Hot & Cold for Jazz Ensemble Monday, October 21, 2019
recommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist
Four by Miles Davis/arr. John Berry, Grade 2
The saxes do most of the heavy lifting on this easy version of the Miles Davis standard. In addition, there is a short sax soli and a written or ad lib solo for trumpet. This is a wonderful introduction for young players to one of the most important jazz figures of the 20th century. Enjoy great flexibility with the Easy Jazz Ensemble series! Playable with 4 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm; includes optional parts for flute, clarinet, F horn and tuba.
Milestones by Miles Davis/arr. Mike Tomaro, Grade 5
Mike Tomaro has taken this Miles Davis standard and created a roaring arrangement that screams with big band excitement. In a medium uptempo swing style, this chart includes solos for trumpet and tenor plus an ensemble shout that really pays off!
Nardis by Miles Davis/arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
The definitive recording of this jazz classic is by Bill Evans, with other notable recordings by Cannonball Adderley and Joe Henderson. Paul Murtha’s arrangement for young groups features a Latin style on the head then switches to swing on the bridge. Includes very effective writing for all sections of the band as well as solo space for alto sax.
Vierd Blues by Miles Davis/arr. Michael Philip Mossman, Grade 4
Recorded in the mid-1950s and also known as “Trane’s Blues,” this jazz classic is credited to Miles Davis but reportedly penned by John Coltrane. Regardless, Michael Mossman’s refreshing version crafted in a moderate cha-cha groove puts this standard tune in a completely new light. The solo section can be handled by any sax.
Out Back of the Barn by Gerry Mulligan/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 4
What better instrument to feature on a bluesy bump and grind swinger like this than baritone sax? Written in a medium slow 12/8 feel, this chart will make your entire band sound great, plus allow an often neglected player to really shine.
Jeru by Gerry Mulligan/arr. Michael Tomaro, Grade 4
One of the highlights from Miles Davis’ landmark recording “Birth of the Cool” is this medium swing composition by Gerry Mulligan. Skillfully adapted for full jazz ensemble from the original, this arrangement features solos for trumpet and baritone sax (opt. tenor), as well as stellar ensemble writing. A classic!
Walkin’ Shoes by Gerry Mulligan/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
Using a band within a band format, Mark Taylor has crafted a great-sounding arrangement of this Gerry Mulligan jazz standard perfect for younger groups. The style is a relaxed medium swing, and there are written or ad lib solos for trumpet and tenor sax.
Need more for your jazz band? Find it at stantons.com!
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.