Just One Of Those Things (J.Farley)

Cole Porter penned "Just One of Those Things" for his 1935 Broadway musical *Jubilee*, and it swiftly transitioned from the Great White Way into the bedrock of the Great American Songbook. Immortalized by definitive jazz vocal interpretations from legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday, Porter’s masterwork thrives on its sophisticated harmonic architecture and an infectious, restless momentum. The song captures the bittersweet narrative of a fleeting romance embraced with wry detachment and high-spirited acceptance, making it an ideal vehicle for mid-century jazz interpretation where sophisticated lyricism meets driving rhythmic intensity. John Farley’s dynamic big band adaptation translates this classic template into a high-octane, swinging showcase tailored for a standard 18-piece jazz ensemble. Propelled by an energetic up-tempo swing feel in 4/4 time, the arrangement opens with a crisp, brass-driven hook before handing the narrative over to the vocal soloist. The emotional landscape shifts brilliantly between buoyant, driving tutti ensemble passages and sultry, sophisticated interludes reminiscent of late-night club dates. Farley employs rich, extended block-chord voicings in the saxes and biting brass stabs that punctuate Porter's clever phrasing, maintaining a bright, effervescent energy from the downbeat to the final explosive chord. The structural architecture of this chart is meticulously engineered to highlight both individual virtuosity and collective ensemble precision. Following the vocal exposition, the arrangement features a tightly woven saxophone soli that showcases unison and harmonic agility, directly setting up a dynamic trading section and a roaring shout chorus. The brass section is pushed to utilize tight plunger effects and controlled falls, adding textural variety to the punchy background figures. The technical demands—ranging from rapid-fire swing articulation in the reed section to high-register endurance for the lead trumpet—make this chart exceptionally rewarding for advanced ensembles looking to test their stylistic cohesion and pocket. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands will find this arrangement an ideal centerpiece for festival sets or formal concert programs. The chart rewards meticulous attention to section balance, dynamic shading, and stylistic articulation, ensuring that performers must execute with both technical precision and deep, swinging authority. Conductor oversight is especially crucial in balancing the vocal soloist against the roaring brass interludes, turning a classic standard into a show-stopping performance highlight. Executing John Farley’s arrangement of "Just One of Those Things" requires a disciplined approach to tempo and articulation. The target tempo is a bright, driving swing (around MM 200–210), where the underlying quarter-note pulse must remain relentless yet relaxed. Rhythmic precision is paramount; musicians must avoid dragging the back-beats, particularly during the syncopated brass shout chorus. The horn section should utilize precise, short articulation on all accented staccato notes to maintain the snappy, conversational style characteristic of 1950s East Coast big band writing. Trumpet and trombone players should prepare to employ cup mutes and subtle plunger work where indicated in the score to achieve the required tonal color changes behind the vocal line. Rehearsal should initially isolate the saxophone soli at a reduced tempo to lock in intonation and swing eighth-note phrasing before integrating the rhythm section's comping patterns. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: The 18-instrument instrumentation includes a vocal lead, two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, a baritone saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, along with a comprehensive conductor score spanning 39 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this big band chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, well-suited for collegiate, top-tier high school, and professional community jazz orchestras capable of handling fast tempos and intricate section solis. Q: How does this chart fit into the jazz tradition? A: It builds directly upon the sophisticated composition style of Cole Porter's 1935 standard, blending classic Broadway harmonic sophistication with mid-century up-tempo big band swing traditions. Q: What makes John Farley's arrangement unique? A: Farley distinguishes his chart through clever harmonic reharmonizations, tight dynamic contrast between the vocal soloist and biting brass backgrounds, and a high-energy shout chorus. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: The arrangement runs approximately 3.5 to 4 minutes at an energetic, up-tempo medium-fast swing feel designed to showcase a confident vocal soloist.