Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Advanced

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

The Pellet Suite is not Rob McConnell's, but the composition of fellow trombonist Ian McDougall. "Ian's one of the great instrumentalists in the band, and now, by virtue of this piece, will be known as a great composer also. He's written many pieces for the band, and this is one that he got carried away with." Rob remembers Ian asking for some score paper, passing over a pad, and later getting it back a complete four part suite. It was originally even longer, then was succinctly edited for this recording. In live performance it still runs another six or seven minutes longer, allowing more freedom for the soloists. It should be explained the ‘Pellet’ is a BB, or a Boss Brass abbreviation. So, the Pellet Suite is a BB Suite, or a Boss Brass suite. A rose is a rose is a rose.

B.B. Gun is the suite's conclusion. Ian McDougall's chart moves from controlled chaos to resolution,
with, in Rob's words, "nobody needing Blue Cross, but maybe a little help to catch one's breath."

The original program notes by Ted O'Reilly for the LP release Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass Again Umbrella Records ©1978 have been edited.

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
5 Trumpets
2 Horns in F
4 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Percussion: Vibraphone, Congas
Drums

Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: Bb4