They Can't Take That Away From Me (G.Stone)

George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin introduced "They Can't Take That Away From Me" in the 1937 musical film *Shall We Dance*, where it was memorably introduced by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers. Earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, the composition swiftly crossed over from Hollywood into the immutable canon of the Great American Songbook. Through iconic vocal interpretations by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra, alongside instrumental explorations by giants like Lester Young and Dexter Gordon, the tune established itself as a supreme vehicle for jazz improvisation. Its sophisticated AABA song form, characterized by a poignant harmonic journey and an instantly recognizable melodic contour, offers an ideal foundation for modern big band exploration. George Stone’s magnificent big band adaptation transforms this timeless standard into a masterclass of contemporary jazz arranging. Clocking in at a comfortable, swinging medium tempo, the arrangement balances nostalgic warmth with sharp, modern harmonic sensibilities. Stone avoids predictable treatments, instead injecting the chart with rich, extended chord voicings, unexpected modal shifts, and subtle counterpoint that keeps both the ensemble and the listener thoroughly engaged. The overall mood shifts seamlessly from introspective, lush ballad-like textures to vibrant, high-energy brass and reed interplay, evoking a sophisticated urban elegance tinged with genuine emotional depth. Throughout the 68 pages of score and parts, Stone distributes the musical weight evenly across the entire 18-piece ensemble. The woodwinds open with intricate, flowing lines that state the iconic theme before handing off to beautifully crafted sax solis that demand immaculate blend and articulation. Brass sections are utilized for both warm, muted harmonic padding and razor-sharp, punchy shout choruses that drive the arrangement toward its dynamic climaxes. Interspersed are dedicated solo changes over the traditional form, allowing featured improvisers in the band to stretch out. The technical challenges lie primarily in maintaining a weightless, driving swing feel at moderate tempos, executing tight dynamic control, and navigating Stone's sophisticated reharmonizations without losing the inherent vocal quality of the melody. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section players, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional community big bands will find this chart to be an exceptional programming choice. While it requires mature rhythmic precision—particularly in the rhythm section to lock in the subtle push-and-pull of the groove—the payoff is immense. It serves as a sophisticated centerpiece for a concert or festival performance, offering audiences a brilliant synthesis of Gershwin’s immortal melody and George Stone’s ingenious contemporary big band craftsmanship. Success with George Stone’s arrangement of "They Can't Take That Away From Me" hinges on maintaining an infectious, relaxed medium-swing groove that never drags. The rhythm section is the anchor; the drummer should ride the cymbal with a clear triplet feel while keeping the hi-hat crisp on beats two and four, avoiding any heavy-handed backbeats. Horn players must pay strict attention to articulation markings, ensuring that short notes are properly clipped and long notes feature a warm, vocal-like vibrato. Rehearsal should begin section by section, isolating the intricate sax soli to ensure absolute unanimity in phrasing and intonation before integrating the brass. Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts; the quieter transitional passages require immense breath support and internal ear-training to balance the complex, extended chords. When approaching the solo sections, encourage the rhythm section to dynamically drop underneath the soloist while maintaining forward momentum, allowing the improviser space to build a cohesive narrative across the form. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 68-page chart is scored for a standard 18-instrument big band, which includes Alto Saxophone 1 and 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 and 2, Baritone Saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, bass trombone, piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this George Stone chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for college jazz orchestras, top-tier high school bands, and professional community ensembles that possess strong section cohesion and solid improvisers. Q: What is the historical and stylistic background of the piece? A: Originally composed by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film *Shall We Dance*, this arrangement treats the timeless standard through a contemporary jazz big band lens, blending classic swing-era sensibilities with modern harmonic coloring. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by George Stone unique? A: Stone distinguishes his treatment through sophisticated extended chord voicings, inventive reharmonizations, beautifully crafted saxophone solis, and dynamic architectural shifts that elevate the standard far beyond a stock arrangement. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: The arrangement is set in a comfortable, driving medium-swing tempo (approximately quarter note = 120 BPM) and typically runs around 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of the open solo sections.