Edition: Jazz Small Group Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Recorded on 1965's "Sweet Honey Bee," Duke Pearson's "Empathy" is a surprisingly modern tune by the pianist/composer's standards. It incorporates several of the innovations that were being pioneered by some of Pearson's more musically adventurous comrades on the Blue Note label, while still maintaining the classic amiable sound for which Pearson's tunes are revered.

The melody (stated by muted trumpet, flute and tenor sax) is accompanied by a churning 12/8 Latin groove and some open-ended modal harmonies. The bridge shifts into a slightly more traditional (but still slightly dissonant) harmonic palate before leading into the solo section. There should be a subtle intensity throughout the performance that stems not from pure volume, but emotion and rhythmic drive.

Originally recorded in a sextet format, we have included an alternate trombone part as a substitute for tenor sax, as well as an optional guitar part.

Full Score
Flute
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone (Optional)
Guitar (Optional)
Piano
Bass
Drums