FIVE STAR FEATURES for Jazz Ensemble Thursday, November 11, 2021
Jam, Groove, and Shout with these dynamic jazz ensemble arrangements
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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.
My Man Sam by Gordon Goodwin, Grade 3.5
“My Man Sam” by Gordon Goodwin is a tribute to the late, great, brilliant arranger/composer, Sammy Nestico! The medium swing tempo is 134 BPM and the suggested written solos are for trumpet 2, alto 1, tenor 1, and trombone 1. Superb writing provides sweet sax solis, great dynamic contrasts, lead trumpet range to written B above the staff, and a wonderful shout chorus. Optional parts include flute, vibes, and more. Sammy would love this chart!
Goodbye Enchilada by Steve Wiest, Grade 4
This is a “pull out all the stops” chart! A brilliant Salsa that is hot from beginning to end, this new chart from Maynard Ferguson alum, Steve Wiest, will leave you breathless. The rhythm section will love the groove of this piece and the ensemble writing is world class. If you have the horses, this chart will be well worth the effort.
Saxomania by Rich Woolworth, Grade 3
As the title implies, this swingin’ chart gives the Saxophone section a chance to be featured. Written in a 12-bar blues style, there is space for all your Sax players to play written or ad lib solos over the Bb blues. With a catchy melody and some big blow sections, this tune is sure to be a favorite of your entire band (especially the saxes!)
A Grumble of Pugs by Steve Wiest, Grade 3
Active, interesting music abounds in this funky rock piece from the creative mind of Steve Wiest. The melodic development and harmonic language will captivate you and your band. There is a terrific shout chorus and then folds back on itself for a soft but dramatic ending.
We’ll Be Right Back by Paul Baker, Grade 3
Johnny Carson looks into the camera and says, “Well Be Right Back.” and the band launches into a hard swinging chart with a big brass punches answered by a hard charging sax section. The bridge is dominated by a bebop trumpet section soli before handing back off to the saxes to finish the chorus. Solo opportunities are provided for Alto Sax and Trumpet, or piano or guitar may be added or substituted. The solo changes are “Rhythm Changes” except they’re in concert Eb this time. Trumpets get to have some fun with plungers on the background figures. The Shout Section ensues featuring a trombone section soli on the bridge. A brief coda leads to the signature ending. Trumpet range is to written High C. Trombone range is to G.
Invitation arr. Erik Morales, Grade 3.5
A jazz standard performed by all the jazz greats. This swing chart has a mysterioso yet exciting character as it changes grooves from swing to Afro-Cuban then a faster swing all around 126 BPM. Check out the fine solis for saxes, trumpets, and trombones, and lead trumpet range is to written A above the staff. Optional vibes and flute parts and more. Power and excitement in a dynamic chart!
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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.