The Bob Curnow Big Band Series

 

 

All charts come with Full Scores, unless indicated otherwise.

Other Curnow charts are available in the Stan Kenton Series and the Pat Metheny Series.

 

 

 

 


America The Beautiful - arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 115 - $32.00
A re-scoring of a Kenton original (richer harmony, better key). Soft flugel opening building to a tremendous climax. Can be programmed at any community or school event. AS RECORDED BY THE WONDERFUL U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS on their wonderful CD in 1996 .... a Kenton Tribute. Hear it on our demo CD! (10 brass) Full Score and parts. (on Demo CD 106)


Badger Blues - Grade 4 - SMP 134 - $42.00
A blues chart to end all blues charts! A very playable arrangement featuring as many soloists as you see fit. The theme is played by a quintet of trumpet, trombone, alto, tenor and baritone saxes. Solo space for rhythm, alto, trumpet and tenor. A guaranteed winner! A great choice for festivals. (8 brass) Full Score (on Demo CD 103)


Bone Appetit - Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 344 - $52.00

West Chester University (PA ...... Bob's alma mater) commissioned this new piece to feature the trombone section (and individual players) of the "Criterions", and that is what happens with this chart. It has quickly become a favorite with audiences, and it has a free-swinging medium-up tempo feel to it. Ranges are quite modest, and the piece should be playable by most bands. 5-4-4-4 with Optional 5th tpt. and trb. parts. (on Demo CD 111)


Cayenne  (Movement Three of "Suite Seasonings")  - Grade 4-5 - SMP 988 - $52.00

Latin spice, hot sounds, and a happy, cookin' 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 roaring section that your band and your audiences will love.  The ending is powerful and .... well ..... final !    This chart also makes a great stand-alone "closer."  5-5-4-5  (can be played with only 8 brass) (on demo CD 117)


Children of the Sun  - Grade 3-4 - SMP 112 - $49.00
This is a completely re-composed and re-notated (in Finale) version of a piece that has been in the catalog for a while.  It has a Latin / Fusion feel reminiscent of some early Freddie Hubbard tunes.  Solo space is provided for alto sax and trumpet. The "shout" chorus which follows the solos is very exciting, and then the piece ends quietly after returning to the main theme.  All ranges are very reasonable, and the chart should be playable by even young bands.    5-4-4-4    (on Demo CD 115)


Doctor is Out, The - Grade 4-5 - SMP 983 - $67.00

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) (on demo CD 117)


Dreamscape - Grade 2-3 - SMP 133 - $37.00
A beautiful solo for Flugelhorn. Written for the young player, this lovely bossa nova ballad presents your best young trumpet player in a setting worthy of the most professional musician, but with a chart playable by almost any band. Very limited brass ranges. (8 brass) Full Score (on Demo CD 103)


First Noel, The - arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 807 - Grade 3-4 - $42.00
Curnow has adapted the amazing vocal arrangements of David Maddux for the jazz ensemble. This arrangement moves through many variations of this most lovely of melodies. The music is somewhat "legit" in concept, not difficult to play, and it has a very hip, sophisticated, lush harmonic sound. Ideal for a different slant to your Christmas programming! 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 108)


For The Lil' Ones - Bob Curnow - Grade 3/4 - SMP 756 - $55.00
Here is a wonderful "Basie-ish" chart with a catchy melody set in an easy-swing tempo.  Curnow has created a laid-back, swinging chart very much in the style of Sammy Nestico and others who wrote for the amazing Basie Band.  Solo space for alto saxophone, swinging ensembles, moderate ranges and a cute ending make this a terrific piece to program for players of all levels.  5.4.4.4 (on demo CD 116)


Here's That Rainy Day - Burke & Van Heusen / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 126 - Grade 2-3 - $32.00
This is, unquestionably, one of the most beautiful ballads ever written. And this arrangement really takes advantage of the richness of the Kenton Sound. This chart captures that wonderful feeling of warmth and power without high trumpet parts or extra demanding dynamics. A great choice for festivals. (8 brass) Full Score


I'll Be Seeing You  - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 3-4 - SMP 211 - $47.00  VOCAL CHART
This was originally arranged as a vocal chart and has been published to also feature vocal or any one of a number of soloists (your choice).  It is a lush ballad, full of rich, warm textures of the trombone section and saxophones.  There is also a harmon-muted trumpet solo behind the gorgeous trombone soli on the second chorus.  This is the melody that is so very much loved most people, and it makes a great program choice.  5-4-4-4


Just A Few - Shorty Rogers - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 4-5 - SMP 208 - $52.00

Bob Curnow has arranged one of Shorty Rogers' hippest tunes. The melody is stated by Alto and Trumpet, and the whole chart has that wonderful "West Coast" Feel to it. There is a neat section which features Flugelhorn and Saxophones in a long Soli. There is also solo space for Alto Sax, Trumpet and Piano. Your band will really enjoy this one. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 113)


Kelly's Theme - Grade 3-4 - SMP 125 - $37.00
A ballad for Solo Trumpet, this is an ideal selection for your festival requirements. It's a beautiful, haunting theme with full, expressive harmonies. The solo part is very playable by any good high school trumpeter. Get your lead player out in front and let him or her shine! (8 brass) Full Score (on Demo CD 104)


Kenton Kollage - arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 5 - SMP 571 - $77.00
As commissioned (and recorded) by the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, Germany, this terrific collection of Kenton tunes contains "Artistry In Rhythm", Eager Beaver", "Sunset Tower", "Intermission Riff", "Concerto To End All Concertos", Interlude", "Dynaflow" and "Love For Sale." These great tunes are put together in a fresh, newly-arranged manner, which brings new excitement to these classic melodies. Inventive, creative orchestration makes this 10-minute-plus collage well worth the effort. This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4


Keystone Shuffle - Bob Curnow - SMP 346 - Grade 4 - $52.00
A brand-new extended blues, commissioned by the Pennsylvania IAJE state unit for their All-State Jazz Ensemble (which Bob conducted). It features a 4-horn "front line" of alto, tenor, trumpet and trombone. Lots of blowing space for all players. "Keystone" has a very unique and interesting melodic line. If you're looking for a fresh view of the blues, this one is for you! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 108)   This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4


Lester Lives On - Grade 2 - SMP 348 - $42.00

Curnow has created two "easy-to-play" charts on commission from the University of Portland. This chart features a melody reminiscent of the "Lester Leaps In" tune, but has very reasonable ranges and rhythmic patterns. This chart contains an alto saxophone solo and a written piano solo. This was written for junior high through high school level players. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 110)


Lines for Lions - Grade 2 - SMP 347 - $42.00

Curnow has created two "easy-to-play" charts on commission from the University of Portland. This chart features a melody and a style similar to the West Coast Jazz approach to things. "Line for Lyons" came to mind..... hence the title. The chart has solo space for tenor saxophone and very reasonable ranges and rhythmic patterns. This was written for junior high through high school level players. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 110)


Lullaby Waltz - Bob Curnow - Grade 3-4 - SMP 205 - $52.00
As commissioned (and recorded) by the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, Germany, this is a lovely, easy-flowing piece that moves from a ballad (lullaby) to a waltz (featuring trombone and alto saxophone) and back again to the ballad. Because of the limited ranges, this piece is very playable by most bands, yet it is sophisticated in its melodic and harmonic content. This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4


Mountain Greenery - arr. Bob Curnow (NONET) - Grade 3/4 - SMP 754 - $49.00
Bob Curnow has created a wonderful "nonet" chart (6 horns, 3 rhythm) on this great Rodgers & Hart tune.  The medium-swing setting features solo space for alto, tenor, flugelhorn, trombone and piano and drums.  This is a great chart to do on a big band concert to rest the band and feature your soloists.  This is very much patterned after the wonderful things Shorty Rogers wrote for this instrumentation (alto, tenor, barit. saxes, 2 flugelhorns, trombone, piano bass, drums).  (on demo CD 116)


Nimbus - Russell Ferrante /arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 124 - Grade 3-4 - $37.00
A typical, great tune of the Yellowjackets in a very playable arrangement. The setting features the very catchy melody and solo space is provided for Saxophone and Flugelhorn. (8 brass)


Non-Skid Soul - Grade 2-3 - SMP 138 - $37.00
A funky, contemporary tune designed for the young band. The "hip" melody leads into space for the soloist(s) of your choice. Chord sheets for different instruments are included. 8 brass. Full Score (on Demo CD 103)


Northwest Riff - Bob Curnow - Grade 2-3 - SMP 349 - $47.00

This piece is patterned after Stan Kenton's "Dynaflow", but it is written in such a way that it is quite easy to play. There is room for alto sax, piano and bass solos. Big sounds without killing chops! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 111)


O Sole Mio - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 984 - $52.00

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    (on demo CD 117)


Oblivion  - Astor Piazzolla - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 3-4 - SMP 935  - $49.00
Piazzolla wrote many beautiful melodies, and this one is perhaps the most haunting.  This 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!   5-4-4-4    (on Demo CD 115)


Of Another Time - Grade 5-6 - SMP 111 - $47.00
This was written in memory of Stan Kenton. This gorgeous flugelhorn feature was just performed by Carl Saunders on the August, 2000 "Kenton Sounds" concert in Los Angeles. This is a slow, sensitive, solo vehicle for flugelhorn. A somewhat rubato, "Kentonish" style of composition, this piece will create a great response from your audiences.This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4  (8 or 10 brass)


Paprika  (Movement One of "Suite Seasonings") - Grade 4-5 - SMP 986 - $52.00

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)  (on demo CD 117)


Path Well Chosen, The - Grade 5 - SMP 118 - $62.00
A high-energy, quick-paced jazz piece featuring a trio of trumpet, alto and tenor with optional solos on each part. A contrasting Brass Chorale section adds a great dimension to this piece and beautifully ties it all together. The piece begins with a non-rhythmic ostinato in the bass instruments over which is heard the beautiful chorale. This piece does not require excessive ranges in the brass. (8 brass) Full Score (on Demo CD 104)


Promise of Dreams - Grade 3-4 - SMP 101 - $49.00
This piece has been in the catalog for a while, but it has been totally recomposed and notated in Finale.  It now comes with a full score (and parts).  It was written for Stan Kenton, and it features a written piano solo throughout the piece.  This is a slow ballad, written in the Kenton tradition.  If you're looking for a piano feature in ballad style, this will work very well for you.  5-5-5-4  (can be played by only 8 brass)  (on Demo CD 115)


Riverdance - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 5-6 - SMP 207 - $92.00

The chart everyone has been waiting for!! Eight minutes of amazing, dynamic, exciting sounds! This arrangement was commissioned and recorded by the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, Germany. It is, of course, based on the centerpiece of the wildly popular show. Everytime this chart was performed in live concerts in Germany (and elsewhere), the audience just erupted with applause and standing ovations. This isn't an easy chart to play, but it is well worth the effort (similar to The First Circle in that respect). All ranges are fairly reasonable, with the 1st Tpt. part topping out at a written high E. This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4


Saffron  (Movement Two of "Suite Seasonings") - Grade 3-4 - SMP 987 - $47.00

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 reminescent 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)  (on demo CD 117)


Samana - Manny Albam / arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 4-5 - SMP 573 - $57.00 (on Demo CD 112)
The publication of this piece is dedicated to the memory of Manny Albam, the composer. Bob Curnow took the original orchestration (as recorded by Stan Kenton's Innovations Orchestra) and scored it for tradition jazz ensemble instrumentation. This is a wonderful Latin piece, with a nifty swing section in the middle. Manny was so innovative in his writing, that the piece sounds like it was written yesterday. Manny gave this project his blessing. 5-5-5-3 (can be played with 8 brass)


Scorpion Dance - Grade 5-6 - SMP 113 - $42.00

An exciting, contemporary rock / fusion piece which has been played on national television and by All-State jazz bands in Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. Solo space for Tpt. and/or Tenor. (10 brass) Full Score (on Demo CD 104)


Silent Night - arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 806 - Grade 3-4 - $42.00

Curnow has adapted the amazing vocal arrangements of David Maddux for the jazz ensemble. This arrangement moves through many variations of this most lovely of melodies. The music is somewhat "legit" in concept, not difficult to play, and it has a very hip, sophisticated, lush harmonic sound. Ideal for a different slant to your Christmas programming! 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 108)


Slide Show - Grade 4-5 - SMP 117 - $42.00

A great Trombone Section feature in the mold of the very popular Writer's Cramp. Solo space for any or all trombonists or any of the other performers. (8 brass w/opt. 10) Full Score (on Demo CD 104)


Spencer Is Here! - Bob Curnow - Grade 4-5 - SMP 206 - $52.00
As commissioned (and recorded) by the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, Germany, this chart was inspired by the birth of the Curnows' newest grandchild. It opens with a shout, and settles into a free-swinging, fun-filled romp, with a great melody and interesting changes, Featured soloists are alto saxophone, piano, drums and trombone. You won't be able to get the tune out of your head! This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4


Star Spangled Banner, The - arr. Bob Curnow - SMP-116 - Grade 4-5 - $32.00
Another re-scoring of the original arrangement done for Stan Kenton. A lower key for younger players. No solo piano. A GREAT CROWD PLEASER which serves as a wonderful encore piece. (10 brass)


Suite Seasonings - Bob Curnow  a 3-movement suite written for the Stanford University Jazz Ensemble, Fred Berry, director

Paprika  (Movement One of "Suite Seasonings") - Grade 4-5 - SMP 986 - $52.00

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)  (on demo CD 117)

Saffron  (Movement Two of "Suite Seasonings") - Grade 3-4 - SMP 987 - $47.00

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 reminescent 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)  (on demo CD 117)

Cayenne  (Movement Three of "Suite Seasonings")  - Grade 4-5 - SMP 988 - $52.00

Latin spice, hot sounds, and a happy, cookin' 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 roaring section that your band and your audiences will love.  The ending is powerful and .... well ..... final !    This chart also makes a great stand-alone "closer."  5-5-4-5  (can be played with only 8 brass) (on demo CD 117)


Sweetlumps - Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 104 - $37.00
This is a new edition (Finale computer notation) of this lovely bossa nova tune.  Curnow uses flugelhorns to create a warm, lush, lyrical melody that floats in and out of various counter lines.  There is a tenor sax solo which is followed by a marvelous full ensemble passage.  The melody returns and takes things out to the end.  Very reasonable ranges (1st tpt. high Db only) and rhythms make this very playable by most bands.  5.4.4.4  (on demo CD 116)


Sword  - Don Smith / Curnow - arr. by Bob Curnow  - Grade 4 - SMP 216 - $52.00
Here is a most unusual chart, set in a celtic style, with shades of bag pipes and Scottish overtones.  It is an extremely clever piece that opens and closes with the celtic sounds and has a roaring, swinging ensemble section in the middle.  There is also room for a tenor sax solo. If you're looking for something very fresh and different to program, this is the chart!     5-5-5-4  (can be played by only 8 brass) (on Demo CD 115)


Towednack (home parish) - Bob Curnow - SMP 345 - Grade 5 - $62.00
Bob has created an absolutely thrilling 12 minute work, inspired by his Celtic roots (Towednack is a small area in Cornwall, England). The Celtic influence is heard in the triple-meter settings and the interlude which reflects back on a "Riverdance" style of music. Tenor sax is featured. Very much in the genre of his Metheny/Mays charts of the past. Commissioned by Riverside Community College (CA) Performed at the August, 1999 "Kenton Sounds" concert in Los Angeles. No w.w. doubles. This arrangement is as recorded on the "Bob Curnow and the SWR Big Band" CD  .... (CD 1035 available from Sierra Music). 5-4-4-4 (opt. vibes and aux. perc.)


Vida De Sueno - Bob Curnow - Grade 3/4 - SMP 757 - $55.00
This is a gorgeous feature for tenor saxophone (there is also a piano solo). Sensuous, warm, lush ..... all those good things.  Set in a slow bossa-nova style, this lyrical piece will please your players and audiences alike.  Very modest brass ranges (high D for tpt. 1) and easy rhythms make this chart very playable and attractive for just about any band.  5.4.4.4 (Opt. 10 brass)  (on demo CD 116)


Writer's Cramp - Bob Curnow -  Grade 4  - SMP 102 - $39.00
This is a new edition (Finale computer notation) of this feature for the trombone section.  It is available with a full score for the first time.  It has also been edited to allow for performance by 8 brass as well as 10.  There is solo space for trumpet, and the rhythm section starts things off. This is a happy, swinging chart with lots of full ensemble passages that really roar.  You'll enjoy having a full score. 5.5.5.3  (can be played with only 8 brass)  (on demo CD 116)