The Birth of the Blues

Here is one of Sammy Davis, Jr.'s most famous arrangements. The original George Rhodes manuscript was used to produce this arrangement (it is not a transcription). Sammy recorded this tune several times - with both small groups and with big band. And, this chart uses his big band recording as the starting point with the addition of an orchestra. The orchestral parts are optional - the arrangement plays fine without them. This complete arrangement is scored for full big band plus flute, oboe, clarinets, bassoon, 4 horns in F, tuba, 3 violins, viola, cello, harp, and tuned percussion. If you have all the players at your disposal, this chart sounds fantastic behind a strong vocalist. Other than coordinating all of the orchestra players needed (if you choose to use them) this is not a technically difficult arrangement.