I get a Kick (Wolpe)

Cole Porter's timeless standard, "I Get a Kick Out of You," first graced the stage in 1934 as part of his iconic musical *Anything Goes*. Originally introduced by Ethel Merman, this sophisticated tune quickly became a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, celebrated for Porter's signature wit, clever internal rhymes, and elegant melodic contour. It embodies the pre-swing era's sophisticated charm, transitioning seamlessly into the big band and jazz vocal traditions. Its enduring popularity stems from its relatable lyrical theme of infatuation and its adaptable harmonic structure, which has made it a favorite for countless jazz vocalists and instrumentalists throughout the decades, from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald. The piece inherently carries a buoyant, optimistic spirit, often performed with a medium-up swing feel that invites both dancers and listeners. Dave Wolpe's arrangement of "I Get a Kick (Wolpe)" captures this classic essence while infusing it with his characteristic big band flair. Wolpe masterfully sets the stage with a bright, medium-swing feel in 4/4, typically set in the key of C Major, which provides a comfortable range for most vocalists. The arrangement opens with a classic big band introduction, quickly establishing the energetic yet polished mood. Wolpe's signature is evident in his rich, full-bodied voicings for the brass and sax sections, creating a lush harmonic backdrop that supports the vocal line without overpowering it. He frequently employs tight, articulate soli sections for the saxophones, showcasing their collective precision, and punctuates phrases with crisp brass figures. The overall energy is one of sophisticated exuberance, evoking the golden age of big band with a contemporary polish. This arrangement is designed as a feature for a vocalist, with the melody primarily carried by the singer throughout the A sections. Wolpe provides a well-crafted instrumental interlude, often featuring a saxophone or trumpet solo over the changes, allowing for individual improvisation and showcasing the band's instrumental prowess. The arrangement builds dynamically towards a powerful shout chorus, where the full ensemble engages in a vibrant, harmonically rich statement, propelling the piece to an exhilarating climax before a tasteful return to the vocal or a strong ensemble finish. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the brass, maintaining a consistent swing feel across the ensemble, and navigating Wolpe's often dense but rewarding harmonic language. Successfully performing this chart is incredibly rewarding, offering a band the opportunity to present a beloved standard with authenticity and panache. "I Get a Kick (Wolpe)" is ideally suited for high school and college jazz ensembles seeking to expand their repertoire with a classic vocal chart, as well as community and professional big bands looking for a reliable and engaging arrangement. Its blend of traditional big band writing with accessible vocal parts makes it an excellent choice for developing ensemble precision, dynamic control, and stylistic understanding. The chart provides ample opportunity for a vocalist to shine while challenging the instrumentalists with well-crafted ensemble passages and an optional solo section, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any big band library. This arrangement thrives on a consistent, buoyant medium-swing feel, typically around 144-152 BPM. Emphasize a light, driving rhythm section that locks in with the bass and drums providing a solid, yet flexible, foundation. Brass articulation should be crisp and unified, particularly in the ensemble hits and shout chorus; encourage a "lift" at the end of phrases rather than a blunt cutoff. Saxophone soli sections require meticulous attention to blend, balance, and precise rhythmic execution to achieve Wolpe's intended tight sound. Dynamics are crucial; ensure clear contrast between accompanying figures and the vocal line, and build the shout chorus dynamically to a powerful, yet controlled, forte. Rehearsal time should focus on rhythmic accuracy, especially in syncopated figures, and achieving a cohesive ensemble sound that supports the vocalist without overwhelming them. No special techniques like plunger mutes or falls are explicitly notated, allowing the band to focus on fundamental big band execution. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This is a standard big band arrangement, typically including parts for 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and a dedicated vocal lead sheet. Q: What is the difficulty level of "I Get a Kick (Wolpe)"? A: This arrangement is generally considered Medium-Advanced. It requires solid rhythmic precision, good ensemble balance, and a vocalist comfortable with the jazz standard idiom. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This arrangement is a classic jazz standard in a big band vocal style. The original song was composed by Cole Porter in 1934, embodying the sophisticated, witty songwriting of the Great American Songbook era. Q: What makes Dave Wolpe's arrangement of this song unique? A: Wolpe's arrangement is characterized by its full, rich voicings, articulate saxophone soli sections, and a powerful, well-constructed shout chorus, all designed to showcase both the vocalist and the full big band ensemble with a polished, energetic sound. 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 optional solo length. It is intended to be performed at a medium-swing tempo, usually between 144-152 beats per minute.