And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine (A.Glasscock)

Originally made famous by the groundbreaking Stan Kenton Orchestra with vocals by Anita O'Day in 1944, "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine" stands as a monumental crossover hit that bridged the gap between infectious boogie-woogie rhythm and sophisticated big band jazz. Composed by Stan Kenton, Joe Greene, and Skippy Martin, this classic represents the high-energy apex of mid-1940s swing, capturing the exuberant, dance-crazed spirit of the wartime era while introducing the punchy, brass-heavy aggression that would soon define Kenton's signature "Progressive Jazz" sound. It remains a beloved staple of the swing revival canon, celebrated for its clever lyricism, driving blues-based progression, and undeniable swagger. A.Glasscock’s masterwork big band arrangement captures the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the original Kenton recording while injecting a fresh, contemporary vitality suited for modern ensembles. Set in a driving, infectious medium-up swing feel at roughly 168 BPM, the chart opens with a snappy, rhythmic intro that immediately sets a toe-tapping, blues-infused groove. The harmonic language stays true to the 1940s idiom enriched with subtle, extended upper-structure chords, sharp dynamic contrasts, and roaring, high-octane shout choruses. The mood swings effortlessly from sultry and relaxed to an explosive, wall-of-sound celebration, evoking the smoke-filled, high-energy atmosphere of a 1940s ballroom packed to capacity. Glasscock brilliantly distributes melodic interest across the entire 18-piece ensemble, ensuring every section shares the spotlight. The saxophones enjoy intricate, harmonized bebop-leaning lines that demand tight articulation and nimble fingerwork, while the brass section delivers biting, punchy stabs and soaring register work that recall the powerhouse Kenton trumpet section. Featured solo space allows a featured instrumentalist—ideally tenor saxophone or piano—to stretch out over classic blues changes, supported by a rhythm section part that mandates a locked-in, high-hat-driven pocket. The arrangement culminates in a blistering, multi-tiered shout chorus that builds tension through dynamic layering before crashing into a definitive, hard-swinging final cadence. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this 44-page chart an immensely rewarding centerpiece for any concert or festival program. While the rhythm section requires a strong, steady foundation to anchor the driving swing tempo, the horn parts demand disciplined section blending, precise stylistic uniformity on dotted-eighth-and-sixteenth figures, and confident projection during ensemble peaks. Directors seeking a crowd-pleasing, historically resonant chart that challenges players to balance technical precision with unbridled stylistic swagger will discover an essential addition to their library in A.Glasscock’s dynamic interpretation. Achieving success with A.Glasscock’s arrangement of "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine" requires meticulous attention to articulation and stylistic consistency across all four sections. Set a steadfast medium-up swing tempo around 168 BPM; rushing will muddy the intricate inner-voice counterpoint in the saxophones, while dragging will kill the boogie-woogie momentum. The brass must execute short, clipped staccatos with weight rather than a thin edge, ensuring the punchy accents on beats two and four land with authority. Directors should pay close attention to dynamic markings, contrasting the sultry, hushed vocal-style backgrounds with the wide-open, explosive volume of the shout choruses. Saxophones need to prioritize a unified, dry tone quality during fast unison lines, while the rhythm section—particularly the drummer—must maintain a crisp, triplet-based ride cymbal pattern that anchors the forward propulsion of the entire ensemble. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this 44-page big band arrangement? A: This complete 18-instrument big band chart includes full score and parts for Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpets 1 through 4, Trombones 1 through 4, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of A.Glasscock's arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it ideal for accomplished high school, collegiate, and professional jazz ensembles due to its demanding tempo, intricate section writing, and technical solo requirements. Q: What is the historical style and background of this piece? A: The piece is a classic 1944 swing standard originally composed by Stan Kenton and Joe Greene, famous for defining the high-energy, brass-heavy big band sound popularized by Kenton and vocalist Anita O'Day. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by A.Glasscock unique? A: Glasscock retains the authentic, high-octane 1940s boogie-woogie energy of the original recording while infusing modern, sophisticated harmonic voicings and a tightly woven structure that maximizes ensemble interplay. Q: What is the recommended performance duration and tempo for this chart? A: The arrangement is designed to be performed at a driving medium-up swing tempo of approximately 168 BPM, with a standard performance duration of around 3 to 4 minutes depending on solo extensions.