Please click here to view our February Jazz Publishing Newsletter, sent on Tuesday, February 25th.

FEBRUARY NOTES: Brand new is Fletcher Henderson's arrangement of Just You, Just Me as written for Benny Goodman. If it weren't for the hard-swinging arrangements of Fletcher Henderson, there's a good chance that Benny Goodman would never have claimed the 'King of Swing' moniker during the 1930s. This arrangement of Just You, Just Me features several Henderson hallmarks, and will make a fine addition to your band's program, either for a dance band gig or a more formal concert setting.

Our latest Jazz Lines Publications releases also feature one from Louis Armstrong, Ain't Misbehavin'. This arrangement is not Armstrong's classic version from 1929, but rather a full big band arrangement that was part of his big band's book in 1943-44. Of particular note is a young Dexter Gordon takes the tenor solo for the recording. This was originally written as both a vocal and trumpet feature for Louis Armstrong. Recognizing that most bands don't have a trumpet soloist who also sings, a separate vocal part is included.This publication was prepared from the original set of parts used for the 1943-44 live perfomances and recording session - this is not a transcription.

We also have another fantastic chart we have published from the classic 1963 Ella and Basie record. The naturally bluesy qualities of Fats Waller's Ain't Misbehavin' are ramped up to their maximum potential in this Quincy Jones arrangement for Ella Fitzgerald and the Count Basie Orchestra. Taken at a slow swing feel, it's a mostly manageable technical performance, with the challenge primarily stemming from keeping your band's approach stylistically appropriate. This publication was prepared from the original set of parts used for the 1963 recording session - this is not a transcription. The vocal key is F. We have added this to our Ella and Basie Seven Arrangement Set, which is now right below in revised form.

We have another from Tony Bennett, When You're Smiling. This swinging Al Cohn arrangement was written for the 1966 TV special 'Singer Presents Tony Bennett.' This special, sponsored by the Singer sewing machine company, featured Ralph Burns conducting. The arrangement was written for a studio orchestra including 4 horns in F and strings; however, the strings play for only five measures total and cues for the horn parts have been added to the trombones. So, this arrangement may be played with standard big band instrumentation. This publication was prepared from Al Cohn's pencil score - this is not a transcription. The vocal key is Bb.

Also new from Jazz Lines Publications is A Bientot. This Billy Taylor composition (first recorded by Taylor in 1955) was arranged and recorded by Oliver Nelson in 1961 and released on his Fantabulous album. This arrangement is primarily an alto saxophone feature, originally written by Nelson to feature himself. It was prepared using Oliver Nelson's pencil score and the set of parts that were used for the recording session - this is not a transcription. An optional guitar part is included.

Benny Carter's available sax ensemble with rhythm repertoire are increased by one as well, with the recent releases of Honeysuckle Rose and Ain't Misbehavin'. The swinging saxophone quartet arrangement of Honeysuckle Rose was written for his 1961 album Further Definitions that featured Phil Woods, Charlie Rouse, and Coleman Hawkins. This arrangement has an open solo section. Ain't Misbehavin' was arranged for Benny's 1988 album Over the Rainbow.

MORE NEW MUSIC: We have a new vocal (or tenor sax) feature chart on one of the best-known songs from the great Antonio Carlos Jobim, Brazil's king of the bossa nova, his masterful Dindi. With more standard instrumentation than the Jobim original version, this should open up the song's availability up to countless more bands. And with Jobim's best, this is a fabulous happening for music everywhere! We also have another brand new original from Michele Fernández, Bravito! Teach your early jazz players authentic Merengue style with this fiery Latin original. Great yet accessible parts for all sections and your rhythm section will be on fire. Open solos for all sections and a fun opportunity for the trumpets to make verbal shaker sounds. Lead trumpet plays E, lead bone plays Eb.

RECENT HIGHLIGHT: The Thad Jones Anthology: 82 Original Small-Group Compositions has become one of our most popular releases in two short months. Please click here to view this instant must-have volume in paper and PDF download formats.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to see our giant new collection of over 900 of Hal Leonard's jazz arrangements in instantly downloadable PDF format.