I Get A Kick Out Of You (J.Christian)

Cole Porter introduced "I Get a Kick Out Of You" in his 1934 Broadway musical *Anything Goes*, where it was originally made iconic by Ethel Merman. Over the subsequent decades, the composition transcended its theatrical origins to become a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, interpreted by virtually every major jazz luminary from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Count Basie and Maynard Ferguson. Its sophisticated harmonic structure, characterized by deceptive resolutions and a clever, conversational lyric, provides an ideal canvas for jazz reinterpretation. This timeless quality bridges the gap between classic Tin Pan Alley songwriting and sophisticated mid-century jazz improvisation, anchoring itself firmly in the traditional big band canon while retaining infinite malleability for modern arrangers. Conceived in a bright, driving medium-up swing tempo, J.Christian’s arrangement infuses Porter’s sophisticated melody with a vibrant, high-energy pulse. The chart opens with a sparkling, harmonically rich intro that establishes the swinging groove before handing the initial statement of the theme to the alto saxophone section. The mood is effervescent, sophisticated, and swinging, capturing the cheeky optimism of the original lyric through punchy brass counters and crisp, interlocking woodwind lines. As the arrangement unfolds, the dynamic energy builds steadily, transitioning through clever modulations and lush harmonic shifts that evoke the classic Count Basie or Nelson Riddle aesthetics while maintaining a fresh, contemporary bite. J.Christian approaches the timeless standard with a keen ear for instrumental color and section interplay, balancing dense, modern extended tertian harmonies with classic swing-era shout chorus mechanics. Rather than relying on rote transcription, the arranger utilizes clever cross-section voicing—pairing muted trumpets with warm tenor saxophones—to create a rich, textured sonic tapestry. A dedicated sax soli highlights the middle stretch of the chart, showcasing fluid bebop-infused lines that challenge the reed section's articulation and blend. The climax features a towering shout chorus that pits roaring brass against driving rhythmic figures in the rhythm section, culminating in a high-octane, dynamically explosive finish that is guaranteed to leave an audience breathless. Tailored specifically for advanced collegiate, community, and professional big bands, this 57-page, 17-instrument chart demands precision, stylistic versatility, and strong section leadership. While the rhythm section must maintain an unyielding, buoyant swing feel through changing textures, the horn sections will benefit from advanced proficiency in dynamic control, accurate articulation, and intonation across wide-interval shout passages. Featured solo space is provided for horn improvisers, allowing the ensemble to showcase top-tier soloists. Directors programming ambitious concerts, festival appearances, or sophisticated club dates will find that this arrangement offers the ideal balance of crowd-pleasing nostalgia and rigorous musical substance. Successful execution of J.Christian’s arrangement of "I Get a Kick Out Of You" hinges on maintaining an infectious, relaxed medium-up swing feel around quarter note = 180-188 BPM. Avoid rushing the tempo during dynamic peaks; the rhythmic momentum must stem from the drummer’s ride cymbal and a locked-in bass line playing quarter-note walking patterns with accented beats 2 and 4. Trumpets and trombones should utilize cup or harmon mutes where indicated in the score to achieve the necessary retro color contrast during background figures. Pay meticulous attention to short-long articulation markings (tenuto vs. staccato) in the saxophone soli to ensure the phrasing sounds authentic and cohesive. During the shout chorus, brass players must balance projection with clean intonation, ensuring that high-register stabs never distort the overall ensemble blend. Rehearsal should begin by isolating the rhythm section and lead saxophones to lock in the foundational groove before layering in the dense brass harmony. Q: What specific instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 57-page chart is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band, consisting of 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a 4-piece rhythm section comprising piano, guitar, acoustic bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is pitched at an advanced level, making it best suited for collegiate, advanced high school honor bands, community big bands, and professional ensembles capable of handling intricate swing syncopation and technical soli passages. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of this piece? A: Written in a bright, swinging 4/4 jazz style, the arrangement reimagines Cole Porter’s 1934 Broadway standard from *Anything Goes*, drawing inspiration from classic mid-century big band traditions while incorporating modern harmonic colorations. Q: What makes J.Christian's arrangement unique compared to other big band versions of this standard? A: This arrangement stands out through its sophisticated cross-section voicing, a demanding and harmonically rich saxophone soli, and a powerhouse shout chorus that dynamically transforms the familiar melody into a contemporary showcase. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo for this arrangement? A: The arrangement runs approximately 3.5 to 4 minutes in length and is designed to be performed at a brisk, driving medium-up swing tempo of roughly 180 to 188 beats per minute.