Get Out Of Town-Art Dedrick (A.Dedrick)

Cole Porter's "Get Out Of Town," a sophisticated jewel from his 1938 musical *Leave It to Me!*, quickly established itself as a beloved jazz standard, celebrated for its witty lyrics and poignant melody. While originally a show tune, its harmonic richness and memorable contour made it ripe for instrumental interpretation, notably popularized by vocalists like Anita O'Day and instrumentalists across various jazz idioms. This Art Dedrick arrangement for 17-piece big band masterfully reinterprets Porter's classic, transforming it into a vibrant, medium-swing showcase that balances traditional big band aesthetics with accessible, engaging musicality. Dedrick's treatment of "Get Out Of Town" immediately establishes a comfortable, medium-swing groove in 4/4 time, likely in a key such as F or Bb major to facilitate brass and saxophone voicings. The arrangement opens with a classic big band texture, perhaps a warm saxophone soli or a brass choir introducing the main theme with Dedrick's characteristic clean, well-balanced voicings. His arrangements are renowned for their clarity and playability, often featuring harmonized melody lines that are both full-bodied and transparent. Expect a dynamic journey, moving from lyrical ensemble passages to energetic, driving sections. The mood is one of sophisticated charm and playful urgency, reflecting the original song's narrative of a lover's desperate plea. A hallmark of Dedrick's style is his ability to craft arrangements that sound professional and polished while remaining within the reach of developing ensembles. This arrangement likely features the melody passed between sections – perhaps the saxophones taking the initial statement, followed by a brass response or a full ensemble restatement. Soli sections for the saxophones are almost certainly present, showcasing intricate yet flowing lines that are harmonically rich without being overly complex. A featured solo section, likely for tenor saxophone or trumpet, will provide an opportunity for improvisation over the standard chord changes, supported by well-crafted ensemble backgrounds. The arrangement builds towards a classic big band shout chorus, where the full ensemble unleashes powerful, tightly voiced figures, creating an exhilarating climax before a refined, cohesive ending. This arrangement is ideally suited for high school, college, or community jazz ensembles looking to perform a classic standard with a professional sound. Its technical demands are moderate, focusing more on rhythmic precision, blend, and dynamic contrast rather than extreme range or virtuosic fingerwork. The clear voicing and logical structure make it an excellent teaching tool for developing ensemble cohesion and understanding traditional big band arranging techniques. Performing "Get Out Of Town" with Dedrick's touch offers a rewarding experience, allowing musicians to delve into the elegance of Cole Porter through the lens of a master big band arranger, culminating in a performance that is both musically satisfying and audience-engaging. Approach this arrangement with a focus on rhythmic precision and dynamic shaping to bring out its inherent swing feel and sophisticated character. The medium-swing tempo should be consistent, allowing for a relaxed yet driving pulse; avoid rushing or dragging. Pay close attention to articulation markings, particularly the contrast between sustained notes and crisp, short figures, to ensure clarity in the ensemble. Saxophone soli sections require careful balancing to achieve a unified, blended sound, while brass attacks should be clean and confident. Encourage soloists to embrace the melodic and harmonic language of the standard, supported by tasteful and dynamic ensemble backgrounds. No special mutes or extended techniques are explicitly required, but plunger or cup mutes could be creatively incorporated into brass backgrounds for added texture if desired. Rehearsal time should be allocated to perfecting ensemble blend, dynamic contrasts, and the seamless transitions between melodic statements and soli sections. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a full 17-piece big band, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Get Out Of Town" (Art Dedrick)? A: This arrangement is considered suitable for intermediate-level ensembles, such as advanced high school, college, or community jazz bands. It presents moderate technical challenges focusing on ensemble precision and musicality rather than extreme virtuosity. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: This is a medium-swing big band arrangement of Cole Porter's "Get Out Of Town," a classic jazz standard from his 1938 musical *Leave It to Me!*. It embodies the sophisticated charm and harmonic richness of the swing era. Q: What makes Art Dedrick's arrangement of "Get Out Of Town" unique? A: Dedrick's signature approach provides clear, accessible voicings, balanced ensemble writing, and a well-structured form that highlights the melody while offering engaging soli sections and a classic big band shout chorus, making it both playable and musically rewarding. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this arrangement? A: The performance duration typically ranges from 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the length of improvised solos. It is designed to be performed at a consistent medium-swing tempo in 4/4 time.