Too Close For Comfort (B.Holman)

"Too Close For Comfort," a timeless jazz standard, finds its origins in the 1956 Broadway musical *Mr. Wonderful*, where it was introduced by the legendary Sammy Davis Jr.. Composed by Jerry Bock, Larry Holofcener, and George David Weiss, the song quickly transcended its theatrical roots to become a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, celebrated for its infectious melody and relatable lyrics about an overwhelming, yet irresistible, attraction. It embodies the vibrant, swinging energy of the mid-20th century jazz and popular music scene, a period characterized by sophisticated arrangements and charismatic vocal performances. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy melodic contours and harmonic richness, making it a favorite for instrumentalists and vocalists alike across decades. Bill Holman's arrangement of "Too Close For Comfort" for big band is a quintessential example of his genius for transforming familiar tunes into dynamic, intricate, and utterly swinging instrumental masterpieces. This particular chart is a blistering up-tempo swing, typically performed around 240-260 BPM, demanding precision and exuberance from all sections. Holman’s signature sound is immediately apparent: dense, often angular voicings in the brass and saxophones, unexpected harmonic shifts, and a relentless forward momentum that propels the piece from start to finish. The arrangement is characterized by its bright, optimistic mood, evoking the thrill and playful tension inherent in the song's title. It's a high-energy showcase that radiates excitement and technical brilliance, designed to captivate any audience. Holman's distinctive approach to this standard is evident in his masterful use of counterpoint and call-and-response figures between sections. The melody is initially carried by the alto saxophone, often doubled or harmonized with other saxophones, before being passed to the brass. Expect intricate soli sections for the saxophones that require tight ensemble playing and impeccable intonation, followed by powerful, driving brass figures. The arrangement features a dedicated solo section, typically for tenor saxophone, offering an opportunity for a soloist to navigate Holman's sophisticated harmonic landscape. The full ensemble shout choruses are particularly exhilarating, building to a thrilling climax with layered brass and saxophone lines that exemplify the power and precision of a top-tier big band. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles. Its technical demands, including rapid articulations, complex rhythms, and extended ranges for brass, make it a significant yet incredibly rewarding challenge. The intricate interplay between sections fosters deep listening and tight ensemble cohesion, while the sheer excitement of the chart makes it a perennial favorite for both performers and audiences. Successfully performing this arrangement requires not just technical proficiency, but also a deep understanding of swing feel and the ability to convey the joyous, high-stakes energy that is a hallmark of Holman's writing. This Bill Holman arrangement of "Too Close For Comfort" is a high-octane, up-tempo swing chart, ideally performed in the range of quarter note = 240-260 BPM. The key technical challenge lies in maintaining rhythmic precision and articulation at this brisk tempo, particularly within the intricate saxophone solis and brass figures. Conductors should emphasize a light, driving swing feel, avoiding any heaviness. Brass players will need strong embouchures for sustained fortissimo passages and extended ranges, while saxophones must execute rapid melodic lines with clarity and tight ensemble. Pay close attention to dynamics, as Holman often uses sudden shifts to enhance the musical narrative. Rehearsal should focus on isolating complex rhythmic passages and ensuring clean entrances and releases across all sections. Articulation, especially short, crisp notes, is paramount to achieving Holman's signature sound. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard big band with 18 instruments, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of this "Too Close For Comfort" arrangement? A: This Bill Holman arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for experienced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles due to its demanding tempo, intricate voicings, and technical requirements for all sections. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is an up-tempo big band jazz arrangement of "Too Close For Comfort," a classic jazz standard from the 1950s, showcasing the sophisticated, swinging style characteristic of the mid-20th century big band era. Q: What makes Bill Holman's arrangement of "Too Close For Comfort" unique? A: Holman's distinctive approach features complex, angular voicings, driving up-tempo swing, intricate saxophone solis, powerful brass figures, and a relentless forward momentum, all hallmarks of his iconic arranging style. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3-4 minutes, played at a brisk up-tempo swing of around quarter note = 240-260 BPM.