Shake, Rattle And Roll (B.Lowden)

"Shake, Rattle And Roll," penned by the legendary Jesse Stone (often credited as Charles Calhoun), stands as a foundational pillar in the edifice of rhythm and blues and early rock and roll. Originally recorded by Big Joe Turner on February 15, 1954, this twelve-bar blues tune immediately captivated audiences, soaring to number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and reaching number 22 on the Billboard singles chart in April 1954. Its raw energy and suggestive lyrics, which were notably toned down in subsequent covers by artists like Bill Haley & His Comets, cemented its place in music history, influencing a generation and laying crucial groundwork for the emerging rock and roll genre. The original recording, featuring a shouting chorus and a saxophone solo by Sam "The Man" Taylor, embodies the boisterous spirit of the era, making it a timeless jazz standard that continues to resonate with its infectious groove and historical significance. Bob Lowden's big band arrangement of this iconic jazz standard captures the driving energy and infectious rhythm of the original while reinterpreting it for the full power of a modern jazz orchestra. Lowden, known for his accessible yet musically engaging charts, typically approaches this style with a keen understanding of ensemble balance and dynamic contrast, often making his arrangements suitable for a wide range of skill levels. This particular chart is set at a medium-up swing tempo, maintaining the song's inherent danceability and bluesy feel. The key is bright, contributing to the overall exuberant and celebratory mood, designed to ignite a performance space with vibrant energy. Lowden's distinctive treatment of "Shake, Rattle And Roll" includes inventive voicings that allow each section of the 17-instrument big band (including Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, and others) to shine. The arrangement features compelling soli sections for the saxophones and brass, showcasing the ensemble's collective prowess. A highlight is undoubtedly the powerful shout chorus, where the full band erupts in a coordinated, exhilarating statement, building tension and excitement. While specific solo sections are integrated, they are designed to be approachable, often with written-out options or chord changes provided for improvisation, allowing soloists to contribute their unique voice without overwhelming technical demands. The melody is skillfully passed between the brass and saxophone sections, ensuring varied textures and sustained interest throughout the piece. This arrangement is particularly well-suited for college, community, and advanced high school jazz ensembles. Its thoughtful scoring provides a rewarding experience for musicians, offering opportunities for developing ensemble precision, rhythmic tightness, and stylistic authenticity. The technical challenges are present but manageable, focusing on articulation, blend, and dynamic control rather than extreme ranges or blistering tempos. Performing this chart is rewarding due to its immediate audience appeal, its historical resonance, and the sheer joy of playing a well-crafted arrangement of a true American classic. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving medium-up swing feel from the rhythm section, ensuring a solid foundation for the horns. Pay close attention to articulations, particularly the short, punchy phrases in the brass and saxophones, to maintain the authentic R&B character. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to achieving tight ensemble unison and blend in the soli sections, especially the saxophone soli, which requires precise rhythmic alignment and matching of tone. The shout chorus demands maximal energy and dynamic contrast; encourage brass players to use a strong, focused sound without overblowing. Trumpet players should be prepared for occasional sustained high notes, while trombone glissandos and saxophone falls should be executed with stylistic flair and uniformity across the section. Ensure that any improvised solos maintain the bluesy, energetic mood of the piece, even if using provided written solos. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Guitar, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Shake, Rattle And Roll (B.Lowden)"? A: This arrangement is considered suitable for college, community, and advanced high school jazz ensembles, presenting a rewarding challenge that focuses on stylistic authenticity, ensemble precision, and dynamic control rather than extreme technical demands. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: This is a jazz big band arrangement of "Shake, Rattle And Roll," a seminal rhythm and blues and early rock and roll standard composed by Jesse Stone in 1954 and famously recorded by Big Joe Turner. Q: What makes Bob Lowden's arrangement of "Shake, Rattle And Roll" unique? A: Bob Lowden's arrangement features inventive voicings, engaging soli sections for saxophones and brass, and a powerful shout chorus that captures the original's driving energy while making it accessible and exciting for big band performance. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this arrangement? A: This arrangement is designed to be performed at a medium-up swing tempo, typically resulting in a performance duration of approximately 3-4 minutes, depending on the length of any improvised solos.