Jingle Bells

In the 1940s Frank Sinatra was featured on radio shows, television programs, and many live dates. He constantly needed new material to perform and he frequently turned to his stable of arrangers including Lowell Martin, George Siravo, Earle Hagen, and his conductor, Axel Stordahl. This arrangement of the wintertime holiday favorite Jingle Bells, was written by Lowell Martin in 1944 and was performed on the Vimms Vitamin radio by Sinatra along with vocalist Eileen Barton. As it turns out, Axel Stordahl was also featured singing during a vocal trio section of the arrangement. Though this arrangement may certainly be performed by a single vocalist. The arrangement beings with the horn in F stating the melody with tremolo strings and swirling harp reminiscent of a windy wintry day. The sleigh bells add to the holiday feel. A bell tone on the piano ushers in the band and female vocalist (Eileen Barton) moving along at a brisk swing tempo. After a complete turn through the tune a 2-bar interlude brings about a key change for the male vocalist to enter (Sinatra). There are great backgrounds very typical of the time period. After another time through the tune another key change leads to the vocal trio section. This is scored for soprano, tenor, and baritone voices; however, it may be performed as a duet or even just have your male (or female) vocalist continue on. The backgrounds become more harmonically and rhythmically interesting as the arrangement approaches the end. A midi recording has been posted here so that you can get a feel for the arrangement. Unfortunately, the original Sinatra recording is not currently available. This publication has been based on the original set of parts used during the performance.