SKU: KJ.JZB400F

Jim Cifelli has written a chart that is a terrific way to introduce students to the great Jazz Messengers bands of Art Blakey. The Messenger combines a soulful melody and solid straight ahead rhythm section writing into a winning combination for bands of all levels. Younger bands will appreciate the moderate brass ranges and easy solo changes while more advanced groups can listen closely to classic recordings and work to copy the Blakey sound. This chart has something for everyone.

SKU: KN.61037

UPC: 82279561037.

Inspired by the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, this medium swing original for advancing groups features a combo style melody and a hard-driving rhythmic feel. The written or ad lib solo section can be played by any player, and there is plenty of space for drum fills throughout. Notated piano voicings and bass lines are provided, and a guitar chord chard by Jim Greeson is included in each set. Duration 6:00.

SKU: KN.62765

UPC: 822795627657.

Written in a minor blues form featuring an 8-bar bridge, this challenging original depicts the music of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from the late '50s and early '60s. It requires an aggressive approach from everyone to faithfully capture the hard bop style. Duration 5:20.

SKU: KJ.ZB366

UPC: 8402701731.

Snowdogs Rock was commissioned by the Central Middle School Jazz Ensemble in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The piece introduces some different musical elements in the context of a familiar groove (rock) and familiar chord progression (blues). The bridge sections (bars 17-24 and 41-48) feature tone clusters that are somewhat unusual in jazz ensemble pieces. Play the piece on a cold winter's night to heat up the band and the audience!

About Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method

The Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method is designed to help both you and your jazz ensemble students explore the world of jazz through easy-to-use Rhythm Studies, Improvisation Studies, Instrument Specific Exercises, and full ensemble jazz charts. The approach is non-theoretical and aurally based. Each part book comes with an accompaniment CD, so like every great jazz player throughout history, students learn to play jazz by listening!

SKU: KN.TDB2302

12 x 9 inches.

Bret Zvacek’s composition Intro To Art is a tribute to the legendary hard-bop drummer Art Blakey who led one of the most important groups in jazz history - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers from 1955-1990. This chart is the perfect way to introduce young players to this group and their style of music.

SKU: KN.KEN60155S

UPC: 822795601558.

Professional composer Carl Carl Strommen has followed up his bestselling Line Drive with another great chart sporting a baseball titlethis one refers to alternating two and four feels. As the chart repeatedly switches between a buoyant half-note pulse and a driving swing feel, the result is reminiscent of the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Written or ad lib solos for trumpet and tenor create a combo-like setting within the big band context that's well within the grasp of developing groups. Each set includes a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson. Duration 2:50.

SKU: KN.62270

UPC: 822795622706.

Commissioned by the Northern Michigan University Jazz Ensemble, this jubilant tone poem portrays the Great Northern Railway that ran for a century from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean. Beginning quietly in the distance, the chart builds steadily through a series of colorful variations and roars by at full throttle five minutes later. The fast swing train groove drops a beat every four measures (4-4-4-3) from start to finish. This is truly a marvel of modern jazz ensemble writing for proficient groups by one of the nation's most innovative composers. Duration 6:00.

SKU: KN.62270S

UPC: 822795622706.

Commissioned by the Northern Michigan University Jazz Ensemble, this jubilant tone poem portrays the Great Northern Railway that ran for a century from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Ocean. Beginning quietly in the distance, the chart builds steadily through a series of colorful variations and roars by at full throttle five minutes later. The fast swing train groove drops a beat every four measures (4-4-4-3) from start to finish. This is truly a marvel of modern jazz ensemble writing for proficient groups by one of the nation's most innovative composers. Duration 6:00.

SKU: KJ.JZB363F

Imagine Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers sitting in with Tito Puente's big band, and you've got Blue Mambo! While the rhythmic feel of the tune is absolutely Latin, the primary melody is a 24-bar long-form minor blues. The range of orchestration, from a jazz combo statement of the melody to full ensemble writing, will make it easy for your band to get in the groove of this tune. The accessible solo section has plenty of room, with optional solos for Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, and Guitar. This chart is an impressive opener for any concert or festival performance. Highest trumpet note: B.

SKU: KN.60135

12 x 9 inches.

This minor blues in the hard bop tradition of Art Blakey and Cannonball Adderley was written for the 2020 District 8 Georgia Honor Jazz Band and is perfect for developing groups. The solo section is written out with solo sheets provided in all keys along with scales to assist students in improvisation.