News & Views Thursday, March 28, 2024

NEW for High School Jazz Ensemble Wednesday, November 15, 2017

recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist

Some much jazz and so little time!!! That’s why The Jazz Guy at Stanton’s has slogged through the quagmire of new jazz music and selected the very best for teaching as well as performing. Whether it’s a ballad featuring your hot tenor player or the latest samba, we’ve done the legwork for you. Still unsure? We can send up to 6 choice selections to you on a 21-Day trial to read with your band. Instrumentation not the greatest but you have advanced players? The Jazz Guy knows that you still need to present them with challenging music. Check out the Little Big Band Series. Real music for real players!

leon-07012982-fMr. Funkyman! by Mark Taylor, Grade 4
Every band needs a good funk chart to add to its festival or concert repertoire and Mr. Funkyman! from Mark Taylor is sure to fit the bill. Using a moderate tempo, the rhythm section churns throughout as the brass and saxes provide powerful riffs and punches. This is also a rare chance for your guitarist to turn loose on a solo!

One for Daddy-O by Nat Adderley/arr. Mike Tomaro, Grade 4
This minor blues was written by Nat Adderley for Chicago DJ, Holmes “Daddy-O” Daylie and was first heard on Cannonball Adderley’s seminal album, “Somethin’ Else.” This well-crafted arrangement swings just like the original, and includes a flexible solo section for any soloist. Written-out bass lines and piano voicings are included as well as chord/scale sheets in all keys. Highly recommended!

leon-07012918-fThe Sweetest Sounds arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 4
Although originally composed for the 1962 musical No Strings, this Richard Rodgers song has become a familiar standard often recorded by jazz artists. Beautifully arranged here as a solo vehicle for alto sax, Mark Taylor’s setting in a moderate samba groove features the soaring lyricism of the original melody along with plenty of spots for the full ensemble to shine as well.

New Rhumba by Ahmad Jamal/arr. Erik Morales, Grade 3
Played around 160 BPM, this jazz standard was originally recorded by Miles Davis and has now been arranged by Erik Morales. This superb chart is a funky-swing version to provide a contemporary flavor. Solos are provided for tenor and trumpet 2. Brass ranges are accessible with some great sax section solis. Wonderful chart.

alfred-46163-fThis Can’t Be Love arr. Scott Ragsdale, Grade 3
This hot samba is played around 190–200 BPM. The trombones grab the melody and are featured throughout with written suggested solos for ‘bones 1 and 2. Lead trumpet range is to written A above the staff and the usual optional parts to include vibes.

Acronym Blues by Doug Beach, Medium
Commissioned by friends and colleagues of noted music educator Cliff Kaminsky, this medium level piece is dedicated to his memory. This hard driving shuffle has plenty of ensemble work for everyone and is a perfect choice as an opener or closer. A written or ad lib open solo section for blowing is included, with solo sheets provided for all.

kendor-61165-fEdge of the Earth by Jeff Jarvis, Grade 4
This chart conjures up mental images of driving on a curvy mountain road overlooking a picturesque desert valley. This exciting chart for advancing groups has a driving 12/8 funk feel that is sure to engage your band and audiences with its relentless intensity – but without excessive brass range demands (trumpet: D6 and trombone: G4). The harmonies are sturdy and the melodies are memorable. All instrumental sections have interesting, well-articulated parts and solo space is provided for guitar and piano. A guitar chord chard by Jim Greeson is included in each set.

Art of the Matter by David Springfield, Grade 4
Inspired by the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, this medium swing original for advancing groups features a combo style melody and a hard-driving rhythmic feel. The written or ad lib solo section can be played by any player, and there is plenty of space for drum fills throughout. Notated piano voicings and bass lines are provided, and a guitar chord chard by Jim Greeson is included in each set.

Find more repertoire for high school jazz ensembles on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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 serves on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.


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