Jazz Music of Social Protest Wednesday, December 02, 2020
recommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist
Black and Blue arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 1
“(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue” arranged by Victor López is a beautiful ballad, and very playable by a young jazz group. The tempo is around 82 BPM with a straight-eighth ballad feel, smooth and lyrical melodic lines, modest brass range, no individual solos, and all the usual optional parts plus flute, clarinet, and vibes.
Fables of Faubus arr. Sy Johnson, Grade 4
This classic Mingus composition is meant to be performed with a sense of an anger or sarcasm, and definitely projects an edginess. The bari sax and bass bone will have fun with the opening and there is plenty for the rest of the ensemble to get excited about as well in this medium swing romp.
What’s Going On arr. Les Hooper, Grade 5
This classic Marvin Gaye hit has always been a favorite with jazzers and has great crossover appeal. From the CD “Out of the Woods” by the Les Hooper Band, this funky version is infused with a West Coast attitude and is packed with energy and drive. A solo for alto sax is featured.
Come Sunday arr. Rick Hirsch, Grade 2
Oh yeah, a beautiful straight-eighth Ellington ballad. Played around 84 BPM with gorgeous voicings throughout, written-out solos for tenor and trombone, very easy brass ranges, all the usual optional parts to include vibes. Mallets on drum set is a must! Very playable, very satisfying!
Living for the City arr. John Wasson, Grade 3
From Stevie Wonder’s acclaimed and highly influential 1973 “Innervisions” album, “Living for the City” featured a driving moderate tempo groove and memorable melodic lines. Adapted beautifully for jazz ensemble, this chart provides feature space for the trombone section along with powerful phrases for the entire band. Includes a solo for tenor sax.
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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.