Jazz Ensemble Music by Black Composers Thursday, March 24, 2022
recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Nickolas Ashford/arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
With a nice mix of scoring from full ensemble tutti to short section features, here’s a great sounding chart for younger players on this Motown favorite. No solos are required.
A Child Is Born by Thad Jones, Grade 2.5
As recorded by the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra on their Consummation album (Blue Note), this tender ballad in 3/4 time draws its strength and power from the purity of a simple melody line and delicate accompaniment figures. Soloists include piano and trumpet (or flugelhorn); an optional solo sheet for vocalist, featuring lyrics by Alec Wilder, is also included. Rhythm section parts are partially notated with chords cued.
Easy to Love by Cole Porter/arr. Paul Baker, Grade 2.5
A swing chart played around 154 BPM on a great jazz standard. A great sax section soli, plenty of tutti ensemble, and written-out solos provided for piano (or vibes), alto 1 (or trumpet 2). Lead trumpet range is to written G on top of the staff. Optional parts included for vibes, flute, clarinet, and more. Everyone has plenty to do on this fine chart!
Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum by Wayne Shorter/arr. Mark Taylor, Grade 2.5
From Wayne Shorter’s influential 1964 album “Speak No Evil,” this jazz standard is transformed here for young bands by Mark Taylor. The relaxed swing feel and harmonies of the original are all retained, and solos for alto sax and trumpet are included.
Mr. Walker by Wes Montgomery/arr. Terry White, Grade 2
Featuring a light rock groove that alternates with stop time sections, this tune by jazz master Wes Montgomery works great for young bands. The chart opens with a duet of trumpet and tenor sax, and includes a sax soli built on fragments of Wes’s own original solo. Solos are also included for trumpet and tenor sax.
My Groove, Your Move by Hank Mobley/arr. Terry White, Grade 1
A moderate swing played around 132 BPM. A fine jazz classic with a catchy melody, written-out solos for trumpet 1 and trombone 1, the lead trumpet range is to written E top space, plus a few sax solis. Optional parts include flute, clarinet, vibes, and more. This very playable swing chart will be a success at every performance.
‘Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk/arr. Rick Hirsch, Grade 2.5
A superb chart on a wonderful jazz standard, played around 140 BPM. Typically a ballad, this treatment is a straight-eighth feel with smooth cascading lines. Written-out solos are provided for trumpet 1 and alto 1. Included are a few sax solis, beautiful harmonies, and lead trumpet range is to written G on top of the staff. Optional parts include flute, clarinet, and vibes and more. A uniquely beautiful chart!
What Is This Thing Called Love by Cole Porter/arr. Alan Baylock, Grade 3.5
Yes! A hot swinger played in double time around 110 BPM that alternates with a samba groove. A terrific jazz standard that is full of energy that features solo work for tenor 1 (sample solo provided) and drum solo fills in an interlude. Lead trumpet range is to written A above the staff, optional parts include flute and vibes and more. This is your opener or closer for every performance!
Work Song by Nat Adderley/arr. John Berry, Grade 1.5
One of the signature tunes of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, composed by Nat Adderley, this well-known jazz standard remains as popular today as when it first came out in 1960. Arranged here in a solid even eighth note feel, this is an appealing choice for any concert.
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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.