Review

Arthur Herzog Jr. and Billie Holiday
God Bless the Child:

Arranged by Marc Williams

solo trombone, 9-part trombone ensemble and rhythm section

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

When a song reaches a certain level of fame and notoriety, other artists are bound to perform it in their own style, often with less than desired results. Dozens have done so with Billie Holiday’s iconic song, “God Bless the Child.” However, one version that stands out above the rest is the 1968 arrangement done by Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring vocalist David Clayton-Thomas. In true BS&T fashion, the arrangement utilizes trumpet, trombone and saxophone lines in multiple styles. The work seamlessly segues throughout the styles of a ballad, a slow gospel feel, rock sections and even an up-tempo Latin groove. It is this rendition of the tune that Marc Williams has arranged for solo trombone, nine-part trombone ensemble and rhythm section. The section parts are grouped into one quartet containing three tenors and one bass trombone, and one quintet made of three tenors and two bass trombones. While the Cherry Classics website lists the work as appropriate for advanced performers, I find that it could feasibly be done by any collegiate trombone ensemble as the largest challenge lies merely in the stylistic transitions. The parts aren’t overly difficult concerning range, technique or rhythmic content. The only exception to this might be the solo part. The solo line is more or less a direct transcription of the Clayton-Thomas vocal line, which can be challenging to notate and therefore even more challenging to perform. I surmise that capturing the essence of Clayton-Thomas was Williams’s goal rather than exact rhythmic accuracy. The work does include an open improvised solo section largely in the Latin feel, but also transitioning in and out of a standard jazz-swing style. The rhythm section parts include standard drum set, piano and bass and are not optional. This arrangement is enjoyable for performers as well as audience and offers a little “something different” for any trombone ensemble performance. Marc Williams is a geneticist by day and an avid trombone player at all other hours.  

-Cory Mixdorf
University of Arkansas