This medium-tempo swing chart has a cool bluesy quality. Using an ever-changing palette of tone colors and textures A Minor Shade of Blue also features many smaller ensembles within the overall group. A vibraphone part adds to the color but is not required. In addition there are no solos to worry about — just great ensemble writing that features every section while also combining sections for interesting colors. Fantastic writing for big band! (3:00)

This easy swing ballad pays homage to the great Neal Hefti and his classic Li’l Darlin’ which was written for the Count Basie orchestra and is now standard repertoire in the big band genre. There is plenty of ensemble work along with a great written tenor sax solo (also with chord symbols). For greater performance flexibility an optional solo sheet is included for other instruments as well. A great vehicle for teaching the most basic elements of jazz in a musical setting! (3:00)

There’s no riddle when it comes to the success of Rob Vuono’s jazz charts! His ability to create a complex sounding chart that is extremely easy to play makes this one a guaranteed winner. Starting off with a simple swing 2 feel the chart builds into a steady 4. A brief interlude drops the key down a half step before moving back up creating the illusion of a key change without one ever occurring! Fabulous writing by one of the top jazz arrangers in the country!

There are extensive historical notes and rehearsal suggestions provided by the arranger for your use in rehearsing and presenting this traditional American classic in concert. Written as a medium shuffle it has a great groove throughout. An optional vibe part is included.

Here's an F minor blues that bounces back and forth between a two-beat and four-beat feel. Featuring a quartet of muted trumpets and saxes with optional flute this minor blues really cooks in the middle. There's an extended sax soli before the final shout chorus. You'll want to put this one on your festival list.