistic authenticity, as is common in Shew's arrangements. **Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement?** A: This big band arrangement is scored for 17 instruments, including five saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), four trombones (Trombone 1, 2, 3, Bass Trombone), four trumpets (Trumpet 1 (Bobby), 2, 3, 4), and a complete rhythm section (Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar). **Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?** A: This arrangement is considered medium to difficult, making it appropriate for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles. It demands strong technical proficiency, advanced musicality, and a solid understanding of big band jazz idiom. **Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "All The Things You Are"?** A: "All The Things You Are" is a classic jazz standard composed by Jerome Kern in 1939 for the musical *Very Warm for May*. It is celebrated for its sophisticated harmonic structure and romantic melody, representing the golden age of American popular song and its seamless transition into the jazz repertoire. **Q: What makes Bobby Shew's arrangement of this standard unique?** A: Bobby Shew's arrangement is distinguished by its vibrant medium-swing feel, intricate saxophone soli sections, powerful brass shout choruses, and an extended, challenging trumpet solo featuring Shew's signature style. It blends traditional big band elements with modern jazz sensibilities, showcasing his expertise as both a performer and arranger. **Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece?** A: While performance duration can vary with improvisation, this arrangement is designed for a medium-swing tempo, generally around 110-120 beats per minute (BPM). This tempo allows for the intricate musical lines and dynamic contrasts to be fully realized.