Can’t Beat Best-Sellers Friday, July 24, 2020
recommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist
Africa arr. Ralph Ford, Grade 2
The infectious groove of this classic rock tune from the band Toto will have them dancing in their seats. “Africa” has been arranged for the young player at a tempo of half note = 90 BPM. The solos are written for trombone 1 and alto 1. The top note for trumpet 1 is a written G on top of the staff. Optional parts include flute, clarinet, and vibes. Here’s a great tune and a fine chart!
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.
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
One of the trademark tunes from the Duke Ellington library, this familiar jazz classic is solidly scored for young players in this terrific arrangement by Mark Taylor. When it comes to playable charts in a medium swing style, this one can’t be beat!
There Will Never Be Another You arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 3
Here’s a great sounding and very playable chart on this familiar jazz standard that features the drummer on brushes and tasty figures from the full ensemble. Perfect for either festivals or casual occasions.
Work Song by Nat Adderley/arr. Erik Morales, Grade 3
Erik Morales has written an energetic swing arrangement of a classic 1960 jazz standard by cornetist, Nat Adderley. The innovative ensemble writing at the top of the chart features some great stop time for a trumpet/tenor duo moving to include the rest of the sections. Check out the hard swinging alto sax (Cannonball Adderley) solo section with backgrounds. Cool backgrounds behind the trumpet solo (try it on cornet a la Nat). Hard driving, hard edged chart for your HS band!
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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.