The Pat Metheny Big Band Series

5-5-7 - Metheny & Mays - arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 5 - SMP 244 - $57.00
As commissioned (and recorded) by the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, Germany, this chart is another superb Curnow arrangement of the music created by the Pat Metheny Group. This piece is a study in the use of mixed meters. It is amazing how it flows so easily from one meter to another. There is a very exciting "interlude" section, and lots of solo space for soprano sax and trombone. The original recording is on the "Letter From Home" CD.  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 

ALWAYS and FOREVER - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 142 - Grade 4 - $42.00

This beautiful ballad is featured on Pat's newest recording "Secret Story", and has been scored to highlight solo statements by flugelhorn, guitar or alto saxophone (your choice). It is a warm, pensive ballad with lush, moving harmonies in the Metheny vernacular, and scored for ease of performance and maximum emotional impact.

 As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

ANOTHER LIFE - Pat Metheny - arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 219 - $59.00

Bob Curnow is very well known for his wonderful arrangements of Metheny's music, and this chart will only enhance that reputation. This is another superb ballad, very much in the Metheny mode. It is scored to feature flugelhorn throughout, but there are optional solo parts for Alto Sax or Guitar available also. The original Metheny recording of this composition is on the Grammy winning CD "Speaking of Now" by the Pat Metheny Group. Pat's recorded, beautifully improvised solo has been transcribed by Curnow, and it is included with the solo part. 5-4-4-4 (with optional 10 brass parts if needed) (on Demo 113)

ARE WE THERE YET? - Lyle Mays / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 135 - Grade 4 - $52.00

This is Lyle at his wildest!! A funk/rock, quirky tune that just burns with energy and excitement! Listen to the Curnow Big Band CD. Features tenor sax and lots of "out" sounds. Great fun! (8 brass w/opt. 10) As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays"(CD 1009)

AWAKENING, THE - arr. Curnow - Grade 5 - SMP 220 - $67.00

Bob Curnow is well known for his orchestrations of Pat Metheny's music, and this arrangement will fit right in with "The First Circle" and "Minuano." This is the last cut on the CD "Imaginary Day" by the Pat Metheny Group. Curnow's chart is faithful to the Metheny/Mays composition, and it is nine and a half minutes of big band excitement. There is solo space for piano and trumpet. The piece opens and closes with a tip of the hat to a Celtic style of music. The harmonies and meter changes are reminiscent of the well known "The First Circle." Soprano saxophone doubles required. 5-4-4-4 (optional 10 brass) (on Demo CD 110)

BETTER DAYS AHEAD - Pat Metheny / arr. Gary Lindsay - SMP 141 - Grade 5 - $67.00

From the pen of one of the very best arrangers, this chart just SINGS with optimism (hence the title?) and joy. A wonderful Latin feel, with ample solo space for your keyboard genius, or others. w/Soprano Sax. (8 brass; opt. 5 tpts. ) From the Letter From Home LP. (on Demo CD 103)

CHET'S CALL - Metheny & Mays/arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 981 - $67.00

This piece was never  recorded by the Pat Metheny Group. It was "lost in history" until discovered on a 1985 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   (on demo CD 117)

DREAM OF THE RETURN - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 132 - Grade 4-5 - $47.00

This ballad is almost spiritual in its effect!! A trombone feature, the melody soars throughout. Your lead "bone" player will love playing this piece, as it lays perfectly on the horn. (8 brass w/opt. 10) Full Score

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

EVERY SUMMER NIGHT - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 131 - Grade 4 - $52.00

This piece is the essence of the clever, unusual, unforgettable kind of tune that Pat and the Group come up with. It is full of happy thoughts, and it moves from a march-like rock feel to a joyous waltz which uses the most beautiful chord changes! Once again, chord sheets are included for all players, but there is written space for guitar and piano solos as on the original version on the Letter From Home recording. If there is a piece which expresses the vitality and original thinking of the Pat Metheny Group, this is the one! The ranges and rhythmic demands are moderate, but the music is mature, contemporary music at its best! (8 brass w/opt. 10)

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

FIRST CIRCLE ,THE - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 119 - Grade 6+ - $77.00

The LP The First Circle contains some of the most exciting contemporary music ever created. This chart has been acclaimed as one of the best big band arrangements ever done! The piece is rhythmically complex and demands the full attention of the players. Nine minutes of sheer joy......A GREAT FESTIVAL PIECE!! (8 brass w/opt. 10)

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

HAVE YOU HEARD - PRO - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 130Pro - Grade 4-5 - $67.00

This is a TERRIFIC tune, full of the happy, spirited, hip melodic and harmonic stuff that we've all come to love about Pat's music. A minor blues solo section is surrounded with a terrific mix of odd-meter stuff and straight-ahead contemporary jazz fusion. There is space for guitar and any other solos. Woodwind doubles on soprano sax and clarinets are a neat addition to this chart! Try it, you'll love it!

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays"(CD 1009)

HAVE YOU HEARD - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 130 - Grade 5 - $67.00 (Easier version)

This arrangement is a bit easier than the Pro version because it does not change keys (to C# minor). A minor blues solo section is surrounded with a terrific mix of odd-meter stuff and straight-ahead contemporary jazz fusion. There is space for guitar and any other solos. Woodwind doubles on soprano sax and clarinets are a neat addition to this chart! Try it, you'll love it! (8 w/opt. 10 brass) (on Demo CD 104)

HEAT OF THE DAY, THE  - Metheny & Mays/arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 5-6 - SMP 982 -  $95.00

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 & Mays ..... a 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)   (on demo CD 117)

IF I COULD - PRO - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 120Pro - Grade 4-5 - $47.00

Pat plays this at just about every concert of the Group. It is on the First Circle LP. The featured solo is played on Alto Saxophone. This is a two chorus version in the original key, a much more demanding chart than the first version published by Sierra. Your alto soloist will love the chance to play this one.
(10 brass)

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays"(CD 1009)

IF I COULD - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 120 - Grade 2-3 - $37.00 (Easy Version)

This arrangement is easier than the Pro version. It is a step lower and only one chorus long. Pat plays this at just about every concert of the Group. It is on the First Circle LP. The featured solo can be played on Alto Sax, Flugelhorn, or Guitar (as originally performed by Pat). A marvelous festival contrast piece. Very easy band parts (the solo is not difficult either). All of the music is written out; there is no improvisation. (8 brass)

IN HER FAMILY - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 137 - Grade 2-3 - $42.00

This is one of Pat's most haunting, pensive and beautiful ballads. It features a written piano solo throughout. Warm brass sounds (opt. flugels) and lush harmonies give this piece a very special texture. Trumpet range does not go above the staff. Use this piece as a wonderful contrast on your festival appearances. A guaranteed winner! From the Still Life (Talking) LP. (8 brass w/opt. 10) Full Score

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band,"The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

(IT'S JUST) TALK - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 122 - Grade 4-5 - $67.00

A BEST SELLER!!! Metheny's tunes and rhythmic feels are perfect for Big-Band settings. This tune just ROARS!! It can feature up to 3 soloists, has great changes and exciting ensemble writing... which all make for an ideal "closer". And it isn't all that difficult to play! The trumpet range is reasonable, and so are the rhythms. (8 brass w/opt. 10) Full & Cond. Score

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

LETTER FROM HOME - PRO - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 129Pro - Grade 4-5 - $47.00

Metheny's ballads are beautiful and haunting. This melody is the title track from the GRAMMY AWARD winning recording. The featured solo is for piano and guitar. The entire piece is written out; no improvisation. A wonderfully pensive and sensitive piece of music.

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

LETTER FROM HOME - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 129 - Grade 2-3 - $22.00

This arrangement does not include brass or drums. A very pretty, quiet version. The featured solo is for piano and guitar (as originally performed by Pat and Lyle Mays). The entire piece is written out; no improvisation. A wonderfully pensive and sensitive piece of music. Flexible wind parts, including woodwind double options for more interesting tone colors.

MINUANO (Six-Eight) - Pat Metheny / Lyle Mays / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 136 - Grade 5-6 - $87.00

This is another Masterwork by Metheny & Mays and destined to become the same kind of "classic" as "The First Circle" . Exciting 6/8 Latin , moving into and out of 3/4, with very reasonable trumpet ranges. The piece is approx. 9 minutes in duration, 450 measures of dramatic, big-band dynamite! Clarinet doubling. (8 brass w/opt. 10) From the Still Life (Talking) LP.

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays"(CD 1009)

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN (Pro) - arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 224 - $52.00
As commissioned (and recorded) by the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, Germany, this is an extended arrangement based on a gorgeous melody by Pat Metheny. The saxophone players double on flute (sax 1), clarinets (sax 2-4) and bass clarinet (sax 5). There is solo space for piano, tenor sax and trombone, as the chart moves from a rubato ballad, to a bossa feel, to a rock ballad feel, and back to the rubato again. This is a highly, emotionally charged piece which makes a wonderful addition to any program. Limited brass ranges. The chart also includes an interweaving of Metheny's pensive melody "Tell Her You Saw Me." 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

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN - Pat Metheny / arr. Curnow - Grade 3-4 - SMP 223 - $47.00

Pat Metheny writes superb ballads. This one is the final track of the "Secret Story" CD, and it is absolutely beautiful! Curnow continues to capture the essence of Metheny's orchestral sense, and, although the piece is relatively brief, it is stunning in its harmonic and melodic sense. Four saxes double on clarinet for a short unison line (alternate sax parts are provided, however). This is your answer to an easily-played "needed ballad" which has great drama and emotional impact. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 111)

PLACE IN THE WORLD, A - Metheny-Mays / arr. Bob Curnow - Grade 4/5 - SMP 218 - $67.00
Bob Curnow has written some marvelous arrangements of Metheny/Mays music in the past, and this chart surely belongs to that wonderful "new" big band literature he has created with such pieces as "The First Circle" and "Minuaño." This piece was originally recorded on the "Speaking of Now" CD, and it is scored to feature solo space for alto saxophone and trumpet. Modest ranges (tpt. high D only) make this a very playable chart in a medium/latin setting.  Eight-plus minutes of amazing music!  5.4.4.4 (opt. 10 brass parts)  (on demo CD 116)

SEE THE WORLD - Pat Metheny / arr. Bob Curnow - SMP 157 - Grade 4-5 - $57.00
This arrangement features tenor saxophone, and the chart captures the excitement of this marvelous tune from Pat's Secret Story CD. (10 brass) (on CD 104)

As recorded on Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, "The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays" (CD 1009)

SO MAY IT SECRETLY BEGIN - arr. Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 222  - $52.00

This piece was originally recorded on the "Still Life (Talking)" CD and is a lovely bossa nova-ish style of chart. Bob Curnow lends his arranging expertise to this lovely Metheny melody and creates yet another wonderful big band version of a great tune. Solos are in the tenor saxophone, flugelhorn and piano parts. Flugelhorns are required on the 4 trumpet parts. This is written for 8 brass only. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 110)

TOO SOON TOMORROW - arr. Curnow - Grade 5 - SMP 221 - $47.00

Pat Metheny is the master at composing moving, gorgeous ballads, and "Too Soon Tomorrow" is no exception.  This is on the CD "Imaginary Day" by the Pat Metheny Group. Bob Curnow has orchestrated it in a sensitive and effective manner, featuring tenor saxophone and flugelhorn throughout. The arrangement was premiered with Carl Saunders (flugelhorn) and Bill Perkins (tenor saxophone) doing the honors. This effect of this arrangement is similar to "Always and Forever", a very popular chart from a couple of years ago. 5-4-4-4 (optional 10 brass).  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