Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

It is believed by some that Louis Armstrong's 1938 big band version of Struttin' with Some Barbecue surpasses the greatness of even the original Hot Five recording. Featuring one of Armstrong's most magisterial recorded trumpet solos, Chappie Willet's arrangement manages to sneak in some surprisingly modern touches in the ensemble portions.

Beginning with an ascending scale in the horns, Armstrong eventually launches into a solo break with some proto-bebop chromaticism before taking on a lead role atop the brass for the melody at measure 11. The saxes engage in some fleet-footed riffing in the background, but it's undoubtedly Armstrong's show throughout. Once the melody has wrapped up, Armstrong guides the trumpet section through a corkscrewing fanfare that ascends to a triumphant peak before yielding to a couple of woodwind solos. First up is a half chorus of clarinet at measure 55, immediately followed by a half chorus of alto sax at measure 71.

Returning at measure 87 is Armstrong, who holds a single note atop a rising ensemble figure before a key change four measures later. From here on out, the performance is all Armstrong, who solos for two full choruses while being galvanized by an increasingly raucous ensemble accompaniment. For the first chorus, Armstrong largely uses the melody as inspiration, while the second chorus is almost entirely improvised. Engaging in one of his trademark solo breaks at measure 147, the band eggs him on, culminating in an extended slide into a final thrilling high note for a most satisfying conclusion.

Note: On the original 1938 recording there was no baritone saxophone player; however, a baritone sax. part was copied at the time and the library number "51-C" handwritten on the part. The part mirrors the 1st alto part note-for-note. In addition, the clarinet double on tenor saxophone 1 is optional as this double occurs only for a solo section.

This publication was prepared using the original parts from Louis Armstrong's library. Thanks to the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc. for granting us permission to publish this arrangement.

Full Score
Solo Trumpet
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones (Tenor sax 1 has optional clarinet double)
Baritone Saxophone (Optional)
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Solo Trumpet: E6
Trumpet 1: C6
Trombone 1: G4
Trombone 3: Bb4