Big Band Instrumental Series  Up a Level         

Perez Prado version of Cerezo Rosa (a.k.a. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White). Easy, apart from a couple of high D's in the lead Trumpet. The solo Trumpet line is written on the 4th Trumpet part, for a change.

Down for the Counts is an original composition. Written in Basie style, with some Hefti influences, this chart swings from top to tail, and makes a nice feature for your Trumpet soloist. The ranges are reasonable which makes it very playable, and there is some lovely interplay between the sections as well as a cameo opening Piano solo and a very clever little ending. No sax doubles. Grade: Medium Duration 2' 30'

Wally Menard's arrangement gives this chart a totally unique signature. It kicks off with a Trumpet/Trombone answerback intro, followed by unison Saxes, and Trumpets to establish the tune, all the while with backings building up throughout the first chorus. Then, as is always the case with the more memorable arrangements, comes a complete change of feel and form in the middle of the chart. Unison Bones, Bari and Rhythm, overlaid with Saxes and screaming trumpet figures build and build until, with a tangible feeling of relief, the chart collapses back into a gentle Latin feel. This is passionate writing! Grade: Medium/Advanced. Duration: 3' 30'

A big band version of the Average White Band hit, following the same structure as the original. This number is just a real laid back groove. The Saxes take the main riff with trombones and guitar backing. The chart really needs an electric bass, especcial a bassist who can slap. There's no solo space for anyone in the sax or brass section, and the 'vocal' line of 'pick up the pieces' is cued in too. Duration: Over 4'00' Grade Medium

The Sorcerer is an original composition from Carl Fritsche. It is a relaxed, laid-back groove, with an etheral, almost modal quality to it. Technically not at all difficult, though the rhythm section needs to be tight. Written solo for 1st Alto, and nice phrase exchanges and sectional interplay make The Sorcerer a really good chart to play. Duration 5'10' Grade: Easy

Too Little Time was used as the incidental music for the film 'The Glenn Miller Story'. This is a Trombone feature and is a must for any library. Ernie Barnard has produced a fabulously lush and rich piece of work that just makes the hair on your neck stand up. Equally suitable for dancing, or as a concert piece, this arrangement shows the instrument at its best. After a cadenza style intro, the trombone takes the entire first chorus with only rhythm backing. Miller-voiced saxes pick it up from there, with the whole piece building little by little to a tutti key change, with the solo trombone backing, and then taking the lead, to a final cadenza flourish to finish. Stunning. Duration 3'30' Grade: Medium

This is an elegant piece of Latin scoring and an absolute joy to play. Other than the lead alto taking the tune to start with there are no solos, and the sectional interplay is really well handled, with each taking the melody at some point. The trumpets are mellow and the trombones lush. The last sax soli in particular flows into an extended ending that has a modal feel that falls naturally into place within the context of the whole chart. Duration 2' 50' Grade: Easy