Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Fusion - Difficult

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

MANSTAE II is vintage 70s/80s fusion - think Chick Corea's high energy Return To Forever and/or Brecker Brothers - with some symphonic overtones. Playable at collegiate and professional levels, as well as by top high school ensembles, the piece is scored for an expanded ensemble (including 2 piccolo/flute parts, 4 horns, tuba and 3 additional percussion) but can be performed by standard big band instrumentation. The introduction immediately sets the tone in intensity and harmonic grist, before going into the 16th note laden melodic riff (primarily carried by trumpet/alto/tenor 'front line') in an AAB/AAB form peppered by the full band before giving way to a tutti C theme. The full band sendoff into the soprano sax solo has a 12/8 feel to it, which returns after said solo to set up an unusual ensemble feature full of 'epic movie/classical' scoring (loads of brass, 2 piccolos, percussion – the works!). The guitar or synth solo follows. A five - soprano sax (alternate parts are provided) unison soli (w/guitar optional) interrupts the solo, which then finishes with drum fills over ensemble stop time, and a return to an AABC high powered statement of the melody and 12/8 ending. Suitable for festivals, guest soloists, and as an opener/closer or unique change of pace! Lead trumpet up to high written E6, 2nd trumpet up to written C#6, lead trombone to B4. Quarter note = 144 but can be played a bit slower than that if desired. 

Soloists: soprano sax, guitar or synth, drums (w/gtr. or synth on latter part of solo). Saxes: Sax 1 is soprano; Saxes 2, 3, 4 and 5 have a soprano sax double for the sax soli (yes 5 sopranos!) but there are alternate parts provided for those saxes with no doubles. 5 Trumpets (trumpet 2 has some the featured melodic content), 4 Trombones, Tuba (optional) Note: the trombones have some of the horns in F cues if no horns available. Other optional parts: 4 Horns in F, Piccolo, Flute/Piccolo, Percussion 1, 2 & 3. Rhythm Section: Electric/Acoustic Piano with Synth for opt. solo, Guitar (preferably fusion sound), Electric Bass, Drums Live demo recording by Eastman Jazz Ensemble I, the late Rayburn Wright directing, from the 'Holiday!' album (used by permission).

Full Score
Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone (with optional Soprano Saxophone Double)
2 Tenor Saxophones (Both with optional Sopranos Saxophone Doubles)
Baritone Saxophone (Optional Soprano Saxophone Double)
5 Trumpets (Trumpet 5 doubles Flugelhorn)
4 Trombones
Tuba
Guitar
Electric/Acoustic Piano
Electric Bass
Drums
3 Percussion (Optional)
Piccolo (Optional)
Flute/Piccolo (Optional)
4 Horns in F (Optional)

Trumpet 1: E6
Trumpet 2: C#6
Trombone 1: B4