Ella Fitzgerald

I Said No

Written by the then relatively unknown duo of Styne & Loesser for the 1942 movie 'Sweater Girl', this version is from Ella Fitzgerald's 1966 album 'Whisper Not', with the original arrangements all by Marty Paich. Opening with a short Colla Voce, the chart moves smoothly into a relaxed balladic swing, with subtle backings from the band throughout. A rhythmically interesting bridge leads to the half-step up modulation with muted Trumpet infills. A change to a more bluesy feel follows and the swing increases, with the bass now walking and the drummer using sticks. The improvised muted Trumpet backings continue through the second half of the chart, which builds to punchy climax. We have written out the vocal lines in full, and the Piano part contains all of the important licks and fills too. The vocal keys are G and Ab.