Ensemble

Similar to the trademark version by Ike & Tina Turner, this easy arrangement starts out slow in the beginning, then kicks into high gear to finish out. Saxes take the lead at first, but there is plenty of full ensemble playing as well. No solos are required.

Here is a strikingly different composition for jazz ensemble from the pen of acclaimed jazz pianist and writer Steve Allee. Featuring a floating texture of parallel harmonics and melodic lines, Pure Spirit is a fresh-sounding and rewarding piece for the entire ensemble.

From the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie, this well-known tune works great in a jazz setting. Written in a medium up-tempo swing style, Rick Stitzel uses skilled ensemble scoring plus a great groove to create a chart that your band (as well as the audience) is sure to enjoy. A quartet of alto, tenor, trumpet and trombone is featured on the head, and solos are included for alto and trumpet.

Irving Berlin's upbeat show tune reached new heights of popularity with its appearance in Mel Brooks' movie (and new Broadway show) Young Frankenstein. Always an audience favorite, this solid swing arrangement will be easy to learn and fun to play. (Includes CD)

The Pythodd Club in Rochester, New York was where the famed La Barbera brothers were first exposed to real, live jazz, and the Hammond B3 organ was often a part of these groups. Here John uses the organ as a centerpiece, but surrounds it with exuberant proclamations from the rest of the band in a smokin' shuffle chart. Solos are included for organ, guitar and tenor sax. From the Jazz Compass recording Fantazm by the John La Barbera Big Band (JC1011)

Although Jobim penned a wealth of great Latin tunes, this standard is unquestionably one of his best. Paul Murtha's smooth and silky chart alternates between the saxes and trumpets on the melody with solo space provided for alto sax. Although written with young players in mind, even advanced groups will sound great playing this exceptional arrangement.

From the master of Latin music, this is one of Jobim's best. Mark's excellent treatment features tenor sax and nice ensemble writing.