That Old Feeling (M.Evans)

Written by Sammy Fain with lyrics by Lew Brown, "That Old Feeling" first captured the public imagination after being introduced in the 1937 musical film *Vogues of 1938*, subsequently earning an Academy Award nomination and rapidly ascending to the status of a quintessential Great American Songbook standard. Over the decades, the tune became a canvas for jazz royalty, most notably interpreted through vocal and instrumental masterworks by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Sonny Rollins. Within the context of traditional jazz repertoire, the composition bridges the gap between sophisticated 1930s Tin Pan Alley romanticism and the harmonically rich idioms of mid-century modern jazz, offering a timeless framework for expressive interpretation. Master arranger Marion Evans approaches this classic material with the sophisticated ear and lush harmonic vocabulary that defined the golden age of studio arranging and big band orchestration. Framed as a velvety, medium-tempo swing ballad, the arrangement opens with a warm, inviting saxophone introduction that immediately establishes an intimate, nostalgic mood. Evans employs rich, extended chord voicings in the brass and reed sections, creating a cascading texture that evokes the shimmering style of late-night supper club jazz. The underlying rhythmic pulse is a relaxed, buoyant medium-swing groove in 4/4 time that prioritizes forward momentum without ever rushing the emotional core of the melody. As the chart unfolds, the structural architecture showcases Evans’ signature knack for dynamic contrast and textural variety. The melodic burden is shared gracefully between the muted brass and a lush sax soli that demands impeccable intonation and blend. A standout feature of the arrangement is its subtle modulation and a brilliantly crafted shout chorus that builds organically, swelling from a whispered sub-tone texture into a rich, full-ensemble statement before receding into a delicate, lingering outro. Solo opportunities are provided to highlight a featured instrumentalist—typically tenor saxophone or trumpet—allowing the soloist space to stretch out over tasteful, rhythm-section-backed changes that stay true to the harmonic integrity of the original tune. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this arrangement an exceptionally rewarding addition to their libraries. While the individual technical demands on the rhythm section and horns are moderate, the true challenge and beauty of the chart lie in its ensemble cohesion, dynamic sensitivity, and stylistic authenticity. It requires a mature rhythm section capable of laying down an effortless, understated pocket, and a horn section disciplined enough to balance rich, lush unisons with transparent background figures. Directors looking to program a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing work that highlights lyrical playing, dynamic control, and classic big band arranging craftsmanship will find Marion Evans' treatment of "That Old Feeling" an indispensable repertoire choice. Conductors should approach Marion Evans' setting of "That Old Feeling" with an emphasis on relaxed time and meticulous balance. The tempo should sit comfortably in a medium swing feel, avoiding any tendency to drag or rush; precision in the triplet subdivisions of the rhythm section is vital to maintaining the buoyant groove. The saxophones must pay close attention to blend and intonation during the soli sections, ensuring that internal harmony voices do not overpower the lead alto. Brass players should utilize cup or bucket mutes where indicated to achieve that warm, breathy texture characteristic of late-1950s ballad scoring. Rehearsals should focus heavily on dynamic shading—particularly the gradual builds leading into the shout chorus—allowing the ensemble to achieve a massive, wall-of-sound resonance without forcing their tone. Ensure the rhythm section keeps comping sparse and supportive, leaving ample space for the featured soloist to build a narrative arc. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This chart is scored for a standard 17-instrument big band instrumentation, comprising 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a 4-piece rhythm section consisting of piano, guitar, bass, and drums, spread across a comprehensive 38-page score and parts set. Q: What is the difficulty level of this big band arrangement? A: It is graded as advanced intermediate to advanced, making it ideal for high school top bands, collegiate ensembles, and professional community jazz orchestras that possess strong section blend and dynamic control. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: Arranged in a classic medium-swing style, this chart reinterprets Sammy Fain’s 1937 pop-standard through the sophisticated, lush arranging lens of mid-century jazz master Marion Evans. Q: What makes Marion Evans' arrangement unique compared to other versions of this standard? A: Evans stands out through his use of rich, extended chord voicings, a seamless transition from intimate muted-brass textures to a soaring shout chorus, and an exquisite saxophone soli that highlights the arranger's signature studio craftsmanship. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo for this arrangement? A: The arrangement runs approximately 3.5 to 4 minutes in duration when performed at the recommended medium-swing tempo of around 112 to 120 beats per minute.