Mark Taylor is a prolific arranger whose work has become foundational in jazz education. His arrangements are known for balancing accessibility with musicality, allowing student ensembles to sound mature while remaining playable at their level.
Why we love this
Taylor's treatment respects the melodic elegance of Gershwin and Heyward's standard while keeping the ensemble writing lean enough that Grade 3 players can execute it cleanly. The arrangement gives every section a moment to shine without overwhelming younger musicians navigating swing style for the first time.
What to expect
Sophisticated yet approachable. The arrangement captures the urbane charm of the Gershwin standard, with smooth saxophone harmonies and a snappy brass figure that gives the piece its character. There's a lightness throughout; this is jazz with humor and elegance, not bombast.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the Grade 3 level who are ready to move beyond simple head arrangements into something with real harmonic interest. This works especially well for groups with developing soloists and a rhythm section with some foundational swing experience.
How to get the most out of it
Establish the swing feel early in rehearsals by isolating the rhythm section (drums, bass, piano, guitar) and locking the triplet interpretation before adding horns.
Balance the trumpet lead line against the ensemble in measures where both occur; the melody must float above the supporting voices rather than blend into them.
Attend to dynamic shaping through the phrase contours. Students often play this style too evenly, so mark specific crescendos and diminuendos that let the tune breathe.
Work the syncopated figures in the saxophone section deliberately. Breaking them into smaller rhythmic chunks in early rehearsals prevents rushing.
How to use it
Pair this with other standards from the same era to create a program section on American songbook classics. It also serves as an excellent choice for a pops concert or community performance where jazz ensemble music should sound polished and immediately engaging.
Skills your students will build
Swing eighth-note interpretation and time feel
Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures
Balance between solo and ensemble textures
Dynamic shaping within a jazz idiom
Harmonic understanding of ii-V-I progressions in context
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