DEVELOPING JAZZ ENSEMBLE SERIES
AND ALL THAT JAZZ. John Edmonson.In the style of the great Fletcher Henderson big band of the 1930s, this chart alternates between a two-beat feel and a swing four - just what your group needs to learn! The rhythm section drop-out on the second chorus under a tutti shout section introduces a trumpet soli or solo. Your audience won't be able to sit still on this one! [2:19]
INDIGO BLUE John Edmonson.What a terrific way to teach the laid back ballad style of Neal Hefti's "Li'l Darlin'!" The rhythm section has a brief soli section in the Shearing style, and you are encouraged to add vibe, if you have one. Relax and enjoy this dreamy jazz ballad! [3:36]
SANTA'S HOUSETOP CAPER arr. Edmondson. The perfect holiday season chart for your Christmas concert, this arrangement features two swing versions of the all-time favorites "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" and "Up On The Housetop!" Santa brought the Pink Panther with him on this one! [3:03]
BALLAD FOR BJ. John Edmonson.Here is the ideal trumpet feature  either as a solo spot for your best player, or as a feature for the entire section. The trombones and saxes are also featured briefly as relief for trumpet chops that tire easily. This could be the perfect contrasting selection for concert, festival or contest and will easily impress your audience. Don't miss it! [3:27]
BILLY BOY. arr. Edmondson.Jazz giants, like The Red Garland Trio (The Miles Davis rhythm section in the 1950s) and the Ahmad Jamal Trio have both used this old folk favorite as a vehicle for unusual jazz stylings, and now it's this writer's turn! Written solos for both the trumpet and sax sections, plus brief solo piano spots, offer great training experience for young players in an easy swing chart that really cooks! [3:32]
BLUES FOR BJ. John Edmonson.Every band needs an easy blues opener, and this has it all! Easy sax unison melody (the brass has a shot at it, too), punchy brass and piano fills, tutti band solo lead-ins with no rhythm, eyebrow-raising drum fills and an easy "no rhythm section" shout closing chorus that will rock the house. You absolutely cannot miss with this one! [2:00]
CARLI. John Edmondson.A sophisticated ballad reminiscent of the style of the Hollywood films of the 40s and 50s, this easy chart for first year jazz band will set the style for years to come. Gorgeous! [3:45]
DIMPLES. John Edmonson.An up-tempo program number is a must, and this is the easiest one you will find. Solos for trumpet, sax and trombone, with Basie piano fills in an original Neal Hefti style jazz tune will have everyone jumping! [2:10]
GREENSLEEVES arr. Edmondson. With great reverence for the earliest known folk song, this arranger has used the jazz waltz style and his skill ar re-harmonizing melodies to present this unique jazz setting. Two swing/four spots for a sax soloist, or a unison section feature, add variety and excitement, and its ease of preparation make it ideally suited for any beginning jazz ensemble. [2:05]
HOME COOKIN' John Edmondson. Young jazz groups just getting started rarely have the chance to cut loose with an up tempo chart, but this one fills the bill with ease! Sort of a gospel shout style, it features choruses for solo or unison trumpets and trombones, and it really cooks, Don't miss this one! [2:50]
JAZZ CAT. John Edmonson.This best-selling concert band piece from 1993 has been cleverly adapted for easy jazz band, and the "Pink Panther" style of Henry Mancini is apparent. A brief tenor sax solo and the switching from major to minor will keep young players on their toes. Performers and audiences will all love it! [2:30]
JAZZ CHACONNE. John Edmondson.Adapted from an earlier jazz work for concert band, this easy original swing chart is in the style of the Fletcher Henderson big band of the 1930s and 1940s. Written out solos for the entire trumpet and saxophone sections provide improv and jazz style development opportunities, along with tutti ensemble training in a very easy setting. Your audience will be truly impressed! [3:20]
SNEAKY PETE. John Edmondson. "Sneaky Pete" is slang for a cheap wine, but this chart is actually vintage stuff! What a great way to learn important jazz articulations, style and counting skills (they get partial triplet pick-ups to ponder!). Solo or unison section feature spots for sax and trumpet, plus enough excitement for any young jazz group and its audience. [3:00]
SWINGLE ALL THE WAY arr. Edmondson.Add some swingle to your jingle with this holiday favorite  all jazzed up! Featuring cup muted brass, trumpet solo or section feature and a re-harmonized final chorus that will raise a few eyebrows, this is a must for your winter concert! [3:00]
WON'T YOU COME HOME, BILL BASIE arr. Edmondson.You won't believe it! "Bill Bailey" in an easy swing setting that features typical Count Basie piano fills (written out, of course) plus a tight ensemble second chorus that will make you want to get up and dance! Easy to play and great sounding  just what beginning jazz players need! [3:10]

DEVELOPING JAZZ ENSEMBLE SERIES
CHICAGO (That Toddling Town) arr. John Edmondson.A favorite for jazz bands and singers since the 1920s, this new swinging chart features intriguing rhythms, Shearing-style rhythm soli section and sax section soli or solo. This one never let's up, and will make a great opener! Don't miss it! [2:58]
ST. LOUIS BLUES arr. John Edmondson.A JAZZ ENCORE from 2001, this chart features alternating rock and swing styles and is a certified hit in this series. For those directors who may have missed this winner the first time around, here is the perfect opener for any program! Grab it before it's gone! [3:17]
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME arr. John Edmondson.A JAZZ ENCORE from 2001, this arrangement opens with a quote from the original tune, and then falls into a swing groove that will have the hometown fans dancing in the aisles instead of eating their popcorn and Cracker Jack! The perfect pep band piece! [2:15]
AFTER YOU'VE GONE arr. John Edmondson. This great standard has been arranged in a new setting that really swings! The extended time treatment makes it very easy to play, and it features solos for sax and trumpet that may be played as written or improvised. It even has a gang vocal  "one more time"  a la Basie's April In Paris. [3:00]
BOSSA BRAZILIA. John Edmondson. In the best tradition of the Brazilian jazz style, this original bossa nova introduces this important Latin style to young jazz players in an easy linear setting that is easy to prepare and a joy to perform. Great program contrast, too! [3:12]
HEFTI'S HIDEOUT John Edmondson. Neal Hefty is simply one of the greatest jazz tune writers of our time. Neal wrote such great jazz charts as Li'L Darlin', Cute, The Kid From Red Bank (for Basie) and movie and television themes, like Harlow, The Odd Couple, Batman, and many others. This modest tribute will introduce your young jazz players to this important talent. [3:32]
MAC DADDY. John Edmondson. An up tempo blues chart in the style of the "mac-daddy" of them all  Count Basie. This easy winner has everything  written out solos(with room for more, if you want), a great shout chorus and a big ending. What else do your need for a terrific presentation of your jazz group? [3:00]
MARGIE arr. John Edmondson. The Dave Brubeck Quartet recently revived this popular jazz tune from the 1920s, and this writer has arranged it in the style of the late great Billy May, with swooping saxes, punchy brass figures and contrasting rhythmic styles that typified that amazing writer's work. Go for it! [2:48]
ON STATE STREET. John Edmondson.Inspired by the driving Chico O'Farrill chart for the Basie band on Chicago (That Toddling Town), this swing original features the sax section prominently, along with a short trumpet solo or unison section feature, with lots of Basie style piano fills. Open with this, and you may start the next great Chicago fire! [2:10]
POOR BUTTERFLY arr. Edmondson. Countless recordings and arrangements of this great standard attest to its timeless quality. This treatment, reminiscent of the great Les & Larry Elgart Band of the 1950s, offers a written out trumpet solo or unison section feature that will challenge your players and thrill your listeners. The varied articulation styles are fine training tools for better ensemble precision. Impressive! [3:20]
THE SHEIK arr. John Edmondson. The Sheik of Araby is a venerable jazz tune in a new swinging big band setting that features tutti sax section, a brief trumpet solo and a shout ending that will bring any audience to its feet! Don't miss this great opener! [2:10]
SILENT NIGHT arr. Edmondson.Perhaps the most revered Christmas carol of all time, the jazz waltz treatment of this melody demonstrates the versatility of this simple tune in a dramatic setting that will delight your audience. This could be the highlight of your holiday concert, and the ease of preparation will save lots of time. Don't miss this one! [2:45]
SLAM DUNK. John Edmondson.Your jazz band will score points with this original tune inspired by Basie's "Shiny Stockings". Cup muted brass, tight sax ensemble scoring and a trumpet solo or section feature highlight this chart. Everyone's toes will be tapping as your band grabs hold of this mellow swing style! [3:10]
ST. LOUIS BLUES arr. John Edmondson.This enduring blues standard by W. C. Handy has got to be on your next concert! The opening minor verse is in a kicking rock style, and the major blues that follows is in a driving swing. Featuring trumpet and trombone solos or section features, you can open it up for other soloists. Perfect! [3:25]
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME arr. John Edmondson.Don't let the original waltz intro fool you  this chart crackles when it starts to swing! With a great trumpet solo or section feature, this is terrific for pep bands, concerts and festivals! It will knock the audiences Red or White Sox off! [2:20]
TWEAK IT. John Edmondson.Louis Prima lives! The shuffle rhythm style made famous by this jazz giant can now be learned by your band. The infectious blues tune opens with a trio of muted trumpet, alto and tenor, then builds all the way to the end. Plus, it can be opened up for all your soloists. A real crowd pleaser! [2:35]
YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU arr. Edmondson.Made famous by the late, great Harry James, this classic ballad has been tastefully arranged to encourage a new generation of trumpet players. A fantastic programming choice for any concert! And if that isn't enough, there's a terrific sax ensemble chorus too! [3:10]

12 September 2007