Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Description: Medium Up Swing - Medium Difficult
Publisher: Kendor Music
Please click here for sound/score video.
More advanced groups have come to know that Mike Tomaro’s name on a piece means that the music is of the highest quality. Art-istry is no exception. This straight-ahead swing chart is a tour de force and lets everyone get in on the action. Solo spots are for Trombone and Trumpet but may be opened up for additional soloists. Essential writing for more experienced groups.
From the composer/arranger:
"'Art-istry' was composed in dedication to Art Blakey, one of Pittsburgh’s many jazz legends. As a drummer and bandleader, he influenced and nurtured many young musicians who later became stars and legends in their own right. The style of this piece is reminiscent of the hard-driving, straight-ahead jazz that was performed by his groups. I enjoyed emulating this music that was, and is, still so influential to all jazz musicians.
This is not a subtle piece, but don’t let its aggressive nature influence you to play this any faster than its indicated tempo. Though the piano and bass parts have been written out for convenience, these players are encouraged to 'make it their own.' The two solo horn sections are indicated to be played twice with backgrounds played the second time. Having performed this piece many times with my own bands, I have found this length to be sufficient, but please feel free to encourage other players to solo in addition to the indicated ones, cueing backgrounds when the situation merits it. Likewise, the drum solo can be opened up to be played multiple times before the horns enter in measure 179. As mentioned above, there aren’t any subtle moments in this composition till the very end at the tag (measure 229). Here it would be most effective to drop to a whisper then quickly build to the final measure."
Art-istry was composed in dedication to Art Blakey, one of Pittsburgh’s many jazz legends. As a drummer and bandleader, he influenced and nurtured many young musicians
who later became stars and legends in their own right. The style of this piece is reminiscent of the hard-driving, straight-ahead jazz that was performed by his groups. I
enjoyed emulating this music that was, and is, still so influential to all jazz musicians.
This is not a subtle piece, but don’t let its aggressive nature influence you to play this any faster than its indicated tempo. Though the Piano and Bass parts have been
written out for convenience, these players are encouraged to “make it their own.” The two solo horn sections are indicated to be played twice with backgrounds played the
second time. Having performed this piece many times with my own bands, I have found this length to be sufficient, but please feel free to encourage other players to solo
in addition to the indicated ones, cueing backgrounds when the situation merits it. Likewise, the Drum solo can be opened up to be played multiple times before the horns
enter in measure 179. As mentioned above, there aren’t any subtle moments in this composition till the very end at the tag (measure 229). Here it would be most effective
to drop to a whisper then quickly build to the final measure.Art-istry was composed in dedication to Art Blakey, one of Pittsburgh’s many jazz legends. As a drummer and bandleader, he influenced and nurtured many young musicians
who later became stars and legends in their own right. The style of this piece is reminiscent of the hard-driving, straight-ahead jazz that was performed by his groups. I
enjoyed emulating this music that was, and is, still so influential to all jazz musicians.
This is not a subtle piece, but don’t let its aggressive nature influence you to play this any faster than its indicated tempo. Though the Piano and Bass parts have been
written out for convenience, these players are encouraged to “make it their own.” The two solo horn sections are indicated to be played twice with backgrounds played the
second time. Having performed this piece many times with my own bands, I have found this length to be sufficient, but please feel free to encourage other players to solo
in addition to the indicated ones, cueing backgrounds when the situation merits it. Likewise, the Drum solo can be opened up to be played multiple times before the horns
enter in measure 179. As mentioned above, there aren’t any subtle moments in this composition till the very end at the tag (measure 229). Here it would be most effective
to drop to a whisper then quickly build to the final measure.
