I Get A Kick Out Of You (A.Dedrick)

Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out Of You," a timeless gem from his 1934 musical *Anything Goes*, stands as a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook and an enduring jazz standard. Originally introduced by Ethel Merman on Broadway, this sophisticated tune quickly captivated audiences with its witty lyrics, elegant melodic contour, and deceptively complex harmonic progression. It embodies the urbane charm and melodic craftsmanship characteristic of the Golden Age of Broadway, offering a perfect vehicle for both vocalists and instrumentalists to explore its inherent swing and lyrical depth. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by countless recordings across generations, solidifying its place as a staple in jazz repertoire, celebrated for its blend of romantic sentiment and playful cynicism. Art Dedrick's masterful big band arrangement of "I Get A Kick Out Of You" presents this classic in a vibrant, medium-swing setting, typically performed at a comfortable tempo around 120-130 BPM. The arrangement opens with a sophisticated ensemble statement, immediately establishing a bright, confident mood in the key of F Major. Dedrick's signature is evident in his meticulously crafted voicings, which provide a rich, full sound without sacrificing clarity, particularly in the saxophone and brass sections. The arrangement maintains a consistently effervescent energy, driven by a walking bass line and a swinging drum pattern that perfectly supports the melodic development. While primarily an instrumental feature, the arrangement evokes the playful spirit of Porter's original, making it an engaging listen from start to finish. Dedrick's approach to this standard is characterized by his intelligent use of sectional interplay and dynamic contrast. The melody is artfully distributed, initially featuring the lead alto saxophone or trumpet, then transitioning to a full saxophone soli that showcases tight ensemble playing and precise articulation. A prominent feature is a well-structured, open solo section, typically over the tune's form, offering ample space for a featured soloist—often trumpet or tenor saxophone—to improvise. This leads into a powerful, yet controlled, shout chorus that builds intensity through layered brass figures and driving saxophone lines, culminating in a satisfying full-ensemble statement. The arrangement is designed to highlight the band's collective strength and individual soloistic flair, making it both challenging and rewarding. This arrangement is highly suitable for advanced high school, college, community, and professional big bands. Its technical demands include precise articulation, dynamic control, and a solid understanding of swing feel. The brass ranges are accessible, generally not exceeding high C for trumpets, while the saxophone parts require good blend and intonation. The rewarding aspects lie in the opportunity to perform a timeless classic with a sophisticated, swinging interpretation, fostering ensemble cohesion and individual expression. Bands will find particular satisfaction in navigating Dedrick's intricate voicings and delivering the impactful shout chorus, ensuring a polished and engaging performance. Conductors should aim for a consistent, relaxed medium-swing feel, emphasizing the quarter-note pulse in the rhythm section. Articulation is paramount; brass should play with crisp, defined attacks, while saxophones need a smooth, connected legato in soli sections. Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts, particularly the build into the shout chorus, ensuring a controlled crescendo rather than an abrupt volume increase. The open solo section requires a strong rhythmic foundation from the rhythm section to support the improviser. Encourage brass players to use subtle falls and doits where indicated for authentic jazz inflection. Rehearsal time should focus on balancing the intricate voicings, ensuring clarity in the saxophone soli, and achieving precise cutoffs, especially at the end of phrases and the final chord. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement includes parts for 17 instruments: Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Guitar, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of Art Dedrick's "I Get A Kick Out Of You" arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced high school, college, or community band level. It requires solid ensemble playing, precise articulation, and a good grasp of swing feel, with accessible brass ranges. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is a medium-swing big band arrangement of Cole Porter's classic jazz standard from the 1934 musical *Anything Goes*, embodying the sophisticated charm of the Great American Songbook era. Q: What makes Art Dedrick's treatment of "I Get A Kick Out Of You" unique? A: Dedrick's arrangement is distinguished by its meticulously crafted voicings, intelligent sectional interplay, a prominent saxophone soli, and a powerful, yet controlled, shout chorus, all within a classic medium-swing framework. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this arrangement? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3-4 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solo. It is generally performed at a medium-swing tempo of around 120-130 BPM.