New Jazz Pop for Your Ensemble Monday, October 25, 2021
recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist
Don’t Stop Me Now arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
The music of rock group Queen is always fun to play, and particularly this hit featuring solo alto sax in the slow opening, then the full band rockin’ out in the fast section. There’s a brief solo for alto sax, then a return to the slow tempo for the finish.
Sucker arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
The Jonas Brothers are back on top of the charts, and here’s a terrific easy arrangement of their most recent hit featuring a driving uptempo rock feel and catchy riffs. The flexible solo section features easy changes, and each part includes a sample written solo and scales. Perfect for beginning improvisers.
Hooked on a Feeling arr. Rick Stitzel, Grade 1.5
Recorded by the rock band Blue Swede in the 1970s, this catchy hit enjoyed renewed popularity thanks to the blockbuster movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This easy jazz version features question and answer phrases between sections of the band and requires no solos.
Uptown Funk arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Recorded by Mark Ronson and featuring Bruno Mars, this sassy funk tune is on its way to becoming a modern day standard. Here’s a hot version for vocal solo that captures all the excitement of the original.
I Want It That Way arr. John Berry, Grade 2
Recorded by the Backstreet Boys in 1999, this enduring hit was hailed by critics as the pop ballad of that year. With the melody skillfully passed from section to section, this arrangement goes together quickly and requires no solos.
Workin’ Day and Night arr. Allen Gray, Grade 3
This funky pop hit from Michael Jackson will really get your jazz band in the groove.
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About the Author:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.