Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

Basie's Buddy 'B' is an up-tempo, swinging blues that can be customized to suit your ensemble. It opens with the rhythm section setting up the groove for one chorus followed by a written Basie-style piano solo. Remember that Freddie Green guitar comping consists of simple four-to-the-bar chords with down strokes only. At this tempo, strokes on 2 & 4 would be acceptable.

Solos are cued in first alto and tenor at measure 53; you can choose either one or have both players trade choruses. This section can be opened up and backgrounds played on the last two choruses. The piano solo brings the volume back down at measure 77, setting up the band for a gradual build under the trombone solo at measure 92. Feel free to substitute any solo instrument for this section.

The blues changes are fairly basic, making it easy to change soloists. As with all Basie style charts, close attention to dynamics are a must especially the subito mp sections...don't be afraid to exaggerate them. Buddy Rich's favorite bandleader was Count Basie. Buddy would cancel engagements of his own in order to fill in for an ailing or missing Basie drummer. They maintained a warm, mutual respect for each other from their first meeting and they remained close friends until their passing. They affectionately addressed each other as 'B,' hence the title of this chart. I've tried to combine elements of their big band styles here while leaving plenty of space for solos. If Basie and Buddy were still around I think they would have a ball playing this chart together.

-John La Barbera

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Trumpet 1: Bb5
Trombone 1: F4