Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Recorded live on tour in 1960, Bill Holman's treatment of Gerry Mulligan's "Apple Core" for the latter's Concert Jazz Band serves as a tour-de-force vehicle for the tour's special guest soloist, tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims. Sims, who had a lengthy history with Mulligan by that point, handles the arrangement's brisk pace with his signature relaxed swing and ever-present lyricism, never perturbed by the band's volatility.

A four measure opening fanfare sets up Sims's and Mulligan's entrance with the melody at measure 5, with some simple riff backgrounds joining in on the second time around. Sims blows on the bridge at measure 15, then rejoins Mulligan for the final A section at 23. Another brief fanfare hands the spotlight over to Sims for the next several choruses, including a brilliant stop-time section from measures 66 to 90.

Sims' improvisation ends at the pickups to measure 116, where he assumes the role of section leader for a thrilling, but tricky, sax soli. Despite the technical challenges of this section, it is important for the woodwinds to maintain an air of relaxation and comfort throughout. Bob Brookmeyer's valve trombone is added to the woodwinds at measure 132 for a little added heft to the ensemble. This all eventually culminates in a thrilling, high powered full band shout section at measure 148, which should be energetic without losing control.

Sims blows over the bridge at measure 157 before the full ensemble returns at measure 165 to set up a brief melody recap. A rapidly ascending woodwind line sets up one last fanfare, which in turn sets up a 4 bar solo break for Sims. The full band enters once again for the final blast, with Sims providing a cadenza over the top of the ensemble.

This arrangement is for jazz big band. It is not a transcription - it has been prepared from Holman's score and the original set of parts used for the recording.

Full Score
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
2 Baritone Saxophones
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: Bb5
Trombone 1: Ab4