Devil May Care (J.Mason)

Penned by the prolific Harry Warren in 1940, "Devil May Care" emerged during the golden age of American popular song, a period when big bands reigned supreme and standards were born. While perhaps not as universally recognized as some of Warren's other masterpieces like "Lullaby of Broadway" or "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "Devil May Care" captures the sophisticated charm and melodic ingenuity characteristic of the era. It was famously introduced in the MGM film *Dulcy* and quickly became a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike, embodying the lighthearted, optimistic spirit often found in pre-war jazz and swing. Its enduring appeal lies in its elegant harmonic progression and singable melody, making it a compelling vehicle for big band interpretation. Jack Mason’s arrangement of "Devil May Care" transforms this classic into a vibrant, medium-up swing chart, perfectly suited for a contemporary big band. Set in the bright key of E-flat major, the piece immediately establishes a buoyant 4/4 swing feel, propelled by a walking bass line and crisp drum work. The overall mood is one of sophisticated energy and playful confidence, reflecting the title's sentiment. Mason masterfully balances the tune's inherent melodicism with dynamic ensemble writing, ensuring that the arrangement sounds both historically informed and fresh. The energy builds steadily throughout, culminating in a powerful shout chorus that will leave audiences exhilarated. Mason's distinctive arranging approach is evident from the outset. He employs rich, often dense voicings, particularly in the saxophone soli sections, which feature intricate counterpoint and close harmony, demanding precision from the reed section. The melody is initially presented by the lead alto saxophone, giving it a classic big band sound, before being passed to various sections, including a powerful brass statement. The arrangement features an open solo section over the standard chord changes, providing ample opportunity for a tenor saxophone soloist to showcase their improvisational skills. Mason's signature use of call-and-response figures between brass and reeds, coupled with carefully placed dynamic contrasts, keeps the listener engaged and the band on its toes. Performing this arrangement is a rewarding experience for a big band seeking a challenging yet accessible swing chart. Technical demands include precise articulation in the fast-moving soli passages, strong lead playing in all sections, and dynamic control, especially during the build-ups to the shout chorus. The tenor solo provides a central feature, allowing a strong improviser to shine. The piece concludes with a powerful, full-ensemble statement, bringing the arrangement to a thrilling close. This chart is ideal for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands looking to add a polished, energetic swing standard to their repertoire, offering both musical depth and audience appeal. "Devil May Care" should be approached with a consistent medium-up swing feel, aiming for a tempo around quarter note = 180-190 BPM. Establish a solid walking bass line and a crisp, driving ride cymbal pattern from the start. Key technical challenges include the intricate saxophone soli passages, which require excellent intonation, blend, and rhythmic precision; rehearse these slowly and meticulously. The brass section needs strong lead playing and clear articulation, especially in the punchy interjections and the powerful shout chorus. Pay close attention to dynamic markings, utilizing the full range from *mp* to *ff* to shape the musical narrative. Ensure the tenor saxophone soloist is comfortable navigating the standard AABA form over the changes. No special techniques like plungers or doits are explicitly marked, focusing instead on clean articulation and ensemble blend. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band: Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Piano, Bass, Guitar, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of Jack Mason's "Devil May Care" arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as advanced high school, collegiate, or community band level. It features intricate soli passages, demanding lead playing, and requires a solid understanding of swing articulation and dynamics. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is a medium-up swing arrangement of Harry Warren's "Devil May Care," a jazz standard from 1940. It captures the sophisticated, energetic big band sound of the late swing era, adapted with modern arranging techniques. Q: What makes Jack Mason's treatment of "Devil May Care" unique? A: Jack Mason's arrangement is distinguished by its rich, often dense voicings, particularly in the saxophone soli, dynamic contrasts, and effective use of call-and-response between sections. It provides a contemporary yet authentic big band interpretation of a classic standard, featuring an open tenor saxophone solo section. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and recommended tempo for this piece? A: The approximate performance duration for this arrangement is 3:30 - 4:00 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solo. The recommended tempo is a medium-up swing, around quarter note = 180-190 BPM.