Prep for Summer Jazz Festivals Friday, December 08, 2017
recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist
It may be cold outside, but this is the time of year to think about all of the upcoming spring and summer jazz festivals. Here is our list of classic showstoppers guaranteed to make a lasting impression!
Big Swing Face by Bill Potts, Grade 5
This is the real thing, as written for and recorded by the Buddy Rich Band on the Big Swing Face CD. It is a medium-up swing chart that provides plenty of solo space for alto sax (al la Ernie Watts), piano (a la Ray Starling) and trumpet (a la Bobby Shew). Features a terrific saxophone section soli. Buddy’s band played this one a lot! Big Band Swing at its best!
Computer by Bob Mintzer, Grade 4.5
As recorded by the Bob Mintzer Big Band on Incredible Journey, a recurring melodic motif, driving funk groove, and fully-voiced harmonic landscape give this chart real substance and audience appeal. Solos are assigned to alto and tenor sax, and paying very careful attention to articulations throughout will yield best results. Rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued.
Such Sweet Thunder by Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn, Grade 5
Warner Bros. Publications is proud to present this important series, Jazz at Lincoln Center Library. Each selection was selected by the Center’s musical director, Wynton Marsalis. Each transcription is direct from the recordings of the immortal Duke Ellington, and they are not only authentic, they are perfect for your jazz ensemble. Features information about the original recording, rehearsal notes from Jon Faddis and Brent Wallarab, and performance suggestions from Wynton Marsalis. These classic tunes represent jazz at its finest!
Blue Rondo a la Turk by Dave Brubeck/arr. Kris Berg, Grade 5
A show-stopping tour de force! Dave Brubeck’s fabulous tune from his classic quartet album Time Out. Arranger Kris Berg worked hard on this chart to capture the essence of Brubeck. The meter changes from 9/8 to 12/8 Afro-Cuban groove with the Brubeck rhythm patterns. Solo space for alto 1, trumpet 2 and drums. Lead trumpet goes up to high C. This is an exceptional chart for concert or festival!
Open Wide by Don Ellis/arr. Bob Lowden, Grade 5.5
This incredible Don Ellis chart was the highlight of his best-selling ‘Live At Montreux’ Album. Intense jazz samba that features the trumpet…naturally!
Satin Doll arr. Sammy Nestico, Grade 5.5
This is the authentic Nestico arrangement as recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra! Opening with a piano introduction, this medium swing chart progresses through statements by the saxes, expertly woven brass figures, and shouting ensemble sections. Includes solo space for trumpet, tenor and piano. This definitive version is a masterpiece of arranging craftsmanship!
Big Dipper by Thad Jones, Grade 4.5
As recorded by the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on Central Park North (Solid State #18058), this classic swinger is a winning mix of solo-with-rhythm-section and full-band passages. Designated soloists include piano, trumpet and tenor, with the drummer taking a solo just before the final four bars. Rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued.
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.
