Paper Doll

Originally a hit for the Mills Brothers in 1943, Johnny S. Black's "Paper Doll" was arranged for the Dave Pell Octet by future Supersax founder Med Flory. Although it's taken at a slightly brisker clip, this version still manages to capture the light, airy feel of the Brothers' classic interpretation. The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the arrangement, with a breezy but rhythmically syncopated horn riff atop a gently swinging rhythm section. A slightly extended tag sets up the main melody's entrance at measure 19, originally handled by the band in full but eventually taken over briefly by Pell's tenor sax. The ensemble and Pell trade off with each other before coming back together for the final strain of the melody at measure 43. A key change at measure 51 marks the beginning of a piano solo, broken up only by a brief ensemble figure at measure 67. The piano is followed by half a chorus of baritone sax at measure 85, then a brief tenor sax interjection at measure 101. The shout chorus at measure 117 shows a surprising amount of musical diversity, with several dynamic and rhythmic twists and turns that nonetheless flow into each other quite naturally. The band tags a simple riff to lead into the arrangement's surprisingly sour conclusion. This publication was based on the original parts used during the recording session, supplied to us by Dave Pell - this is not a transcription.