Description
SHAW THING!
About SHAW THING!
This big band chart is scored in the style of swing Era bandleader and clarinetist, Artie Shaw. Shaw and his big band of the 1930’s-mid 1940s were a global sensation during the Swing Era.
This composition has been written so that although the clarinet part is in the virtuoso and lyrical style of Shaw, it can be played by a high school to college-level clarinetist and big band. The piece has been designed to be played by intermediate-level players and does not require advanced-level technique for either the soloist or ensemble.
The range of the clarinet solo part has been limited to E1 to F4 with some easily playable semi-quaver runs here and there. The arrangement also features a brief written tenor sax solo in the style of Tony Pastor, Shaw’s tenor sax soloist for most of his hit songs from this time: Begin the Beguine, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, Frenesi etc.
The lead trumpet part has been limited to the high range of one D3 and even then, this is led to via a diatonic passage whilst the lead trombone’s high range has been limited to Ab3 and the chart does not require a bass trombone for the 4th trombone.
Unlike Shaw’s other hits and recordings which require 6 reed players (5 saxes and Shaw on clarinet), this chart is playable with a standard five-member sax team with the clarinet part scored for 2nd tenor sax chair as was the doubling tradition of this era. The piano part is written with chord changes for vamping should the play the need to.
“Shaw Thing!” has been scored to appeal to a wide audience of all ages and is sure to be a favourite at your concerts and other big band performances.
Other Andy Firth Big Band Arrangements:
