Ensemble

One of the all-time jazz classics composed by Billy Strayhorn and made famous by the Duke Ellington Orchestra is expertly adapted here for beginning groups by Michael Sweeney. Featuring the saxes on the first part of the melody and the brass on the bridge, there are also short solo spots with written-out samples. A great way to introduce young players to this important music! Dur: 3:00

This Billy Strayhorn composition became Duke Ellington's signature tune. Every student of jazz needs to know this standard and this easy combo version is a perfect way to learn it.

This chart was originally crafted to feature James Moody with Gordon's Big Phat Band. Naturally, tenor sax is featured at the start, then the entire ensemble gets into the act in a full blown exposition of big band jazz at its best! The creative use of dynamic contrasts and section trade-offs help make this particularly effective.

Hard-hitting '70s hit from Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Mike's driving up-tempo chart is easy to learn and will raise the energy level of any concert.

First recorded by Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers back in 1976, this driving rock tune has stood the test of time for 3 decades. Here is a hard-hitting arrangement for jazz ensemble that has plenty of punch and energy, but is easy to put together.

Grade 4. (Nestico)

Leave it to Michael Mossman to combine two unique Latin styles (tango and bossa nova) into a single composition! The saxes take the lead on the sultry tango theme punctuated by the brass, then a trumpet soloist takes over when the bossa style kicks in. This is ingenious writing that really works!