darn that dream 01 Drums (Mcconnell)

Composed in 1939 by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Lange for the Broadway musical *Swingin' the Dream*, "Darn That Dream" swiftly transitioned from theatrical obscurity into the upper echelon of the Great American Songbook. Immortalized early on by Benny Goodman and his Orchestra with a vocal by Mildred Bailey, the tune became a mandatory vehicle for jazz modernists, drawing definitive interpretations from Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, and Bill Evans. Its enduring status as a jazz standard stems from its sophisticated harmonic progression, which navigates unexpected tonal centers and invites deep melodic exploration through its haunting, introspective AABA form. This small ensemble treatment approaches the beloved standard as a delicate, highly nuanced vehicle for dynamic interplay and expressive lyricism. Set at a intimate, lingering ballad tempo with a subtle rubato feel, the arrangement evokes a nocturnal, reflective mood. The harmonic landscape retains Van Heusen's original extensions while introducing subtle, contemporary reharmonizations that freshen the movement between key centers. The texture is transparent and breathing, allowing each instrumental voice in the small ensemble to weave countermelodies and inner-voice movements around the core thematic material without ever crowding the sonic space. Mcconnell’s arranging signature is immediately evident in the sophisticated treatment of the rhythm section and the intricate, conversational writing between the horns. Rather than treating the accompaniment as static padding, the arrangement builds a dense web of contrapuntal motion where the drums and rhythm section drive a flexible, elastic pulse. The drum part, spanning an expansive 16 pages of meticulously detailed notation, acts as a primary coloristic and structural guide. It features nuanced brushwork, subtle dynamic contouring, and tasteful motivic interaction that propels the small group through shifting metric feels and expressive rubato transitions. Tailored specifically for advanced collegiate, community, and professional small ensembles, this chart rewards players with advanced listening skills and a refined sense of ensemble balance. The primary challenge lies in maintaining absolute rhythmic cohesion and lyrical continuity at slow tempos, where every micro-timing decision and dynamic shading is exposed. Performers will find deep artistic satisfaction in navigating the sophisticated harmonic turns and the spacious, interactive layout, making it an exceptional centerpiece for contemporary jazz club performances or sophisticated concert settings. Executing this arrangement successfully demands exceptional listening skills, absolute stylistic unity, and supreme dynamic control from every member of the ensemble. The conductor should establish a flexible, breathing tempo that honors the ballad character, resisting any tendency to rush the cyclical harmonic turnarounds. For the percussionist, the 16-page drum part requires a masterclass in texture; utilize brushes for the primary thematic statements, focusing on crisp, understated subdivision and responsive cross-stick patterns that converse directly with the lead melodic voices. Rehearsal should initially strip away all strict timekeeping to focus purely on intonation and harmonic blending during the rubato transitional phrases. Pay close attention to balance during the inner-voice counterlines, ensuring that accompanying horns never mask the featured soloist or primary melodic line. Dynamic restraint is paramount—the emotional impact of this chart relies heavily on its vast quiet spectrum, ranging from a whispered pianissimo to a warm, resonant mezzo-forte climax. Q: What specific instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: This publication specifically features the comprehensive 16-page drum part (Mcconnell arrangement) tailored for small ensemble configurations playing Van Heusen and Lange's jazz standard. Q: What is the overall difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is designated for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional small ensembles due to its demanding slow-tempo control, harmonic sophistication, and nuanced interaction. Q: What is the historical style and musical context of "Darn That Dream"? A: Originating from the 1939 Broadway production *Swingin' the Dream*, the piece is a foundational jazz standard made famous by icons like Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, and Bill Evans. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by Mcconnell unique? A: It features a transparent, contrapuntal small-ensemble texture with contemporary reharmonizations and an extensive, highly detailed 16-page drum part that drives the group's elastic pulse. Q: What is the performance tempo and expected duration of the piece? A: The arrangement is set at an intimate, lingering ballad tempo with flexible rubato sections, typically lasting between 5 to 7 minutes depending on solo improvisational lengths.