From the inimitable Louis Armstrong, we have his big band version of Ain't Misbehavin'. This arrangement is not Armstrong's classic version from 1929, but rather a full big band chart that was part of his big band's book in 1943-44. Of particular note is a young Dexter Gordon taking the tenor solo for the recording.
From one of our favorites, we have A Bientot from the great Oliver Nelson. This Billy Taylor composition was arranged & recorded by Nelson in 1961 & released on his Fantabulous album. This arrangement is primarily a tenor saxophone feature, originally written by Nelson to feature himself.
All Jazz Lines Publications above were prepared using original scores and/or parts from the recording sessions; these are not transcriptions.
The latest from Walrus Music Publishing & our friend John La Barbera is the challenging samba Cachaga Gotcha. John says: "This hard driving samba gives the alto soloist a lot of opportunities for improvisation & the drummer some space to shine. It's a challenge for the whole ensemble but especially the brass."
Hal Leonard has two particularly interesting new releases this month. One is a great new chart on the Antonio Carlos Jobim classic Dindi. With standard big band instrumentation, this Paul Murtha chart can feature vocals or tenor sax. Another fine new offering from Michele Fernández is her medium easy Dominican merengue, Bravito! Great yet accessible parts for all sections & your rhythm section will be on fire.
New from Doug Beach Music is another original from Doug, Bring it On. This is a straight-ahead swinger that burns from the opening notes to the final chord. Has a strong melody, a sizzling unison ensemble line, lots of full ensemble, & there’s plenty of room to feature your soloists as well.
Finally, from Ryan Fraley and HX Music we have another interesting piece, a funk/fusion take on Fascinating Rhythm. Catchy bass lines, a solid half-time groove, & clever nods to Gershwin's original masterpiece promise a fun & fascinating musical journey. Easy syncopations keep the groove in the pocket.
The Thad Jones Anthology: 82 Original Small-Group Compositions
Thad's Original Recorded Versions; Note for Note
The Thad Jones Anthology: 82 Original Small Group Compositions brings definitive versions of small-group Thad Jones compositions the wider attention & recognition that they deserve. They are transcribed as precisely as possible from the original recorded versions. These are Thad’s original versions, note for note. Includes a discography, listing source recordings for all compositions in this volume, as well as a Thad Jones biography, & information about the Thad Jones Archive at William Paterson U.
The transcriptions provided here contain the details needed to create a full performance of each tune. This book uses a lead sheet format throughout. Two- or three-horn tunes are written using single staves; four- or five-horn tunes use a grand staff format to separate the horns. Some of the multi-horn tunes would undoubtedly be better expressed with a full score & parts, which is not possible here due to the limitations of space and length.
