Too Close For Comfort (B.Florence)

Jerry Bock, George David Weiss, and Larry Holofcener originally penned "Too Close for Comfort" for the 1956 Broadway musical *Mr. Wonderful*, where it was introduced by Sammy Davis Jr. It swiftly crossed over into the mandatory jazz canon, becoming a staple vehicle for improvisers seeking a sophisticated harmonic framework built on a driving, modal-leaning minor blues and standard song-form hybrid. Its enduring appeal lies in its infectious urgency and cyclical tension, making it an ideal canvas for mid-century modern jazz interpretation. Bob Florence elevates this timeless standard through a masterclass in West Coast big band architecture, driving the chart with an infectious, high-octane medium-up swing tempo. The mood crackles with sophisticated urban energy, balancing taut rhythmic precision with lush, expansive harmonic voicings that recall Florence’s legendary work with his own limited-instrument and full-ensemble configurations. The arrangement pulses with a vibrant, restless momentum, shifting seamlessly between cascading counterpoint and powerhouse ensemble hits that demand absolute unanimity from the rhythm section and horns alike. True to Florence’s signature style, the chart avoids predictable recycling of the melody, instead utilizing ingenious reharmonizations and chromatic inner-voice movement to heighten the underlying tension of the chord changes. The compact 8-instrument instrumentation (Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and a robust rhythm section framework) is leveraged with astonishing economy; Florence achieves the density and sonic weight of a full 17-piece big band through brilliant chord distribution and clever counter-melodies. Sectional solis are tightly knit, requiring pristine articulation and intimate blend, while the shout chorus builds an irresistible architectural crescendo that showcases advanced dynamic control. Advanced college ensembles, elite community jazz orchestras, and professional pick-up bands will find this 45-page manuscript an exhilarating challenge and a profound crowd-pleaser. The technical demands—ranging from rapid-fire unison lines to intricate syncopated figures across the sax and brass sections—require seasoned players with strong sight-reading capabilities and deep stylistic fluency in modern mainstream jazz. Performers and audiences alike will be captivated by the clever transitional interludes and the sheer compositional brilliance with which Florence reinterprets a classic Broadway show tune into a quintessential modern big band masterwork. Unlocking the brilliance of this Bob Florence chart requires meticulous attention to articulation, balance, and rhythmic precision. The tempo should be kept at a driving, comfortable medium-up swing (around quarter note = 192–200 BPM), ensuring the underlying eighth-note feel remains buoyant rather than rushed. The rhythm section is the engine: the drummer must maintain a crisp, interactive ride cymbal pattern with consistent feathering on the bass drum, while the piano and bass lock in on clean, punchy walking lines and anticipatory comping figures. For the horns, pay strict attention to dynamic markings, particularly during sudden sfz hits and breath-controlled crescendos. Short notes must be clipped and uniform across the sax and brass sections, avoiding heavy accents unless explicitly noted. Solos should build organically, referencing Florence’s harmonic motifs. Rehearsal should begin slowly, isolating the dense contrapuntal horn lines to ensure exact intonation before assembling the full ensemble at performance speed. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for an 8-instrument ensemble comprising Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and a full rhythm section (Piano, Bass, Drums), optimized for flexible yet powerful modern big band voicing over 45 total pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is rated at an advanced difficulty level (College/Professional), requiring mature sight-reading, excellent technical facility across all horns, and a sophisticated grasp of modern swing phrasing and complex harmonic structures. Q: What is the style and historical context of the piece? A: Originally written by Jerry Bock for the 1956 Broadway hit *Mr. Wonderful*, this piece is presented in a sophisticated West Coast jazz style that honors its origins as a bebop and mainstream jazz standard. Q: What makes this specific Bob Florence arrangement unique? A: Florence achieves the rich sonic density of a full 17-piece orchestra using an innovative 8-instrument configuration, employing signature chromatic inner-voice movements, ingenious reharmonizations, and intricate counterpoint. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The arrangement is designed for a driving medium-up swing feel at approximately quarter note = 192–200 BPM, resulting in a performance duration of roughly 4 to 5 minutes depending on solo choruses.