How About You (J.Farley)

Burton Lane and Ralph Freed’s timeless standard "How About You," famously introduced by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in the 1941 MGM film *Babes on Broadway* and later enshrined in the jazz canon by vocalists and instrumentalists alike, receives a sophisticated, swinging makeover in this big band setting. Representing the quintessential golden era of American popular song blended with mid-century jazz vernacular, the tune relies on its upbeat, optimistic lyricism and driving harmonic progression. Jazz greats from Chet Baker to Dexter Gordon have gravitated toward its cheerful cadence, making it a reliable vehicle for swinging arrangements that highlight both ensemble interplay and individual expression. John Farley’s 18-instrument big band adaptation breathes new life into the composition through a vibrant, medium-up swing feel anchored in a robust 4/4 groove. Opening with a playful, conversational vamp between the rhythm section and crisp brass punches, the chart establishes an effervescent mood characterized by bright modal colorations and clever metric displacements. Farley utilizes lush, contemporary extended harmonies within the saxophone and brass solis while keeping the underlying voice-leading firmly rooted in traditional swing-era transparency. The arrangement balances driving tutti shout choruses—featuring classic call-and-response dynamics between trumpets and trombones—with airy, harmonized reed passages that evoke the sophisticated styling of the Thad Jones or Count Basie orchestras. Vocalists and instrumental soloists alike will find ample room to shine, as the chart is tailored to support a featured vocal line (or instrumental lead) backed by scintillating background figures. The arrangement features designated solo space over standard blues-informed changes, allowing featured improvisers on alto saxophone or trumpet to stretch out. Technical demands center on clean articulation, precise swing eighth-note subdivision, and dynamic control during the dense, brass-heavy ensemble passages. The rhythmic interplay between the drummer and the horn section requires an advanced level of section tightness, particularly during the syncopated ensemble figures leading into the final chorus. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands will find this chart an ideal centerpiece for standard concert programs, festival sets, or vocal showcase performances. The 44-page publication includes a comprehensive conductor score alongside all individual instrumental parts, ensuring that directors have full visibility into Farley’s intricate dynamic shadings and textural contrasts. Audiences will instantly recognize the infectious melody, while musicians will appreciate the clever harmonic twists and invigorating, high-energy arrangement that elevates a vintage standard into a modern concert favorite. Directors should approach this medium-up swing chart with a strict focus on lightweight, driving quarter-note time from the rhythm section, avoiding any tendency to rush the tempo. The brass section must prioritize clean, precise articulation on short accented notes, ensuring that falls and doits are executed with stylistic taste rather than over-exaggeration. Pay close attention to the dynamic balance during the vocal or lead instrumental sections; the accompanying horn figures are voiced richly but should never obscure the primary melody. Rehearsals should initially isolate the intricate saxophone soli, practicing at a slower tempo to lock in the unison phrasing and dynamic swells before integrating the rhythm section's comping. Trombone and trumpet sections need to balance their cup and straight mutes where indicated to achieve the desired vintage textural warmth without sacrificing projection during ensemble climaxes. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: The 44-page package includes a full conductor score and 18 individual parts covering a vocal line, two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, a baritone saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced-intermediate to advanced, making it best suited for college ensembles, advanced high school jazz bands, and professional community big bands with strong section players. Q: What style and historical era does this piece reflect? A: The arrangement is set in a vibrant medium-up swing style, drawing inspiration from the 1940s classic Hollywood era while incorporating modern post-bop harmonic colorations and sophisticated big band voicings. Q: What makes John Farley's arrangement of "How About You" unique? A: Farley combines classic swing-era shout choruses and vocal-friendly phrasing with contemporary extended chord voicings, clever metric displacements, and tight, conversational counter-lines between the brass and reed sections. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The chart is designed to be performed at a brisk, buoyant medium swing tempo of approximately 160 to 168 beats per minute, resulting in a performance duration of roughly 3.5 to 4 minutes depending on solo extensions.