Old Devil Moon (R.Stitzel)

Burton Lane's enduring classic, "Old Devil Moon," first graced the stage in the 1947 Broadway musical *Finian's Rainbow*, quickly establishing itself as a beloved jazz standard. Its infectious melody and sophisticated harmonic progression, rooted in the Great American Songbook tradition, have captivated audiences for decades and served as a vehicle for countless jazz luminaries, including Chet Baker, Miles Davis, and Frank Sinatra. The tune's original charm lies in its lyrical expression of infatuation, a sentiment perfectly complemented by its bright, optimistic musical character. This R.Stitzel arrangement masterfully reinterprets this timeless piece for the modern big band, preserving its historical essence while infusing it with contemporary jazz sensibilities. R.Stitzel's treatment of "Old Devil Moon" is a vibrant, medium-up swing chart, typically performed around 150-160 BPM, set in the key of F Major. The arrangement immediately establishes a buoyant, driving energy, characterized by crisp ensemble figures and a propulsive rhythm section. Stitzel's signature is evident in the rich, often unexpected harmonic extensions and the meticulously crafted voicings that give the brass and saxophone sections a full, resonant sound. The mood is one of joyous exuberance, maintaining the original's romantic optimism but elevating it with a sophisticated jazz language. Expect a dynamic journey through lush ensemble passages, tightly integrated soli sections, and powerful shout choruses that build to an exhilarating climax. The arrangement opens with a captivating saxophone soli, immediately showcasing the section's precision and blend before the full ensemble enters with the iconic melody. Stitzel skillfully distributes melodic duties, allowing various sections to shine, but the lead trumpet often carries the primary melodic statements with authority. There are ample opportunities for improvisation, typically featuring a tenor saxophone solo over a harmonically rich background, followed by a trumpet solo that can range from lyrical to fiery. Technical challenges include intricate ensemble rhythms that demand rhythmic precision across all sections, especially in the brass, and maintaining blend and balance through complex voicings. The rewarding aspect lies in the sheer joy of performing such a well-crafted chart, with its satisfying harmonic resolutions and powerful, swinging momentum. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional jazz ensembles. Its demands for precise articulation, strong sectional blend, and confident improvisation make it an excellent vehicle for developing musicianship while offering seasoned players a challenging and rewarding performance experience. The 48-page score and parts provide comprehensive material for a full 17-instrument big band, ensuring a complete and authentic big band sound. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving medium-up swing feel throughout, ensuring the rhythm section lays down a solid, unyielding groove. The tempo should be brisk enough to convey excitement but allow for clarity in the intricate ensemble passages, aiming for approximately 150-160 BPM. Key technical challenges include maintaining rhythmic accuracy in the brass figures, which often feature syncopated hits requiring precise attacks and releases. Saxophone soli sections demand excellent blend and intonation, with particular attention to dynamic shaping. Encourage brass players to use a bright, open sound, especially in the shout choruses, while ensuring balance with the saxophones. There are no specific mute requirements beyond standard cup and straight mutes for brass, to be used at the discretion of the conductor for dynamic contrast. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to isolating difficult rhythmic passages and ensuring clean transitions between ensemble and solo sections. Focus on the articulation markings diligently, as they are crucial to achieving the intended stylistic character. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band, 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. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as advanced high school to collegiate/professional level. It requires strong rhythmic precision, good sectional blend, and confident improvisational skills from soloists. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Old Devil Moon"? A: "Old Devil Moon" is a jazz standard originating from the 1947 Broadway musical *Finian's Rainbow*. This R.Stitzel arrangement presents it as a vibrant, medium-up swing chart, firmly rooted in the Great American Songbook tradition with contemporary jazz harmonic sensibilities. Q: What makes R.Stitzel's arrangement of "Old Devil Moon" unique? A: Stitzel's arrangement is distinguished by its rich harmonic extensions, meticulously crafted voicings, and dynamic interplay between sections. It features compelling saxophone solis, powerful shout choruses, and ample space for improvisation, all while maintaining the original's optimistic charm. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 4-5 minutes, depending on the length of improvised solos. It is designed to be performed at a medium-up swing tempo, around 150-160 beats per minute.