Jam to Jazz Friday, May 17, 2019
recommended by Ben Huntoon, Jazz Specialist
C Jam Blues by Duke Ellington/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
Here is a creative new take on the Duke Ellington favorite set in a New Orleans street beat style. A piano introduction sets up the groove followed by a small group taking the initial statement of the theme. The rest of the ensemble enters with a counterline before the full ensemble launches the solo section, designed to feature any number of soloists. Unique and effective!
Chelsea Bridge arr. Walter Van de Leur, Grade 5
This is an edited transcription of the authentic composition and arrangement by Billy Strayhorn himself. Recorded by Duke Ellington, the suggested tempo is a medium swing around 96 BPM. Features include a tenor 2 melody bridge solo, a sax section soli and a trombone 3 melody solo. Tenor 1 has a clarinet double and the lead trumpet range is to written high C above the staff.
Better Get It In Your Soul by Charles Mingus/arr. Ralph Ford, Grade 2
This gospel infused chart is a fantastic introduction to the music of jazz genius, Charles Mingus. Solid ensemble writing will inspire confidence in your players and the written solos can be a starting point to some basic jazz improvisation. The Mingus band is all about spontaneity so don’t be hesitant about possibly adding some group improvisation on some of the choruses.
Again and Again by Benny Carter, Grade 5
Even after Benny Carter wasn’t writing for Count Basie, many of the Basie-band charts after the 1950’s retain that Benny Carter sound. This demonstrates the influence Carter had over the subsequent Basie arrangers (Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, Billy Byers and Neal Hefti). The writing is straightforward with simple harmonies, swinging rhythms and very clear counterpoint. “Again and Again” has much of the style of an alto feature that Quincy Jones might have written for Marshall Royal. Although Carter gives the pianist two little solo spots, the focus is on the lead alto. The backgrounds are spare and dry so it is incumbent upon the soloist to supply the warmth and personality to tell this gentle story. Vibrato, scoops, bends, turns, and other devices can be used to bring this simple line to life.
Recorda Me by Joe Henderson/arr. Eric Richards, Grade 5
A show-stopping Latin tune! This is Latin jazz at its best with excitement from the very first note! It has it all with sax solis, a melody line featuring tenor sax and trumpet and plenty of solo space. The lead trumpet range is to a written high D and a there are a few drum solos. This is a fantastic Eric Richards arrangement of a great tune by tenor sax legend, Joe Henderson.
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.