Edition: Jazz Octet Arrangement [Saxophone Quintet with Rhythm Section]

Description: Swing - Advanced

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

After almost forty years, these classic arrangements by Med Flory of Charlie Parker solos harmonized for five saxophones are available for students and professionals.

The idea for celebrating the creativity of Parker goes back to 1956. According to Flory, he began transcribing the solos from a set of records that were sold to him by the alto saxophonist Joe Maini. He wrote three arrangements and Flory, Maini, Joe Kennedy, Richie Kamuca and Bill Hood ran them down for fun. Bassist Buddy Clark heard them and suggested Flory create a whole book of such solos. But it wasnt until the early 70s that Supersax really came together. Flory and company rehearsed in his home for over a year until Florys wife finally suggested that they play at a club in Los Angeles called Dontes. The reception was phenomenal, and the group soon made its first album, Supersax Plays Bird for Capitol Records. Supersax toured all over the world and has recorded nine albums to date; in 1974, one of them won a Grammy award.

The original scores and parts (where available) were used as the main sources for these publications.

This arrangement of 'Now's the Time' was recorded on the 1977 record 'Chasin' the Bird.' We also have a big band version of this arrangement. Med Flory adapted it for his big band, though it was never recorded. See catalog number JLP-8147.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
Piano
Bass
Drums