College Level Jazz Ensemble Friday, February 05, 2021
recommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist
Birds of a Feather by Rich DeRosa, Grade 6
The brilliant Rich DeRosa wrote this extraordinary original piece for the North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band. It is recorded on the CD “Lab 2018.” There are solos for soprano sax and piano. Sierra Music decided to publish this because it is one of the most original, exciting and ground-breaking pieces to be written for big band in a long time. This is definitely music for a mature band. Once you hear this, you will want your band to play it. Thank you Rich for keeping the jazz ensemble literature so beautiful.
A Shade of Jade by Joe Henderson/arr. Alan Baylock, Grade 4
High energy swing! A jazz standard that is a terrific vehicle for your more advanced band with solo space for tenor 1 and drumset. Lead trumpet range is up to written high D. This chart cooks every measure. First class writing!
Rabble Rouser by Billie Byers, Grade 5.5
The Count Basie Orchestra does the “barn burner” charts better than almost any other big band. This Billy Byers original starts out hot and never cools down. The tenor saxophone is the chosen soloist, and the full ensemble writing just keeps on keepin’ on. Talk about lifting your audience out of their chairs; WOW!
Sunset and Vine by Gordon Goodwin, Grade 6
A superb swing chart beginning mp for the rhythm section played at 162 BPM. The chart builds throughout with lead trumpet range up to written high F#. Solo space for various instruments, sax solis, percussion, a big shout chorus, and an optional flute double for alto 2. There are additional sax parts with flute doubles. As recorded by the Big Phat Band. Excellent chart!
The “S” Is Silent by Kris Berg, Grade 5
Commissioned by the jazz division of the Illinois Music Education Association for the 2021 Illinois All-State Honors Jazz Band, this Kris Berg chart at the medium advanced level will be an exciting addition to any library. With feels that alternate between samba and swing, a strong melody and lots of full ensemble work, this chart makes sure that everyone gets in on the action. Solo space is provided for alto saxophone and trumpet.
Who Will Buy? (from Oliver) arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 5
One of the signature songs from the musical “Oliver,” this tune offers a wealth of opportunities for melodic and harmonic development. Adapted here as a samba, Mark Taylor’s powerful arrangement opens with a duet for trumpet and alto, followed by features spots for saxes and solos for alto and trumpet. The nicely crafted full ensemble tutti starts soft and builds dramatically all the way to the end.
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About the Author:
Ben Huntoon is the Jazz Education Consultant at Stanton’s Sheet Music. He received bachelors and masters degrees in music from Capital University and The Ohio State University respectively. As a professional trumpeter, Ben is accomplished in a wide variety of genres and has performed throughout the Midwest on many stages over the past 30 years. He also teaches trumpet, coaches brass ensembles and has served on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.