Edition: Jazz Septet Arrangement

Description: Slow Blues - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Duke Pearson's 1968 album 'The Right Touch' is rightly considered one of his finest efforts as a leader. Featuring an all-star lineup of horn players, a rock-solid and sympathetic rhythm section, and a brilliant set of Pearson's original compositions and arrangements, this album continues to hold up as an outstanding example of late 1960s hard bop.

The almost oppressively slow tempo of 'Scrap Iron' allows Pearson and his cohorts to operate at their blusiest throughout. The melody is fairly simple and low-key, but should definitely be approached with an appropriate level of attitude. Pearson provides fills around the melody, which is only stated once.

It seems only appropriate that the solo section on the original recording is led off by Stanley Turrentine's endlessly soulful tenor saxophone. Turrentine plays two choruses, followed by one chorus of Pearson with some soft, simple horn backgrounds underneath. The melody is repeated once more after the piano solo. A simple couple of gospel-inspired chords give Turrentine's muscular tenor one last spotlight before things wrap up.

This arrangement is written for septet. An optional guitar part has been included. Chord changes have been included in each part to allow for the solo section to be opened up as much as you wish.

Full Score
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Guitar (Optional)
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet: D5