The Nearness of You (Flugelhorn Feature): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by George Shearing / Arranged by Mark Taylor
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00310152
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Description
Although the first hit recording of this enduring standard was by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1940, "The Nearness of You" has remained popular through the ages with recordings by countless artists. Arranged here as a solo feature for flugelhorn, the soft Latin stylings and lush accompaniment parts help make this one particularly attractive.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00310152
More about this title
About the Artist: George Shearing
George Shearing was a British jazz pianist and composer whose sophisticated approach to harmony and arranging shaped the sound of 1950s jazz. His innovations in block chord voicings and his ability to bridge bebop vocabulary with accessible melodicism made him one of the most recorded artists of his era. Shearing's work remains essential listening for understanding how jazz ensemble writing evolved, particularly in the context of small group and big band settings.
Why we love this
Mark Taylor's arrangement captures the elegance of this standard while centering the flugelhorn's warm, intimate voice. The Latin underpinning gives the ensemble something rhythmically engaging to lock onto, while the soft voicings never overshadow the soloist. It's the kind of feature that lets a player shine without requiring a virtuosic display.
What to expect
Soft evening light and quiet conversation. The Latin rhythms keep the piece gently moving while the harmony stays warm and unhurried, creating space for the soloist to express the song's tenderness without rushing. There's a timeless quality here, as if the arrangement knows this melody has already outlasted trends and doesn't need to prove anything.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles seeking a refined ballad feature that works for developing soloists and experienced players alike. The Grade 3 level keeps the ensemble parts accessible while giving the flugelhorn meaningful musical work.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the flugelhorn line with long, connected phrases rather than breaking it into smaller units. The melody unfolds slowly, and your soloist's breath control will determine how much the ballad breathes.
- Lock the Latin feel in the rhythm section early. The groove sits lightly, so mark clear subdivisions during rehearsal to prevent the ensemble from drifting into a straight ballad feel.
- Balance the accompaniment carefully so the lush voicings support rather than surround the soloist. A common mistake is letting the ensemble warm up their sound too much and losing the intimacy of the feature.
How to use it
Pair this with other ballad features or standards to build a concert around the theme of American songbook classics. The Latin element also works well in a set that explores how jazz reimagines pop repertoire. Early in the year, it's an excellent vehicle for teaching ensemble balance and how to accompany a soloist with intention.
Skills your students will build
- Playing with rhythmic independence in a Latin feel while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Supporting a soloist through dynamic control and harmonic blend
- Executing swing phrasing within a softer, more lyrical context
- Reading and executing block chord voicings with textural sensitivity