Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Recorded by the Harry James Orchestra in 1939, this Andy Gibson arrangement of the traditional jazz warhorse Avalon is fairly standard fare for the sound of James's orchestra at the time. Featuring plenty of brassy flourishes and some easygoing saxophone figures, there are just enough challenges along the way to give your musicians a bit of a workout. A strong trumpet soloist is, obviously, a must-have to make things work, as well.

A simple syncopated riff in the saxophones kicks things off, leading into the melody as handled by muted brass at measure 9, with James' trumpet taking the lead over the ensemble. The melody as a whole is performed in a quite straight-ahead fashion, with the brass handling the first half and the saxophones handling the second. A sudden brass fanfare at measure 39 is where things get a surprise jolt of excitement, setting up a chorus of tenor saxophone solo beginning a few measures later. A key change at measure 73 sees the spotlight return to James' trumpet for a half-chorus of improvised solo, with the second half going to a piano solo. Make sure your ensemble keeps their volume low so as to not overwhelm said solo.

The band gets a chance to strut their stuff for a shout chorus based on the original melody at measure 105. This section is not technically difficult, but the challenge arises from creating excitement while still managing to hold things back for the arrangement's grand finale, which begins with another key change at measure 137. James's trumpet returns to lead a hard-swinging brass charge over top of the saxophones playing a straightened out version of the melody. From this point out, the band should be roaring along at its most raucous. A few stop-time hits, a quick saxophone flutter, and one last ensemble jab bring the performance to a swinging conclusion.

This publication was based on the original Andy Gibson pencil score. This is not a transcription.

Full Score
Trumpet Soloist
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 2 Doubles on Baritone Sax.)
2 Tenor Saxophones
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Solo Trumpet: D6
Trumpet 1: A5
Trombone 1: A4