Horn Charts Series: "At Last"

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Etta James’ “At Last” is probably one of the most popular first dance songs you’ll ever play throughout your entire career. Therefore, please play it correctly and don’t just make up a new arrangement on the spot each time. Those string parts in the original recording are essential!

Here, I’ve editorialized and re-arranged the strings a bit so as to not overwhelm any vocalist, and omitted a portion of the transcribed strings (at the verse) because I think it’s just overkill. Less is more, really.

Finally, a band I used to work with would add in a short horn solo between the 3rd verse and another bridge-verse-ending for extra time on the dance floor. It always worked great and highly recommend doing so!

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See the Horn Charts archive here

In my ongoing effort to distribute correct information and spread goodwill, I'm posting PDF files of my transcribed horn charts for pop/variety band (3-piece: trumpet, tenor sax, trombone). I consider these selections as standard repertoire for the modern commercial musician, so think of these as educational tools to help you get through the gig. Like a Real Book for the pop musician—except with editing.