Grade Level

Tapestry

January 28, 2009 – 11:06 pm

Those of us from the “Boomer” generation couldn’t get enough of Carole King’s Tapestry album (there…I’m dating myself!). I couldn’t resist the temptation to take a second look at the title tune from this landmark recording, giving it a fresh new sound. Ample solo space is provided for piano, guitar, and choices between trumpet, alto and tenor. Power of Ten recorded this on their CD Earth Tones.

INSTRUMENTATION: Alto, Tenor, (Sop. opt), Bari, 2-Trumpets, trombone, vibes (opt), guitar, piano, bass, drums

DIFFICULTY: Medium

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So What

January 28, 2009 – 11:05 pm

Composer/arranger George Russell gave me the idea for this different slant on the famous Miles Davis recording. In this case, everybody gets a chance to play Miles’ seminal solo over a very funky rhythm section groove. The solo section can be opened up for just about anyone in the band with backgrounds on cue that harken back to the original tune – and the only time you hear the tune itself.

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Jai Ali Hustle

January 28, 2009 – 11:05 pm

This vibrant samba knocked them over at the 1984 NAJE Convention. Written in the Rob McConnell vein with a catchy melody, powerful brass figures, and even several stop-time sections. Soloists (trombone and flute/tenor or piano) are given an opportunity to stretch out over some scintillating changes. The drummer also receives several spotlights. Alto I dbls. sop./fl./picc. (opt.), Ten. I dbls. sop.

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4 (see woodwind dbls, above)

Grade Level: Difficult

Available from UNC Jazz Press

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At This Point in Time

January 28, 2009 – 11:05 pm

This Latin-funk piece makes use of one of the great grooves found in the Steps Ahead’s Pools. The haunting melody initially appears as a rubato statement between the tenor sax and piano until a syncopated bell-like pyramid figure leads us into the groove. Solos for piano, tenor, and soprano. Sax doubles. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog.

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/vibes optional plus woodwind doubles
Grade Level: Difficult

This chart is being recopied and will be available soon as a Rick Lawn exclusive on this website!

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Kitch

January 28, 2009 – 11:04 pm

This shuffle arrangement of Gary McFarland’s tune requires alto to double on soprano and features lots of open space for solos by piano and trombone. A bass solo is optional as is the challenging woodwind soli for flutes and clarinets. This chart is a little reminiscent of Thad Jones’ “Don’t Get Sassy.”

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/3
Grade Level: Difficult

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Chasing After Dreams

January 28, 2009 – 11:04 pm

Gorgeous ballad that features tenor saxophone throughout and a double time solo section with ensemble shout chorus. Recorded on the Sea Breeze release “Unknown Soldiers” by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4(vibes optional) additional woodwind doubles
Grade Level: Difficult

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Parade of the Unicorns

January 28, 2009 – 11:03 pm

A 6/4 march-like groove turns into a Latin feel in the style of vintage Chuck Mangione complete with flugelhorn and soprano sax duet. This chart is very melodic and memorable but has a punch to it as well; and the groove is infectious.  No recording other than the MIDI file below is yet available.

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
Grade Level: Medium-Difficult

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Sorry but no recording available yet aside from a mp3/MIDI

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Traditions (aka. In the Tradition)

January 28, 2009 – 11:02 pm

Clever arranging and tasteful orchestration give this “ensemble feature“ a fresh yet traditional look at swing. An introduction marked by interesting bass, trombone and brush work gives way to a light two beat presentation of the head before settling into a moderate tempo straight-ahead groove.

The ensemble gets a chance to show its teeth as the piece half-times into a slow, hard bluesy feel and a brief stop time section en route to the original tempo and a great ending.

This is one movement from the dance suite Mirrors that included “Seeds,” “Chasing After Dreams,” and “Loose Ends.”

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4(doubles on ten 1 & 2 and bari). Brief solos for soprano, bari and piano. Alto I-sop., Alto II, Ten. I & II-fl., Bari-fl./picc.
Grade Level: Difficult

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Loose Ends

January 28, 2009 – 11:01 pm

This one is NOT for the timid! Although the chart defies classification, Weather Report fans will be knocked out with its relentless, hard-driving groove and somewhat ethereal wind writing.

There’s lots of solo room for the guitar and drummer along with shorter solos for soprano sax and trumpet.

Optional parts for drum machine and synthesizer are included. Check out Loose Ends, it will leave your audience frazzled!

Instrumentation: Alto I-sop./fl., Alto II-fl., Ten. I-clar./fl., Ten. II-clar., Bari-bass clar., all trumpets double flugel.
Grade Level: Difficult

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Hopscotch

January 26, 2009 – 12:37 am

One of my more recent compositions for big band, this chart is a tour de force for baritone soloist. It can be played with 5 saxes plus the soloist or with only 5 saxes. While the saxophone parts are challenging, brass parts are reasonable as are rhythm.

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4
Grade Level: Difficult

A Rick Lawn.Com Exclusive!

Score

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[audio:http://ricklawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/Hopscotch.mp3]

Now available in print form from eJazzLines!!

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