Puttin'On The Ritz (P.Tappern)

Irving Berlin's iconic "Puttin' On The Ritz," first introduced in the 1930 musical film of the same name, stands as a timeless emblem of the Jazz Age's elegance and exuberance. Originally a sophisticated foxtrot, the tune quickly became a staple of American popular music, its memorable melody and aspirational lyrics capturing the spirit of a bygone era. While often associated with Fred Astaire's iconic dance number, the song's enduring appeal has seen it reinterpreted across countless genres, cementing its status as a true jazz standard. Peter Tappern's vibrant Dixieland arrangement breathes new life into this classic, transporting listeners and performers alike to the bustling streets and speakeasies where early jazz thrived. Tappern's rendition of "Puttin' On The Ritz" is a high-energy, up-tempo Dixieland romp, typically performed at a brisk quarter note around 200-220 BPM. Set primarily in the bright key of B-flat major, the arrangement exudes an infectious, celebratory mood, characterized by its driving 4/4 swing feel. The core Dixieland instrumentation—trumpet, clarinet, trombone, banjo/guitar, piano, bass, and drums—is utilized to its fullest, creating a rich tapestry of interwoven melodic lines and rhythmic propulsion. The arrangement opens with a classic Dixieland ensemble chorus, featuring the trumpet on lead melody, clarinet weaving intricate counter-melodies, and the trombone providing a foundational rhythmic and harmonic counterpoint. This initial statement immediately establishes the piece's joyful, foot-tapping energy. A hallmark of Tappern's approach to Dixieland is his masterful balance of ensemble precision and improvisational spirit. Following the initial ensemble chorus, the arrangement features a series of clearly delineated solo sections, offering ample opportunity for each horn player to showcase their individual voice over the robust rhythm section. The solos are typically structured over the song's familiar 32-bar AABA form, providing a comfortable yet stimulating framework. Tappern's writing for the rhythm section is particularly noteworthy; the banjo or guitar maintains a steady, driving four-to-the-bar rhythm, while the piano offers crisp comping, and the bass and drums lock into a propulsive, danceable groove. The arrangement culminates in a thrilling "shout chorus" where the full ensemble returns with powerful, harmonized lines, often incorporating classic Dixieland breaks and collective improvisation, bringing the piece to an exhilarating close. This arrangement is ideally suited for high school, college, community, and semi-professional Dixieland bands looking for an authentic, engaging, and challenging piece. The technical demands are moderate to advanced, requiring strong articulation, good ensemble blend, and confident improvisational skills from the soloists. The rapid tempo and intricate interplay between the horns demand attentive listening and precise execution, making it a rewarding experience for musicians seeking to hone their Dixieland chops. The arrangement’s 35 pages reflect its comprehensive scoring and detailed parts, ensuring a polished and historically informed performance. Approaching Peter Tappern's "Puttin' On The Ritz" requires a keen understanding of Dixieland stylistic nuances. The primary technical challenge lies in maintaining a consistent, driving up-tempo swing feel (quarter note ≈ 200-220 BPM) while executing the intricate ensemble passages with clarity. Articulation should be crisp and light, favoring a detached, "two-feel" in the rhythm section during certain sections, transitioning to a full "four-to-the-bar" drive. Encourage the clarinet to explore the upper register with agility, and the trombone to utilize a strong, rhythmic slide technique. Soloists should be encouraged to improvise authentically within the Dixieland idiom, focusing on melodic embellishment and rhythmic drive rather than complex harmonic substitutions. Rehearsal should focus on precise ensemble entrances and cut-offs, balancing the collective improvisation sections, and ensuring the rhythm section provides a rock-solid foundation without overpowering the horns. Consider practicing the shout chorus slowly to ensure all lines are heard clearly before bringing it up to tempo. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard Dixieland band, typically including Trumpet, Clarinet, Trombone, Banjo/Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums. The 35 pages indicate comprehensive parts for each instrument. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Puttin' On The Ritz (P.Tappern)"? A: This arrangement is considered moderately advanced, suitable for high school, college, community, and semi-professional Dixieland bands. It requires strong articulation, good ensemble blend, and confident improvisational skills. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is an up-tempo Dixieland arrangement of Irving Berlin's classic "Puttin' On The Ritz," originally composed in 1930. It captures the energetic and celebratory spirit of early jazz and the Jazz Age. Q: What makes Peter Tappern's arrangement of "Puttin' On The Ritz" unique? A: Tappern's arrangement is distinguished by its authentic Dixieland voicings, a masterful blend of ensemble writing and solo opportunities, and a vibrant, driving up-tempo feel that pays homage to the style's traditions. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this piece? A: "Puttin' On The Ritz (P.Tappern)" is intended to be performed at a brisk, up-tempo swing, typically around 200-220 BPM (quarter note). Performance duration will vary slightly based on solo lengths but is generally 3-4 minutes.