Oliver Nelson Big Band Series Oliver Nelson Big Band Series
Oliver Nelson was one of the most inspired and inspiring jazz composers/arrangers in jazz.
Sierra Music is very proud to be the exclusive publisher of his wonderful music. These charts include some of his well-known classics, and also many charts which have previously been unavailable. All of the music is issued in its original form, taken from Oliver's own manuscript scores.
All charts come with Full Scores and parts unless otherwise indicated.
We now have 28 of Oliver Nelson's pieces in print. HURRAY!
3-2-1-0 - Oliver Nelson - Grade 5 - SMP 393 - $47.00
As recorded on the brilliant recording "A Dream Deferred" (Flying Dutchman CYL2-1449), by the Oliver Nelson Orchestra. It opens with the "countdown to launch" and proceeds to a bright swinging tempo in an extended blues harmonic scheme. It features a trumpet solo, lots of sax section unison blowing and exciting, challenging music throughout. This is one of Oliver's most exciting, energetic pieces! Go for it! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 111)
Artist's Rightful Place, The - Oliver Nelson - Grade 4-5 -
SMP 395 - $50.00
Also known as "Patterns For Orchestra" (as recorded on the Verve jazz masters
48 CD), this is one of Nelson's very interesting charts. It has a very angular,
exciting melody in a brisk swing tempo, and lots of solo space for trombone
(as recorded by J.J. Johnson). The solo space could be filled by piano or any
other instrument as well. The instrumentation has been converted to 5-4-4-4,
a standard big band.
Back Woods - Oliver Nelson - Grade 4-5 - SMP 390
- $52.00
Written to feature Phil Woods, this Jazz Waltz features alto saxophone and
gives you the opportunity to explore the use of clarinets in the saxophone
section. As usual with Nelson's music, this is a catchy, wonderful,
swinging piece, full of surprises. Your band will really enjoy playing this one.
5-4-4-3
Ballad for Benny - SMP 377 - Grade 3-4 - $47.00
Oliver Nelson wrote the most beautiful melodies! This is a clarinet feature (how about that?), and was recorded by Phil Woods and the Oliver Nelson's Jazz Interactions Orchestra (hear it on the Verve Jazz Masters 48 CD). This is a wonderful tune! The band parts are very accessible to most players. A nice, easy swing feel. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 109)
Black, Brown and Beautiful - SMP 373 - Grade 4 - $42.00
This chart is recorded by Oliver Nelson on the recording titled "Black, Brown and Beautiful". (RCA Bluebird CD) Johnny Hodges was the guest soloist on this absolutely gorgeous alto saxophone feature. A ballad in the most classic jazz tradition, this chart is very playable, with very easy rhythms and reasonable brass ranges. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 108)
Blues and the Abstract Truth - SMP 389 - Grade 5 - $47.00
This chart is the exact, original one that Oliver Nelson wrote for his terrific recording "More Blues and the Abstract Truth". This was taken directly from his score. A wild, wonderful, multi-metered line that is one of those challenges that is well worth it. Features tenor sax and drums. Don't miss this one! 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 109)
Critics Choice - (recorded by Buddy Rich) - SMP 383 - Grade 4 - $47.00
Here is a terrific medium-tempo shuffle chart that the Buddy Rich Band played all the time. It was recorded on the "Swingin' New Big Band" album (CD available from Sierra Music), and has wide open "blowing" space in the blues format. A great shout chorus finishes off this exciting, swinging chart from Oliver Nelson. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 110)
Daylie's Double - Oliver Nelson - Grade 4 -
SMP 459 - $49.00
Oliver had a great feel for the "funky" jazz style which was so popular.
This chart features tenor sax throughout, and was recorded on the
"Fantabulous" album. It is a very easy chart to play, and it would be a
great addition to any big band book. This also could be played by a
smaller
instrumentation as recorded by Oliver (4 saxes, 2 tpts.,2 trbs., 3
rhythm).
5-4-4-3 (on demo CD 115)
Down by the Riverside - arr. Oliver Nelson - SMP 370 - Grade 4-5 - $47.00
There has been an illegal "lift" of this chart available before, but this chart is the exact, original one that Oliver Nelson wrote for his terrific L.A. band on the recording "Live From Los Angeles". This was taken directly from his score. A wild, wonderful look at an old tune that can feature 1, 2 or all of your trumpet players (or anyone else). Exactly as recorded! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 108)
Early Morning (African Sunrise) - Oliver Nelson - Grade 3 - SMP 385 - $47.00
As recorded on the brilliant CD "Afrique", by the Count Basie Orchestra, this lovely piece features piano and/or tenor sax (or whomever) in a medium-slow, lilting 12/8 feel. It also features a nice sax section soli. Limited ranges make this piece accessible to almost any band. A great melody and great chart! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 111)
Emancipation Blues - SMP 379 - Grade 4 - $47.00
This chart is recorded by the Oliver Nelson Orchestra on the "Afro-American Sketches" (Prestige CD). This is the exact, original chart as Oliver wrote it ..... not "watered down". A grand, glorious, romping "gospel" chart ..... one of the first of its kind. This should be in every jazz band library ..... school or pro! 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 109)
Empty Ballroom Blues - Duke Ellington - arr. Oliver Nelson - Grade 5 - SMP 398 - $ 52.00
Nelson wrote an album for Johnny Hodges (Black, Brown & Beautiful, RCA) featuring the compositions of Duke Ellington and also some of his original things. This Ellington tune just romps and stomps right from the start. The ensemble "shouts" just scream with wonderful voicings that lift you up out of your seat! There is solo space for Alto Sax (of course), Trumpet and Piano. Ellington's melody and Nelson's arrangement ...... an absolute winning combination! Your band will love this one! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo 113)
Flute Salad - SMP 378 - Grade 2 - $47.00
An easy swing chart which was originally written for 4 flutes and bass clarinet in the woodwind section. WAIT ! We've included those original parts and alternate saxophone parts which really work just as well. If you have flute players available, this would make a great feature for them. If not, use the sax parts and call it "Sax Salad". (hear it on the "Sound Pieces" CD). The band parts are very easy to play. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 109)
Full Nelson - SMP 381- Grade 4 - $47.00
This chart was originally included in the "Full Nelson" album and then the "Jazz Masters 48: Oliver Nelson" CD. It is a simple, swinging blues chart, full of all of the ingenious writing we have come to expect from Oliver Nelson. It can feature many different players, but is written to feature tenor saxophone. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 110)
Greensleeves - arr. Oliver Nelson - SMP 376 - Grade 4 - $47.00
This piece was taken from Nelson's original score. Exactly as recorded on the Verve Jazz Masters 48 CD. This is a clever, highly original rendition of the traditional melody. It was written to feature the great Bob Brookmeyer. It is a swinging trombone feature throughout. Opens with a great brass chorale. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 109)
Groove - 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)
Hobo Flats - Oliver Nelson - Grade 3 - SMP 386 - $47.00
As recorded on the brilliant CD "Afrique", by the Count Basie Orchestra, this chart was originally written for a Jimmy Smith album. It's a 12/8 Blues feel, with room for piano, trumpet and alto saxophone solos. This is a real "catchy" kind of vamp and melody which will make it a favorite of your band and audiences. Very limited brass ranges make this piece accessible to almost any band. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 111)
Hoe Down - SMP 374 - Grade 4 - $47.00
This piece was taken from Nelson's original score. This is not a "watered down version". It is exactly as recorded on the Verve Jazz Masters 48 CD. This is a clever, bright, swinging chart which features a trumpet solo and great ensemble shout choruses. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This should be in every jazz band library ..... school or pro! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 109)
I Hope In Time A Change Will Come - Oliver Nelson - Grade 3 - SMP 387 - $47.00
As recorded on the brilliant recording "A Dream Deferred" (Flying Dutchman CYL2-1449), by the Oliver Nelson Orchestra. Quite possibly the most heart-rending, beautiful melody Nelson ever wrote. It features soprano saxophone throughout (either an alto or tenor player) in a slow 12/8 feel. Performed by the California All-State Jazz Ensemble to a standing ovation. All parts are very easy to play, but don't let that cause you to think this is a "kiddie band" chart. This is Nelson at his "spiritual" best. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 111)
In A Mellowtone - arr. Oliver Nelson - Grade 4-5 - SMP 397 -
$50.00
When the Buddy Rich Band played this chart, everyone loved it! Oliver Nelson
takes this terrific Duke Ellington tune to another level. The great sax section
soli, which was not on the Rich recording ("Swingin' New Big Band" CD) is included,
along with solo space for trumpet. The tempo is "right in the pocket" and swings
like crazy! A classic chart on a classic tune! (on Demo 112)
It's Glory - Duke Ellington - arr. Oliver Nelson- Grade 5 -
SMP 396 - $ 52.00
Nelson wrote an album for Johnny Hodges (Black, Brown & Beautiful, RCA) featuring
the compositions of Duke Ellington and also some of his original things. This
Ellington tune starts out with a rhythm section vamp and swings on from there.
The ensemble "shouts" just scream with wonderful, dissonant voicings that are
a thrill to hear! There is solo space for Alto Sax, (of course), Trumpet and
Piano. Ellington's melody and Nelson's arrangement ...... an absolute winning
combination! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo 113)
Jada - arr. Oliver Nelson - SMP 371 - Grade 2 - $47.00
This chart is the exact, original one that Oliver Nelson wrote for his terrific L.A. band on the recording "Live From Los Angeles". This was taken directly from his score. A wonderful, "laid-back" chart! One of those rare "gems" that even younger players can manage (if they can swing!). A great teaching chart. Solos as you wish, with chord sheets provided for all. Exactly as recorded! 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 109)
Miss Fine - SMP 375 - Grade 4 - $47.00
This piece was taken from Nelson's original score. This chart is exactly as recorded on the Verve Jazz Masters 48 CD. There aren't many charts in this category ..... classic, one-of-a-kind, trend-setter, immediately attractive in every way. Features trumpet. A terrific easy swing chart that starts out "politely" and then knocks you out with a great shout chorus. Very reasonable ranges for all. This should be in every jazz band library ..... school or pro! 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 109)
Penthouse Dawn, A - SMP 372 - Grade 3-4 - $42.00
Oliver Nelson wrote the most beautiful melodies!! This is an alto saxophone feature and was recorded by Phil Woods and the Jazz Interactions Orchestra in 1967 (hear it on the Verve Jazz Masters 48 CD). This is a stunning composition by Nelson. The band parts are very accessible to most players. 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 108)
Self Help Is Needed - SMP 382 - Grade 4 - $47.00
Here is a great blend of swing and Latin, done in the inimitable style of Oliver Nelson. It was recorded on the Flying Dutchman label in 1969. This wonderful chart features alto saxophone. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 110)
Sound Piece for Jazz Orchestra - SMP 399 - Grade 5 - $92.00
This is a magnificent, three-movement work which, when written,
redefined big band scoring. It has been published in such a way that any one
of a number of soloists could be featured throughout ....... flute, alto sax,
tenor sax or trumpet, or ?
This is an important piece of music in the history of big band composition and
arranging. It should be in every university and professional big band library.
5-4-4-3, plus optional French horns (2) which are cross-cued in other parts.
(on Demo 113)
St. Louis Blues - SMP 380 - Grade 2 - $47.00
Exactly as recorded by Oliver Nelson's Orchestra and featuring Joe Newman on trumpet. This chart is very simple in concept and it can be played by even the youngest bands. The trumpet feature section can be any length. Clarinet doubles are required. Included in the "Jazz Masters 48: Oliver Nelson" CD. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 110)
Step Right Up - Oliver Nelson - Grade 5 - SMP 388 - $47.00
As recorded on the brilliant CD "Afrique", by the Count Basie Orchestra, and also (in another form) by the Buddy Rich Band on the CD "Swingin' New Big Band." This chart is an up-tempo swing tune which just roars from beginning to end. Solos for piano (a la Basie), trumpet and tenor saxophone. "a flagwaver ... the perfect opening number" ... as the original liner notes stated. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 111)
Stolen Moments - SMP 384 - Grade 5 - $52.00
This, of course, is Oliver Nelson's best known jazz standard. Here is his OWN fantastic arrangement for big band as recorded on a 1969 LP titled "A Dream Deferred" (on the Flying Dutchman label). Alto solo. Exotic re-harmonizations and instrumentations. This is a "must have" chart after which all other charts on this tune sound inferior. 5-4-4-3 (on Demo CD 110)
Yearnin' - Oliver Nelson - Grade 2-3 - SMP 394 - $47.00
As recorded on the wonderful LP "Black, Brown and Beautiful", featuring Johnny Hodges, this nifty blues chart has very reasonable brass ranges, no doubles, and Oliver's sort-of "gospel" feel to it. It is a medium-slow blues, playable by most bands and featuring a trumpet solo (and room for anyone else). 5-4-4-4 (on Demo CD 111)
You Love But Once - Oliver Nelson - Grade 3-4 - SMP 369
- $47.00
There may not be a more beautiful ballad anywhere in jazz ensemble
literature. This is an alto saxophone feature throughout and was recorded
on the "Full Nelson" album and also included in the Verve "Jazz Masters"
collection CD. This is a stunning piece, which has a decidedly
orchestral/classical sound to it. The possibility of using the original
clarinet, flute oboe, bass clarinet and celeste parts makes this a most
interesting and special piece. Regular saxophone parts are also included
if doubles are not available. 5-4-4-4