Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing/Waltz - Advanced

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Originally written for and recorded by the Buddy Rich Orchestra, this version of Bob Florence's Willowcrest is an updated arrangement that was recorded by Florence's Limited Edition on their 1987 album Trash Can City. Its brisk pace and dramatic intensity make for a challenging but highly enjoyable experience for players and listeners alike.

An ominous bass ostinato nicely sets the tone for the arrival of a moody melody in the alto and tenor saxophones at measure 17. The tune's A section is a G minor blues, while the bridge is an open-ended vamp that alternates between C minor and major. Each section sees another layer of ensemble complexity (and volume) added in, reaching a fake-out climax at measure 83. The first ensemble shout chorus begins here, with the volume suddenly dropping off. Although the full ensemble is present at first, the saxes take center stage at measure 107, giving the brass a chance to rest up for the rest of the performance. The sax soli is largely motivic in nature, with lots of repetitive figures, but will still provide a technical challenge due to the brisk pace.

The arrangement's middle section is focused on two full choruses of improvised solos - the first chorus a trombone solo, the second an alto sax solo. The backgrounds are, for the most part, not overly intrusive, but provide enough of a galvanizing effect to spur on each soloist. A substantially re-harmonized version of the melody appears at measure 299, with the full ensemble playing at warm, rich unison atop the continuously churning rhythm section. Things slowly build to a boiling point before a drum solo sets up a full-blast shout chorus at measure 335. Keep an eye out for the 5/4 bars that are strewn in at a few different spots.The rhythm section winds things down for one last quick melody statement at measure 339, before building up once more at measure 423 for an appropriately exciting conclusion.

This publication was prepared using the original set of parts from Bob Florence's library - this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 1 Doubles Soprano Sax)
2 Tenor Saxophones
2 Baritone Saxophones
5 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: A6
Trumpet 3: E6
Trombone 1: Bb4