Count Basie Series  Up a Level         

This version is a transcription of Basie's performance from the 'Sinatra at the Sands' album, and it differs slightly from the great Billy Byers studio version of the chart. It opens with a floating Piano solo, and the Piano takes the first chorus, with sparse backings from the band. The second chorus is ensemble, with some beautiful harmonic structured writing, and the Piano solo comes back for the third, with some classic call and response with the band. The chart must be taken at a laid-back pace, and your band needs to observe the written dynamics and articulations in order to achieve the right feel. The Piano part is written out 'as played', though we've added in the lead line at the start of the second half of the first chorus, where Mr. Basie chose not to play at all. The chart is graded as 'Medium' even though the lead Trumpet has a written high F. The 4th Trombone is Bass. Duration 2' 55' Grade: Medium

Duet is one of the great tracks done for the Basie band by Neal Hefti, from The Atomic Mr Basie altum. This is a wonderfully laid back chart featuring two of your Trumpet players. Hence the title of the piece. This is a transcriptio of the original Hefti arrangement, and includes fully transcribed Joe Newman and Thad Jones solos, scored on Trumpet 2 and Trumpet 4, plus the Piano solo and fill-ins. The band will need to be tight to do this justice. There are no sax doubles. Duration 4' 10' Grade: Easy/Medium

Another flat-out swing chart from the earlier days of the Count Basie band. Every Tub is a quick swing chart featuring Tenor sax, Trumpet and Piano, with loads of visual possibilities too, as much of the Brass ensemble work uses plungers / fan hats. We have written out all of the original solos, though your players can improvise over the chords if they wish. The brass ranges are moderate and there are no sax doubles. Duration 3' 15' Grade: Medium

Flight of the Foo Birds is one of the great tracks from the Basie band of the 1950s, and one of a series done for the band by Neal Hefti, to be found on The Atomic Mr Basie album. This is a trscription of the original arrangement, and includes fully transcribed Trumpet, Alto and Tenor solos, plus the Piano fill-ins and even the 2 bar drum solo leading into the shout chorus. This chart really swings. Duration 3' 20' Grade: Medium

First recorded in September 1939, in the same session as Dickie's Dream, Lester Leaps In is a milestone chart which showcased the phenomenal talent of Lester Young. The arrangement evolved over time, easing in tempo, lenghtening and gathering more band backing, until we arrive at this version. This chart simply swings from start to finish. All of the tenor solos, also the piano solos and bass line have been transcribed, though chors are provided on the parts should your players wish to improvise. If you have a star tenor player that you wish to spotlight, then Lester Leaps In is a perfect choice. There are no sax double. Duration 3' 55' Grade: Medium/Advanced

Red Bank Boogie is a classic Basie piano feature, and we have written out the Piano part in full. This chart evolved over time, as many of CB's charts did. The original was possibly a little stilted, even a little corny perhaps, with the piano line being played in typical stride style. This later version was played by CB using far fewer notes, with less emphasis on the left hand, and we think it swings all the better for it. However, it is a quick chart and you will still need a pretty good pianist to do it justice. There are no sax doubles. Duration 2' 35' Grade: Medium/Advanced

Another rare chart from the Hefti days of the Basie band. This is NOT the Hefti stock chart that was issued many years ago. It is the complete Basie version, and a nice Trombone sectional feature. The chart is written for 2 Tenors and 1 Bass Trombone, with an optional 4th (Tenor) Trombone part. The Basie band only ever recorded this tune three times, onceon the Atomic album, once live in 1958 and again live in 1959. The live takes were played quicker! This transcritpion is dran from all three to recreate this swing classic. The Piano part has all of the little fills and licks written in, as does the drum part, and the Trombone parts are written as they were played, including the over-emphasised dragged notes and the lovely unison Trombone ending with the band whisper quiet behind, so that your band will be able to recreate the authentic Basie feel. There are no sax doubles. The lead Trombone hits a high C. Duration 3' 10' Grade: Medium

Tickle Toe is a real Tenor sax feature. Hardly surprising, as it was written for Lester Young! This chart, with the usual Basie combinatino of flowing sax lines and punchy barss, is written in a minor key, giving it a haunting tonality. Quite quick, at 210 bpm, the chart itself is not technically too demaning, once your sax players have got their fingers around the tune. All the solos (Tenor, Trumpet and Piano) are written out and the chords too, should your players want to improvise. No sax doubles and brass ranges are pretty moderate. Duration: 2' 40' Grade: Medium/Advanced