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

George and Ira Gershwin introduced "They Can't Take That Away From Me" in the 1937 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film *Shall We Dance*, cementing its status as one of the crown jewels of the Great American Songbook. Originally nominated for an Academy Award, the melody's sophisticated contour and bittersweet harmonic framework quickly attracted the attention of jazz royalty, most notably appearing in iconic vocal interpretations by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra, as well as instrumental explorations by Lester Young and Ben Webster. Its enduring appeal lies in the brilliant juxtaposition of Gershwin’s soaring, conversational phrasing and a melancholic, nostalgic undertone that speaks universally to enduring affection and memory. Master arranger Gary Urwin breathes fresh vitality into this timeless classic, casting the standard in a sophisticated, medium-swing groove that highlights the lush textures of a standard 16-piece big band. Urwin’s chart balances tightly knit, contemporary harmonic extensions with a deep respect for the swing-era tradition, utilizing rich chord voicings that evoke the elegance of West Coast cool jazz while maintaining a robust, driving rhythmic pulse. The mood shifts artfully between introspective, lyrical passages and high-energy ensemble statements, creating an emotional narrative that captures both the sophisticated romance of the original composition and the dynamic punch of a modern jazz orchestra. Throughout the 46-page score, the arrangement distributes melodic and counter-melodic responsibilities creatively across the ensemble, ensuring high engagement for every section. The saxophones are deployed in lush, cascading solis that require absolute blend and intonation, while the brass section alternates between warm, muted cushions of sound and brilliant, assertive shout choruses. Featured solo space allows a standout instrumentalist to stretch out over standard changes, supported by sophisticated background comping figures that build structural tension. The arrangement rewards meticulous attention to dynamic shading, syncopated phrasing, and stylistic consistency, making it a standout showcase for advanced groups. Designed specifically for collegiate, community, and professional big bands, this chart demands advanced technical proficiency and a mature, flexible sense of swing. High school ensembles with exceptional lead players and strong section cohesion can also tackle the chart by focusing closely on stylistic uniformity and breath support. The arrangement serves as an ideal centerpiece for festival programs, formal concerts, or recorded projects, offering a masterclass in how to honor a classic standard through imaginative, modern big band orchestration. Bringing Gary Urwin’s arrangement to life requires a disciplined approach to a steady, confident medium-swing tempo (around 120–126 BPM). The primary technical challenge lies in balancing the lighter, harmonically rich ensemble passages with the forceful, dynamic demands of the shout choruses. Conductors must ensure that the rhythm section maintains an unhurried, buoyant walking bassline and a crisp ride cymbal pattern that anchors the floating syncopations in the horns. Brass players should pay close attention to articulation markings, utilizing warm, fat tones on the ballad-esque phrase beginnings and controlled, targeted accents on the punchy interjections. Mutes (such as cup or harmon) may be tastefully employed during softer thematic statements to enhance color variety, though transparency of line is paramount. Rehearsals should initially isolate the saxophone soli to lock in intonation and rhythmic unity before integrating the brass counters. Emphasize the long-short eighth-note swing subdivision, avoiding any tendency to rush the triplet feel during transitional modulations. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: The 46-page set is scored for a standard 16-piece big band instrumentation, featuring Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, and a full rhythm section comprising piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this Gary Urwin chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate, community, and professional big bands, as well as exceptionally polished high school jazz ensembles with strong lead players and mature section blend. Q: What is the style and historical context of this piece? A: Originally penned by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film *Shall We Dance*, this arrangement transforms the classic standard into a sophisticated, medium-swing big band chart rooted in the tradition of West Coast and contemporary jazz arranging. Q: What makes this particular arrangement unique? A: Gary Urwin distinguishes his treatment through lush, extended contemporary chord voicings, intricate saxophone solis, and dynamic shifts that seamlessly balance introspective lyricism with driving, brass-heavy shout choruses. Q: What is the performance duration and recommended tempo for the piece? A: The arrangement plays out at a comfortable, medium-swing tempo of approximately 120 to 126 BPM, yielding a performance duration of roughly 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length of the improvised solos.