It's Not Unusual (C.Alberteen)

Originally made famous by Welsh pop icon Tom Jones in his explosive 1965 debut international hit, "It's Not Unusual" quickly transcended its pop-rock origins to become a vibrant canvas for mid-century jazz and big band arrangers. Composed by Les Reed and Gordon Mills, the track's infectious, driving rhythm and soaring vocal hooks naturally invited large-ensemble interpretations during an era when big bands continually bridged the gap between popular culture and sophisticated jazz harmony. Brimming with irrepressible energy and a buoyant, danceable medium-up swing groove, this setting captures the sophisticated swagger of the mid-1960s lounge and variety-show circuit. Propelled by a brisk 4/4 tempo and punchy brass accents, the mood is celebratory, theatrical, and relentlessly upbeat. The harmonic landscape retains the ear-catching hooks of the original melody while injecting rich, extended chord voicings, witty countermelodies, and classic swing-era syncopation that transforms a vocal pop tune into a dynamic instrumental showcase. Master bandleader Les Brown—renowned for his legendary "Band of Renown"—brings his signature precision, swinging momentum, and polished West Coast sensibility to the chart. Rather than relying on dense, modern dissonance, Brown crafts crystalline, brass-heavy voicings and tight woodwind solis that prioritize clarity, punch, and rhythmic drive. The arrangement features crisp call-and-response figures between the saxes and brass, clever modulatory shifts that build theatrical tension, and a high-octane shout chorus designed to push the ensemble's dynamic range to its absolute peak. The melody is primarily carried by the upper reeds and bold trumpet leads, supported by rhythmic punches from the trombone section. Featured solo space allows improvisers to stretch out over accessible, swinging changes, making it an exceptional vehicle for a standout soloist. Technically, the chart demands crisp articulation, agile tongue-control for rapid syncopated figures, and strong endurance from the brass section, particularly during the soaring climax. Advanced high school groups, college jazz ensembles, and professional community big bands will find this arrangement intensely rewarding, as it bridges crowd-pleasing familiarity with sophisticated jazz articulation and ensemble interplay. Success with this Les Brown chart hinges on absolute rhythmic precision and a crisp, buoyant swing feel that avoids dragging. The tempo should remain bright and driving, allowing the syncopated figures to snap without rushing. Key technical challenges include executing the razor-sharp unison lines between the saxophones and brass; practice these sections slowly at first to lock in articulation and intonation. The rhythm section must maintain a steady, unyielding pulse, with the drummer utilizing a crisp ride cymbal pattern and tasteful, understated fills that mimic classic 1960s television variety band styles. Incorporate stylistic ornaments such as controlled doits and precise, clean fall-offs on brass accents, ensuring they never obscure the core melody. During the shout chorus, dynamic contrast is essential—pull back slightly on the bridge to let the final release explode with maximum impact. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for an 8-instrument core big band instrumentation, featuring Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone parts, alongside a full rhythm section, spanning 29 comprehensive pages of manuscript. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: It is rated as medium-advanced (Grade 4), making it ideal for accomplished high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands that possess good technical facility and strong section playing. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this chart? A: The arrangement reimagines Tom Jones's 1965 pop smash into a high-energy, swinging big band chart, reflecting the sophisticated yet entertaining style popularized by Les Brown and his Band of Renown during the mid-1960s variety show era. Q: What makes this specific Les Brown arrangement unique? A: It uniquely balances commercial pop appeal with masterclass big band writing, utilizing crystalline brass voicings, sharp call-and-response figures, and a thrilling shout chorus that elevates a vocal pop tune into an instrumental tour de force. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo? A: The arrangement is designed to run approximately 3 to 4 minutes, driven by a bright, energetic medium-up swing tempo in 4/4 time that keeps both performers and audiences thoroughly engaged.