For COLLEGE Jazz Ensemble Tuesday, March 01, 2022
Next Level Jazz Music for College Ensembles
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recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist
Avalon arr. Mike Hammonds, Grade 3.5
“Avalon” is a 1920s jazz-era chart by Vincent Rose and Buddy DeSylva, written originally as an advertisement for the California resort town, and has found fame as a virtuosic showcase for big bands and many vocalists ever since. This big-band version by Mike Hammonds is a real powerhouse! Featuring a melody that’s tuneful and playable by all, the arrangement begins in a small group style, building to a kick section featuring the big, brash sound of the large ensemble that gives everybody a chance to blow! With reasonable tempo and ranges in all parts, “Avalon” is an excellent choice for your next festival or concert performance!
Bug Juice by Adrien Re, Grade 3.5
This groovy, hip-hop inspired chart will give your best trumpet, tenor sax and trombone players the showcase they deserve! Featuring a cool “Mintzeresque” breakdown section that sets up the open solo section (written or ad lib), the whole piece is rounded out with a powerful shout chorus and modulation. Scored for developing groups, an optional vibes part and a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson are included in each set.
Danza del Carcayú by Kris Berg, Grade 3.5
This burning, high-energy samba will bring the house down, and is perfect as an opener or closer. Solo space (written or ad lib) is provided for alto sax, tenor sax or vibes and then trumpet or trombone. Written for developing groups, an optional vibes and an auxiliary percussion part, along with a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson are included in each set.
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!
My Man Sam (For Sammy Nestico) 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!
Non-Stop Hustle by Mike Tomaro, Grade 4
This jazz samba will provide any medium level program with a welcome change of pace. The strong melody is orchestrated beautifully and the chart also provides solo space for your featured soloists (written or ad lib).
The S Is Silent by Kris Berg, Grade 5
Commissioned by the jazz division of the Illinois Music Education Association for the 2021 Illinois All-State Honors Jazz Band, this Kris Berg chart at the medium advanced level will be an exciting addition to any library. With feels that alternate between samba and swing, a strong melody and lots of full ensemble work, this chart makes sure that everyone gets in on the action. Solo space is provided for alto saxophone and trumpet.
Spoiler Alert by Andrew Neu, Grade 3.5
Inspired by the music Sammy Nestico wrote for Count Basie, this medium swing chart for advancing groups features the saxophones and trumpets in strong unison melodies. Naturally, it features written or ad lib solos for piano and tenor sax (or trumpet).
Witchcraft arr. Roger Holmes, Grade 3.5
Recorded by countless jazz artists through the years (including three times by Frank Sinatra), this song features a classic melody and an easy-going medium swing style. Nicely scored here for big band and vocal solo.
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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.