Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Ballad/Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Featuring a lush melody that sounds like it could have been used for a romantic scene in a movie or television show, Bob Florence's A Soundsketch was first recorded by his Limited Edition big band in 1982 for their album "Soaring." This recording features tenor sax legend Pete Christlieb, whose performance features an appropriately sultry edge throughout.

Things begin with a moody, extended chorale that sets the stage for the tenor sax solo melody at measure 9. Said melody is repeated twice, with the rest of the sax section joining underneath the tenor at measure 25 for a Woody Herman/"Four Brothers"-style ensemble soli. A four-measure piano interlude leads into an improvised tenor solo at measure 45 over the ballad tempo. The full ensemble returns at measure 61 for some backgrounds that start out as simple held tones, but eventually graduate to some gently syncopated hits. The real action during this segment happens in the rhythm section, where there is a shift to a double-time feel.

This shift evolves into a genuine double-time swing tempo at measure 77, where the tenor soloist steps into the background while the ensemble gets an effective, if mildly repetitive, shout chorus to themselves. Starting in the brass, the saxes join in a few measures later with a counter-line before everyone comes together in rhythmic unison at measure 93. The tenor solo resumes its place of prominence at measure 109 for another chorus, once again with some gentle accompaniment for horn backgrounds. A couple of dramatic ensemble blasts both conclude the tenor solo and return the chart to its original ballad tempo at measure 145. The ensemble roars at full strength at first, but the bottom drops out at measure 153 when the tenor soloist returns with the melody. The introduction is re-used to wrap things up, this time with the tenor soloing over top, concluding with a cadenza over an ensemble hold that starts sour but shortly resolves to sweet. Recorded by Bob Florence Ltd Edition on Soaring.

This new edition was based on the set of parts from Bob Florence's library - this is not a transcription.

Full Score
Woodwind 1: Alto Sax./Flute
Woodwind 2: Alto Sax./Flute
Woodwind 3: Tenor Sax.
Woodwind 4: Tenor Sax./Flute
Woodinwd 5: Baritone Sax./Bass Clarinet
Woodwind 6: Baritone Sax/Eb Contra Bass Clarinet
5 Trumpets (Trumpets 3 and 5 Double Flugelhorn)
4 Trombones
Guitar (Optional)
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: F6
Trumpet 2: Db6
Trombone 1: Bb4