Duke Pearson

Amanda

The original big band recording of Duke Pearson's 'Amanda' was significantly trimmed down from the arrangement's actual manuscript, likely for time purposes. The melody is only stated once at the end, several backgrounds were removed altogether or played at different times, and there is no alto saxophone solo. We have chosen to present the manuscript in its original, uncut form for this publication. This arrangement (which is taken at a noticeably brighter tempo than Pearson's original 1966 sextet version) begins, appropriately enough, with a two chorus piano solo before the melody enters at measure 13. The inescapably catchy tune is handled primarily by the saxophones the first time through, but the brass can't help but get in on the fun on the repeat. After the melody, the arrangement opens up to become predominantly a feature for multiple soloists. First up is an alto saxophone solo at measure 27, followed by a trumpet solo at measure 87 and a trombone solo at measure 135. The alto and trumpet solos are broken up by a 12 bar drum solo, and feature the same set of simple but effective riffing backgrounds. These backgrounds actually serve as the basis for the ensemble shout section at measure 195, which is briefly interrupted by another 12 bar drum solo before resuming at measure 231. The melody returns for one more go around at measure 245, and is orchestrated the same way as its initial appearance. The arrangement comes to a conclusion by tagging the final four bars of the melody (which feature some unexpected but delightful dissonance). The brass hit one final high note before the saxophones hold a unison concert F and fade into nothingness to bring the proceedings to a close. This arrangement is written for big band, and has been prepared using Duke Pearson's original set of parts - this is not a transcription. We sincerely hope you enjoy playing this arrangement as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you!