"Sassy": The University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band

Originally recorded and performed by vocal group “Manhattan Transfer”, ‘this arrangement of ‘Sassy’ is based on vocalist Kurt Elling and guitarist Charlie Hunter’s funky personification of the feminine grace and attitude in the music scene from album “Superblue” (2021). This tune depicts the wild and impulsive nature of a female blues vocalist, described with many textures, colors, and dynamic versatility of the standard big band instrumentation. This piece starts with a large and in-charge opening with all horns and rhythm section, followed by an isolated biting trombone section. This piece will also feature the saxophone section in its instrumental interpretation of the lyrics, which can be substituted for an alto/tenor vocalist. The piece grows into a large shout phrase that sends off our Tenor Sax 1. into an intimate and building solo section, supported by the funky rhythm section combo. The solo section ends with the tenor saxophonist passing the torch to our drummer in a two-bar drum-fill solo, giving us the heartbeat of our symbolic vocalist and finally builds into its large gritty climax. We end this piece with a vamp feel with the Tenor Sax 1. and Baritone Sax framing the band in a duo solo section, ending with a sting. This arrangement is an excellent opportunity for the rhythm section and soloist to demonstrate musical communication. The rhythm section players are important characters in this piece and should have creative liberty while maintaining the overall themes and groove. Bassists and guitarists can experiment with pedals and slap if they should choose to. The solo section can be opened to other instrumentalists as needed. Inserts are included for the C, Bb, and Eb instruments. Recorded by the Grammy-nominated One O'Clock Lab Band (Fall 2024). Credits: Alto 1 - Natalie Wagner Alto 2 - Cristian Mojica Tenor 1 - Jonathan Arcangel Tenor 2 - Brian Lawrence Bari Sax - Aidan Sears Trumpet 1 - Tyler Jones Trumpet 2 - Richie Thaller Trumpet 3 - Jonathan Orellana Trumpet 4 - Alex Billingsley Trumpet 5 - Nathan Fisher Trombone 1 - Nick Mailes Trombone 2 - Eric Weaver Trombone 3 - Alex Parker Trombone 4 - Jeremy Kvale Trombone 5 - Joseph Fremed Violin - Ysuara Merino Guitar - Wes Case Piano - Isaiah Nygard Bass - Kai Wagner Drums - Parker Sibley Director - Alan Baylock Producer - Austin Martinez Producer - Sveva Inofuentes Producer - Willy Chen Producer - Justin Friello Arranger - Sarah Griego Recorded by the UNT Recording Services