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

Mingus loved the blues and this powerful and highly energized arrangement from the CD Live In Time is a staple in the book of the Mingus Big Band. It features the signature bass line scored for the lower voices and full ensemblelines that really roar. Can be played as fast as you dare!

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.

The tunes made popular in the '40s are still alive in contemporary arrangements. All are written in compatible books and are great for combos of 2, 3 or more. Titles include: C Jam Blues * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Georgia on My Mind * In a Mellow Tone * It Don't Mean a Thing * Over the Rainbow * 720 in the Books.

Contents: At Last * Back Bay Shuffle * Blues on Parade * Cherokee * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Be That Way * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Eager Beaver * In a Minor Mood * In a Mist * In the Mood * Johnson Rag * Pennsylvania 6-5000 * Taking a Chance on Love * Two O'Clock Jump.