A new arrangement in the Big Band plus series for classic big band. The swinging shuffle groove is light-hearted, yet also a driving energy. The publication includes additional parts for percussion, horn and tuba. / Big Band

Par RICKER RAMON. 'Suspended Animation' is a contemporary straight-eighth feel with sections that can be opened up for any player to solo. The entire composition is built on only two suspended chords, and is written in a manner that makes it easy for young bands to quickly get into the piece. With only two chords to worry about, much of the anxiety of wrong notes is eliminated and the student can immediately concentrate on making music. Professionals will also have fun with the chart when it is opened up for extended solos. The piece was inspired by an improvised solo and chord progression that is found in Volume 1 of the Ramon Ricker Improvisation Series. Beginning improvisers will find the brief Notes on the Improvised Sections helpful. But, a more thorough discussion can be found in Volume 1 of the Ramon Ricker Improvisation Series. Medium Easy Advance Music is proud to present our new Groovin' Easy Series. We've taken 10 tunes from two popular Advance Music publications (Reading Key Jazz Rhythms and The Ramon Ricker Improvisation Series) and asked our writers to give us creative and musically challenging charts that are also playable by young bands. To the normal big band instrumentation of 5 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm section we've added optional parts for flute, clarinet, French horn, guitar and auxiliary percussion. In addition, each chart is written to sound full with a reduced instrumentation of only 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone and rhythm section. The brass ranges are reasonable with the lead trumpet never going above a written C and the rhythm section parts are carefully notated and thought out./ Répertoire / Big Band

Par GERSHWIN GEORGE / TAYLOR MARK (Arr.). This clever tune by George Gershwin has long been a favorite with jazz musicians. Mark\'s upbeat swing setting is a true showcase for the entire ensemble, with inventive tutti ensemble passages interspersed with brief solos for trumpet, tenor sax, trombone, and alto sax. The Little Big Band Series features arrangements that are: Scored for 6 horns (3 saxes, 2 trumpets, trombone) plus rhythm section; Include additional optional parts for alto, tenor and trombone; Perfect for smaller programs, or additional ensemble opportunities./ Répertoire / Big Band

Written with a Grainger-like sensibility and an Irish charm Billy Joel's emergence as a serious composer includes this beautiful air. The lyric opening featuring optional Piano and solo for English Horn (or Alto Sax) leads to an invigorating dance-like movement with creative rhythmic and harmonic devices. Challenging for each section yet certainly attainable and well worth the effort.

This recent adaptation by bassist Boris Kozlov presents the marvelous Mingus composition in a rich setting containing a variety of musical styles. Opening in a quasi-classical style the piece quickly shifts to a straight aheadswing tempo with angular horn riffs and creative melodies - characteristically Mingus! The rhythmic groove alternates between swing and a 6/8 feel and there are solo opportunities for trumpet and trombone.