Jazz Ensemble Solo Features Wednesday, November 24, 2021
5 Fun Charts for Fantastic Soloists
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recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist
Be Like Basie by Doug Beach, Grade 1
The great Count Basie was the master at short solo fills that were beautifully crafted musical statements. This very easy swing chart in the Basie style features a piano, with written piano fills. Scored for 4 horns with rhythm section and expandable to full big band, written or ad lib solos for all are included, along with optional parts for flute, clarinet and horn in F.
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.
Group Dynamics by Ric Flauding, Grade 4
“Group Dynamics” is a high energy melodic rock chart that features the guitarist in your band in a nod to the famous Pat Metheny Group. Hittin’ hard from the outset, this chart also provides great opportunities to show off a strong drummer as well, both with the ensemble and in an extended solo section. Solo opportunities are also present for Trombone and Tenor Sax. After the horn solos, a long development section featuring the drums builds to the Shout Chorus, return of the bridge and final climax. Trumpet range is to written D. Trombone range is to Ab.
Who Will Buy? arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 5
One of the signature songs from the musical “Oliver,” this tune offers a wealth of opportunities for melodic and harmonic development. Adapted here as a samba, Mark Taylor’s powerful arrangement opens with a duet for trumpet and alto, followed by features spots for saxes and solos for alto and trumpet. The nicely crafted full ensemble tutti starts soft and builds dramatically all the way to the end.
Wichita Lineman arr. Eric Richards, Grade 4
Although originally a pop hit in the late ’60s, this familiar ballad lends itself nicely for jazz ensemble (treated here as a jazz waltz). Scored to feature a solo trombone, alternate solo parts are provided for Bb and Eb instruments for added flexibility. This terrific setting features a driving style with solid hits for the full ensemble, as well as feature spots for the brass section and also saxes.
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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.