How About You (B.May)

"How About You?" is a timeless jazz standard, originally composed by Burton Lane with lyrics by Ralph Freed, which first graced the silver screen in the 1941 film *Babes on Broadway*, performed by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. This piece emerged from the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals, a period that significantly shaped the American Songbook and introduced countless enduring melodies into the jazz lexicon. Its immediate popularity was cemented by a 1942 recording by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, which climbed to number eight on the Billboard charts, solidifying its place as a romantic, happy-go-lucky tune. Over the decades, its charming and conversational lyrics, often adapted to reflect contemporary culture, have been interpreted by an array of legendary vocalists including Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Shirley Bassey, and Rosemary Clooney, making it a beloved staple in both vocal and instrumental jazz. This Billy May arrangement of "How About You?" captures the essence of a medium swing feel, typically performed at a bright, yet relaxed, tempo that encourages a natural, buoyant groove. While the original key is often E flat, May's arrangements frequently feature modulations and harmonic sophistication that elevate the standard material. The musical character is one of sophisticated cheerfulness, evoking a sense of lighthearted romance and playful banter. May’s signature style imbues the piece with an infectious energy, driven by a meticulously crafted rhythm section and dynamic horn interplay. The mood is consistently upbeat and engaging, designed to captivate audiences with its blend of melodic charm and rhythmic vitality. Billy May's arranging approach is instantly recognizable and celebrated for its distinctive "slurping saxes" – a bluesy glissando effect – and powerful, often mercurial brass writing. In this arrangement, listeners can anticipate his characteristic rich voicings, particularly within the saxophone section, which contribute to a full and lush sound. May was a master of dynamic contrast and often incorporated witty musical surprises, ensuring that his arrangements were never predictable. Expect intricate soli sections where the horn families engage in vibrant call-and-response or unison passages, and potentially a climactic shout chorus that builds to an exhilarating peak. His harmonic language, while rooted in the swing era, often features extended chords and clever substitutions that add a layer of complexity and interest. The arrangement features the vocalist prominently, carrying the primary melody, while the big band provides a lush and swinging backdrop. There are often featured instrumental solos, typically for alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, or trumpet, offering opportunities for improvisation over the song's well-loved chord changes. Technical challenges for the ensemble include precise articulation, maintaining tight ensemble blend in soli sections, and navigating May's often demanding brass figures and saxophone glissandos. The reward for mastering these elements is a performance that exudes classic big band swing, delivering a polished and exhilarating rendition of a beloved standard. This arrangement is ideally suited for college-level jazz ensembles and community bands with strong instrumental sections, as well as professional big bands seeking an authentic and vibrant interpretation of a swing-era gem. The demands on precision and stylistic authenticity make it a rewarding challenge for experienced musicians. Conductors approaching Billy May's "How About You?" should emphasize a relaxed, medium swing feel, targeting a tempo around quarter note = 120-130 BPM. The groove should be light and buoyant, driven by a crisp hi-hat and walking bass line. A key technical challenge lies in achieving May's signature "slurping saxes" effect; saxophonists should practice precise glissandos, attacking slightly below the target pitch and smoothly sliding into it, ensuring uniformity across the section. Brass sections must focus on clean, powerful attacks and releases, particularly in shout choruses, while maintaining excellent intonation. Trumpet players should be prepared for potentially high notes, characteristic of May's writing. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the vocal soloist with the ensemble, ensuring the band supports without overpowering. Articulation is paramount; differentiate between short, punched notes and longer, sustained phrases to bring out the arrangement's inherent wit and drive. Encourage musicians to listen across sections to lock into the rhythmic precision and harmonic blend that defines May's sound. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement includes parts for Voice, 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, Drums, and a full Conductor Score, totaling 18 instruments and 36 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced intermediate to difficult. It requires proficient instrumentalists capable of executing complex ensemble passages, precise articulations, and navigating challenging brass and saxophone figures typical of Billy May's style. Q: What musical style and historical context does "How About You?" represent? A: "How About You?" is a classic jazz standard from the swing era, composed by Burton Lane in 1941. This Billy May arrangement exemplifies the sophisticated big band sound of the mid-20th century, characterized by a medium swing feel, rich harmonies, and dynamic orchestration. Q: What makes Billy May's arrangement of "How About You?" unique? A: Billy May's arrangement is distinguished by his iconic "slurping saxes," powerful brass writing, and intricate voicings that create a full, vibrant sound. His treatment adds a layer of witty musicality and dynamic contrast that elevates the original standard. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3-4 minutes, maintaining a medium swing tempo around quarter note = 120-130 BPM. This allows for a relaxed yet energetic feel, characteristic of the swing era.