Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Even-eighth (New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian and 2-3 streetbeat grooves) - Medium-Difficult

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

Commissioned by the Kentucky Music Educators Association for its 2021 All-State Jazz Ensemble I in February 2021, this piece is inspired by the spirited, funky piano styles of Dr. John, Professor Longhair, James Booker, Henry Butler, Harry Connick, Jr.; such drummers as Johnny Vidacovich, Ricky Sebastian, Willie Green (of the Neville Brothers), Zigaboo Modeliste; and the music of The Meters, the Neville Brothers, Lil' Queenie and the Percolators, and the Mardi Gras Indians, among many other artists. It's bluesy without being a blues!

Soloists could be almost anyone at any time due to the doubling of key background parts but are scored to feature Alto 1, Trumpet 2, Trombone 1, Tenor 1, Bass, and Piano. Everyone improvises collectively near the end of the chart. While the piano part is more challenging than that of the other bandmembers, the chart remains playable if the pianist is not as experienced: the right-hand melody alone can be performed. Or the provided cues for bass, optional guitar, and/or optional vibraphone can be utilized to fill in the pianist's material. An optional percussion part will add the colors of tambourine and cowbell to the mix; if the one-handed parts are too challenging, either two players could share the part, or the percussionist should choose solely the tambourine.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar (Optional)
Piano
Bass
Vibraphone (Optional)
Drums

Trumpet 1: C6
Trombone 1: C5