Too Darn Hot

Question 1

Overall structure

Answer 1

Altered versions of AABA where each section is 16 bars made up of 4 4s, first two phrases minor then 2 major

Question 2

Tempo

Answer 2

Brisk and require rhythmic dexterity

Question 3

Intro

Answer 3

Busy melodic idea pushed by chords from band, high speed swing with syncopated rhythms

Question 4

Link/instrumental solo (Verse 1)

Answer 4

Frank Rosolino has virtuosic trombone solo, high register

Question 5

Link 2

Answer 5

After verse 2 comes Pepper’s alto sax solo doing smears to imitate trb slides, dazzling rhythmic display

Question 6

Bridge 1

Answer 6

Antiphony between Torme and band, 2 bar chromatic tag of too darn to link f e eb

Question 7

Verse 3

Answer 7

Sequential riffs on ‘coo’ and ‘woo’ accompanied by complex harmonies

Question 8

Bridge 2

Answer 8

Unusual , uses F E Eb to make key ambiguous but then settles back to tonic (first phrase)

Question 9

Coda

Answer 9

Work downwards chromatically with band on ‘too darn’ before final cadence

Question 10

Rhythm

Answer 10

Adapts Porter’s rhythm to fit in words, lots of triplet crotchets to cut across, lots of anticipations

Question 11

Harmony

Answer 11

Lots of I ii V but adding extensions and chromaticism, ending lots of chromaticism and dissonant harmony (whole premise is moving between F E Eb major and minor between verses

Question 12

Texture/Instrumentation

Answer 12

Drums keep brisk swing feel, arrangement leaves room for Torme (RS accompaniment), drums at end of sax solo for chance to shine