Evergreen (B.Lowden)

"Evergreen," originally titled "Love Theme from A Star Is Born (Evergreen)," is an iconic ballad composed by Barbra Streisand with lyrics by Paul Williams. Released in 1976 as the main theme for the film *A Star Is Born*, it quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming a signature song for Streisand and a quintessential representation of the sophisticated pop and balladry of the late 1970s. Its enduring melodic beauty and emotional depth have cemented its place in the American songbook, making it a frequently performed and recorded jazz standard, celebrated for its lyrical expressiveness and harmonic richness. The original recording, characterized by Streisand's powerful vocals and lush orchestral accompaniment, earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Song of the Year, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. Bob Lowden's big band arrangement of "Evergreen" transforms this beloved ballad into a compelling jazz experience, masterfully blending the original's romantic essence with the dynamic power of a full jazz orchestra. Lowden, known for his ability to craft arrangements that are both accessible and musically rewarding, approaches "Evergreen" with a keen ear for rich voicings and expressive phrasing. The arrangement maintains a slow, expressive ballad tempo, allowing the melody to unfold with grace and emotional weight. It navigates through a key that suits the full range of the ensemble, typically featuring lush harmonies that highlight the brass and saxophone sections in turn, often employing close voicings that create a warm, enveloping sound. This arrangement showcases Lowden's signature technique of building intensity through thoughtful orchestration. The melody is primarily carried by the lead alto saxophone, often doubled by the lead trumpet, creating a poignant and soaring line. Soli sections for the saxophones are artfully interwoven, providing harmonic support and counter-melodic interest, while the brass sections contribute with sustained chords and carefully placed swells that enhance the emotional arc. There are no extended improvised solos, keeping the focus on the ensemble's collective interpretation of the melody and harmony, making it an excellent vehicle for developing ensemble blend and expressive playing. The arrangement culminates in a powerful, yet controlled, full ensemble statement, allowing the band to showcase its dynamic range and cohesive sound. "Evergreen (B.Lowden)" is ideally suited for high school and college jazz ensembles, as well as community bands seeking a sophisticated and deeply rewarding ballad to add to their repertoire. While technically approachable, its true challenge lies in achieving a cohesive ensemble sound, impeccable intonation, and profound musicality. The arrangement provides an invaluable opportunity for musicians to develop their ballad playing, focusing on breath control, sustained tones, and expressive dynamics. Its rewarding nature stems from the beauty of the original melody combined with Lowden's thoughtful orchestration, allowing bands to create a truly moving performance that resonates with audiences. This arrangement of "Evergreen" thrives on a slow, expressive ballad tempo, typically around quarter note = 60-66 BPM. The primary technical challenge lies in achieving sustained, well-tuned chords and lyrical phrasing, especially in the saxophone soli sections and brass choir passages. Conductors should emphasize breath support and controlled releases for all sustained notes. Mutes are generally not required, allowing the natural warmth of the instruments to shine. Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts; the arrangement builds from tender beginnings to a full, resonant climax, requiring careful shaping of phrases and gradual increases in volume. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the inner voices within chordal structures and ensuring precise attacks and releases, particularly in the softer sections to maintain clarity and emotional depth. Q: What instruments and parts are included in the "Evergreen (B.Lowden)" big band arrangement? A: The arrangement includes parts for 17 instruments: Eb Alto Saxophone 1, Eb Alto Saxophone 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone 1, Bb Tenor Saxophone 2, Eb Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. It also comes with a comprehensive conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered to be of a medium difficulty level, making it appropriate for high school, college, and community jazz ensembles. Its primary challenges lie in achieving excellent ensemble blend, intonation, and expressive ballad playing, rather than complex technical passages. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Evergreen (B.Lowden)"? A: This is a big band jazz arrangement of "Evergreen," a classic ballad from the late 1970s, originally composed by Barbra Streisand for the film *A Star Is Born*. It represents a sophisticated blend of pop and jazz balladry. Q: What makes Bob Lowden's arrangement of "Evergreen" unique? A: Bob Lowden's treatment is characterized by its lush, expressive voicings, artful orchestration that builds intensity gradually, and a focus on ensemble performance rather than extended improvised solos. It beautifully translates the original song's emotional depth into a compelling big band setting. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this arrangement? A: "Evergreen (B.Lowden)" is a slow, expressive ballad, typically performed at a tempo of approximately quarter note = 60-66 BPM, resulting in a performance duration of around 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the conductor's interpretation.