Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Lush Life Music

Here is Lush Life Music's transcription of Ray Anthony's version of the traditional spiritual, Dry Bones. The original arrangement was probably scored by Ray Anthony & Phil Scott. It starts in the key of Gb and modulates chromatically upwards to Bb throughout the chart, before reprising to Gb for the close. As with many Anthony arrangements of the period, such as Thunderbird, the chart opens with a rumbling baritone riff which is sustained into the first chorus, under unison trombones overlaid by muted trumpets on the repeat. The next passage (in G) is taken by a trumpet leading four reeds, followed by (in Ab) an ad-lib tenor solo backed by trombones. A trumpet solo (in A) follows, backed by the reeds. Then comes unison reeds backed by trombones, repeated (in Bb) with full brass backing. The chart finishes with a shift back to Gb for a reprise of the opening overlaid with a muted trumpet solo, and a short tutti flourish to the finish. Whilst the tenor solo is ad-lib, the original Ray Anthony trumpet solos are written out (on the 3rd part), though these can be improvised using the chords provided. There are no sax doubles.

Duration: 3:08.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpets 1-4: C6, A5, B5, F5
Trombones 1-4: Bb4, G4, F4, D4