And The Angels Sing (E.Barrett)

Originating from the height of the Swing Era, "And The Angels Sing" was composed by legendary trumpeter Ziggy Elman and famously immortalized by the Benny Goodman Orchestra with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Built upon Elman's adaptation of a traditional klezmer bulgar melody originally titled "Frailach in Swing," the composition stands as a monumental cultural bridge, uniquely fusing Jewish folk traditions with American big band swing. E.Barrett’s expansive 57-page arrangement for a 7-instrument ensemble captures the high-octane spirit and nostalgic warmth of the 1939 classic while reshaping it for a streamlined, flexible instrumental lineup. Musically set in a driving medium-up swing tempo, the chart radiates an infectious, celebratory energy balanced by rich, harmonized ballad-esque interludes. The arrangement utilizes a vibrant tonal palette, anchored by crisp swing eighth notes, tight horn cross-voicing, and characteristic chromatic passing tones. E.Barrett’s distinctive writing style shines through clever counterpoint and tight sectional interplay, trading traditional brass-heavy shout choruses for nimble, interwoven dialogue between the alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. The foundational piano part acts as a crucial rhythmic and harmonic engine, driving the groove while maintaining the transparent textures required for a smaller ensemble configuration. Performance-wise, the melody is shared fluidly across the frontline horns, allowing both the alto and tenor saxophones to take turns carrying the primary thematic material before opening up into dedicated solo sections. The lead trumpet part demands both agility and a strong command of middle-register lyricism, echoing Elman's iconic bravura style without requiring extreme high-note endurance. Technical challenges lie primarily in executing clean articulation on rapid scalar passages and maintaining a unified, buoyant swing feel across the rhythm section. The interplay between the trombone and tenor saxophone adds a distinct vocal quality to the ensemble's voicing, making dynamic contrast and blend essential for realizing the chart's emotional arc. Ensembles ranging from advanced high school jazz groups to collegiate, community, and professional chamber jazz outfits will find this arrangement exceptionally rewarding. Because it condenses a massive big-band sonic footprint into a nimble 7-instrument instrumentation, it offers players an ideal vehicle for developing personal projection, tight sectional intonation, and historical stylistic awareness. It serves as an engaging concert centerpiece that brilliantly showcases both individual improvisational flair and cohesive ensemble teamwork. The key to unlocking the authenticity of this arrangement lies in a disciplined, relaxed medium-swing feel. The rhythm section must anchor the groove with a steady, light ride cymbal pattern and an even walking bass line, avoiding any tendency to rush the tempo during dense ensemble passages. For the horn players, precision in articulation is paramount. Ensure that all dotted eighth-sixteenth figures are clean and not over-swung, preserving the crisp drive characteristic of late-1930s swing arrangements. Pay close attention to dynamic markings during the transitions between the klezmer-inspired minor sections and the jubilant major-key refrains; these shifts require sudden color changes rather than gradual crescendos. When approaching the featured improvised solos, performers should reference classic swing articulation, utilizing graceful bends, falls, and expressive vibrato. Rehearsals should initially isolate the counterpoint between the tenor saxophone and trombone to ensure perfect blend and balance before integrating the full 7-instrument texture. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a 7-instrument ensemble consisting of Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, and rhythm section support spanning a comprehensive 57-page score and parts set. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: It is designed for intermediate to advanced musicians (high school varsity, collegiate, and professional players), requiring solid swing reading skills, nimble fingerwork on faster melodic lines, and good stylistic flexibility. Q: What is the historical background of "And The Angels Sing"? A: The piece originated as Ziggy Elman's 1938 instrumental "Frailach in Swing" before Johnny Mercer added lyrics, turning it into a massive 1939 hit for the Benny Goodman Orchestra that famously blended klezmer folk melodies with swing jazz. Q: What makes E.Barrett’s arrangement unique? A: It cleverly re-orchestrates a legendary big-band classic for a tight 7-instrument ensemble, utilizing transparent voicings, intricate horn counterpoint, and balanced solo opportunities that maintain the original's power on a chamber scale. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo? A: The arrangement is written for a driving medium-up swing feel, typically performing at around 140 to 152 BPM with a total duration of approximately 3 to 4 minutes depending on solo extensions.