SKU: M7.SMP-1260
Every once in a while a melody is written that words cannot convey and only the soul understands. Master-of-melodies, Pat Metheny, did just that in his composition of Tell Her You Saw Me, and Bob Curnow magnificently transformed it into a majestic big band arrangement. A ballad throughout that slowly builds in intensity; this piece utilizes woodwind doubles and flugelhorns with a short, written-out piano solo up front. If you are looking to provide a moving ballad for your audiences, then this is it. 5-4-4-4.
SKU: M7.SMP-566
English.
As recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra on Adventures In Standards, this is a medium-swing chart on a great tune. Lennie uses a neat vamp in the trombones to offset the melody in the saxes. The full ensemble then kicks off a trombone solo. The full band plays a great shout chorus out to the end. There is an optional ending (the recorded as opposed to the original). Kenton and Niehaus at their best! 5-5-5-3 (can be played with 8 brass).
SKU: M7.SMP-1138
This beautiful arrangement of the lovely popular Michel Legrand ballad was originally scored for the Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinsen. It is an alto saxophone feature throughout. The entire solo is written out (with changes provided to allow for improvisation). The accompanying band parts are very simple to play, making this chart accessible to most middle school bands. 5-4-4-4.
SKU: M7.SMP-311
As written for and performed by the Buddy Rich Big Band, here is the long-missing chart that Holman wrote to feature The Great One..... Buddy Rich. It is a terrific, swinging chart with solo space, not only for drums, but also for tenor sax, trumpet and trombone. This is another superb chart by Holman, who has contributed to virtually every big band library on the jazz scene. This is a wonderful piece! 5-4-4-4.
SKU: M7.SMP-1249
As recorded by the Oliver Nelson Orchestra on their album Berlin Dialogue for Orchestra, Checkpoint Charlie is some of Nelson's most creative writing. Full of up-tempo energy, Oliver masterfully intertwines the melody in the saxophones with counter-lines from the brass to create an incredible tapestry of sound. There is plenty of solo space for trombone to stretch out, giving a great contrast from the full ensemble sections to the lone soloist with rhythm section. This edited version maintains the integrity of Oliver's original recording while simplifying some of the rhythms, making brass ranges more accessible, and providing solo space for tenor, trumpet, or trombone. 5-4-4-3.
SKU: M7.SMP-1248
As recorded by the Oliver Nelson Orchestra on their album Berlin Dialogue for Orchestra, Checkpoint Charlie is some of Nelson's most creative writing. Full of up-tempo energy, Oliver masterfully intertwines the melody in the saxophones with counter-lines from the brass to create an incredible tapestry of sound. There is plenty of solo space for trombone to stretch out, giving a great contrast from the full ensemble sections to the lone soloist with rhythm section. This pro version is exactly as Oliver Nelson's recorded version. 5-4-4-3.
SKU: M7.SMP-1125
This is the original chart as played and recorded by Maynard Ferguson's Birdland Dream Band. If you have a screamin' 1st trumpet player and want to play this historical chart, then Where's Teddy (Pro) is for you. It is a medium-swing minor blues tune with solo space for trumpet, tenor saxophone and drums. 4-4-2-3.
SKU: M7.SMP-931
This is a wonderful chart, an old tune in a new dress, as only Bill Holman can do it. It's the exact chart as recorded by the terrific Charlie Barnet Big Band. The tempo is bright, a swinging excursion into the clever writing of Holman. Solo space for piano, alto, tenor, trumpet, and drums. There is a great sax section soli and the usual, wonderful, roaring ensemble shout choruses. A big finish ends an amazing chart. 5-5-4-4 (4 tpts. work just as well).
SKU: M7.SMP-563
This is another one of those absolutely wonderful charts that Lennie did for Stan Kenton for what was known as the dance book. It was the hippest dance book ever! A medium-swing tempo sets this great standard in a framework that is very musical and very exciting. Trumpet and bass are featured. Limited ranges (tpt. written high D). This one will be a real favorite. 5-5-5-3.
SKU: M7.SMP-958
As recorded on Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2 (Amherst), this chart won a Grammy for best big band arrangement. Holman took this great standard, put it in 3-4, and wrote scintillating counter lines that weave their way through the whole arrangement. Solo space for trumpet, and roaring ensemble passages make this chart something that should be in every big band library in the world. 5-5-4-3.
SKU: M7.SMP-1117
This is a lovely, straight-eighth waltz that starts simply and quietly with the rhythm section. There are flute doubles in the alto saxophone parts and a flugelhorn solo. Brass ranges are very limited. This is a great piece to program to contrast the more demanding charts you are performing. 5-4-4-4.
SKU: M7.SMP-577
One of those mystery charts that hardly anyone knows about, this chart is a beauty. Mulligan was a master at creating moods and using wonderful chord substitutions, as he did in this medium ballad. The arrangement features Trumpet throughout (written to feature Buddy Childers), and it was played very often by the Kenton Band. The brass ranges and rhythms for all are very reasonable (written Bb above the staff for Trumpet). This is a VERY impressive chart that is easy to play. 5-5-5-4.