And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine (B.May)

"And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine" is a quintessential jazz standard, originally composed by Stan Kenton, Joe Greene, and Charles Lawrence. It first gained widespread recognition in 1944, becoming a major hit for Stan Kenton and his Orchestra featuring vocalist Anita O'Day. The song quickly captured the melancholic yet sophisticated mood of the wartime era, embodying a blend of blues-infused sentimentality and big band swing. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable narrative of heartbreak and the evocative, almost cinematic quality of its melody, cementing its place in the jazz vocal repertoire. The piece is a vivid snapshot of the big band sound at its peak, characterized by lush orchestrations supporting a compelling vocal line, and remains a touchstone for understanding the evolution of vocal jazz within a large ensemble setting. Billy May's arrangement of "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine" for big band with a featured vocalist is a masterclass in his signature "slurpy" brass and rich, warm woodwind voicings. May, renowned for his work with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, brings his distinctive approach to this classic, emphasizing smooth legato lines and sophisticated harmonic textures. This arrangement is set in a medium swing tempo, typically around 120-130 bpm, creating a relaxed yet driving feel that perfectly underpins the vocal narrative. The mood is one of poignant reflection, balanced with the inherent energy of a well-crafted big band chart. May's genius is evident in his use of tight, often muted, brass figures that punctuate the vocal phrases, and his ability to build dynamic intensity through expertly layered ensemble sections, culminating in a powerful, yet never overpowering, shout chorus. The arrangement features the vocalist prominently throughout, carrying the main melody with the band providing a supportive and interactive backdrop. Soli sections for the saxophones and brass are artfully woven into the fabric of the piece, showcasing May's harmonic ingenuity. While there are no extended improvised solo sections, the chart offers ample opportunity for the lead trumpet to shine with melodic fills and for the rhythm section to establish a deep, consistent groove. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the brass, maintaining blend and balance within the saxophone section, and navigating May's characteristic chromatic voicings. The rewarding aspect lies in achieving the seamless, polished sound that is the hallmark of a Billy May chart, delivering a performance that is both emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated. This arrangement is ideally suited for college, community, and professional big bands with a strong vocalist, offering a rewarding challenge that yields a truly authentic big band vocal sound. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, medium swing feel, avoiding any tendency to rush or drag; aim for a tempo around quarter note = 126 bpm. The brass sections require meticulous attention to May's signature legato phrasing and slurs, often achieved with plunger mutes in the trombones and trumpets for a "slurpy" effect. Ensure precise dynamic contrasts, particularly between the vocal passages and the ensemble responses, to build dramatic tension. The saxophone soli sections demand excellent blend and intonation, with a focus on smooth, connected lines. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the ensemble behind the vocalist, ensuring the vocal line is always paramount while the band provides rich, supportive textures. Pay close attention to cutoffs and releases, which should be clean and unified, contributing to the overall polished sound. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard big band lineup, including five saxophones (AATTB), four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, drums, and a dedicated vocal chart. Q: What is the difficulty level of "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine (B.May)"? A: This arrangement is considered advanced intermediate to advanced. It requires a proficient rhythm section, strong brass players capable of precise articulation and dynamic control, and a vocalist comfortable with the jazz standard repertoire. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is a classic jazz standard arranged in the big band vocal style, reflecting the sound of the mid-20th century. It embodies the sophisticated, often melancholic, yet swinging character of the 1940s big band era. Q: What makes Billy May's arrangement of "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine" unique? A: Billy May's distinctive arranging style, characterized by his "slurpy" brass voicings, lush saxophone soli, and sophisticated harmonic treatments, sets this arrangement apart, offering a rich and authentic big band sound. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this piece? A: The performance duration is typically around 3 to 3.5 minutes, depending on the chosen tempo. It is intended to be performed at a medium swing tempo, generally between 120-130 beats per minute.