Ensemble

You don't normally associate the music of Prince with jazz ensembles. However, this outstanding arrangement draws inspiration from the funky Herbie Hancock version and provides a great vehicle for ensemble playing as well as soloing.

With a tip of the hat to the swing ballad stylings of Mr. Basie, here is a marvelous original from the pen of Steve Allee. With a beautiful sense of pacing and full band orchestrations, this chart makes it easy for your group to sound great! Also featured are a trumpet solo and tasty piano fills (naturally).

Beautifully scored with tutti ensemble rhythms played softly and featuring the drummer on brushes, here is a strikingly effective version of this Rodgers & Hart favorite. Also includes a sax soli and solo for trumpet. Excellent!

Recorded by Donny Hathaway in 1970 and covered countless times since then, this appealing and enduring pop hit features a funky, upbeat rock style. John Berry's solid arrangement gives all sections a crack at the melody and includes a solo for alto sax. Great change of pace programming for the holidays!

Made famous by jazz guitarist George Benson, this light jazz/rock tune is always a favorite. The flexible solo section and the easy 2-chord vamp make this a great chart to get your beginning improvisers comfortable with soloing. Full length recording included.

Recorded by Michael Jackson back in the 1980s, this highly infectious tune has one of pop music's funkiest bass lines plus an all-around great groove. (Grade 4)

Featuring one of the great bass lines of the rock era, Michael Jackson's Thriller became a musical icon of the '80s. And it still works today in this powerful and easy arrangement by Paul Murtha. (Includes full performance CD)