Ella Fitzgerald

S Wonderful

This chart is one of fifty seven arrangements written by Nelson Riddle for the 1959 album 'Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book'. The project marked the first time that Fitzgerald and Riddle had worked together, and Ira Gershwin helped contribute lyrics and support to some songs on the album which had never been previously recorded. The original arrangement was written for a full studio orchestra. We have modified our version by removing the strings, harp and orchestral woodwind to make the chart playable by a standard 5444 big band line-up, whilst keeping the structure and integrity of the original Riddle concept. The rarely heard opening verse will need conducting, to get the ritenutos just right, though once the chart reaches the chorus it swings along with an effortless ease, a characteristic of so many Nelson Riddle arrangements. Alto 1 doubles Clarinet and there are no other reed doubles. The vocal part is notated 'as sung' by Ella and the vocal key is Bb.