JAZZ

To view the master list of music for jazz combos and big band in the Store, go here. Also, .pdf’s for reading on an iPad can be provided on request for any score or part in addition to the hard copy at no additional cost. If you would like to hear a complete recording to help consider a piece, write to me at newertunes@hotmail.com.

lead sheets

Go here for lead sheets. These I offer for free - just download the image file file & print. I ask only that I be credited as the writer if you put it on stage.

miscellaneous small groups

In the tradition of most small group jazz compositions, instrumentations of these pieces are adjustable. All were written with the intent that I would play in them, so piano is essential to all; all also assume bass & drums. Many include guitar, owing to the several years I played with the jazz-fusion ensemble Oracle with guitarist Tim Haden. Later, re-named Edgewise, I played for a few years with saxophonist Patrick Langham - hence the inclusion of sax in some pieces. A few of my compositions for Oracle have never been engraved with notation software… if there is a piece among those that interests you, write to me and we can discuss it.

Maxi Cat (2017)

For female vocal and funk band (rhythm & 4 horns). A not-so-flattering tribute to a certain orange-hued, feral politician. Excerpt & demo here.

The Bear Ubered Over the Mountain (2016)

A send-up of the popular campfire sing, this fast-as-possible swing arrangement has some big band qualities, even if designed for a smaller group. This version was originally intended for 3 horns (trumpet, alto, tenor), but versions for 5 horns (3 trumpets, alto, tenor) and 1 horn (trumpet) are also ready to go; transcriptions for other horns are very possible. Excerpt & demo here.

Come Fly Again (rev. 2016)

This is for a relatively large group backing a vocalist - flute, extra percussionist, 4 horns (2 trumpets, alto, tenor - many substitutions possible), and rhythm section - in a latin groove. The arrangement could work with as few as 2 horns. $20 for score, parts, demo; order here. Excerpt & demo here.

A Tide Rising (2015)

A hard-nosed, outside, meter-shifting prog rock piece designed to be a showcase for two trumpets (or 2 clarinets, soprano saxes, or electric violins). Rhythm section is piano/bass/drums only. All parts written out, including trumpet solos. Excerpt & demo here.

Silent Singularity (2009, rev. 2015)

This is my tribute to guitarist Tim Haden, with whom I played for many years in Oracle and who succumbed to cancer in 2008. In it I have combined elements of Tim’s Oracle composition Seven and some new material. Excerpt & demo here.

Dis’Funkshunal (2014)

Mid-tempo funk for rhythm section and a lead instrument, preferably a wind or brass. Lots of interlacing parts in rhythm section, with thematic material mostly in Dorian mode. Room for all in solo section. Also available in a sextet version. Excerpt & demo here.

Roy’s Rhumba (2012)

For rhythm section and two horns, though it could be done with one horn or with extra horns doubling parts. A lively salsa feature for piano in which it sometimes carries the tune and at others plays a variable montuno; the part is completely written out. Excerpt & demo here.

Morning, Goodbye (1993, rev. 2008)

A slow, lush ballad for a vocalist backed by a combo and strings; instrumental solos in middle section are in a moderate walk. Lyric by George Singleton and the composer. Excerpt & demo here.

Evasive Action (1986)

High-octane modern swing. Head in unison lines with stop time drum fills; bridge in relentless walk and slower-moving melodic line. Lead instrument could be any wind or brass. Excerpt & demo here.

Friday Solitary (1975/1985)

Fast and light, with patterned accompaniment for the head and lush changes in the bridge; lead instrument could be any wind or brass. Excerpt & demo here.

guitar ensemble

Music for 5 guitars, bass, and drums. Synths can be substituted for one or more of the guitar parts; winds can also be substituted if the part doesn’t call for chords (duh). These are all published by the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press.

Stop the Time, I Want to Get Off! (1999)

This is quick bop throughout, with frequent interruptions of the meter for drum fills.  The lines are generally busy and legato, with "be-bop" endings.  There are good parts for all, and the scoring is varied: some unison playing, some in harmony, some in a polyphonic mix. Excerpt demo here.

Swing Shift (1997) 

Swing Shift uses a medium funk groove, with frequent kicks and interruptions, for the head sections; bridge sections are in straight ahead double time swing.  Swing 8th notes are constant throughout; the solo improv section also alternates between these two styles. Excerpt & demo here.

Get ‘em While They’re Hot (1996)

Hard fusion/rock. Good independent parts for all players; solo section invites outside playing. Excerpt & demo here.

big band

Frank Further (2015)

For standard big band, with an important extra part for marimba (typical of many of Zappa’s 1970’s bands), which could be played on synth if necessary. Though it does not include any actual musical quotations - and is thereby copyright-safe - Frank Further summons the ghost of Frank Zappa by incorporating a few of his favorite quirks and techniques.  Frank himself will show up to offer some commentary in the form of a Zappa impersonator. This person will step up to the mic during some planned silences to utter famous Zappa quotes; he also plays the cowbell during the last vamp. These silences can be drum fills if no impersonator is available. About 6:00, longer if soloists are added; $40 for score, parts, demo recording. Details, excerpt and demo here.

The Holly and the Ivy and the Holly (2013) - A Holiday Medley for Big Band

This arrangement is a mash-up of the traditional favorites Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly and The Holly and the Ivy. The style is more-or-less funk/fusion-ish, with swing blues solos in the middle. Lead trumpet must have lips of steel. About 4:35 with the two included solos and no repeats; a performance will be longer if soloists are added. $40 for score, parts, demo. Details, excerpt and demo here.