Nice 'N Easy (A.Motta)

Composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke and Sammy Cahn, "Nice 'N Easy" is an absolute cornerstone of the mid-century vocal and instrumental jazz canon, forever immortalized by Frank Sinatra’s iconic 1960 studio album and title track. Operating at the intersection of sophisticated saloon song and relaxed swing, this tune captures the pinnacle of the Capitol Records era. It demands an ensemble that understands the subtle art of laying back while maintaining an ironclad sense of time. The enduring appeal of the composition lies in its deceptively simple melodic contour, which floats effortlessly over a sophisticated harmonic foundation filled with rich chromatic descents and unexpected tonal centers. Anthony La Motta’s arrangement breathes new life into this classic standard, translating the effortless swagger of the original vocal interpretations into a masterclass for contemporary big band. Set in a comfortable, infectious medium-swing groove, the arrangement exudes a laid-back, confident energy that evokes late-night lounge sophistication combined with driving big band momentum. La Motta frames the melody with lush, contemporary brass voicings and buttery sax solis that balance homophonic warmth with sharp, punctuated rhythmic hits. The arrangement skillfully avoids predictability by weaving unexpected chord extensions and clever reharmonizations into the bridges, giving the familiar melody a fresh, modern sheen without ever losing its vintage appeal. Throughout the chart, the instrumental duties are distributed thoughtfully across the ensemble. The saxophones—anchored by two altos, two tenors, and a baritone—frequently carry the weight of intricate, harmonized lines, while the brass section alternates between muted, transparent background figures and blistering, full-ensemble shout choruses. Featured solo space allows a designated horn player to step out over traditional changes, supported by a rhythm section that drives the momentum with a buoyant walking bassline and crisp hi-hat cymbal work. Technical challenges in this 57-page score center on stylistic execution rather than sheer velocity; the primary hurdle for the band is locking in the exact articulation, phrasing, and micro-timing required to make a medium-swing chart truly breathe. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional community big bands will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. Because success relies heavily on stylistic maturity—such as uniform section blend, consistent swing eighth-note subdivision, and dynamic control during the transition from whispered backgrounds to roaring ensemble peaks—it serves as an ideal vehicle for teaching stylistic authenticity. Directors will appreciate how naturally the chart programs as either a sophisticated mood-setter or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any standard jazz concert. Achieving the authentic swagger of Anthony La Motta’s "Nice 'N Easy" requires meticulous attention to articulation and time feel. The tempo must remain steady and unhurried; dragging or rushing will immediately deflate the relaxed, confident mood built into the arrangement. Horn players should focus heavily on the placement of backbeats and short, clipped articulation on accented notes, avoiding overly heavy tonguing that can make the swing feel stiff. Pay close attention to dynamic contrast between the understated verse statements and the fuller ensemble sections. The saxophones need a cohesive, velvet blend during their soli passages, ensuring that inner voices are balanced cleanly against the lead alto. Brass players should utilize cup or bucket mutes where indicated to create the signature smoky, atmospheric texture characteristic of the style, reserving open horn playing for the dynamic climaxes and the final shout chorus. The rhythm section acts as the engine: the drummer should keep the ride cymbal alive with a subtle triplet pulse while feathering the bass drum, and the pianist must comp sparingly, utilizing sparse, tasteful rootless voicings that leave plenty of sonic space for the horns. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 57-page big band chart is scored for a standard 17-instrument ensemble, which includes 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, a full brass section, and a complete rhythm section. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: It is graded as advanced, making it ideal for collegiate jazz orchestras, advanced high school bands, and professional community big bands that have a strong command of medium-swing phrasing and stylistic blend. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of the piece? A: The arrangement is a classic jazz standard set in a medium-swing feel, paying homage to the sophisticated, laid-back vocal and instrumental jazz style famously popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1960. Q: What makes Anthony La Motta's arrangement unique? A: La Motta combines vintage Capitol Records-era swagger with modern chord extensions, clever reharmonizations, and dynamic, texturally varied soli sections that elevate the familiar melody. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the arrangement? A: The piece is performed at a comfortable, relaxed medium-swing tempo designed to feature a balance of ensemble shout choruses, saxophone solis, and improvised solo space.