The Music of Maynard Ferguson
"What can be said about Maynard
Ferguson that hasn't already been said?
He was amazing, and so was the music from his "Birdland Dream Band"
of the late 50's and early 60's. " .......
Bob Curnow
The Maynard Ferguson Big Band
Series
All of these charts are Graded 4 or 5 (except where noted) and include sufficient parts for a normal instrumentation. This music was originally written for 4 saxes (1 alto, 2 tenors, baritone) 3 trumpets plus Maynard (who played everything!), 2 trombones, piano, bass and drums. So, this music is perfect for those of you with smaller bands ... or you can play the optional parts. All parts and Full Scores are computer notated for ease of reading. All charts are on the Demo CDs.
After You've Gone - arr. Michael Abene - SMP 419 - Grade 4-5 - $52.00
The Maynard Ferguson Band performed a lot of Abene's charts over the years. This chart is an excellent example of Abene's very musical approach to a great jazz standard. Very reasonable ranges throughout. Features tenor sax, trumpet and trombone solos. Destined to be a best-seller! Printed as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but including extra parts for a standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation. This one burns! (on Demo CD 109)
Blues for Kapp - Marty Paich - Grade 3 - SMP 420 - $47.00
Can you imagine a chart which is this easy to play being played and recorded by Maynard Ferguson? Well, that just demonstrates how catchy and wonderful this chart is. It doesn't need "higher-louder-faster" to be a wonderfully effective chart. This is set in a medium slow tempo and has solo space for alto saxophone, 2 trumpets and baritone saxophone. This one will become a staple in jazz libraries throughout the world. If you're looking for a comparison, this chart might remind you of Ernie Wilkin's arrangement of "Moten Swing", except it is even easier to play. Printed as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but includes extra parts for a 5-4-4-3 instrumentation. (on Demo CD 110)
Country Boy, A - arr. Bill Holman
- SMP 416 - Grade 3-4 - $47.00
Sierra continues to find the lost "treasures" from
Maynard Ferguson's Birdland Dream Band Library. A Country Boy starts out with
a "lazy" trombone solo on the written melody and swings along from
there. Recorded on the "Come Blow Your Horn" LP. Printed as originally
scored (4-4-2-3), but including extra parts for a standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation.
(on Demo CD 108)
Dancing Nitely - by Bill Holman - SMP 402 - $42.00
Bill titles this one after the signs which used to be in the
old-time dance halls around the country. Written in the '50's for Maynard's
Birdland Dream Band, this chart is a laid back, swinging tune, with a roaring
ensemble section near the end. Blowing space for trombone and tenor. (full score
incl.) (on Demo CD 104)
Danny Boy - arr. by Don Sebesky - SMP 401 - $42.00
If you've ever heard Maynard's recording of this world famous
melody ("Londonderry Air"), you probably never forgot it! Sebesky's
chart is superb, and this publication includes practical alternate choices for
the trumpet feature. The piece is very playable, and will serve to showcase
your "hot" trumpet soloist. (on Demo CD 103)
Fan It, Janet - by Don Sebesky - SMP 406 - $47.00
Also part of the "Message from Newport" album, this
chart features tenor, trombone, and great contrapuntal writing with great changes
and a terrific straight-ahead, swinging feeling. Nothing but the best from Sebesky,
one of the greatest writers in jazz. (on Demo CD 103)
Four - Miles Davis / arr. Willie Maiden - SMP 407 - $52.00
Sierra continues to find the lost "treasures" from
Maynard Ferguson's Birdland Dream Band Library. Willie scored this Miles Davis
classic to feature four different saxophone players. A typical chart for that
time, it covers the whole dynamic range with exciting, swinging music. Printed
as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but including extra parts for a standard 5-4-4-4
instrumentation. (on Demo CD 107)
Fox Hunt - Michael Abene - SMP 417 - Grade 4-5
- $52.00
Another great chart from Maynard Ferguson's Birdland Dream
Band Library. If you want to feature 2 trumpets, it doesn't get any better than
this! Printed as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but including extra parts for
a standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation. (on Demo CD 108)
Gravy Waltz - Brown / arr. Willie Maiden - Grade 5 -
SMP 422 - $52.00
This chart is a blast! It is one of the more popular charts from
Maynard's
Birdland Dream Band. It is a high-energy chart which features baritone
sax,
as well as trumpet. You need a lot of "horses" in the trumpet section
for
this one, but it is well worth it. 5-4-4-4 (or use orig. instrumentation only) (on demo CD 115)
Groove - Oliver Nelson - SMP 415 - Grade 4-5
- $52.00
Oliver Nelson wrote this one for the Maynard Ferguson Band
Library. Recorded on the "Come Blow Your Horn" LP. Features a great
tune and trumpet throughout. Printed as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but including
extra parts for a standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation. (on Demo CD 108)
Hey There - Adler & Ross / arr. Willie Maiden - Grade
4-5 -
SMP 423 - $49.00
As recorded on "Maynard Ferguson Plays Jazz For Dancing" (Roulette), this
may be the prettiest chart that Willie did for Maynard's band. It is a
great standard tune, and the chart features trumpet throughout. The band
parts are not too difficult. The solo part comes with 2 versions ...... a
transcription of what Maynard plays on the record, and another part for
mortals. 5-4-4-4 (or use orig. instrumentation only) (on demo CD 115)
Hit and Run - Denis DiBlasio - SMP 412 - Grade
5-6 - $52.00
Talk about a Flag-Waver!!! The Maynard Ferguson Band recorded
this on their Footpath Cafe CD. The chart asks every player in the band to wail
through a very hip and challenging be-bop line in unison. There are ensemble
breaks here and there for very dramatic effects, and plenty of "blowing"
space on the "rhythm" changes. You'll love doing this chart because
you can really show off your band. 5-4-4-3. (on Demo CD 107)
Humbug - by Don Sebesky - SMP 405 -
$47.00
This chart starts out in a blaze of excitement and never eases
off. It features tenor sax and trombone on the melody, with solo space for alto
and trumpet as well. This was featured on the famous "Message from Newport"
album which Maynard's band recorded for Roulette in the late '50's. (on Demo
CD 103)
Knarf - Michael Abene - SMP 418 - Grade 5 - $52.00
Another great chart from Maynard Ferguson's Birdland Dream Band Library. It features baritone sax (written for Frank Hittner) and trumpet solos. A nice, easy swing with a great harmonic scheme. Recorded on the Mosaic collection of Maynard's Roulette recordings. Printed as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but including extra parts for a standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation. (on Demo CD 109)
Lamp Is Low, The - arr. Ernie Wilkins
- SMP 408 - Grade 3-4 - $42.00
Ernie Wilkins has created a swinging version of this great
classic tune. Features alto sax, trumpet, piano and trombone solos. There is
a wonderful "Basie-ish" shout chorus, with very neat dynamic variations.
Very playable by most bands. Full score included. (on Demo CD 105)
My Funny Valentine - arr. Willie Maiden
- SMP 409 - Grade 3-4- $42.00
This absolutely beautiful arrangement by Willie Maiden features
a trombone and tenor sax solo, along with the primary solo by (guess who) the
trumpet player a la Maynard. There are two solo trumpet parts included ... Maynard's
version and one for mere mortals. This works very well with most bands (the
band parts are quite easy). Full score included. (on Demo CD 105)
On Green Dolphin Street - arr. Michael
Abene - SMP 411 - $57.00
This is a great, "HOT" chart from Maynard's "Dream
Band" book. Beautifully written, with tenor and trumpet solos. This is
the one everyone has been asking for! Included in the new Smithsonian recording
of big band jazz. Let your band sink their teeth into this one! Full score/parts
for 5.4.4.3. (on Demo CD 106)
People - arr. Don Sebesky - Grade 5 - SMP 421 - $47.00
Here is another fantastic trumpet feature for a fantastic trumpet player. A great ballad standard in a gorgeous setting! There are two solo parts provided, Maynard's version and one for mere mortals. As usual, the band parts are not too difficult, but the alto sax plays flute (quite necessary) and there is a tuba part. There is also solo space for tenor saxophone (a la Willie Maiden). This was recorded on the "New Sounds of Maynard Ferguson" album. 4-4-2-3 or standard instrumentation (on Demo CD 111)
Slide's Derangementt - by Slide Hampton
- SMP 404 - $67.00
Undoubtedly one of the best big band charts EVER written! This
was recorded by Maynard's incredible band on the "Message from Newport"
LP. It is the blues, both minor and major changes, lots of solo space, exciting
ensemble passages ..... an amazing chart .... over eight minutes of sensational
big band excitement! (full score incl.) (on Demo CD 104)
Starfire - Benny Golson - SMP 410 -
Grade 3 - $42.00
One of Maynard's most beautiful ballads from the "Dream
Band" period. Created by a young Benny Golson. The highest trumpet solo
note is a written B. This chart is quite easy to play and makes a wonderful
concert or dance book addition. Trumpet featured throughout. Full Score/parts
for 5.4.4.4. (on Demo CD 106)
Sweetie Pie (Edited) - by Don Sebesky
- SMP 403 - $42.00
This wonderful, quiet, "Li'l Darlin'-ish" chart was
recorded by Maynard as "Easy Chair." It has a great melodic and harmonic
sense that puts it in a class all its own. This version has been edited to exclude
any woodwind doubles and high trumpet parts. (full score incl.) (on Demo CD 104)
Sweetie Pie (Pro version) - by Don
Sebesky - SMP 403 PRO - $42.00
This wonderful, quiet, "Li'l Darlin-ish" chart was
recorded by Maynard as "Easy Chair". It has a great melodic and harmonic
sense that puts it in a class all its own. This version is the original, unaltered
version, with flute and clarinet doubles and roaring trumpets. (full score incl.)
Whisper Not - Golson / arr. Michael Abene - SMP 414 - Grade 4 - $52.00
The Maynard Ferguson Band recorded this on their "Come
Blow Your Horn" LP. The chart is an excellent example of Abene's very musical
approach to this great Benny Golson jazz standard. Very reasonable ranges throughout.
Destined to be a best-seller!! Printed as originally scored (4-4-2-3), but including
extra parts for a standard 5-4-4-4 instrumentation. (on Demo CD 108)