I Concentrate On You (J.Farley)

Cole Porter crafted "I Concentrate On You" in 1939 for the Broadway musical *Broadway Melody of 1940*, where it was famously introduced and danced to by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell. The composition quickly transcended its cinematic origins to become a cherished vehicle for jazz improvisers, interpreted by vocal and instrumental titans ranging from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Charlie Parker and Art Pepper. Its sophisticated harmonic architecture, characterized by lush chromatic descents and an expansive 32-bar AABA form, makes it one of the enduring jewels of the Great American Songbook, lending itself effortlessly to creative jazz reinterpretation. John Farley’s sophisticated big band interpretation reimagines Porter's timeless standard as a sultry, medium-tempo Latin-swing hybrid, clocking in at a relaxed and persuasive groove. Set in a warm, resonant concert key that flatters the horns, the arrangement opens with an atmospheric piano and bass vamp that establishes a seductive modal color before introducing the primary theme. The mood shifts seamlessly between intimate, sparse counterpoint and full-ensemble dynamic swells, evoking the sultry elegance of a 1950s Manhattan supper club. Farley masterfully balances tension and release, utilizing rich extended tertian harmonies, altered dominant chords, and subtle harmonic shifts that heighten the emotional yearning embedded in Porter's original melody. The arrangement is meticulously tailored for a specialized 7-instrument ensemble configuration comprising Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass, and Drums, maximizing its sonic footprint across 51 comprehensive pages of score and parts. The foundational melody is primarily carried by the saxophone section in rich, tight-knit block voicings, with the trumpet and trombone weaving elegant counter-melodies and responsive background stabs. A standout feature of the chart is an open solo section for Tenor Saxophone and Piano, supported by crisp, interlocking horn background figures that build organic momentum. The climax features a cleverly orchestrated ensemble soli that showcases individual section interplay before resolving into a delicate, whisper-quiet coda. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz bands, and professional chamber jazz groups will find this chart an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. While the individual parts do not demand breakneck technical virtuosity, the arrangement places a premium on stylistic cohesion, rhythmic precision within the Latin-swing pocket, and sophisticated dynamic control. Conductors will appreciate how Farley's transparent 7-part voicing achieves the fullness and sonic depth of a much larger 17-piece big band without sacrificing the contrapuntal clarity essential for a smaller ensemble. Achieving the authentic feel of John Farley’s arrangement requires a precise balance between a relaxed swing pocket and an underlying Afro-Cuban pulse. The rhythm section is the anchor; the drummer should maintain a light ride-cymbal sizzle paired with a subtle cross-stick or rim-click Latin ostinato, avoiding heavy rock backbeats. Horn players must focus on seamless intonation within the tight chordal voicings, particularly during the chromatic descents in the bridge. Articulation should lean toward a legato, vocal approach—think "doo-dah" rather than harsh staccatos—to match the romantic lyricism of Cole Porter’s melody. During the open solo section, rhythm section accompaniment should remain transparent, utilizing comping patterns that leave ample harmonic space for the soloist. Rehearsal time should be heavily invested in balancing the inner voices of the saxophone and brass sections so that counter-melodies do not obscure the primary melodic line. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for a 7-instrument jazz ensemble consisting of Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass, and Drums, spanning a total of 51 pages of comprehensive score and individual parts. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: It is targeted at advanced high school, collegiate, and professional chamber jazz ensembles, requiring strong ensemble blend, stylistic versatility, and refined dynamic control rather than extreme technical speed. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of the piece? A: Originally penned by Cole Porter in 1939 for *Broadway Melody of 1940*, this arrangement reimagines the jazz standard through a sophisticated medium-tempo Latin-swing hybrid lens. Q: What makes John Farley's arrangement unique? A: Farley achieves the rich, expansive harmonic depth of a full 17-piece big band using a lean 7-instrument configuration, highlighted by clever counter-melodies, lush extended tertian harmonies, and a transparent ensemble soli. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo of the arrangement? A: The piece is designed for a medium swing tempo feel of approximately 116 BPM, resulting in a performance duration of roughly 4 to 5 minutes depending on solo choruses.