That Old Black Magic (B.May)

Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer’s "That Old Black Magic," originally penned in 1942 for the film *Star Spangled Rhythm*, swiftly ascended to the pantheon of jazz standards, becoming an enduring classic of the Great American Songbook. Its evocative melody and sophisticated harmonic progression captured the wartime spirit, offering both sentimental longing and a touch of dramatic flair. The song's initial popularity was cemented by performances from artists like Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra, but it was its inherent musicality and lyrical depth that ensured its longevity, making it a staple for vocalists and instrumentalists across generations. Its enduring appeal lies in its seamless blend of a memorable, slightly melancholic theme with a rhythmic drive that lends itself perfectly to swing interpretations, representing the golden age of American popular music and its transition into the jazz idiom. Billy May’s iconic big band arrangement of "That Old Black Magic" reimagines this classic with his signature flair, transforming it into a vibrant, medium-up swing chart that exudes sophisticated energy. The arrangement is set in the key of C major, offering a bright yet warm tonal palette that perfectly complements the song's romantic undertones. May's characteristic "slurpy" brass voicings and impeccably tight saxophone soli sections are immediately recognizable, creating a lush, full-bodied sound that is both powerful and nuanced. The mood is one of confident, exhilarating swing, propelled by a driving rhythm section that maintains an irresistible forward momentum. This arrangement is a masterclass in big band orchestration, showcasing May’s ability to build dynamic tension and release, culminating in thrilling shout choruses that are both complex and incredibly satisfying. The arrangement features the melody initially carried by the saxophone section, often in unison or tight harmony, before transitioning to the brass for a powerful statement. There are ample opportunities for featured solos, typically for tenor saxophone and trumpet, allowing individual musicians to showcase their improvisational prowess over the standard's rich harmonic changes. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the brass, maintaining a consistent and energetic swing feel throughout, and navigating May's intricate ensemble passages which demand excellent intonation and blend. The rewarding aspect lies in the sheer joy of performing such a well-crafted chart, experiencing the collective power of a big band interpreting a timeless classic through the lens of one of jazz's most distinctive arrangers. This arrangement is ideally suited for college, community, and professional big bands seeking a challenging yet immensely gratifying addition to their repertoire, offering a deep dive into the art of classic big band swing. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving medium-up swing feel from the outset, maintaining a strong rhythmic pulse without rushing. The tempo should allow for clarity in Billy May's intricate brass voicings and saxophone soli passages. Key technical challenges include achieving the characteristic "slurpy" brass sound, which requires precise glissandi and falls, particularly in the trombone section. Articulation throughout the ensemble must be crisp and unified, especially in the punchy brass figures and the rapid saxophone lines. Encourage musicians to listen across sections to ensure impeccable intonation and blend, particularly during the dense harmonic moments and shout choruses. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to isolating the soli sections to perfect their precision and dynamic shaping. Solos should be encouraged to be melodic and stylistically appropriate, fitting within the classic big band framework. 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 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Guitar, and Drums. It also includes a full conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of "That Old Black Magic (B.May)"? A: This arrangement is considered advanced intermediate to advanced, suitable for college, community, and professional big bands. It presents challenges in articulation, ensemble precision, and navigating Billy May's signature voicings. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is a classic big band jazz arrangement in a medium-up swing style, originally composed by Harold Arlen in 1942. Billy May's arrangement reflects the sophisticated, hard-swinging sound of the mid-20th century big band era. Q: What makes Billy May's arrangement of "That Old Black Magic" unique? A: Billy May's distinctive arranging style is evident through his "slurpy" brass voicings, tight saxophone soli sections, and dynamic build-ups to powerful shout choruses, all contributing to a vibrant and energetic interpretation. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3-4 minutes, depending on the length of improvised solos. It is performed at a medium-up swing tempo, generally around 160-180 beats per minute.