News & Views Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pop Tunes for Jazz Ensemble Friday, November 22, 2019

diggin' the new digs paul murtharecommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist

Diggin’ the New Digs arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
From the entertaining soundtrack of “Incredibles 2,” Michael Giacchino includes this marvelous jazz waltz that works great for full jazz ensemble. Baritone sax gets a rare turn in the spotlight, followed by the brass section with sax answers. The solo section can feature any combination of alto sax, trumpet or trombone. A fun change of pace.

Shake a Tail Feather arr. John Wasson, Grade 3
Recorded by Ray Charles in 1963, this funky classic has been covered by countless artists, but is probably best remembered from Ray’s performance of it in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers.” Arranged here for young bands with plenty of drive and energy!

smackwater jack roger holmesSmackwater Jack arr. Roger Holmes, Grade 3
Included on Carole King’s landmark album “Tapestry” from 1971, this churnin’ tune features a sultry shuffle groove at a moderate tempo. Solid scoring for the entire ensemble along with spicy riffs help make this one particularly fun.

Think arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
In the movie “The Blues Brothers,” Aretha Franklin steals the show with her classic performance of this soulful rocker. In this hot chart for jazz band, trombones are featured in the beginning and later the entire ensemble. The solo section is flexible, however written samples are provided for alto sax, trumpet and trombone.

My Girl arr. Rick Stitzel, Grade 2
Here’s the classic Motown hit from 1964 and The Temptations in a great-sounding arrangement for young players. No solos required. Just skillful scoring for the entire ensemble.

papa was a rollin' stone rick stitzelPapa Was a Rollin’ Stone arr. Rick Stitzel, Grade 2
This acclaimed hit from 1972 was the final #1 single from super group The Temptations. With a haunting yet appealing minor groove, this chart offers interesting parts for all sections of the band.

Shallow (from A Star Is Born) arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
Here’s the stunning hit single from the movie A Star Is Born recorded by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. This arrangement for young players features a rock ballad style and solid scoring for the entire ensemble.

Contact us for more information on these or other titles for jazz band, or browse our website for more ideas. 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 has served on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.

< Previous|Next >