That's Life (D.Tanner)

Elevate your big band’s repertoire with Dave Tanner’s dynamic arrangement of the iconic jazz standard "That's Life," originally popularized by Frank Sinatra. Composed by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon, this timeless anthem of resilience and optimism is expertly crafted for a full 17-piece big band, featuring five saxophones (two altos, two tenors, one baritone), four trumpets, four trombones (three tenors, one bass), and a complete rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, drums). Tanner’s arrangement captures the song’s signature swagger and energetic drive, characterized by a medium-swing tempo feel that encourages a confident, soulful delivery. Harmonically, it maintains the classic jazz standard vocabulary while incorporating contemporary big band voicings, creating a rich and vibrant sound. Expect engaging rhythmic interplay between sections, driving brass figures, and lyrical saxophone lines that build excitement throughout the piece. This "medium" difficulty arrangement is suitable for both advanced high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, as well as professional big bands seeking a crowd-pleasing addition to their setlist.