Come Rain or Come Shine (J.Nowak)

"Come Rain or Come Shine," penned by the legendary Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, stands as an enduring pillar of the Great American Songbook. Composed in 1946 for the musical *St. Louis Woman*, it quickly transcended its Broadway origins to become a quintessential jazz standard. Its sophisticated harmonic progression, memorable melody, and poignant lyrical narrative of unwavering devotion have made it a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike, famously interpreted by giants such as Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra. The song embodies the lush, romantic, yet often melancholic spirit of mid-20th century American popular music, offering a rich canvas for jazz improvisation and arrangement. This particular arrangement by J. Nowak (Vocal in Db) reimagines this classic as a vibrant, medium-up swing chart, perfectly suited for a big band with a featured female vocalist. Set in the key of D-flat major, it maintains the song's inherent warmth while infusing it with a propulsive, yet never rushed, energy. The mood is one of sophisticated optimism, propelled by a walking bass line and driving drum patterns. Nowak's distinctive approach is evident in the artful blend of traditional big band voicings with contemporary harmonic colors, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Expect lush saxophone soli sections that weave intricate countermelodies around the vocal line, and brass figures that punctuate with precision and flair, building dynamic tension throughout. The arrangement opens with a captivating orchestral introduction before the vocalist enters, carrying the iconic melody with the full support of the ensemble. Nowak masterfully employs call-and-response figures between the vocalist and various sections, particularly the brass, adding conversational depth. A significant feature is an open solo section, typically for tenor saxophone or trumpet, allowing for improvisational expression over the standard's well-loved changes. The chart builds dynamically towards a powerful, yet controlled, shout chorus, showcasing the full ensemble's might without overpowering the vocal narrative. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the brass, maintaining a consistent swing feel across all sections, and navigating the harmonic intricacies of the soli passages. However, the rewarding payoff lies in the seamless integration of the vocal and instrumental elements, culminating in a truly exhilarating performance that will captivate audiences. This arrangement is ideally suited for college-level jazz ensembles, advanced community big bands, and professional groups. Its demands require experienced section players capable of navigating complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as a vocalist with strong interpretive skills and a confident command of the standard repertoire. The chart provides ample opportunity for individual expression within a tightly structured framework, making it a highly satisfying and impressive addition to any concert program. This arrangement of "Come Rain or Come Shine" should be approached as a medium-up swing, aiming for a tempo around quarter note = 132-140 BPM. The feel must be consistently buoyant and driving, with a strong emphasis on a walking bass line and crisp, articulate swing eighth notes from the rhythm section. Brass players should focus on precise attacks and releases, particularly in the punchy figures, utilizing a clear, focused tone. Saxophone soli sections require careful attention to blend and balance, ensuring the intricate lines are heard as a cohesive unit. Dynamics are crucial; observe the marked crescendos and decrescendos to build and release tension effectively, especially leading into and out of the shout chorus. The open solo section provides an opportunity for a featured improviser to shine; encourage creative melodic development over the changes. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to perfecting the ensemble's rhythmic unity and ensuring the vocalist is seamlessly supported, never overshadowed, by the band. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard big band lineup, including 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, bass, drums, and a dedicated vocal chart for a female vocalist. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as advanced intermediate to advanced. It requires experienced players capable of navigating complex swing rhythms, extended harmonies, and precise ensemble playing, making it suitable for college, advanced community, or professional jazz ensembles. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is a big band vocal jazz arrangement of "Come Rain or Come Shine," a classic jazz standard composed by Harold Arlen in 1946. It captures the sophisticated, swinging essence of mid-20th century American popular music and jazz. Q: What makes J. Nowak's arrangement of "Come Rain or Come Shine" unique? A: Nowak's arrangement stands out for its vibrant medium-up swing feel, lush contemporary voicings, and dynamic interplay between the vocalist and the ensemble. It features engaging soli sections, a powerful shout chorus, and a well-crafted balance of traditional big band sound with modern harmonic colors. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: Depending on the length of the improvised solo, the typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3:30 to 4:30 minutes. The recommended tempo is a medium-up swing, around 132-140 beats per minute.