Broadway Billy

This mid-tempo swinger is inspired by the music of Billy Strayhorn. Cast in a modified 32-bar AABA form, the tonal centers are clear but fluid. The angular melody is somewhat tempered by the juicy, bittersweet harmonies. The overall form is traditional: two solo choruses are surrounded by the head. A variety of orchestational colors are explored. The sax section delivers the first two 'A' phrases(first with just rhythm and then supported by bones).Brass takes ovee for the bridge before yielding to a mixed trio on the last 'A'. Tonal colors shift frequently behind the soloists (trombone and tenor). The bridge of the trombone solo used some very pretty, Dameronesque woodwind scoring. The out chorus differs from the opening head mainly through orchestration. Brass play a heavier role in the first two 'A's' while the saxes dominate the bridge. The final 'A' takes the harmonic sophistication of the two-bar extension further out to bring this one to a quiet close. A good swingchart for festivals: nice solo space and lots of juicy sectional and tutti writing. There is one brief, well-prepared F# in the lead trumpet, but this can be taken down if necessary. Alto/flute, Alto/flute, Ten/clar, Ten/clar, Bari/bass clar, 4 4, Opt'l Vibes, G.P, B, D. Medium difficult.