New Issues 2007-2008


 

FREE Demo CDs Offer

 

NEW ISSUES FOR 2007 - 2008 are below

Sample sound clips now here!

Click on the blue catalog number to hear an audio sample.

DOC SEVERINSEN SERIES

All of these charts can be played with 4 or 5 trumpets and 3 or 4 trombones.

When appropriate, solo parts are provided for a variety of instruments in addition to trumpet.

Begin the Beguine - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 5 - SMP 950 - $67.00

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 (on demo CD 117)

Bugle Call Rag - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 5 - SMP 951 - $67.00

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.  5-5-4-3  (on demo CD 117)

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

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  (on demo CD 117)

Honeysuckle Rose - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 5 - SMP 952 - $67.00

As recorded by the Tonight Show Band on "Once More With Feeling" (Amherst), this bright, swinging chart 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  (on demo CD 117)

Just Friends - arr. by Tommy Newsom - Grade 4-5 - SMP 953 -  $67.00

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  (on demo CD 117)

O Sole Mio (Pro)  - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 991 -  $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. 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    (on demo CD 117)

Oblivion (Pro)  - Astor Piazzolla - arr. by Bob Curnow - Grade 4 - SMP 985 -  $49.00

Piazzolla 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!   5-4-4-4 (plus soloist)    (as on demo CD 115, but a major second higher)

Poor Butterfly  - arr. by John Bambridge - Grade 4-5 - SMP 954 - $52.00

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 marvelous 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  (on demo CD 117)

Serenade in Blue - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 4 - SMP 955 - $52.00

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  (on demo CD 117)

St. Louis Blues  - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 5 - SMP 956 -  $67.00

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  (on demo CD 117)

Stardust - arr. by Tommy Newsom - Grade 4-5 - SMP 957 - $52.00

As recorded on "Tonight Show Band, Vol. 2" (Amherst),  this wonderful arrangement by the late, great Tommy Newsom features trumpet throughout.  There is marvelous 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 (on demo CD 117)

Take the "A" Train  - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 5 - SMP 958 - $95.00

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  (on demo CD 117)

World is Waiting for the Sunrise, The  - arr. by Bill Holman - Grade 5 - SMP 959 - $67.00

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  (on demo CD 117)

STAN KENTON SERIES

Artistry in Percussion - Pete Rugolo - Grade 5 - SMP 635 - $47.00           

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 drum set.  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 -  SMP 936 - $65.00

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)  (on demo CD 117)

Turtle Talk  - Dee Barton - Grade 5-6 - SMP 649 - $52.00

As recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra (Creative World CD) on  " Adventures in Jazz" (and elsewhere), this may well be the best thing Dee 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 - SMP 937 - $57.00

This was recorded on the Stan Kenton 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 8 brass)  (on demo CD 117)

BILL HOLMAN SERIES

From the new CD "Hommage" (Jazzedmedia.com)

This is yet another brilliant recording by the Bill Holman Band. We are proud to be ableto bring you two new compositions from this CD (Jazzed Media JM1024).

Sunshinola - Grade 5 - SMP 941 - $67.00

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 altosaxophone, 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   (on demo CD 117)

Zamboni - Grade 5 - SMP 942 - $67.00

What a marvelous 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 marvelous brass effects all through the piece.  This requires soprano saxophone on the alto 1 and 2 parts.  5-4-4-4 (on demo CD 117)  As recorded on the new CD "Hommage."


PAT METHENY SERIES

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)

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)


BOB CURNOW SERIES

 

The first three pieces are all part of "Suite Seasonings," commissioned by Stanford University.

Paprika  (Movement One) - 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) - 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)  - 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)

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)

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)


FRED STURM SERIES

 

Libertango - Astor Piazzolla / arr. Fred Sturm - Grade 4 - SMP 989 - $67.00

As recorded on "Libertango ! Hommage to Astor Piazzolla" by the HR 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 marvelous 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  (on demo CD 117)


JAZZ MASTERS SERIES

 

Opals - Frank Strazzeri / arr. Rob Pronk - Grade 4 - SMP 990 - $67.00

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 favorite big band chart ever .... no kidding. 5-4-4-4 (Opt. vibes) (on demo CD 117)