Edition: Jazz Nonet Arrangement

Description: Latin Funk - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

The boogaloo jazz craze that was kick started by Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" produced several attempts at copycats throughout the mid- to late-1960s. While some of these were more successful than others, pianist and composer Duke Pearson's knack for melodicism allowed his attempts at the genre to stand out in particular. One of the best examples of this is the title track from his 1965 album "Honeybuns."

The arrangement begins with an irresistibly catchy riff in the horns and piano. The equally catchy melody enters at measure 5, played by Johnny Coles on trumpet, George Coleman on tenor saxophone and Les Spann on flute. Harmonically, the melody is based on an extended G blues, with the form lasting for 24 measures as opposed to the traditional 12. Coles has a brief four measure solo sendoff before the form begins anew at measure 29. The melody is restated after the final solo, ending with an extended vamp and fade with Pearson lightly soloing over top of the riffing ensemble.

On the original recording. the only soloists are Coles on trumpet and Pearson on piano, with the saxophones playing the same introductory figure as a background. In this version, we have included solo chord changes in each part to allow for solos to be added or opened up. Background parts have also been added into the flute, trumpet and trombone parts in order to cover the harmonies in case one of the saxophonists is soloing.

The transcription has been done for the band's original instrumentation of trumpet, flute, alto, tenor, baritone, trombone, piano, bass and drums. An optional guitar part has also been included. We sincerely hope you enjoy playing this tune as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you!

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

Trumpet: Eb5