NEW RELEASES 2007 - 2007

Bill Holman Series

Sunshinola. Grade 5
As recorded on the new CD "Hommage", Holman has written a witty, musical, fun-filled "fantasy" on the well-known American tune (as in "You are my....") with lots of space for creative playing, and the wonderful contrapuntal writing that we have come to expect from Holman. The chart features solo space for alto saxophone, trombone, bass and drums. A medium swing feel makes this one swing like crazy! This requires flute on the alto 1 and 2 parts and clarinet on the baritone part. 5-4-4-4
Zamboni. Grade 5
What a marvellous chart this is! The "engine" which keeps on going is a 4-bar vamp in the rhythm section. It occurs throughout the piece and ties everything together beautifully. Set in a bright swinging tempo, the chart opens with 8 bars of brushes and swings on from there. There is also solo space for tenor saxophone. Holman uses some marvellous brass effects all through the piece. This requires soprano saxophone on the alto 1 and 2 parts. 5-4-4-4

Fred Sturm Series
Ubertango. Astor Piazzolla / arr. Fred Sturm. Grade 4
As recorded on "Libertango ! Hommage to Astor Piazzolla" by the HP Big Band (Germany), this arrangement will surely lift your audiences out of their seats. It features a main soloist of your choice (originally recorded with bandoneon solo) and another solo for tenor saxophone. Various parts are included for different soloists to use. This marvellous arrangement opens with warm sounds in clarinets, muted trombones and flugelhorns behind the beautiful melody stated by the primary soloist. The setting is a medium tango, with a short, exciting swing section near the end of the chart. Once the piece moves into a strong, rock-fusion feel, there is no turning back. You and your band will love this chart.   This requires clarinet doubles on the top 3 saxophone parts and bass clarinet on the baritone part. There is also a mallet part {marimba, vibes and xylophone). 5-4-4-5

Jazz Masters Series
Opals. Frank Strazzeri / arr. Rob Pronk. Grade 4
Bill Perkins recorded this stunning, swinging arrangement with the Metropole Orchestra. Although there is solo space for tenor saxophone, the real "star" of this arrangement is the whole ensemble. Rob Pronk, one of the finest composer/arrangers on the planet, scored the entire album for Perk, and this chart is sensational, not only because of Pronk's work, but also because of the wonderful composition that Strazzeri created. This may turn out to be your most favourite big band chart ever.... no kidding.

Doc Severinsen Series
Begin the Beguine. arr by Bill Holman. Grade 5
As recorded on "Tonight Show Band, Vol. 1" (Amherst), Holman has set this wonderful standard in a hard-driving swing, with lots of great ensemble section writing. The piece features a challenging trumpet solo and also a tenor saxophone solo. This chart was played on-air countless times on the old Carson show. Johnny loved it, and so will you and your band. 5-5-4-4
Bugle Call Rag. arr. by Bill Holman. Grade 5
As recorded by the Tonight Show Band on "Once More With Feeling" (Amherst), this wonderful chart is the hottest "flag-waver" of all time. Holman starts things out with the trumpet section's "call to arms," and things swing on from there. There is, of course, a trumpet solo and also room for an extensive tenor saxophone solo. Everything builds to a strong, exciting ending. You'll love it. 5-5-
The Doctor is Out.  Bob Cumow. Grade 4-5
This was written for Doc to be premiered at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Conference. It is a bright, swinging chart that features trumpet throughout (of course). This can be performed with an out-in-front soloist or within the trumpet section with 4 players only. The harmonic pattern is terrific, and there is a lot of room for the soloist to improvise.   The band parts are not too difficult. 5-5-4-4
Honeysuckle Rose. arr. by Bill Holman, Grade 5
As recorded by the Tonight Show Band on "Once More With Feeling" (Amherst), this is a bright swing chart that is a blast. Bill Holman is at his best, weaving descending unison lines with the tune stated by trumpet and tenor sax (both of which are given solo space). Fats Waller would have loved this, especially the great "shout" chorus. Reasonable ranges throughout. 5-5-4-3
Just Friends. arr. by Tommy Newsom. Grade 4-5
As recorded by the Tonight Show Band on "Once More With Feeling" (Amherst), this is one of Tommy's "classic" charts Swinging, inventive and just plain wonderful. The arrangement moves through a series of key changes to great effect, and there is solo space for trumpet. The ensemble writing is superb, and swings out to a great ending. Johnny Carson loved this chart. You will too.    5-5-4-4
0 Sole Mio (Pro). arr. by Bob Curnow. Grade 4
If you're familiar with the great chart on "I Can't Stop loving You" that was created for the Basie Band, then you know what this one is about, this tune is set in a heavy shuffle feel, with lots of Basle-type, swinging ensemble work. This was written especially to feature Doc at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Conference, and trumpet is featured throughout. This one comes with a guarantee that your audiences will love it. 5-5-4-4
Oblivion (Pro). Astor Piazzolla - arr. by Bob Curnow. Grade 4Piazzolla wrote many beautiful melodies, and this one is perhaps the most haunting. This particular arrangement was written for Doc Severinsen, and is a flugelhorn solo throughout, with very reasonable ranges for all. This is one of those rare charts that is easy to play but will be an appropriate part of any big band library. Piazzolla's music is very popular, and this chart will thrill your band and your audiences .guaranteed}.   5-5-4-4
Poor Butterfly. arr. by John Bambridge. Grade 4-5
As recorded by the Tonight Show Band on "Once More With Feeling" (Amherst), John's arrangement (to quote Doc Severinsen), is a "masterpiece"  We agree with that. The trumpet solo part is very short and can easily be played within a section of 4 trumpets. Wonderful ensemble writing is the key feature of this marvellous arrangement. It moves beautifully through a series of key changes, with lead tpt. only to a written high D. This is a very playable and special chart.   5-4-4-3
Serenade in Blue. arr. by Bill Holman. Grade 4
As recorded on "Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2" (Amherst), Holman has created a warm and wonderful chart on this superb standard. Set in a "swingy ballad" feel, it features a short trumpet solo (in the 1st tpt. part), with mostly ensemble playing throughout. Standard saxophone parts are available, or you can use the parts with the clarinet doubles in 4 parts and bs. cl. in the baritone part. 5-4-4-4
St. Louis Blues. arr. by Bill Holman. Grade 5
As recorded by the Tonight Show Band on "Once More With Feeling" (Amherst), Holman takes a fresh look at this wonderful old jazz standard. Lots of flexible solo space and roaring "shout" choruses make this chart everything you've come to expect from Bill Holman and more.     5-5-4-3
Stardust. arr. by Tommy Newsom. Grade 4-5
As recorded on "Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2" (Amherst), this wonderful arrangement by the late, great Tommy Newsom features trumpet throughout. There is marvellous ensemble writing, set in a "swingy ballad" feel. It is very rare to have such a masterful big band chart on such a well-known standard tune. 5-5-4-3
Take the "A" Train. arr. by Bill Holman. Grade 5
As recorded on "Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2" (Amherst), this chart won a Grammy for best big band arrangement. Holman took this great standard, put it in 3/4, and wrote scintillating counter lines that weave their way through the whole arrangement. Solo space for trumpet, and roaring ensemble passages make this chart something that should be in every big band library in the world. 5-5-4-3
The World is Waiting for the Sunrise. arr. by Bill Holman. Grade 5
This wonderful chart is recorded on "Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2" (Amherst). Once again, Holman takes a fresh look at a great standard tune. Although the piccolo, flute and clarinet doubles make this a special chart, the piece can be easily and effectively performed without the doubles. This moves from a quasi rock feel into a fast swing. There is solo space for trumpet and tenor saxophone.   5-4-4-3

Stan Kenton Series
Artistry in Percussion. Pete Rugolo Grade 5
As recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra on "Artistry in Rhythm" (and many other CDs). This classic composition was written to feature Shelley Manne on drumset. This new edition was created, with full score/parts, in Finale for a Hollywood Bowl Kenton tribute conducted by Bob Curnow and performed by Peter Erskine. This is an historically important work that is GREAT fun to perform. 5-5-5-3 (no piano)
Tico Tico arr. by Bill Holman. Grade 5
As recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra (Creative World CD) on  "Live at Redlands University",   this chart is a rip-roaring latin and swing chart that just flies along. There is solo space for alto sax, trumpet and drums. Stan used to play this chart a lot, and his audiences always went crazy. 1st tpt. has a couple of high E's, but, other than that, range should not be a problem. 5-5-5-3(needs 10 brass)
Turtle Talk. Dee Barton. Grade 5-6
As recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra (Creative World CD) on  "Adventures in Jazz" (and elsewhere), this may well be the best thing Pee ever wrote for Stan. Blazing brass, a whole-tone melody, lots of solo space for alto, trumpet and trombone, and amazing ensemble writing make this chart a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This new edition is now available, for the first time, with a full score and set of parts, notated in Finale. Any Kenton Tribute performance must include this chart. 5-5-5-3
Tuxedo Junction arr. by Gene Roland. Grade 4-5
This was recorded on the Stan Benton Orchestra CD "Live at the Tropicana." This is a very hip version of the old jazz standard. It is set at a moderate swing tempo, and there is solo space for trumpet, trombone, tenor sax and an Intro by bass alone. The solos have been transcribed and are Included on the parts. An additional set of trumpet parts (along with the original versions) are provided to make this much more playable. It still swings like crazy. A refreshing, wonderful look at an oft-played tune. 5-5-5-3 (can be played with & brass)

Pat Metheny Series
Chet's Call. Metheny & Mays/arr. Bob Curnow. Grade 4
This piece was never recorded by the Pat Metheny Group. It was "lost In history" until discovered on a 1935 radio transcription. Pat says this was written for a gig with Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins and Chet Baker "that never happened." It is a wonderful, swinging tune that has solo space for alto sax, trumpet (or trombone) and drums. "Chet's Call" is a very playable piece, with limited range concerns. This is a side of Pat & Lyle that is rarely heard these days. A great tune!   5-4-4-4
Heat Of The Day. The - Metheny & Mays/arr. Bob Curnow. Grade 5
If you know "The First Circle" or "Minuano," then you'll have some sense of what this incredible composition is all about. The chart is almost 700 measures long, and it contains all of the elements that we've come to expect from Metheny & Maysa latin/fusion feel, meter changes, amazingly expressive moods, and very, very exciting music. If your band wants another Metheny/Mays/Curnow challenge, this is it.   5-4-4-4 (with opt. percussion and opt. parts for a 10-brass section)

Bob Curnow Series
The first Three pieces are all part of "Suite 5easonings," commissioned by Stanford University.
Paprika  (Movement One) Grade 4-5
This is a fast-paced, swinging opening movement, with lots of solo space for alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet and drums. There is also plenty of high-powered ensemble playing throughout. This serves as a great "opener" with the entire suite .... or all by itself. 5-5-4-5   (can be played with only 8 brass)
Saffron (Movement Two) Grade 3-4
This piece is a feature for solo flugelhorn (written for Fred Berry). It is a slow, pensive, lovely melody, set in an almost polytonal manner. Lots of lush sounds reminiscent of Ellington and Kenton, all at the same time. There is a quiet, beautiful ending. This also would do well as a stand-alone piece. 5-5-4-3 (can be played with only 8 brass)
Cayenne (Movement Three) Grade 4-5
Latin spice, hot sounds, and a happy, cookln' tune that sails along. Everyone gets in on the action. There is solo space for alto sax and trumpet. The mini-fugue In the middle launches yet another roarlnq section that your band and your audiences will love. The ending is powerful and Final! This chart also makes a great stand-alone "closer" 5-5-4-5 (can be played with only 8 brass)
The Doctor is Out. Grade 4-5
This was written for Doc Severinsen to premier at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Conference. It is a bright, swinging chart that features trumpet throughout (of course). This can be performed with an out-in-front soloist or within the trumpet section with 4 players only. The harmonic pattern is terrific, and there is lots of room for the soloist to Improvise.   The band parts are not too difficult. 5-5-4-4 (can be played with only 8 brass)
0 Sole Mio arr. bv Bob Curnow Grade 4
If you're familiar with the great chart on "I Can't Stop Loving You" that was created for the Basie Band, then you know what this one is about. This tune is set in a heavy shuffle feel, with lots of Basie-type, swinging ensemble work. There is a short trumpet solo, but most of the chart shows off the whole band with one "shout chorus" after another. It all culminates in a strong, glorious ending. This one comes with a guarantee that your audiences will love it. There are no range concerns in this.    5-4-4-4

11th September 2007