Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Samba/Swing - Advanced

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

 

Newly Engraved Edition for 2020!

 

Recorded by the Louie Bellson Big Band on their 1979 album Dynamite, the word "explosive" is a highly accurate description for Don Menza's Sambandrea Swing. The chart switches back and forth between samba and swing feels multiple times, but the energy level starts off at high-octane levels and does not relent one bit throughout the performance.

The brisk introductory theme switches back and forth between 4/4 and 6/4 time before settling into a more consistent 4/4 samba groove at measure 12. A drum solo sets up the main melody at measure 29. The melody is handled by baritone sax and bass trombone, with multiple layers of counterpoint gradually stacking on top. The first layer is flutes and Harmon muted trumpets at the pickups to measure 45 the first time, the second is tenor sax, open trumpets, and trombones the second time at measure 29. The full band comes together at measure 83 following another drum solo to set up the shift to a swing feel. This exciting mini-shout ultimately culminates in an open solo section at measure 105 that returns to the samba feel. On the original recording, the solo order is tenor sax, trumpet and trombone for a chorus a piece, but you may obviously customize this to your own liking.

Following the final horn solo, the drums once again get a shot to show off. Following this open drum solo, a heavy backbeat feel (aided by some rhythmic slaps from the guitar and bass) set up a challenging unison horn line at measure 167. The rhythm section returns to providing harmonic accompaniment at measure 199, with the horns splitting back into harmony themselves shortly thereafter. Yet another drum break sets up the climactic shout chorus at measure 217. Returning to a swing feel, this section is pure, unadulterated big band fun, and should be performed with an appropriate level of energy and enthusiasm. The introductory theme returns, with slight harmonic alterations, to serve as a conclusion at measure 264.

This arrangement has been prepared from Don Menza's original sketch score and parts - this is not a transcription. Alto 1 doubles on piccolo, Alto 2 and Tenor 2 double on flute.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 1 Doubles Piccolo/Alto Sax 2 Doubles Flute)
2 Tenor Saxophones (Tenor Sax 2 Doubles Flute)
Baritone Saxophone
5 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1-2: E6
Trumpet 3-5: D#6
Trombone 1 - D5