What Now My Love (J.Farley)

Gilbert Bécaud’s timeless 1961 masterpiece "Et maintenant"—famously translated into English by Carl Sigman as "What Now My Love"—stands as one of the most emotionally charged and enduring entries in the Great American Songbook and global pop-chanson canon. Immortalized by vocal powerhouses like Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley, the composition possesses a sweeping, dramatic architecture built on a relentless, driving minor-key progression. Its unique blend of European romanticism and intense theatricality makes it a natural vehicle for jazz interpretation, inviting expansive harmonic treatments and deep emotional delivery. John Farley’s arrangement transforms this classic into a smoldering, high-intensity modal jazz-waltz and driving swing hybrid that builds from a haunting, intimate intro into an explosive full-ensemble statement. Set in a rich minor key that maximizes the brass section's warm, dark lower registers, the mood shifts masterfully from melancholic introspection to soaring, cinematic triumph. The arrangement opens with a rubato vocal entry underpinned by sparse, atmospheric piano and brushed snare, before locking into a pulsing groove that evokes the tense, dramatic pacing of a classic noir film score. Farley utilizes the standard 17-piece big band instrumentation with a sophisticated ear for color, avoiding predictable block voicing in favor of lush, contemporary extensions and contrapuntal horn lines that weave beneath the vocal line. The saxophones are deployed extensively in tight, interwoven solis that recall the sophisticated writing of the Thad Jones or Bill Holman libraries, while the brass utilize subtle cup mutes and controlled crescendos to build unbearable tension before releasing into a powerful, multi-layered shout chorus. The featured vocal part requires a performer with immense dynamic control and expressive phrasing, capable of navigating wide intervallic leaps while maintaining narrative intensity. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional jazz ensembles will find this chart an extraordinary vehicle for showcasing both technical precision and deep musical maturity. While the rhythm section must maintain an unyielding, conversational groove beneath shifting meters, the horn sections will relish the rich harmonic textures and demanding dynamic contrasts. Offering a refreshing departure from standard medium-swing charts, this sophisticated layout guarantees a show-stopping moment on any concert or festival program. Success with this arrangement hinges entirely on disciplined dynamic control and the ensemble's ability to breathe together during the rubato transitional passages. The conductor must ensure the rhythm section establishes a deep, hypnotic groove that never rushes, particularly during the transition from the ballad-like intro into the driving pulse. Horn players should pay meticulous attention to articulation markings; short notes must be crisp and dry, while sustained lines require a warm, centered tone without excessive vibrato. In the brass section, careful balance is paramount during the climactic shout chorus to prevent the trombones and trumpets from overpowering the saxophone soli. Ensure the vocal soloist is given ample acoustic space, particularly when the ensemble swells during the bridge. Rehearsals should initially isolate the dynamic swells and complex harmonic shifts before integrating the rhythm section's underlying groove to secure proper intonation on altered dominant chords. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band package? A: The 39-page publication includes a full conductor score and complete parts for standard 17-instrument big band instrumentation, featuring Voice, 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones, 1 Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the overall difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is rated as advanced, best suited for collegiate, advanced high school, or professional big bands due to its complex harmonic language, extensive dynamic range, and demand for mature ensemble pacing. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of this piece? A: Based on Gilbert Bécaud’s 1961 European standard popularized by vocal icons like Frank Sinatra and Shirley Bassey, this arrangement frames the tune as a dramatic, cinematic jazz-waltz infused with contemporary modal harmony. Q: What makes John Farley’s treatment unique compared to other big band versions? A: Farley’s arrangement stands out through its sophisticated contrapuntal horn writing, lush chord extensions, and a theatrical pacing that builds from a sparse, intimate vocal intro into a massive, multi-layered shout chorus. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The arrangement runs approximately 4 to 5 minutes and features a flexible, rubato opening that settles into a driving, pulsing medium-tempo jazz feel designed to maximize dramatic tension and release.