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Here’s a great swing chart for proficient groups that exploits a well-known lick normally used for endings. The bebop feel stresses a broader interpretation of the triplet feel, rendering a more authentic concept. There is a lot of trades between the band and the drummer, frequent contrapuntal writing, and a few surprises. This marks the first Les Hooper chart in the Kendor catalogue, so we welcome Les to the Kendor family of writers and look forward to many more charts from this well known and talented jazz writer! Duration 4:05.

Re-promotion. Mike Tomaro has penned a Latin style version of one of Jerome Kern's most often performed classics. Mike's creativity and total command of the idiom shines through in this superb chart.

Written in a fast 3/4, this gospel-inspired burner is as fun to play as it is to listen to. There is great interplay between sections of the band as layers of sound move in and out. Also included are hand claps and some “play any note you want” opportunities to really liven things up. The flexible solo section allows you to customize this to fit the strengths of your own band.

When the trombone section gets a chance to speak, it's usually with a touch of attitude and style. This sassy shuffle tune in a moderately slow tempo gives them a great opportunity to take the spotlight. Includes a flexible solo section and some nice ensemble sections as well.

Those who have experienced the lush, well-constructed writing style of Denver-based pianist/composer Dave Hanson need to read no further since you’re already familiar with the consistently high quality of his work. This beautiful mood piece for solo flugelhorn and big band is no exception. Alternating between a straight-eighth note “ECM” feel and a driving Latin groove, this original for proficient groups has the soloist weaving in and out of the arrangement with plenty of soloing opportunity over Latin vamps and modal colors. You won’t want to miss this one! Duration 5:40 Grade Advanced Style EVEN EIGHTHS Features FLUGELHORN

Here's a great medium uptempo swing chart on the classic standard by Jerome Kern. Carefully paced and well-scored from beginning to end, it features trumpet and tenor along with ensemble parts that are written with a variety of dynamic contrasts. Effective and fun.

From one of the hottest movie musicals to come along in a long time, here is a dynamic medley of production numbers from the show. Including “Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love,” “Move (You're Stepping on My Heart)” and “Fake Your Way to the Top,” this arrangement has plenty of energy and drive.

Charlie Mingus' distinctive take on the classic Ellingtonian ballad style provides a beautiful showcase for a variety of soloists, as well as lush full ensemble scoring. Also included is an optional solo for flute or piano. 

This classic Mingus composition is meant to be performed with a sense of an “anger” or sarcasm, and definitely projects an edginess. The bari sax and bass bone will have fun with the opening and there is plenty for the rest of the ensemble to get excited about as well in this medium swing romp.

Re-issue. Mark Taylor's arrangement of this classic early composition from Chick Corea starts with the saxes playing the rubato opening, followed by a moderate tempo Latin/rock groove. The main theme is stated first by a front line of alto, tenor and trumpet before the entire ensemble gets into the act. Solos are included for trumpet and piano.

Here is one of Billy Strayhorn's lesser-known ballads that is every bit as beautiful as some of his more popular compositions. Arranged by Mike Tomaro as a feature for alto sax, it contains a wealth of ensemble colors and an interesting harmonic structure.

This original jazz tune utilizes a variety of devices to add interest. Unison melodies, tutti sections, sax solis, and an open chorus for solos are features of this substantive chart for proficient groups. Chord sheets are provided for alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet, or trombone soloists. Flexible background figures allow for brass to play for saxophone solos and vice-versa. Duration 3:50 without additional solos Grade Advanced Style MODERATELY BRIGHT SWING

Here is a unique and somewhat moody ballad featuring trombone lead. The colourful rhythm section scoring and rich harmonic structure make this an appealing change of pace for festivals or concerts.

Featuring a freewheeling New Orleans style street beat alternating with straight-ahead swing, here is a Monk favourite in a unique and creative setting. Trumpet and tenor share the melody, and solo space is included for trombone and piano

With no solos required, only a solid driving rhythmic groove, here is an authentic-sounding version of this Earth, Wind & Fire classic. Trombones are featured on the melody and all the signature horn riffs from the original are beautifully captured. Guaranteed fun!

Skillfully adapted directly from the famous version recorded by Miles Davis on the landmark album “Birth of the Cool,” this arrangement for standard jazz ensemble instrumentation features an advanced harmonic structure along with the inherent ultra-smooth style. The solos for alto and trumpet include transcriptions from the original recording, and additional optional solo space is provided for extending the length of the arrangement if desired. 

One of the most engaging and lighthearted of all Mingus' compositions, this was originally meant to provide a musical bridge from Jelly Roll Morton to Mingus' own unique compositional voice. Here is a marvelous version for big band that alternates between a medium slow 2-beat feel and straight ahead swing. Includes solos for trombone, alto and trumpet.

This jazz gem from the pen of Tadd Dameron features an easy flowing swing style and adapts wonderfully for full jazz ensemble. Mark's arrangement includes a small group (alto, tenor, bari., trumpet, trombone, guitar and vibes) off the top that contrasts nicely with the full ensemble figures. Also included is a swingin' sax soli, solos for trombone and alto, and a tutti full band chorus that starts out soft minus drums, then builds to a peak

Re-issue. Master craftsman Sammy Nestico has beautifully arranged this familiar standard as a solo feature for alto sax. Starting out in a slow ballad style, the solo section shifts to a double time feel. Lush harmonies and powerful full band passages complement the soloist in this outstanding arrangement.

Recorded by Michael McDonald, this bluesy tune features a moderate shuffle groove and a distinctive contemporary sound. Scored with plenty of variety, this appealing chart also includes solo space for trumpet and/or tenor sax.

Here's a playable yet very effective arrangement of this signature Mingus composition. The familiar bari sax riff is handled by three saxes, and there is also a substantial soli for the entire sax section. 

This challenging piece is set in modern 3/4 and 6/4 grooves. The rhythm section is key to the success of the performance, so many written parts have been provided. Proficient groups looking for a great festival piece that showcases their concept of precision and balance won’t want to miss this one. Duration ca. 7:10 Grade Advanced Style STRAIGHT 8TH FEEL

Originally written for the 1959 John Cassavetes film “Shadows,” Nostalgia in Times Square is a medium tempo blues but with a unique harmonic structure. Beautifully scored for younger ensembles by Sy Johnson, this chart includes a flexible solo section for any combination of alto, tenor, trumpet or trombone.

This chart for proficient groups is a well-deserved tribute to jazz legend Horace Silver. You’ll immediately hear the style and tempo reference to one of Silver’s best-known tunes, “Song For My Father.” Dave Hanson expertly weaves contrapuntal lines into the infectious bossa feel. Rhythmic contrast is also a feature of this well-crafted original, so there’s no lack of excitement as the piece builds to a Spanish-tinged key change and climax. Duration 5:20.Grade Advanced Style BOSSA/EVEN EIGHTH FEEL

This modern straight eighth note feel composition for proficient groups is inspired by the music of Gil Evans and Bob Brookmeyer. Set in a medium tempo, the broad harmonic and melodic landscapes give the players sufficient freedom to express themselves through interaction with one another. A quick study of the score reveals a style of orchestration that doesn’t conform to the norm. Thematic material is often stated by instrument groupings of two and three players, versus dividing into sections (sax, trumpet, trombone). We welcome Tom Garling to the Kendor family of writers with this innovative chart! Duration 10:00. Grade Advanced Style STRAIGHT 8TH ECM FEEL

With a tip of the hat to the swing ballad stylings of Mr. Basie, here is a marvelous original from the pen of Steve Allee. With a beautiful sense of pacing and full band orchestrations, this chart makes it easy for your group to sound great! Also featured are a trumpet solo and tasty piano fills (naturally).

One of the signature ballads from renowned horn band Tower of Power, this tune includes the famous trumpet solo introduction that is one of those magical moments that trumpet players dream about! The rest of the chart is outstanding as well. Includes solo for tenor sax. (Cherry Lane)