In this 100th anniversary year of Duke Ellington's birth we thought it was fitting to re-introduce one of the absolute best arrangements of Ellington's music ever written. This medley by Sammy Nestico was published in 1970 andproves that some things improve with age. Skillfully woven together are the Ellington favorites In a Sentimental Mood Mood Indigo and It Don't Mean a Thing.

One of the most famous rock riffs ever recorded comes from this monster hit by the group Deep Purple. Peter Blair has done a great job of adapting this hard rockin' tune for jazz ensemble. Solid and gritty.

In Tempo, sur l'album du big band Lumière Yesternow était la deuxième partie d'un arrangement que j'avais écrit sur un thème signé Miles Davis, Tout de suite. J'ai eu par la suite le désir de faire cette partie une pièce autonome. C'est ainsi qu'elle est devenue In Tempo. Elle est presque entièrement écrite. Le conducteur est ainsi pratiquement une partie de piano dont il est difficile de s'éloigner, de même qu'il l'est de juxtaposer plusieurs instruments harmoniques. J'ai employé ici une technique de composition que j'utilise rarement, en tout cas de façon aussi systématique. La trame harmonique consiste en une suite d'accords de trois ou quatre sons à basse étrangère, qui s'enchaînent le plus souvent de façon arbitraire. On ne trouvera donc aucune logique tonale ou modale. Le solo (par Philippe Sellam au saxophone alto sur Yesternow et Flavio Boltro sur In Tempo) est rendu assez ardu par ce système. C'est pourquoi la partie de soliste reproduit purement et simplement le conducteur. Il ne faut surtout pas essayer de coller à chaque accord, mais tâcher de jouer le plus librement possible sur ces fonds un peu complexes. (Laurent Cugny) / Big Band / Partition

This chart, originally done by Buddy Rich, has been scored for grade 2 while maintaining the essence of the original and more. The tempo is around 154 BPM, and the chart contains written solos for tenor and trumpet 2, as well as nice dynamics to show off your band. A fun chart that you'll play for years to come. (4:17) / Ensemble De Jazz

One of the best-known Latin/Jazz compositions ever written! Mark has done a great job of making this Sonny Rollins classic playable by younger groups while maintaining the style of the original. Small group playing is alternatedwith the full band and a flexible solo section allows any number of soloists. This sizzling chart is a must!

Slappin' poppin' funk recorded by jazz fusion saxophonist David Sanborn! Mark Taylor has done a great job of capturing this distinctive sound in this churning chart.

Most notably recorded by Eartha Kitt but also featured in the movie Elf (recorded by Madonna) here is a terrific medium swing chart guaranteed to spice up your holiday concert. Tenor sax is featured on the melody and there areshort solo spots for trumpet and trombone as well. Plenty of great ensemble writing!

Here's a fresh version of this Ellington classic done in a Latin style that really sizzles. Solid and creative writing for the entire ensemble.

What a neat idea to turn this Henry Mancini classic into a medium samba groove! Your lead trombonist receives some well-deserved feature time and is joined briefly by the entire bone section. The ensemble “shout”chorus begins with an ingenious unison line played softly to start before turning things back over to the trombone solo. Nicely done!

It's funky and accessible---it's a Gordon Goodwin tune arranged for young band. The tempo is around 180 BPM with written-out solos available for any saxophone. The lead trumpet range is to written G on top of the staff. Great chart! (2:38) / Ensemble De Jazz

Classic Ellington swinger! Gordon's medium tempo chart features the saxes at the start and them lets the ensemble carry it and build to the Alto solo. This one goes down smooth.

Recorded recently by Lady Gaga this powerful rock tune is a throwback to the driving sounds of Madonna and the '80s. Solidly scored this arrangement will come together quickly and sound great.

Trombone Feature-(Trombone Feature). Sammy has done a masterful job with this all-time great song. If you have a trombone soloist who doesn't get featured enough along with a good trombone section check out this bluesy arrangement.

This Jimmy Giuffre composition was made famous in the early years of the Woody Herman Orchestra. Peter Blair has done a marvelous job of adapting this saxophone feature for young bands. Includes an optional open section for any saxophone with sample written solos.