Drinkin'Again (E.Gerlach)

"Drinkin' Again," originally penned in 1962 by the legendary lyricist Johnny Mercer and composer Doris Tauber, stands as a quintessential jazz torch song. This poignant ballad captures the raw emotion of heartbreak and longing, a theme that resonates deeply within the jazz standard repertoire. It gained prominence through iconic recordings by vocal giants such as Dinah Washington, who released an album titled "Drinking Again" in 1962, and Frank Sinatra, who included it on his 1967 album, "The World We Knew." The song's enduring appeal lies in its evocative melody and Mercer's melancholic lyrics, which paint a vivid picture of a solitary figure finding solace, or perhaps further despair, in a glass. Its status as a jazz standard is cemented by its consistent interpretation by vocalists across generations, drawn to its narrative of lost love and introspection. Ed Gerlach's big band arrangement of "Drinkin' Again" transforms this intimate ballad into a lush, expressive vehicle for a vocalist and full jazz orchestra. Set as a slow ballad, the arrangement maintains the original's somber and reflective mood, while expanding its emotional scope through rich harmonic textures and dynamic orchestration. Gerlach's signature approach often involves sophisticated voicings that support the vocalist without overpowering, creating a tapestry of sound that is both complex and transparent. Expect carefully crafted soli sections for the saxophone and brass choirs, providing instrumental counterpoints that echo the vocal line's sentiment. The arrangement likely features extended harmonies, adding a contemporary sheen to the classic standard, and subtle modulations that heighten the emotional journey, culminating in a powerful, yet restrained, shout chorus that underscores the song's melancholic core. This arrangement is designed to showcase a strong vocalist, with the melody primarily carried by the singer throughout. Instrumental interludes and obbligato lines will provide opportunities for featured soloists, particularly in the saxophone and trumpet sections, to improvise over the sophisticated harmonic progression. Technical challenges for the ensemble include maintaining a consistent, deep slow ballad feel, precise blend and balance within the dense voicings, and sensitive dynamic control to convey the song's emotional arc. The rewarding aspect of performing this piece lies in its profound emotional depth; a successful rendition allows both musicians and audience to connect with the universal themes of love, loss, and reflection. This chart is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands that possess a mature understanding of ballad interpretation and a vocalist capable of delivering a compelling narrative. Conductors should emphasize a deep, unhurried slow ballad feel, ensuring that the rhythm section establishes a solid, yet flexible, foundation. The tempo marking should hover around quarter note = 50-56 BPM, allowing ample space for the melody and harmonies to breathe. Key technical challenges include achieving precise intonation and blend within the often-dense brass and saxophone voicings, particularly in sustained chords. Encourage musicians to listen across sections to create a unified sound. Dynamic contrast is paramount; guide the band through subtle crescendos and decrescendos to mirror the emotional ebb and flow of the lyrics. While no specific special techniques like plunger mutes are explicitly required, expressive phrasing with controlled vibrato, especially from the brass and saxophone sections, will enhance the overall mood. Rehearsal tips should focus on isolating challenging harmonic passages slowly, using a chorale-style approach to perfect balance and pitch, and working closely with the vocalist to ensure the instrumental accompaniment truly supports and enhances their interpretation. **Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement?** A: This big band vocal arrangement typically includes standard instrumentation: 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, bass, drums, and a dedicated vocal part. **Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?** A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for experienced high school, collegiate, community, or professional big bands due to its sophisticated harmonies, nuanced dynamics, and the interpretive demands on both the ensemble and vocalist. **Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Drinkin' Again"?** A: "Drinkin' Again" is a classic jazz torch song, composed in 1962 by Johnny Mercer and Doris Tauber. It embodies the melancholic and reflective character of mid-20th-century jazz standards, famously recorded by Dinah Washington and Frank Sinatra. **Q: What makes Ed Gerlach's arrangement of "Drinkin' Again" unique?** A: Ed Gerlach's arrangement is distinguished by its rich, extended harmonies, carefully crafted soli sections for brass and saxophones, and its ability to expand the emotional depth of the original ballad while maintaining its intimate, reflective mood. **Q: What is the typical performance duration of this arrangement?** A: As a slow ballad, the performance duration for this arrangement of "Drinkin' Again" is typically between 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the interpretation and length of any improvised solos.