The Very Thought Of You (J.Farley)

Ray Noble’s timeless 1934 composition "The Very Thought of You" stands as one of the quintessential romantic ballad standards of the Great American Songbook, immortalized by legendary vocalists and instrumentalists alike across the decades. Capturing the sophisticated elegance of the late 1930s British dance band era transitioning into the American swing consciousness, the song relies on its lush, cascading harmonic movement and an instantly recognizable melody that yearns with nostalgic warmth. Its enduring appeal lies in its versatile framework, which allows jazz arrangers to stretch its rich chord progressions into deep, expressive orchestration without losing the intimate core of the original melody. John Farley’s masterful big band adaptation reimagines Noble’s classic as a lush, velvety slow-to-medium swing ballad that evokes the smoky, intimate atmosphere of a late-night supper club. The arrangement opens with a delicate, rubato piano and horn introduction that sets a contemplative, romantic mood before settling into a relaxed, pulsing 4/4 swing feel driven by a subtle brush-work groove in the drums. Farley utilizes rich, extended voicings in the brass and saxes—employing open fourths and stacked upper extensions—to give the harmony a modern, sophisticated sheen while respecting the traditional tonal center. The overall emotional trajectory builds from quiet introspection to a soaring, harmonically rich climax before gently subsiding into a tender, whispered final chord. The chart features a prominent, lyrical lead alto saxophone melody in the opening statement, supported by warm, harmonized sax section solis that highlight the ensemble's blend and intonation. A spotlight solo is integrated naturally for tenor saxophone or trumpet, providing a spacious, modal-leaning canvas for expressive improvisation over the tune's signature changes. Technically, the arrangement demands exceptional breath control, mature intonation, and a refined sense of rubato timing from the ensemble. The saxophones will navigate intricate scalar passages and tight, sub-tone low-register chords, while the brass section must maintain pristine balance during muted and open passages. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section leaders, as well as collegiate and professional community big bands, will find this arrangement an ideal vehicle for showcasing ensemble maturity and stylistic sensitivity. Rather than relying on brute force or fast tempos, success with Farley’s chart hinges entirely on dynamic control, seamless phrasing, and deep stylistic cohesion, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for a formal concert program or festival performance. Balancing the ensemble is the primary challenge in this lush ballad setting; the brass must consistently play under the saxophone section when the reeds carry the primary melodic weight. The tempo should hover around a relaxed quarter note = 72–76 BPM, maintaining an underlying forward momentum even during rubato phrases. Conductors should pay close attention to the rubato intro, ensuring the ensemble breathes and moves as a single unit with the soloist or conductor's cue. Muted passages in the trumpets and trombones require careful dynamic tapering to avoid a nasal or harsh timbre—harmon and cup mutes should sound warm and velvety. Rehearsals should focus initially on sectional intonation, particularly on the extended seventh and ninth chords found in the bridges. Encourage the rhythm section to keep the quarter-note pulse steady and transparent, using light ride cymbal accents and subtle bass movement rather than heavy damping. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The complete 19-instrument big band instrumentation comprises Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, and includes a full 44-page conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of John Farley's arrangement of "The Very Thought Of You"? A: This arrangement is graded as medium-advanced (Grade 4–4.5), primarily due to the demands for mature intonation, delicate dynamic control, extended chord reading, and sophisticated stylistic phrasing rather than extreme technical velocity. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: Written originally by Ray Noble in 1934, this chart frames the iconic standard as a lush, sophisticated slow-to-medium swing ballad that channels the elegant, romantic atmosphere of the golden age of big bands. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by John Farley unique? A: Farley’s chart stands out through its modern, extended harmonic voicings, seamless transitions between intimate rubato sections and flowing swing grooves, and meticulously crafted saxophone solis that honor the original melody while offering fresh color. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo for this arrangement? A: The performance duration is approximately 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solo choruses, and should be performed at a relaxed tempo of approximately 72–76 BPM.