What's New (F.Como)

Composed in 1938 by bassist Bob Haggart with later lyrics added by Johnny Burke, "What's New" stands as one of the most enduring and sophisticated ballads in the Great American Songbook. Originally introduced by the Bob Crosby Orchestra—where Haggart played bass and famously whistled parts of the melody—the tune achieved definitive status through classic recordings by artists like Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Linda Ronstadt. Its harmonically rich progression, built on a cycle of dominant resolutions and descending chromatic lines, offers a masterclass in melancholy and lyrical phrasing, making it an essential vehicle for jazz expression across generations. Frank Como’s big band interpretation transforms this timeless standard into a lush, emotionally resonant showcase for contemporary jazz ensembles. Set as a slow, expressive ballad with an underlying, breath-responsive swing feel, the arrangement evokes a late-night, smoky club atmosphere. The harmonic landscape is painted with rich, extended voicings in the brass and subtle chordal textures in the saxophones, creating a warm, enveloping cushion of sound. The emotional trajectory moves from introspective vulnerability in the opening phrases to a sweeping, cinematic climax before resolving into a quiet, reflective coda. Como structures the chart to highlight both ensemble dynamics and individual artistry. The melody is introduced with delicate fragility, carried primarily by the lead alto saxophone supported by carefully balanced woodwind and muted brass accompaniment. A central feature of the arrangement is a poignant, open solo section designed to showcase a mature improviser—ideally on tenor saxophone or flugelhorn—over the tune's sophisticated changes. The arrangement eschews a loud, bombastic shout chorus in favor of a gradually thickening contrapuntal texture, where independent melodic lines weave together before dropping back down to a whisper. This demands meticulous breath support, flawless intonation, and a high degree of dynamic control. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this arrangement an ideal vehicle for developing ensemble sensitivity and ballad-playing maturity. While the individual technical demands on finger speed are low, the intellectual and musical demands—particularly regarding balance, blend, and sustained phrasing—are exceptionally high. Performing this chart requires musicians to listen deeply across sections, maintaining a unified concept of time and tone throughout the rubato-leaning transitions and rubato-strict tempo shifts. Mastering Frank Como’s setting of "What's New" requires meticulous attention to breath control, intonation, and stylistic cohesion. The tempo should hover around a relaxed 60 to 66 BPM, maintaining a subtle, pulsing twelve-eight or triplet subdivision beneath the 4/4 meter to keep the ballad moving forward without feeling rushed. Conductors should emphasize horizontal line over vertical chord alignment, ensuring that the descending chromatic lines in the inner voices connect seamlessly. Brass players must exercise extreme restraint; cup and harmon mutes (used in specific secondary passages) should blend rather than pierce the texture. Balance is paramount during the woodwind soli sections, where the lead alto must project effortlessly over a rich, closed-position chordal backdrop. Rehearsals should initially strip away vibrato to lock in intonation on the dense, extended seventh and ninth chords, gradually reintroducing a warm, expressive vibrato only as the ensemble achieves a unified acoustic core. Q: What instrumentation and parts are included in this arrangement? A: The chart is scored for a standard 16-instrument big band, featuring two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, standard brass sections, and a full rhythm section. The complete package spans 33 pages of fully engraved conductor and instrumental parts. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This piece is graded as advanced (appropriate for upper-level high school, collegiate, and professional big bands) primarily due to its demands on intonation, balance, and sustained emotional phrasing rather than rapid technical execution. Q: What is the historical and stylistic context of "What's New"? A: Bob Haggart composed the piece in 1938, and it has since become a cornerstone jazz standard associated with vocal and instrumental legends of the swing and mainstream jazz eras. Como’s arrangement honors this tradition while utilizing modern chord voicings and contemporary big band orchestration techniques. Q: What makes Frank Como’s arrangement unique compared to other versions? A: Unlike charts that rely on a heavy, driving shout chorus, Como utilizes a sophisticated contrapuntal texture and lush, extended harmonic voicings that build tension organically before resolving into an intimate, reflective coda. Q: What is the recommended performance duration and tempo for this arrangement? A: The arrangement is designed to be played as a slow, expressive ballad at approximately 60 to 66 BPM, with a typical performance duration of around 4 to 5 minutes depending on the length taken for the featured solo.