Them there eyes

Question 1

Structure?

Answer 1

• 32 bar song form. 4 8 bar sections, roughly ABAC. Upbeat tempo makes it feel like a single 32-bar refrain.
• 2/2.
• Intro, Vocal refrain, instrumental refrain, Vocal refrain, coda

Question 2

Arrangement

Answer 2

• Prominent solo opportunities: Intro and first ½ of refrain has an alto sax solo, trombone and trumpet finish off the instrumental refrain.
• Stabs are frequent (e.g intro, accompanying Holiday’s first refrain).
• Moments of the typical sustained reeds under Holiday’s vocals.
  -3 trumpets, 2 trombones, 3 alto saxophones, 2 tenor sax, baritone/clarinet, rhythm section.

Question 3

Melody and rhythm?

Answer 3

• Simple bouncy accompaniment from rhythm section gives the song its light feel.
• Vocals are rhythmic, light with plenty of swing and almost flirty. Tendancy to delay and extend notes is evident. This brings space and clarity despite the tempo.
• Fairly conjunct vocal melody.
• Technique of falling off the pitch is evident, especially in last 4 bars.

Question 4

Harmony and tonality?

Answer 4

• Tonic is Ab major (transposed down to C to allow Holiday’s range)
• Mainly functional harmony (I, IV, V, ii) however most chords are extended and diminished chords are used for decoration.
• Harmonic rhythm is quite slow, changes every 2-4 bars until final C section, here the harmony changes more frequently.

Question 5

Texture and instrumentation

Answer 5

• Band shines without overpowering Holiday. Improvised solos for alto sax, trombone, and trumpet.
• Texture is melody-dominated homophony. Bouncy rhythm section and plenty of raucous stabs and riffs from the horns.