Who (J.Warrington)

Jerome Kern's timeless waltz, "Who," first graced the stage in 1927 as part of the Broadway musical *Show Boat*. This iconic tune quickly transcended its theatrical origins, becoming a beloved standard of the Great American Songbook. Its enduring popularity stems from its elegant, memorable melody and sophisticated harmonic progression, which perfectly encapsulate the romantic and optimistic spirit of the late 1920s. While not traditionally a jazz standard in the improvisational sense, its graceful structure and memorable chorus made it a staple for dance bands and vocalists of the era, laying groundwork for future interpretations. The song's initial fame was solidified by its inclusion in the original *Show Boat* production, and it has since been interpreted by countless artists, maintaining its status as a quintessential American classic. Johnny Warrington's masterful arrangement of "Who" reimagines this classic waltz for the big band dance orchestra, capturing the sophisticated charm and rhythmic vitality of the era. Set in a comfortable, medium-tempo 3/4 feel, the arrangement maintains the original's romantic key of E-flat major, evoking a sense of nostalgic elegance. Warrington, renowned for his meticulous scoring for dance bands, imbues this piece with his signature lush voicings and clear melodic lines. The arrangement opens with the full ensemble presenting the iconic melody, establishing a warm, inviting atmosphere. Subsequent choruses feature the melody passed between sections, often highlighted by rich saxophone soli passages that showcase Warrington's characteristic blend of harmony and counterpoint. The overall mood is one of refined joy and danceable grace, perfect for evoking a bygone era of ballroom elegance. Warrington's distinctive arranging style shines through in his treatment of "Who." He employs a classic big band dance orchestration, utilizing the full 17-instrument complement to create a rich, enveloping sound. The melody is predominantly carried by the saxophone section, often with the lead alto taking the primary line, supported by harmonized tenor and baritone parts. Brass interjections provide rhythmic punctuation and harmonic color, but the arrangement largely avoids aggressive shout choruses, instead favoring a more lyrical and flowing approach. There are no extended improvised solo sections; rather, the arrangement focuses on the ensemble's collective sound and the seamless interplay between sections. Technical challenges are moderate, primarily revolving around precise articulation, blend, and maintaining a consistent, flowing waltz feel. The rewarding aspect lies in achieving the arrangement's inherent elegance and allowing the beautiful melody to truly sing through the ensemble's cohesive performance. This arrangement is ideally suited for high school, college, and community jazz ensembles looking to explore the sophisticated dance band repertoire of the mid-20th century. It offers an excellent opportunity to develop ensemble blend, precise articulation, and a nuanced understanding of the waltz rhythm in a big band context. Professional groups seeking a charming, authentic dance chart will also find it a delightful addition to their library. Its accessible yet refined character makes it a superb choice for concerts, dances, or any occasion where a touch of classic elegance is desired. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, flowing medium waltz tempo (around 120-130 bpm) to maintain the danceable character. Focus on precise articulation, particularly in the saxophone soli sections, ensuring a unified, legato approach where indicated, contrasting with crisp brass punctuations. The arrangement is in E-flat major, which requires careful attention to intonation, especially in the upper brass. There are no improvised solos, so rehearsal time should concentrate on ensemble balance, blend, and dynamic shaping. Encourage musicians to listen across sections to achieve Warrington's characteristic lush voicings. Special techniques are minimal, but a light, sustained vibrato in the saxophone section will enhance the authentic dance band sound. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement of "Who"? A: This is a full big band dance arrangement for 17 instruments, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as medium difficulty, suitable for high school, college, and community jazz ensembles. It emphasizes ensemble blend, articulation, and maintaining a consistent waltz feel. Q: What style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This arrangement by Johnny Warrington is a classic big band dance waltz, capturing the sophisticated and romantic sound of the late 1920s to mid-20th century big band era, based on Jerome Kern's iconic Broadway tune. Q: What makes Johnny Warrington's arrangement of "Who" unique? A: Warrington's signature approach features lush saxophone voicings, elegant melodic treatment passed between sections, and a focus on ensemble precision rather than extended improvisation, creating an authentic dance band sound. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this piece? A: The performance duration is approximately 3-4 minutes, designed to be played at a medium waltz tempo, typically around 120-130 beats per minute.