Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz at Lincoln Center

Tenor saxophonist Benny Golson established himself as a major jazz composer within just a few years in the late 1950s. Early on his career, Golson had played in Tadd Dameron's band, and learned how to write melodious tunes with sophisticated harmonies. After, Golson spent an extended period of time playing and writing for Dizzy Gillespie's big band. Golson's big breakthrough was with Art Blakey's band, when many of his compositions became jazz standards.

This piece was first recorded by an all-star big band led by Quincy Jones, who also takes credit for the arrangement. Many of its effects came straight out of the Count Basie Orchestra of the 1950s. Writers such as Neal Hefti and Frank Foster created a handful of orchestral sounds and approaches (flutes, mutes, and varied textures) that came to define a specific part of the sound of jazz writing that exists to this day. This arrangement is very interesting and at times features unusual combinations of instruments.

Full Score
Woodwind 1: Alto Sax
Woodwind 2: Alto Sax/Flute
Woodwind 3: Tenor Sax
Woodwind 4: Tenor Sax
Woodwind 5: Bari Sax/Bass Clarinet
4 Trumpets
Horn in F
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: Cb5