Ensemble

From bebop master Dizzy Gillespie comes this lively tune in a great chart for younger players by Mark Taylor. It opens with a trumpet and alto on the head followed by a quintet of 3 saxes and 2 trumpets. A tutti ensemble section comes next followed by a flexible solo section for any combination of alto, tenor, trumpet or trombone. The brass ranges are reasonable and most rhythms are tutti. Let the maturity of your group determine how fast (or slow) you play this one, however.

Utilizing the Dorian mode and a bluesy melody, here is a catchy original perfect for teaching swing. This one also works great for beginning improvisers since the solo section uses only two chords (two scales). Sure to become a favorite with your band.

One of Irving Berlin's most performed melodies, Blue Skies is arranged here in a medium swing style to sound great with inexperienced players.

Mark Taylor has created an effective new treatment of a great standard song. Alternating between a samba feel and swing, this chart also uses contrasting textures of small group playing and full ensemble. Includes solos for Tenor and/or Guitar and features a nice sax soli. Great choice for contest.

Here's a chart that will make your band sound great and is not that hard to sing. Roger's medium up-tempo arrangement of this Irving Berlin favorite features excellent accompaniment writing as well as a short solo for Tenor Sax (as written or ad lib.)

Composed and recorded by jazz legend John Coltrane, this medium tempo blues tune features an easy-to-play melody and solid tutti-style rhythms for the ensemble. In addition, the blues changes and moderate tempo make it a comfortable setting for developing soloists. (Includes CD)