Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Jerome Kern / By Oscar Hammerstein II / Arranged by Roger Holmes
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00143162
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Description
Roger's medium swing setting of this Jerome Kern favorite will be a joy to perform. Great ensemble writing and a powerhouse ending help make this one a must.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00143162
More about this title
About the Composer: Jerome Kern
Jerome Kern (1885-1945) fundamentally shaped American musical theater by elevating the sophistication of Broadway melody and harmony. His gift for writing singable, emotionally direct tunes with surprising harmonic depth made him one of the most performed composers in the jazz and popular music canon. Kern's melodies have become standards because they balance accessibility with genuine musical substance, making them ideal teaching tools for ensemble musicians learning to phrase with intention and shape musical lines.
Why we love this
Roger Holmes brings a mature swing sensibility to this standard without overcomplicating the inherent beauty of Kern's melody. The ensemble voicings sit beautifully across a jazz ensemble while the ending delivers genuine excitement, giving your group a piece that sounds polished and feels rewarding to perform from rehearsal one.
What to expect
Warm, sophisticated, and undeniably singable. The arrangement captures the romantic sincerity of the original while giving it enough rhythmic life to feel contemporary in a jazz setting. You'll find the ensemble naturally wanting to breathe and phrase together.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles working at Grade 4 level who want a Broadway standard that swings naturally without becoming a novelty arrangement. This works equally well for groups building confidence in medium-tempo ensemble swing and for those seeking an accessible encore that audiences genuinely enjoy.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the feel early. Medium swing can drift into shuffle or straight eighths if the rhythm section isn't anchored; use the first rehearsal to establish a pocket everyone can trust.
- Shape the melody with the ensemble in mind. Even though this is a Broadway tune, the harmonic movement asks for careful attention to voice leading within sections.
- Lean into the powerhouse ending. Holmes clearly intended this moment to land with impact, so don't rush the final build and let the full ensemble breathe together before the final punch.
How to use it
Pair this with other Kern material for a Broadway-focused concert set, or use it as a crowd-pleasing encore that bridges the gap between your jazz program and non-specialist audiences. It also works beautifully mid-set as a lyrical contrast between uptempo selections.
Skills your students will build
- Medium swing feel and quarter-note pulse at a moderate tempo
- Phrasing over chord changes in a jazz context
- Ensemble blend and balance within voicings
- Reading and interpreting jazz articulations and dynamics
- Building a cohesive section sound while maintaining individual voice independence