Jazz Ensembles

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by Steve Wright

FIRST FLIGHT ~ BW 101      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(Sop, alto, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Challenging composition featuring guitar (keyboard), trumpet and optional extended rhythm section soli which takes chart from 6/8 to 4/4. After sax section soli (with brass background), leads back to 6/8 shout chorus. Featured at jazz festivals by the Airmen of Note, this chart will be an excellent concert and festival piece for the more advanced band. The lead trumpet goes to high D, with opt. higher part and the alto part has a flute double--an extra part is provided. Medium-advanced.

BRAND “X” ~ BW 102      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos-opt. sop. lead, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
A swinging modal jazz chart, which utilizes the small band within a big band concept to deviate from the usual “stock” big band sound. Lead trumpet to high D, with trumpet and alto (sop) solos. This chart has met with great success at both high school and college levels and has been performed and recorded by the Airmen of Note. Medium-advanced.

MAGILLA’S REVENGE ~ BW 103      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos-opt. sop. lead, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Funky Rock in 4/4 with double-time sax figures in the tune. This chart creates a lot of excitement and features tenor sax, trombone and trumpet solos on traditional blues changes, making this a good chart for high school, but challenging enough for college and pro bands. Medium.

WARM PEOPLE ~ BW 104      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
A sensitive slow composition, it was originally conceived as a serial piece and subsequently arranged for jazz orchestra. Has tenor (sop) and flugel (trpt) solos (short doubletime section for flugel). Warm People will require some careful rehearsal to balance delicate voicings, but is musically satisfying and not out of reach of many high school groups.

DUCK SOUP ~ BW 105      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Rock tune with trpt-alto line in the style of the Adderley Brothers. Has jazz trumpet solo (blues) with possibilities for more. Also has open rhythm vamp on top, to allow time for band intros, etc. or just to let the rhythm “get it on” for awhile! Easy enough for high school and some junior high bands -- fun for any group. Easy-Medium

S.O.S. ~ BW 106      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos-opt. sop. lead, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Look out! This chart will be a test for the band that likes to swing -- basically a straight ahead blues chart (fast!), it lets your soprano, alto and tenor players blow extended choruses. The lead trumpet goes to high E and the saxes have some fast passages. Medium Advanced.

NOKOMIS ~ BW 107      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
This is a moderate tempo bossa composition with nice chord changes and features good soloing opportunities for trumpet (flugel), tenor sax and piano. Rich brass voicings and a range under high C will make this an attractive concert number for both high school and college jazz ensembles. Medium.

MTCM ~ BW 108      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
One of our best sellers, MTCM is an excellent bossa/latin chart with alto and tenor sax solos. Chord changes, while not very difficult, are colorful and interesting to play on. An intense sax melody and rich (yet rhythmic) brass voicings help make this one of the most popular charts in the catalog. A “must” for every good high school and college band! Medium. • STRING PARTS AVAILABLE •

BAT BOOGIE ~ BW 109      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
This chart roars! A funk tune with a blues base, it has an unexpected series of turnarounds that will keep both the soloist and audience on their toes! Although demanding work from everyone, this composition relies on precision brass playing and styling to create excitement, rather than tons of high notes. Medium-advanced.

TOROCK ~ BW 113      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
High powered contemporary rock tune with 16th feel. This chart features a small horn group within the big band (in a Brecker Brothers style) with solos for alto, trumpet and piano (guitar). Brass ranges are moderate and the voicings are tight and solid, Which combine with “popping” double time horn figures that make this chart very exciting! Medium.
• STRING PARTS AVAILABLE •

BLUES FOR AN ELM ~ BW 117      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Originally commissioned by West High School in Minneapolis, this jazz chart uses an original approach to blues changes, which avoids the usual stock sound associated with many blues charts. Brass and sax sections will find it fun to play, with tenor, alto and piano solos (can be opened up). Though some figures may be a bit difficult on first reading, the ranges are moderate and with work will be a good concert and contest tune for high school and college alike. Medium.

*DOUBLEDAD ~ BW 121      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Slow swing ballad in the Basie tradition, which features the ensemble primarily and will be enjoyed by all levels of bands -- accessible to junior high groups. Dedicated to our twin girls, this chart was written to be relatively easy to play, yet harmonically interesting. Features a short alto or tenor solo and the trumpet range is barely above the staff. Easy (chops) to medium (style).

RAIN ~ BW 122      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
A bossa/latin tune in the style of MTCM, it can be opened up to feature most any player in the band. Not just a “head” arrangement, there are backgrounds in the saxes and brass, which can be used at the leader’s discretion ... this allows a greater degree of flexibility not found in the majority of big band charts, yet does not leave the rest of the band resting while soloist after soloist plays. Moderate brass range. Medium

*HIDDEN DIMPLE ~ BW 123      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm; opt. flute)
Fast latin/jazz tune -- this will be a WINNER for concert and contest. Although the fast tempo and melody lines may seem (and sound) difficult, this chart will be accessible to most high school bands. The lead trumpet only goes up to high B-flat. BEST SELLER! Medium (range) to Medium-Advanced (tempo).

LITTLE BIRD ~ BW 124      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Beautiful ballad -- easy enough technically for many junior high bands, yet hip enough for older groups. Features short melody solo for alto at the top, 1st trumpet solo (flugel) and the bridge and has short trumpet and tenor improvised solos. This is always the closing “theme” song for my own big band. Easy.

*BUTTERFLY ~ BW 129      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Exciting jazz-samba that features the trumpet section + one or all of the trumpets as soloists. This will be a HIT at festivals and concerts! The trumpet figures were inspired by the late Bill Chase’s famous group “Chase”. Trumpet range is to just an A above the staff, making this playable by most groups. A “must” for your jazz library! Medium.

*TAKE TWO ~ BW 130      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
This is a hard-driving swinger in the Basie tradition, with a hint of Sammy Nestico & Thad Jones! Piano, tenor sax and trumpet solos are featured on a variation of a 16-bar blues form. The sax section will enjoy a difficult sounding sax soli, that will challenge them without being horribly difficult. After the sax soli, tight ensembles build to an exciting ending. A definite “winner”. Medium.

*SAMARA ~ BW 131      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Medium-easy bossa chart, which effectively utilizes unisons and solidly voiced backgrounds to create a sound that is easily performed, yet hip enough for more advanced bands. An alto sax solo and sax soli highlight the composition.

*PICKLES ~ BW 135      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm; opt. flute)
A bright tempo swinger in the Basie tradition with room for several solos on modified “rhythm” changes. The brass/sax solo backgrounds can be alternated or played together. The shout chorus builds to an exciting Basie piano ending. BEST SELLER! A must for everyone’s jazz library. Medium (range) to medium advanced (style).

*WHO “NOSE” ~ BW 136      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
This is it! Your band will love this one... a hip funk tune, with a hint of Stevie Wonder, will be a great chart for concert or contest. Features a tenor solo and after a rhythm interlude, the whole band has a tight ensemble soli leading to a double time jazz sax soli. then it’s back to the original feel and tune with an exciting ending. The chart is marked in case you might want to delete the ensemble soli and sax soli section and keep the whole thing as a funk tune. Medium-Advanced.

*EMPATHY ~ BW 137      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm; opt. flute)
This is an engaging bossa-rock composition with alto and trumpet solos. While not too difficult technically, this tune will satisfy all levels of musicality. It has a definite “west coast” flavor, with solid scoring for the brass and saxes. An optional extra flute part is included. Medium-medium easy.

SMOOTH MOVE ~ BW 138      $36.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
As the first tune in our new TAKING OFF easy jazz ensemble series, this pretty ballad will be popular for its flowing lines and nice changes. A sample written solo for either alto/tenor sax is included on a separate sheet and will help younger players, as will the fully notated rhythm parts. Watch for more new issues in our TAKING OFF series--they’re sure to be winners! Easy.

OODLES OF BLUES ~ BW 200      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Originally written while writing for Jenson Publications, this swinging blues chart was a Best Seller & has been recopied and edited. Solid ensemble sections and plenty of room for solos (with backgrounds), plus a great shout chorus will make this tune a hit with audiences AND your band! You’ve GOT to have this one in your book! Medium.

IN THE HALL OF MONTY KING ~ BW 201      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
In the Hall was commissioned by the Centennial Big Band in Staples, MN, this chart is loosely based on the familiar Grieg theme and swings hard from beginning to end. It will make a great opener or closer and should be in the library of any big band with a claim to swing! Moderate brass ranges will make this chart accesible by high school & college bands alike. Medium.

FLYIN’ ~ BW 202      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Written for the Minnetonka (MN) High School jazz ensemble, this Steely Dan influenced chart features a trumpet, tenor sax and guitar line & solos for each of them. The brass ranges are modest with lead trumpet to an A above the staff. The rhythm section will enjoy the latin tinged funk feel. Medium easy.

The GAC BLUES ~ BW 203 $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Written for the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band (my top college group), this is a unique blues in C, to F, to Ab, to Bb, to G and then back “home” again to the key of C. It features solos by trumpet, alto, trombone & piano respectively. The head is first played in unison and then by six horns. Watch for a “tentet” version! Medium.

EINSTEIN... by the NUMBERS ~ BW 204 $45.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos-opt. sop, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
Written for the 2005 Nobel Conference concert at Gustavus, this piece was based on Einstein's name using set theory. It evolved (!) into a 12-tone line, which sounds more like a straight ahead blues melody. There is solo space for soprano (alto) sax and piano, plus solos for bass and drums. There is a "band within a band" texture at the beginning and an exciting shout chorus. This will be a festival winner! Medium-Advanced

SLIP ‘N’ SLIDE ~ BW 208    $48.00     Really New!    (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm)
TROMBONE FEATURE FOR THE WHOLE SECTION. While this will be a challenge for your ‘bone section, the results will be very satisfying. The chart has an opening “choir” statement and then accelerates to an exciting Latin /Jazz feel. The solo section is open for any of the trombones OR anyone else.   Medium-difficult for the bones; Medium for the band.

by Rick Cornish

DONNA DANCE ~ RC118      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm + opt. piccolo)
Funky contemporary chart by a fine guitarist, which features the rhythm section and great lines & creative voicings! The basic eight bar chord changes will challenge your tenor player, plus extra chord changes sheets are provided for additional soloists. Moderate brass ranges (lead trpt-high B) and ample rest keep this chart within the grasp of most high school jazz ensembles. Medium to Medium-Advanced

*BLUES AROUND THE CORNER ~ RC125      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm )
Straight ahead jazz chart, utilizing a highly original adaptation of blues changes. Scored in a style reminiscent of Thad Jones’ writing, it features trumpet and guitar (piano) solos. Great melodic lines, brass figures and interesting changes make this chart a “must” for your library. Brass ranges are moderate. Medium.

THE CLOUD ~ RC126      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari + opt. woodwinds; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm )
Ethereal jazz composition in the style of Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage”. Flugel horn (trpt) and trombone play the tune and a trombone solo is featured as the chart builds. Another excellent jazz chart from Rick Cornish.

L.A. BY MIDNIGHT ~ RC132      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm + aux. perc.)
Yet another great chart from Rick Cornish! A very hip contemporary tune, which features trumpet (flugel) and tenor sax, this is reminiscent of some of Freddie Hubbard’s music. The tenor solo builds over an ostinato to an exciting shout chorus, with modest brass range. Your band will enjoy the challenge of this music, which is perfect for concert or festival. Medium (range) to Medium-Advanced (style & feel).

*BALLADE ~ RC133      $40.00 (Play MP3 Excerpt!) (Sample Part)
(2 altos, 2 tenors, bari; 4 Trpts; 4 Bones + Rhythm + aux. perc.)
this is a beautiful ballad, which features your lead alto player. Dedicated to Stan Kenton, the melody is played as written and the improvised section includes an optional notated solo. Many music teachers with good concert bands will appreciate this chart, as balance, tone and control are important factors in a good performance. Medium.

* = As recorded by The Steve Wright Big Band on
“Take Two” • ME 8811 CD
$15.00 or FREE with the purchase of THREE CHARTS from the CD!

ORDER

Available from: Groth Music • Bloomington, MN • 800-969-4772

by Steve Wright	(by Steve Wright - Continued)
FIRST FLIGHT	*TAKE TWO
BRAND “X”	*SAMARA
MAGILLA’S REVENGE	*PICKLES
WARM PEOPLE	*WHO “NOSE”
DUCK SOUP	*EMPATHY
S.O.S.	SMOOTH MOVE
NOKOMIS	OODLES OF BLUES
MTCM	IN THE HALL OF MONTY KING
BAT BOOGIE	FLYIN’
TOROCK	THE GAC BLUES
BLUES FOR AN ELM	EINSTEIN... by the NUMBERS
*DOUBLEDAD	by Rick Cornish
RAIN	DONNA DANCE
*HIDDEN DIMPLE	*BLUES AROUND THE CORNER
LITTLE BIRD	THE CLOUD
*BUTTERFLY	L.A. BY MIDNIGHT
	*BALLADE