Keep The Customer Satisfied (B.Holman)

Paul Simon's "Keep the Customer Satisfied," originally released in 1970 on the iconic *Bridge Over Troubled Water* album, emerged from an era of profound musical and cultural shifts. While not initially a jazz tune, its strong melodic hooks and adaptable harmonic structure made it ripe for reinterpretation by jazz artists seeking to bridge popular music with sophisticated improvisation. The original track, characterized by its upbeat, almost gospel-infused rock feel, quickly became a staple, reflecting Simon's masterful songwriting and ability to craft tunes that resonate broadly. Its inclusion in the jazz lexicon speaks to its enduring appeal and the versatility inherent in its composition, allowing it to transcend its pop origins and be embraced as a modern standard. Bill Holman's arrangement of "Keep the Customer Satisfied" transforms the pop classic into a vibrant, swinging big band showpiece. Holman, renowned for his ingenious voicings and sophisticated harmonic palette, approaches this tune with his characteristic blend of precision and playful energy. The arrangement is set in a bright, medium-up swing tempo in 4/4, immediately establishing a propulsive, feel-good groove that is both infectious and challenging. Holman's signature can be heard in the intricate saxophone soli sections, where lines weave together with remarkable clarity, and in the brass writing, which often features tight, punchy figures that drive the ensemble forward. The overall mood is exhilarating and optimistic, evoking the joy and dynamism of a classic big band performance. Holman's distinctive approach shines through in his treatment of the melody and development. The initial melodic statements are often shared between sections, building texture and excitement. Expect rich, often surprising, harmonic substitutions that add depth without obscuring the original melody's charm. There are ample opportunities for featured soloists, typically over a swinging rhythm section, allowing for individual expression within the meticulously crafted ensemble passages. A hallmark of Holman's writing is his ability to build intensity gradually, leading to powerful shout choruses that are both harmonically dense and rhythmically exhilarating. Performing this chart is incredibly rewarding; the interplay between sections, the clever counterpoint, and the sheer momentum make it a joy for musicians and audiences alike. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, and professional big bands. While the core melody is accessible, Holman's sophisticated voicings, demanding ensemble precision, and the need for strong soloists elevate its difficulty. Bands with a solid grasp of swing articulation, dynamic control, and a rhythm section capable of maintaining a consistent, driving groove will find this piece particularly satisfying. The intricate part writing requires attentive rehearsal, but the payoff is a polished, professional-sounding performance that showcases the band's musicality and technical prowess. This Bill Holman arrangement of "Keep the Customer Satisfied" thrives on a consistent, medium-up swing feel. The tempo should be bright but never rushed, allowing the intricate voicings and rhythmic figures to articulate clearly. A metronome marking around quarter note = 160-176 bpm is a good starting point. Key technical challenges include the precise execution of saxophone soli passages, which require excellent blend, intonation, and rhythmic accuracy. Brass sections must articulate cleanly, particularly in the punchy, syncopated figures, and maintain strong dynamic contrast. The rhythm section needs to provide a solid, driving foundation, with the bass walking consistently and the drums providing a tasteful, swinging accompaniment. Encourage soloists to embrace the tune's energetic spirit. Rehearsal tips include isolating soli sections for intonation and balance, and working on dynamic shaping, especially leading into and out of shout choruses, to maximize impact. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This big band arrangement is scored for 17 instruments, including 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. It also includes a conductor's score. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for experienced high school, college, community, and professional big bands. It requires strong ensemble precision, advanced sight-reading skills, and capable soloists. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is a big band jazz arrangement of Paul Simon's "Keep the Customer Satisfied," originally a pop/rock song from 1970. Bill Holman's arrangement transforms it into a vibrant, medium-up swing jazz standard, showcasing his distinctive arranging style. Q: What makes Bill Holman's arrangement of "Keep the Customer Satisfied" unique? A: Holman's unique approach is evident in his sophisticated harmonic voicings, intricate saxophone soli sections, and powerful shout choruses. He masterfully reinterprets the original pop melody within a complex yet swinging big band framework, adding depth and jazz sensibility. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3-4 minutes, depending on the length of improvised solos. It is designed to be performed at a bright, medium-up swing tempo, generally around 160-176 beats per minute.