These 3 charts make up an excellent jazz festival program! While they are not too difficult to play, the writing is exceptional. Each chart provides for a well diverse program that is achievable by mid-level bands and enjoyable for all audiences.
Sierra Music recommends programming your festival performance in the following order:
Cool School Dropout - Les Hooper
This wonderful piece has it all! It is a medium swing tune with a very hip feel, fresh harmonic content, and a nice contemporary sound. There are lots of clever lines, solo space for tenor, short drum solo breaks, and very modest brass ranges (1st trumpet only an A above the staff). Rhythm parts are mostly all written out. 5-4-4-4
In Her Family - Pat Metheny
This is one of Pat's most haunting, pensive and beautiful ballads. It features a written piano solo throughout, accompanied by warm brass sounds and lush harmonies. Rhythm parts are completely written out. This chart will put goosebumps on your audiences! 5-4-4-4
Goin' On - Benny Carter
A great, swingin' chart to end your set with, this Benny Carter tune (as recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra) will infect your audiences to tap their toes and bob their heads from beginning to end! There is solo space for tenor and piano, with incredible ensemble writing that culminates in a smokin' shout chorus. This piece is very playable (trumpet to high C, only) and makes for a great addition to this festival set.
Cool School Dropout - Demo CD 116
In Her Family - Demo CD 103 & 105
Goin' On - Demo CD 116
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