Come Fly With Me (E.Barrett)

Mid-century jet-set exuberance finds its definitive big band expression in this striking treatment of the beloved standard. Historically tied to the golden era of 1950s vocal jazz and popularized most famously by Frank Sinatra on his 1958 Capitol album of the same name, the tune captures the adventurous, optimistic spirit of post-war commercial aviation. Written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, the composition has endured as a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, frequently serving as an ultimate test of a big band’s ability to swing with sophisticated nonchalance and driving momentum. Operating at a bright, buoyant medium-up swing tempo in four-four time, the chart exudes an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and high-flying energy. E.Barrett’s arrangement opens with an instantly recognizable, glittering brass fanfare that mimics the rising thrust of an airliner before settling into a crisp, infectious rhythm section groove. The harmonic language honors traditional post-bop idioms while incorporating crisp, modern extensions in the upper woodwinds and brass, evoking the polished, cosmopolitan sheen of the Las Vegas strip at its mid-century zenith. Rich chordal voicings in the saxophones provide a lush carpet of sound underneath clever, conversational counter-melodies from the trombones. Balancing classic stylistic homage with fresh architectural choices, Barrett structures the chart to highlight dynamic contrasts and ensemble interplay. The arrangement features a tightly woven saxophone soli that showcases intricate bebop-inflected lines, demanding absolute precision and unified articulation from the reed section. Following an open solo section designated for your choice of horn or piano, the chart builds relentlessly toward a high-octane shout chorus. Here, the brass section soars over a churning rhythmic foundation, utilizing traditional jazz articulation—such as controlled falls and accented punch chords—to drive the excitement home before a sparkling, definitive final cadence. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section leaders, as well as collegiate and professional community big bands, will find this arrangement an ideal centerpiece for a concert program. While the rhythm section requires a steady, driving swing feel and the lead trumpet must navigate the upper register with confidence, the underlying chart is exceptionally well-graded and idiomatic. It rewards meticulous sectional rehearsal and offers audiences an irresistible, nostalgia-infused ride that stands out on any jazz program. Conductors should establish a confident, driving medium-up swing tempo right from the downbeat, ensuring the quarter note remains the rhythmic heartbeat without rushing. The primary technical challenge lies in maintaining a light, buoyant articulation across all sections during fast passages; avoid heavy, accented downbeats that can bog down the forward momentum. The saxophones must practice their soli section with a metronome to lock in unison phrasing and subtle dynamic swells. Brass players should approach high-register entries with controlled support rather than brute force, particularly during the transition into the shout chorus. Utilize wide, expressive vibrato on ballad-esque interludes, but keep the rhythm section strictly in the pocket during the swing grooves. Regular sectional rehearsals focusing on the dynamic contrast between the understated verse statements and the explosive tutti sections will yield the most polished, professional result. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: The complete 52-page package features a full conductor score and individual parts for a standard 17-instrument big band lineup, comprising 5 saxophones (Alto I-II, Tenor I-II, Baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a 4-piece rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, and guitar). Q: What is the overall difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is graded as advanced-intermediate to advanced, making it best suited for capable high school jazz ensembles, university bands, and professional community big bands with strong lead players and a solid rhythm section. Q: What is the historical background of the musical material? A: The work draws directly from the mid-20th-century vocal jazz tradition, channeling the classic arrangements written for legendary interpreters like Frank Sinatra during the peak of the Capitol Records era. Q: What makes E.Barrett’s arrangement unique compared to other versions? A: Barrett infuses the classic standard with clever counter-melodies, sparkling brass voicings, and a tightly constructed saxophone soli that balances traditional swing style with a fresh, modern harmonic polish. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The arrangement is designed to be performed at a bright, driving medium-up swing tempo (approximately 160 to 172 BPM) and runs for roughly 3.5 to 4 minutes, depending on the length allotted for improvised solos.