Undecided (C.Basie)

Charlie Shavers composed "Undecided" in 1938, and it rapidly ascended to the upper echelon of the swing era canon, immortalized most famously by the John Kirby Sextet and later adapted into high-energy big band vernacular. While countless small-group recordings defined its early life, the tune’s infectious, cyclical changes and irresistible melody made it a prime candidate for full-ensemble jazz orchestration. It represents the bridge between late-1930s swing sophistication and the harmonically adventurous landscape that preceded bebop, characterized by a buoyant, driving pulse and sophisticated head arrangements that invite effortless toe-tapping while demanding rigorous ensemble precision. John Farley’s dynamic big band adaptation channels the powerhouse tradition of the Count Basie Orchestra style—relying on a relentless, feather-light medium-swing groove, crisp dynamic contrast, and maximum economic punch. Operating at a brisk, communicative tempo around 160 BPM, the chart opens with a characteristic muted brass vamp before launching into a full-ensemble statement of the theme. Farley utilizes classic Kansas City-style shout choruses where the brass and saxophones interlock in rhythmic counterpoint, punctuated by biting trills and stylized drop-offs. The harmonic palette stays true to mainstream jazz idiom while incorporating extended upper-structure voicings in the trombones, giving the ensemble a lush, wide-open acoustic footprint reminiscent of Sammy Nestico or Neal Hefti charts from the golden age of Basie. Throughout the 34-page manuscript, melodic responsibility shifts fluidly across the sections. The alto saxophone and lead trumpet share primary thematic duties during the initial head, while the tenor saxophone section enjoys a rich, harmonized soli passage that serves as the emotional anchor of the middle development. Improvised solo space is thoughtfully allocated over standard chorus forms, allowing featured performers on tenor saxophone and trumpet to stretch out over driving rhythm-section accompaniment. Technical challenges primarily center around maintaining an unhurried, relaxed swing eighth-note feel at a brisk clip; the rhythm section must lock in tightly to preserve the weightless, driving momentum that defines the Basie aesthetic without rushing the downbeats. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community jazz ensembles will find this arrangement an exceptionally rewarding centerpiece for festival performance or formal concert programming. The orchestration rewards bands that excel at stylistic uniformity, dynamic restraint, and articulate phrasing. Because the brass ranges are kept within a sensible upper register—with lead trumpet peaking comfortably at concert high B-flat—directors can focus their rehearsal energy squarely on stylistic nuance, articulation match, and the infectious groove that makes "Undecided" an eternal crowd-pleaser. Achieving the authentic Count Basie-inspired feel of this arrangement requires absolute rhythmic discipline from the rhythm section. The drummer should prioritize a crisp, feather-light ride cymbal pattern paired with a subtle, two-beat or four-beat walking bass line that breathes rather than forces the tempo. Conductors must guard against rushing; the medium-swing groove relies on a laid-back placement of the backbeat (beats 2 and 4) to generate its characteristic forward momentum. Wind players must execute eighth notes with a traditional swing articulation, keeping scalar passages smooth and tonguing offbeats with a distinct, clean edge. Pay close attention to dynamic markings: the contrast between the understated, whispered backgrounds behind the soloists and the roaring, full-ensemble shout chorus is what gives the chart its dramatic shape. Muted brass sections should use cup or straight mutes as indicated, ensuring a unified timbre that blends seamlessly rather than piercing the texture awkwardly. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The full 17-instrument big band instrumentation comprises 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), and a standard 4-piece rhythm section consisting of piano, guitar, bass, and drums, spanning a comprehensive 34-page score and part set. Q: What is the difficulty level of John Farley's "Undecided"? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced (Grade 4), making it ideal for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands that have a strong grasp of swing style and ensemble blend. Q: What is the historical and stylistic background of this piece? A: Originally composed by Charlie Shavers in 1938, this arrangement specifically adopts the swinging, blues-inflected, and dynamic punch associated with the Count Basie tradition, bridging classic swing-era accessibility with sophisticated big band voicings. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by John Farley unique? A: Farley's chart stands out due to its clever cross-section interplay, a lush and swinging tenor saxophone soli, and authentic Kansas City-style shout choruses that build intense excitement without overcomplicating the harmonic framework. Q: What is the recommended performance tempo and duration? A: The arrangement is designed to be performed at a bright medium-swing tempo of approximately 160 beats per minute, resulting in a total performance duration of roughly 3 to 4 minutes depending on solo choruses.