Cute is a jazz composition by Neal Hefti, arranged for the Count Basie Orchestra and recorded in 1958. It is one of the most popular and recognizable tunes by Basie and Hefti, featuring a catchy melody, a swinging rhythm section, and a memorable drum solo by Sonny Payne.
The title of the tune is a play on words, as it refers both to the attractiveness of the melody and to the musical term "cut time", which means a fast tempo in 2/2 meter. The tune is also notable for its use of brushes on the drums, creating a soft and smooth sound that contrasts with the brass and saxophone sections.
If you are looking for a full score of Cute in PDF format, you can find several options online. For example, you can download a free sheet music from Musescore.com[^1^], where you can also listen to an audio playback and transpose the score to any key. Alternatively, you can purchase a licensed score from Musicnotesroom.com[^3^], where you can also print or save the score as PDF.
Another option is to get a full big band arrangement of Cute by Neal Hefti from Vdocuments.net[^2^]. This arrangement is based on the original recording by Count Basie and includes all the parts for saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. You can view the score online or download it as PDF for free.
Whichever option you choose, you will enjoy playing or listening to this classic jazz tune by Count Basie and Neal Hefti. Cute is a perfect example of how a simple melody can become a timeless hit with the right arrangement and performance.
If you want to learn more about the history and context of Cute and other jazz tunes by Count Basie and Neal Hefti, you can check out some of the books and articles that have been written on this topic. For example, you can read The Atomic Mr. Basie: The Complete Atomic Basie by Chris Sheridan, which is a comprehensive study of the album that features Cute and other Hefti arrangements. You can also read Neal Hefti: A Biography of the Composer and Arranger by Edward Allan Faine, which is a detailed biography of Hefti's life and career.
Another way to appreciate Cute and other jazz tunes is to listen to different versions and interpretations by various artists. For example, you can listen to the version by Buddy Rich and his big band, which is a fast and energetic rendition with a spectacular drum solo. You can also listen to the version by Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, which is a vocal version with scat singing and a relaxed groove. You can also listen to the version by Oscar Peterson and Count Basie, which is a piano duet with virtuosic improvisation.
Cute is a jazz tune that has been loved and played by many musicians and listeners for over six decades. It is a testament to the creativity and collaboration of Count Basie and Neal Hefti, two of the most influential figures in jazz history. Whether you play it, sing it, or just enjoy it, Cute will always make you smile.
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