Description
Are You Shaw?
About Are You Shaw?
Are You Shaw? This title is of course a play on the name of the great jazz clarinetist and band leader, Artie Shaw. This piece has been scored in the style of the Artie Shaw orchestra of the 1930-40s and features the clarinet throughout.
After a short introduction, the clarinet states the bouncy swing styled melody against a backdrop on syncopated saxophone figures. The saxophones then take over the proceedings with a closed position sax choruses before the clarinet enters once more.
After a short modulation, the full ensemble joins with the clarinet soloist for the final shout chorus with the clarinet ascending to a high F4 for the final note.
This arrangement requires the ensemble to have a knowledge of Swing Era techniques such as vibrato and other tonal nuances. The ensemble should also be practiced in being able to blend and balance within individual sections and the ensemble as a whole.
