It's Easy To Remember

"It's Easy To Remember," a timeless ballad from the American Songbook, was composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Lorenz Hart for the 1935 film "Mississippi." This poignant melody quickly transcended its cinematic origins to become a cherished jazz standard, particularly after its adoption by vocalists and instrumentalists who appreciated its lyrical beauty and harmonic depth. Often associated with iconic crooners like Frank Sinatra, whose 1956 Capitol recording with Nelson Riddle brought it to a wider audience, the piece embodies the sophisticated romanticism prevalent in the golden age of American popular song. Its enduring appeal lies in its deceptively simple, yet deeply expressive, melodic contour and its rich harmonic foundation, making it a staple for improvisers seeking to explore melodic improvisation over lush chord changes. This big band arrangement of "It's Easy To Remember" presents the classic ballad as a medium-slow swing, set in the key of F major, evoking a mood of reflective nostalgia and gentle melancholy. The arranger, though unknown, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of big band voicing and dynamics, crafting an interpretation that is both respectful of the original's sentiment and vibrant with jazz orchestration. The arrangement opens with a warm, sustained brass chorale, immediately establishing the piece's tender character before the melody is introduced by the lead alto saxophone, supported by a lush saxophone section soli. The overall energy remains subdued yet deeply expressive, building through carefully orchestrated dynamic swells rather than abrupt shifts, maintaining the ballad's inherent intimacy. The arranger's approach is marked by elegant counter-melodies and rich harmonic extensions that add depth without obscuring the original melody. Noticeable are the intricate woodwind voicings, particularly in the saxophone section, which contribute to a dense, warm texture. There are no abrupt modulations; instead, the arrangement subtly explores harmonic color within the established key center. The melody is predominantly carried by the lead alto saxophone, often doubled or harmonized by the other saxophones, creating a cohesive and lyrical front line. A featured solo is provided for tenor saxophone, offering an opportunity for expressive improvisation over the arrangement's sophisticated harmonic backdrop. This solo is strategically placed to allow for personal interpretation while maintaining the overall mood. The arrangement culminates in a full ensemble re-statement of the theme, building to a gentle, sustained final chord that leaves a lasting impression. This arrangement is particularly well-suited for college, community, and professional big bands. Its technical demands are moderate, focusing more on blend, balance, and expressive phrasing than on blistering tempos or extreme ranges. The saxophone soli sections require precise intonation and rhythmic accuracy, while the brass must execute sustained tones with warmth and control. The challenges lie in achieving a unified, expressive sound that captures the ballad's emotional depth, making it a rewarding piece for ensembles looking to develop their sensitivity and musicality in the ballad tradition. The detailed voicings and thoughtful orchestration provide ample opportunity for musicians to engage with sophisticated jazz writing. This arrangement of "It's Easy To Remember" should be approached as a medium-slow swing ballad, with a tempo around quarter note = 72-76 BPM. The key to a successful performance lies in maintaining a consistent, relaxed swing feel throughout, even in the most sustained passages. Focus on a warm, blended sound, particularly in the saxophone soli sections where intonation and subtle dynamic shaping are paramount. The brass section should aim for a rich, sustained tone, avoiding any harshness, especially in the opening chorale and the final chords. Articulation should be legato and lyrical, with careful attention to phrase endings to ensure they taper gracefully. The tenor saxophone soloist should be encouraged to explore the harmonic richness, focusing on melodic development and emotional expression rather than purely technical display. Conductors should emphasize dynamic contrast through subtle swells and decays, guiding the ensemble to breathe and phrase as one. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the intricate inner voices and ensuring a unified, expressive ensemble sound that truly captures the tender essence of this classic standard. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This big band arrangement includes parts for 17 instruments: 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 Guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as a moderate difficulty, appropriate for college, community, and professional big bands. It emphasizes musicality, blend, and expressive phrasing over extreme technical demands. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "It's Easy To Remember"? A: "It's Easy To Remember" is a classic jazz standard, originally composed by Richard Rodgers in 1935. This arrangement presents it as a medium-slow swing ballad, embodying the romantic and sophisticated character of the American Songbook era. Q: What makes this specific arrangement unique? A: This arrangement features lush, sophisticated voicings, particularly in the saxophone section, and elegant counter-melodies that enhance the original tune's harmonic depth. It includes a featured tenor saxophone solo and focuses on a warm, expressive ensemble sound. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and recommended tempo for this piece? A: The approximate performance duration for this arrangement is around 4-5 minutes, depending on the soloist's improvisation. It is recommended to be performed at a medium-slow swing tempo, approximately quarter note = 72-76 BPM.