Easy Charts for Jazz Ensemble Monday, May 02, 2022
recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist
The Five Note Blues by Doug Beach & George Shutack, Very Easy
This fresh original serves as the perfect introduction for developing jazz players to the all-important blues form since the melody features just five notes! Using those same notes as the basis for improvisation, the open solo section allows for as much improvisation practice as you wish. An abundance of full ensemble work rounds out this winning package.
Hop, Skip and a Jump by Doug Beach, Grade 2.5
Your audiences will hop, skip and jump to this infectious funky jazz-rock chart for medium easy groups. With a catchy groove, hip voicings and a strong melody, this original is sure to be a hit on any concert. The open solo section (written or ad lib) provides plenty of space for your soloists to stretch out as well.
High Hopes arr. Mike Story, Grade 1
A pop-rock gem by Panic! at the Disco played around 138 BPM. Trumpet 1 range is up to written E top space. No solos, solid ensemble all the way. Catchy, straight-ahead rock chart for all occasions. Optional flutes, clarinets, and vibes.
Lock It In the Pocket by Steve Shanley, Grade 0.5
Need an easy introduction to the swing style for your beginning jazz band? Look no further than “Lock It In The Pocket!” Horns play slurred eight note lines and staccato quarter notes. Clearly written rhythm section parts are perfect for bass and drum set players who are just starting. The solo section allows students to take very short solos, and only requires a few pitches (supplied right on their part!) – perfect for young jazzers! Playable with reduced or expanded instrumentation and optional auxiliary percussion, “Lock It In The Pocket” will be a hit at your first concert.
Box of Rock by Larry Clark, Grade 1
Here’s a very easy rock tune with a fun twist – it is built on ten measure phrases! Your band will sound great in a hurry with this one and will have a blast in the process. Punchy Brass licks and outstanding Saxophone lines are a feature of this engaging rock chart. As a bonus, there is a separate guitar chord frame chart specifically for this piece that has basic and more advanced diagrams.
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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.