Easy To Love (G.Stone)

Cole Porter penned "Easy to Love" for the 1936 MGM musical *Born to Dance*, where it was famously introduced by James Stewart and later immortalized by jazz icons ranging from Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to Sonny Rollins. Representing the pinnacle of the Great American Songbook, Porter’s original composition is celebrated for its deceptive harmonic sophistication, memorable upward-resolving melodic leaps, and irresistible AABA form. As a cornerstone of the jazz standard repertoire, the tune invites sophisticated reharmonization and rhythmic reinvention, making it a beloved canvas for major arrangers seeking to balance accessible lyricism with intricate orchestral textures. George Stone’s brilliant big band interpretation transforms Porter’s classic into a dynamic showcase of contemporary swing orchestration. Driven by an infectious, medium-up swing groove, the chart opens with an inviting, harmonically rich introduction that establishes a sophisticated mood before launching into the head. Stone employs lush, extended chord voicings in the brass and interlocking woodwind counterlines that give the ensemble a modern, West Coast-inspired sheen. The arrangement pulses with vibrant energy, shifting seamlessly from driving, rhythm-section-backed ensemble passages to translucent, floating textures that highlight Porter’s timeless melody without ever sacrificing momentum. Throughout the chart, Stone showcases his signature compositional craft through clever motivic development, seamless modulations, and exquisitely balanced sax solid sections. The primary melody is initially introduced by the saxophones with subtle brass punctuation, later opening up to feature designated solo spaces—predominantly for alto saxophone and trumpet—that invite improvisers to stretch out over changes true to Porter's sophisticated harmonic blueprint. A powerful, high-energy shout chorus serves as the structural climax, building dense, cascading brass tiers and rhythmic cross-accents before driving the ensemble into a roaring, high-impact final coda. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this chart an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. While the rhythm section requires a tight, driving pocket and solid time-feel, the horn sections must possess strong blend, intonation, and agility to navigate Stone’s intricate voicing shifts. Offering a masterclass in modern big band arranging, "Easy to Love" guarantees an unforgettable concert or festival experience that will captivate both traditionalists and contemporary jazz enthusiasts alike. Executing George Stone’s arrangement of "Easy to Love" requires rigorous attention to dynamic contrast, stylistic precision, and rhythmic pocket. The tempo should be locked into a comfortable, driving medium-up swing (approx. Quarter note = 168–176 BPM), ensuring the rhythm section maintains an insistent yet relaxed groove. The drummer should favor a feathered bass drum and crisp ride cymbal pattern, avoiding heavy rock tendencies to let the acoustic swing breathe. Key technical challenges lie in the subtle dynamic shifts within the ensemble solis and the wide interval leaps in the upper brass. Conductors must ensure that background figures never obscure the featured soloists or the lead melody line. Pay close attention to articulation markings: short notes must be crisp and placed precisely with the bass player's walking line, while longer, accented notes require a warm, swelling core of sound. Trumpet and trombone sections should balance their section blend carefully during the dense shout chorus to ensure the dominant chord extensions project cleanly without stridency. Rehearsal should begin slowly, locking in the inner-voice harmony before dialing up to performance tempo. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this publication? A: The physical arrangement includes a comprehensive 57-page score and set of parts for a standard 17-instrument big band, featuring 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Q: What is the designated difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is graded as advanced, making it best suited for college jazz ensembles, advanced high school bands, and professional community big bands that possess strong section reading skills and experienced soloists. Q: What is the historical and stylistic context of this chart? A: Based on Cole Porter’s 1936 standard from *Born to Dance*, this arrangement reimagines the classic tune through a contemporary, swinging big band lens characterized by modern harmonic extensions and sophisticated West Coast-style orchestration. Q: What makes George Stone's arrangement unique compared to other versions of this standard? A: Stone’s chart stands out through its meticulous counterpoint, lush extended voicings, clever harmonic reharmonizations, and a brilliantly structured shout chorus that modernizes Porter's classic form while retaining its timeless melodic appeal. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: The arrangement is designed as a medium-up swing chart with a performance duration of approximately 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the length of the open improvised solos.