Just One Of Those Things

Cole Porter penned "Just One Of Those Things" for his 1935 hit Broadway musical *Jubilee*, and the sophisticated, minor-tinged vehicle quickly transcended the theater district to become a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook. Immortalized by jazz icons ranging from Art Tatum and Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, the tune thrives on its relentless, driving harmonic momentum and clever, bittersweet lyrical cadence. Within the jazz idiom, it represents the epitome of golden-era swinging sophistication, challenging ensembles to balance crisp, articulate phrasing with an underlying, high-octane urgency. Driving forward at a brisk, exhilarating medium-up tempo, this arrangement captures the quintessential energy of mid-century big band swing. Built around a framework of brisk walking basslines and interlocking horn counterpoint, the chart evokes an atmosphere of late-night metropolitan glamour mixed with relentless forward motion. The minor mode of the verses shifts dynamically against relative major releases, creating a dramatic ebb and flow of tension and release that keeps both the audience and the performers utterly engaged. The emotional landscape shifts rapidly from cool, detached swagger to explosive, brass-driven jubilation during the climactic ensemble passages. Scored dynamically for a traditional 17-piece big band—comprising five saxophones (two altos, two tenors, baritone), four trumpets, four trombones, and a four-piece rhythm section—the arrangement distributes thematic material democratically across the sections. The 40-page score features tightly wound saxophone solis that mirror classic bebop-era linear writing, punctuated by punchy brass background figures that demand absolute precision and rhythmic unity. A dedicated solo space allows featured improvisers to stretch out over standard changes, while a soaring, multi-chorus shout chorus builds systematically to a thrilling, high-note brass climax before a concise, punchy tag ending. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community jazz orchestras will find this chart an ideal vehicle for developing stamina, section cohesion, and up-tempo swing literacy. Because the rhythm section parts rely heavily on subtle push-beats and syncopated accents rather than a static wall of sound, the ensemble must possess a mature concept of time and swing subdivision. Directors programming a concert looking for a high-impact opener or a breathless first-half closer will discover that this classic treatment offers the perfect blend of nostalgic reverence and contemporary big band drive. Succeeding with this arrangement requires meticulous attention to up-tempo swing subdivision and dynamic control. The ideal tempo sits comfortably around quarter note = 208–216; pushing it beyond this risks blurring the intricate sixteenth-note scalar passages in the saxophone soli. Rhythm section players must lock in immediately: the drummer should maintain a crisp, driving ride cymbal pattern with consistent feathering on the bass drum, while the pianist avoids cluttering the texture with too many root-position chords, leaving space for the horn sections. Horn players must rigorously practice their short-long articulation, ensuring that eighth notes are properly swung and accented on the upbeat (the "and" of the beat). Brass sections should utilize controlled, measured doits and falls where indicated, avoiding over-blowing that compromises intonation during the high-register shout chorus. Rehearsals should initially focus on isolated sectional work—specifically the saxophone soli—at a reduced tempo before integrating the full ensemble at performance speed. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this publication? A: The arrangement is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band, including 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drum set, spanning a comprehensive 40-page score and set of parts. Q: What is the overall difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is best suited for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands due to its brisk tempo, intricate saxophone soli lines, and demands for tight rhythmic precision across all sections. Q: What is the historical style and background of this piece? A: Based on Cole Porter’s 1935 theater standard, this arrangement embraces the traditional mid-century swing era aesthetic, transforming a classic Broadway show tune into a high-energy instrumental jazz showcase. Q: What specific elements make this particular arrangement unique? A: It features a sophisticated interplay between minor-mode verses and major-mode releases, highlighted by an intricate bop-inflected saxophone soli and a meticulously layered shout chorus that builds maximum dramatic tension. Q: What is the recommended performance duration and tempo for this chart? A: The arrangement runs approximately 3 to 4 minutes when performed at the recommended medium-up swing tempo of around quarter note = 210.