With so much incredible music in the Sierra Music catalog, it is impossible to narrow it down to the 3 "best" charts. However, here are 3 amazing charts that were recorded by 3 great big bands and have gone down in history as some of the best big band music ever recorded. These charts will make for an exceptional festival program!
Sierra Music recommends programming your festival performance in the following order:
Moten Swing - Ernie Wilkins
As recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra on their album "Breakfast with Basie," this chart is the original version as played and recorded by them. There is wonderful roaring ensemble passages and soft, soft sections which will make your band shine. There is solos space for tenor, trumpet, and piano. This is classic "Basie Band" music at its best! 5-4-4-4
Always and Forever - Pat Metheny / arr. Curnow
As recorded on the album "Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band - Plays the Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays," this beautiful ballad has been scored to feature solo statements by flugelhorn, guitar, or alto saxophone (your choice). It is a warm, pensive ballad with lush, moving harmonies in the Metheny vernacular, and arranged for ease of performance and maximum emotional impact. This will bring chills to your audience! 5-4-4-4
Bemsha Swing - Thelonious Monk / arr. Holman
As recorded by the Bill Holman Band on their album "Brilliant Corners" (an incredible album dedicated to the music of Monk), this chart is explosive! This is Bill Holman at his finest as he sets this great Monk tune in a straight-eighth Latin feel. There is wonderful ensemble writing throughout, and solo space for alto, trumpet, piano and drums. This is a fantastic way to close any festival program and your audiences will absolutely love it! 5-4-4-3
Moten Swing - Demo CD 107
Always and Forever - Demo CD 103 & 104
Bemsha Swing - Demo CD 122
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