Them There Eyes (B.Myagkov)

"Them There Eyes," a vivacious and enduring jazz standard, originated in 1930, penned by the collaborative talents of Maceo Pinkard, Doris Tauber, and William Tracey. Emerging from the vibrant Tin Pan Alley era, this tune quickly became a staple of the Swing Age, its infectious melody and optimistic lyrics resonating with audiences during a challenging economic period. It was famously popularized by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and later, Ella Fitzgerald, cementing its place in the jazz canon as a quintessential upbeat number. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward yet captivating harmonic progression and its inherent swing feel, making it a favorite for vocalists and instrumentalists alike who wish to convey joy and playful flirtation. The piece embodies the effervescent spirit of early jazz, a testament to its timeless charm and adaptability across various stylistic interpretations. Boris Myagkov’s arrangement of "Them There Eyes" for big band captures the song's inherent ebullience while infusing it with contemporary big band sensibilities. Set in a bright medium-up swing tempo, the arrangement maintains the original's buoyant mood, primarily in the key of F major, offering a comfortable yet energetic foundation. Myagkov's signature approach is evident in the sophisticated yet accessible voicings, which provide a rich harmonic tapestry without sacrificing clarity. The piece opens with a crisp, ensemble-driven statement of the melody, immediately establishing its spirited character. Throughout, the arrangement balances powerful full-ensemble sections with nuanced instrumental features, creating dynamic contrast and maintaining listener engagement. Myagkov's treatment of "Them There Eyes" showcases his adeptness at crafting arrangements that are both challenging and immensely rewarding. The melody is initially carried by the saxophone section, often in a tightly voiced soli, before being passed to the brass, creating a call-and-response dynamic. A significant feature is the inclusion of well-crafted solo sections, typically for tenor saxophone and trumpet, providing ample space for improvisation over the familiar changes. These solo opportunities are strategically placed to build momentum towards a powerful shout chorus that is characteristic of Myagkov's arrangements—dense, driving, and harmonically rich, pushing the ensemble to its full dynamic potential. The arrangement concludes with a high-energy coda, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated swing. This arrangement is ideally suited for college-level jazz ensembles, advanced community big bands, and professional groups. Its blend of traditional swing elements with modern arranging techniques offers a valuable educational experience in ensemble precision, dynamic control, and stylistic authenticity. While demanding in its articulation and dynamic shaping, the technical challenges are well within reach for experienced musicians, making it a highly rewarding piece to rehearse and perform. The intricate voicings and energetic soli passages encourage tight ensemble playing and careful listening, while the solo sections provide opportunities for individual expression. Performing Myagkov's "Them There Eyes" is an exhilarating experience, delivering a polished, swinging rendition of a beloved standard. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, bright medium-up swing feel throughout, ensuring a strong rhythmic foundation from the rhythm section. Pay close attention to articulation markings, particularly the crispness of the brass attacks and the legato phrasing within the saxophone soli sections. The key technical challenges include maintaining precise ensemble balance during the dense shout choruses and achieving unified dynamics across the full band. Encourage soloists to embrace the tune's joyful character while navigating the harmonic progression with confidence. Rehearsal tips include isolating the saxophone soli passages for clarity and intonation, and practicing the shout chorus at a slightly slower tempo to lock in rhythmic precision before bringing it up to speed. Specific techniques required include controlled brass falls and precise cut-offs to maintain the arrangement's energetic drive. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard big band, including five saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), four trumpets, four trombones, and a full rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, guitar), totaling 17 instruments. Q: What is the difficulty level of Boris Myagkov's "Them There Eyes" arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced intermediate to advanced, suitable for college-level jazz ensembles, advanced community big bands, and professional groups due to its intricate voicings, dynamic demands, and solo opportunities. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is a big band jazz arrangement of "Them There Eyes," a classic jazz standard from 1930, embodying the vibrant, upbeat swing style of the early jazz era, popularized by artists like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Q: What makes Boris Myagkov's arrangement of "Them There Eyes" unique? A: Myagkov's arrangement stands out for its sophisticated yet accessible voicings, dynamic contrast between ensemble sections and solos, and a powerful, harmonically rich shout chorus that elevates this classic standard. Q: What is the approximate performance duration of this arrangement? A: At a bright medium-up swing tempo (around 190-200 BPM), the performance duration of this arrangement typically ranges from 3:30 to 4:30 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solos.