Feeling Good (R.Stitzel)

Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse penned "Feeling Good" in 1964 for the musical *The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd*. While Nina Simone's iconic 1965 rendition cemented its status as a jazz and soul standard, the song has since been interpreted by countless artists, from Michael Bublé to Muse, each adding their unique flavor. Its enduring appeal lies in its powerful, declarative melody and lyrics that celebrate liberation and self-renewal, making it a staple for vocalists and instrumentalists alike. The original carries a sophisticated, almost theatrical air, often imbued with a bluesy, gospel-tinged swagger that resonates deeply with jazz sensibilities. It's a piece that evokes triumph and confidence, a musical declaration of a new beginning. R.Stitzel's arrangement of "Feeling Good" for small ensemble masterfully captures this essence, presenting it as a vibrant, medium-swing instrumental feature in the key of A minor. The arrangement immediately establishes a confident, groove-oriented feel, driven by a tight rhythm section foundation. Stitzel's distinctive approach often involves sophisticated yet accessible voicings, and here, he crafts rich harmonies that support the melody without overwhelming the ensemble's compact size. The lead alto saxophone carries the initial melodic statement, delivering the iconic theme with a soulful clarity, before passing it to other horns for development. The arrangement features a well-constructed soli section where the horn lines interweave, showcasing Stitzel's adeptness at creating ensemble interplay that sounds larger than its seven-instrument footprint. The piece is structured to build energy progressively, leading to an open solo section over the familiar chord changes, providing ample space for improvisation for any of the horn players or piano. Following the solos, the arrangement returns to a powerful ensemble statement, culminating in a dynamic shout chorus that truly elevates the piece. Stitzel’s signature use of extended harmonies adds a contemporary jazz color without sacrificing the tune's inherent soulfulness. Technical challenges are moderate, focusing on precise articulation, blend, and rhythmic accuracy within the medium-swing context. The rewarding aspect lies in the arrangement's ability to make a small group sound full and impactful, allowing each musician to contribute significantly to the overall texture. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, or semi-professional ensembles looking for a sophisticated yet accessible chart that highlights individual musicianship within a cohesive ensemble sound. Its engaging character and intelligent writing make it a standout choice for concerts, festivals, or any performance demanding a polished, energetic jazz standard. This arrangement thrives on a robust, consistent medium-swing feel from the rhythm section, particularly the bass and drums. Ensure the quarter note is firmly established at approximately 120-130 BPM, providing a solid foundation for the horns. Articulation is key: emphasize a clear, slightly detached swing eighth-note feel in the horn lines, avoiding overly legato phrasing unless specifically marked. The initial alto saxophone melody requires a soulful, expressive tone. Pay close attention to dynamics, particularly the crescendos leading into the soli and shout chorus sections to build excitement effectively. The open solo section is designed for flexibility; encourage improvisers to explore the A minor blues and Dorian scales. Rehearsal time should focus on precise ensemble blend in the soli sections and ensuring clean entrances and releases, especially in the punchy shout chorus. No special techniques like plungers or falls are explicitly notated, allowing for performer discretion to add stylistic embellishments if desired. Q: What instruments are included in the "Feeling Good (R.Stitzel)" arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a small ensemble of seven instruments: Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass, and Drums. All individual parts and a full score are provided. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced. It requires musicians with solid instrumental technique, a good understanding of jazz articulation, and experience with ensemble playing and improvisation. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is a jazz arrangement of "Feeling Good," a song originally composed by Anthony Newley in 1964 for a musical. It's most famously known through Nina Simone's 1965 jazz/soul rendition, and this instrumental arrangement captures that classic, soulful medium-swing jazz feel. Q: What makes R.Stitzel's arrangement of "Feeling Good" unique? A: R.Stitzel's approach features sophisticated yet accessible voicings for a small ensemble, a well-crafted soli section that maximizes the horn sound, and a dynamic shout chorus. The arrangement provides ample space for improvisation while maintaining a cohesive and energetic musical narrative. 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, depending on the length of the improvised solos. It is designed to be performed at a medium-swing tempo, around 120-130 beats per minute.