Let's Face The Music And Dance (D.Tanner)

Irving Berlin's timeless classic, "Let's Face The Music And Dance," emerged in 1936 as a poignant centerpiece for the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film "Follow the Fleet." Penned during the Great Depression, its lyrics offer a compelling blend of romantic escapism and stoic realism, urging listeners to embrace life's challenges with grace and partnership. The song quickly transcended its cinematic origins to become a beloved jazz standard, celebrated for its elegant melody, sophisticated harmonic progression, and enduring message. It has been interpreted by countless jazz luminaries, from Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole to Diana Krall, solidifying its place in the pantheon of American popular song. The original's medium tempo and melancholic yet hopeful mood make it a quintessential example of the pre-war jazz ballad, often performed with a smooth, understated swing feel that allows its lyrical depth to shine. Dave Tanner's arrangement of "Let's Face The Music And Dance" for big band and vocalist masterfully respects the song's rich heritage while infusing it with contemporary big band vitality. Tanner, known for his thoughtful voicings and ability to craft arrangements that are both challenging and immensely rewarding, approaches this standard with a keen ear for harmonic color and dynamic contrast. The arrangement is set in the key of F Major, maintaining the original's accessible vocal range, and features a sophisticated medium swing feel throughout. Tanner’s signature is evident in the lush, extended harmonies that support the vocalist, often employing rich cluster voicings in the saxophone section and tightly voiced brass figures that add warmth without overpowering. The mood is one of sophisticated elegance, building from an intimate opening to a powerful, yet never bombastic, full ensemble climax. The arrangement opens with a delicate, rubato introduction, setting a reflective tone before settling into a steady medium swing. The vocalist carries the primary melody, supported by Tanner’s artful accompaniment figures that weave through the sections. A standout feature is the beautifully crafted saxophone soli, which interprets a portion of the melody with intricate counterpoint and rich harmonic density, offering a moment of instrumental brilliance. This leads into a powerful shout chorus where the full ensemble, particularly the brass, delivers a compelling statement, showcasing Tanner's command of big band dynamics and texture. While there isn't an extended improvised solo section in the traditional sense, the arrangement provides ample opportunity for individual section leaders to shine within the ensemble passages. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the brass, blend and balance within the sax soli, and maintaining a consistent, relaxed swing feel at a medium tempo. The rewarding aspect lies in the arrangement's ability to elevate a classic, providing a band with a vehicle for expressive musicality and a vocalist with a truly supportive and inspiring backdrop. This arrangement is ideally suited for college-level ensembles, advanced community bands, and professional groups seeking a polished, high-quality chart that balances tradition with fresh, intelligent arranging. This arrangement demands a cohesive ensemble sound, prioritizing blend and balance, especially in the saxophone soli and brass voicings. The medium swing tempo should be established with a relaxed, yet propulsive feel from the rhythm section; avoid rushing or dragging. Articulation in the brass is crucial for clarity in the shout chorus, requiring crisp, unified attacks and releases. For the vocalist, encourage a lyrical, expressive delivery that navigates the nuances of Berlin's melody and lyrics. The rubato introduction requires sensitive interaction between the rhythm section and the initial ensemble figures, ensuring a smooth transition into the tempo. Dynamics are paramount; carefully observe the marked crescendos and diminuendos to build the arrangement's emotional arc effectively. There are no specific mute requirements beyond standard brass mutes (straight, cup, harmon) which should be utilized as marked for textural variety. Rehearsal time should focus on tuning the complex harmonies, particularly in the sax soli, and achieving a unified dynamic shape across the entire band. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement includes full parts for a standard big band instrumentation: 5 saxophones (AATTB), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and a dedicated vocal lead sheet with lyrics. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Let's Face The Music And Dance (D.Tanner)"? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced. It requires proficient musicianship, strong section playing, and an understanding of jazz big band style, making it suitable for college, advanced community, or professional ensembles. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is a jazz standard arrangement of Irving Berlin's classic song from 1936, embodying the sophisticated elegance and medium swing feel characteristic of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the Swing Era. Q: What makes Dave Tanner's arrangement of this standard unique? A: Tanner's arrangement is distinguished by its lush, extended harmonic voicings, a beautifully crafted saxophone soli, and a powerful yet tasteful shout chorus, all while maintaining the integrity and emotional depth of the original composition. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3:30-4:00 minutes, performed at a consistent medium swing tempo, generally around 110-120 beats per minute.