Helen O'Connell

Green Eyes

This is the original Helen O'Connell version of Green Eyes, from her 1957 album 'Green Eyes', as recorded with the Marion Evans Orchestra. It is not a transcription. We have adapted it slightly, by adding in the 'as-played' phrasing in the rhythm parts during the intro, and added the 'as-played' dynamic markings in the brass. This arrangement is completely different to her earler duet chart that she used with the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra, in that the first half of the arrangement is taken at a gentle pace in mambo latin style, with the vocalist accompanied only by the rhythm section. At the end of the vocal chorus the band enters with a real kick, taking the tempo up and changing to a swing feel. This gives the chart a whole new lift, and it swings hard right to the end. The vocal key is Ab throughout, and there are no sax doubles.