This chart was commissioned by the Normal West High School Jazz Band in Normal, Illinois. A funky laid-back acoustic bass line sets the tone for this chart that recalls the quirky and sardonic style of the Brecker Brothers. The horns are divided into several cross-sectional sections to provide melody and background support. Solo space for trombone, soprano sax, drums, and guitar. Soprano sax required for alto sax 1. Trumpet range is to written high C. Trombone range is to Ab.

This chart was commissioned by the Normal West High School Jazz Band in Normal, Illinois. A funky laid-back acoustic bass line sets the tone for this chart that recalls the quirky and sardonic style...

This funky horn-driven chart weaves in and out of the boundaries with winding chromatic lines and high energy accompaniment. Solo space for tenor sax, trombone, and guitar, and the drums get several smaller opportunities, too. Trumpet range is to written high C. Trombone range is to G.

This funky horn-driven chart weaves in and out of the boundaries with winding chromatic lines and high energy accompaniment. Solo space for tenor sax, trombone, and guitar, and the drums get several...

This postmodern minor blues is a little "out there". The melody uses an inside/outside harmonic language, and the a capella “space cadet” section endeavors to go where no man has gone before...... Each section in the band is challenged. Solos for tenor sax, trumpet, and drums. Trumpet range is to written high D with optional E and F (both are notated on the part and score).

This postmodern minor blues is a little "out there". The melody uses an inside/outside harmonic language, and the a capella “space cadet” section endeavors to go where no man has gone...

Another funky New Orleans 2nd Line chart from the pen of Robert “Beto” Skiles. The rhythm section sets the funky groove followed by the trombone section. Saxes jump in on the melody with the brass section responding to their calls. A fun contrapuntal section follows where lines are passed from section to section. This leads to an extended alto sax solo followed by a trumpet solo (plunger optional). Next, the band gets to “trade fours” with the drummer before returning to the melody and an “in your face” ending. Trumpet range is to written high C.

Another funky New Orleans 2nd Line chart from the pen of Robert “Beto” Skiles. The rhythm section sets the funky groove followed by the trombone section. Saxes jump in on the melody with the...

This chart features a rock/fusion groove and is inspired by the harmonies of Stan Kenton’s Artistry in Rhythm as interpreted by the Brecker Brothers. After an intense funky 8 bar ensemble intro the chart settles into a hip fusion groove where the melody unfolds through layered textures. An emphatic ensemble send off sets up a screaming heavy metal guitar solo which is followed by a more fusion-based tenor sax solo. The sax section is featured next with commentary from the brass before the melody reappears in high fashion. The ending is a nod to the Kenton band theatrics, with a quote from Artistry in Rhythm’s trombone section to close out. Trumpet range is to written high D. Trombone range is to G.

This chart features a rock/fusion groove and is inspired by the harmonies of Stan Kenton’s Artistry in Rhythm as interpreted by the Brecker Brothers. After an intense funky 8 bar ensemble intro the...

Rick Lawn brings us a funky take on a stretched out blues form with a slippery melody and sophisticated harmonies. All goes according to plan through the melody and alto sax solo. A challenging unison brass soli follows and leads us into a unique musical environment where soloists (one, a few, or many) trade two bar phrases with the ensemble. This provides lots of room for experimentation and freedom for the improvisers since they aren’t limited to a particular harmony or chord. A brief drum solo returns to the melody and a gospel tinged coda. A challenging chart that is well worth the effort. Trumpet range is to written Bb with optional High D.

Rick Lawn brings us a funky take on a stretched out blues form with a slippery melody and sophisticated harmonies. All goes according to plan through the melody and alto sax solo. A challenging...

In the tradition of Neal Hefti’s classic “L’il Darlin’”, although slightly faster in tempo, Steppin’ Up focuses on one of the fundamental elements of the swing style – how to swing quarter notes to get that cool relaxed style that just feels so right. (Swing quarter notes? – Yes they can!). Lots of section spotlights to highlight each group along with short written (or improvised) solos for alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, and piano or guitar. Trumpet range is to written F on top of the staff.

In the tradition of Neal Hefti’s classic “L’il Darlin’”, although slightly faster in tempo, Steppin’ Up focuses on one of the fundamental elements of the swing style – how to swing...

Swim at your own risk! This is a high energy samba that explores the undersea dominion of the shark. The melody is stated in the trumpets and altos with aggressive background figures setting the mood. As the trumpet solo unfolds the sharks gather, snapping at the soloist. After an acapella trombone montuna section, the same fate awaits the upcoming sax soli where the section grows ever more frantic before succumbing to their predators. An extended piano solo delivers the next victim before a frenzy breaks out during the shout section where everyone is swimming for their lives. A brief drum flourish finishes the chart, but not before the saxes offer their reminder that the sharks are still out there, lurking in the waters and waiting for their next victim. Trumpet range to written high D.

Swim at your own risk! This is a high energy samba that explores the undersea dominion of the shark. The melody is stated in the trumpets and altos with aggressive background figures setting the...

A fun bebop chart in the joyful spirit and tradition of Clark Terry. Each section gets their turn in the spotlight – saxes at first, trumpets on the bridge, and trombones on solo backgrounds. A trumpet solo is followed by a piano (or guitar) solo and then the trombones and bass trade fours with the drums. The trumpets join in with the guitar and lead us into the big flag waving shout chorus that features the lead trumpet who sails above the ensemble and gets the last word at the end of the chart. Trumpet range to written high C.

A fun bebop chart in the joyful spirit and tradition of Clark Terry. Each section gets their turn in the spotlight – saxes at first, trumpets on the bridge, and trombones on solo backgrounds. A...

A beautiful Duke Ellington/Johnny Hodges styled alto sax feature starting as a sultry ballad introduced by a harmon trumpet solo. The alto then enters to sing its siren song before moving into an Ellingtonion “small band” soli from which the alto solo emerges. Modulating back to the original ballad tempo with a soaring ensemble climax, the alto leaves us with two brief cadenzas before the ensemble escorts us home. Trumpet range is to written high D.

A beautiful Duke Ellington/Johnny Hodges styled alto sax feature starting as a sultry ballad introduced by a harmon trumpet solo. The alto then enters to sing its siren song before moving into an...