Big Band Recordings

Donna Lee

February 16, 2009 – 12:54 am

Featuring a Super Sax style sax soli based on Charlie Parker’s classic improvised solo, this chart is a challenging crowd pleaser and worth the effort. A piano/guitar solo is also featured. A slightly modified version to feature saxophonist Tony Campisi was recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on “Unknown Soldiers” (Sea Breeze label)

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

Play Demo donna-lee
(recording is the Kendor Music demo not the recording by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra)

Rights for his arrangement are in limbo at this time. Check back later.

Unknown Soldiers – 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra

February 1, 2009 – 7:25 pm

Rick Lawn assembled a stellar cast of the finest musicians in Austin, Texas to present a 74 minute set of his original compositions and arrangements for jazz orchestra. Soloists featured include among others ex-Stan Kenton saxophonist Tony Campise, trumpeter Bob Meyer, Enja recording artist Mitch Watkins, View Point recording artist John Fremgen and Elias Haslanger, formerly with Maynard Ferguson. All arrangements are available from eJazzLines and the CD can be purchased from CD Baby. This recording features the “straight ahead” version of the same arrangement of “Donna Lee” included on Bobby Sanabria’s double Grammy nominated live recording Live and in Clave on the Arabesque label. Learn More>>

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in MP3 format

Boundaries

January 31, 2009 – 3:00 pm

A challenging, very contemporary chart that erases those lines between improvised and composed music; contemporary classical music and jazz; organization and chaos. Much of it is not based on traditional tonal organization though there are reoccurring themes, some chord progressions and pedal points to provide continuity. This chart was premiered by the Univ. of Texas at Austin Jazz Orchestra at the 1997 IAJE Convention. Solos are for Trumpet, Tenor, Piano, and Drums. Sax doubles. Chart works best with two keyboard players (piano and synth) though one will do especially if guitar is available. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog.

Instrumentation: 5/4/4/4/(2 keyboards)
Grade Level: Difficult

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Download Score

Play Demo boundaries

Now available from eJazzLines

Trane of Thoughts

January 28, 2009 – 11:23 pm

Lots of Coltrane influence here with this chart. The melody is beautifully scored, making use of muted brass and saxes floating calmly over a quietly driving rhythm section. Lots of solo space, a fun development section, an optional sax soli and a perfect closing. Alto 1 doubles on soprano. As recorded by 3rd Coast Jazz Orchestra Plays the music of Rick Lawn on Sea Breeze Jazz. See master Otter CD catalog .

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

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Play Demo trane-of-thoughts1

Now available from eJazzLines

Chasing After Dreams (10 Piece Chart)

January 28, 2009 – 11:12 pm

This is a scaled down version of the big band chart that can also be found on Rick Lawn.com (listen to big band chart recorded on Unknown Soldiers by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra). The chart is essentially the same and serves as a beautiful ballad feature for tenor sax throughout. Alto doubles on flute.

Instrumentation: alto/flute, tenor, bari sax, 2 tpts (dbl flugel), T-bone, piano, vibes, guitar, bass, drums
Grade Level: Medium-Difficult

NOW AVAILABLE FROM eJazzLines

Newk Meets the President

January 28, 2009 – 11:09 pm

A Latin/swing chart based on rhythm changes and the timeless “Lester Leaps In.” This chart was recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on their Sea Breeze label release “Unknown Soldiers.”

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

Kendor Music no longer owns the rights to this chart and it will soon be made available in this store.

Download Score

Play Demo newk-meets-the-president

Out On A Limb – Big Band version

January 28, 2009 – 11:07 pm

Recorded by the Third Coast Jazz Orchestra on their Sea Breeze label release “Unknown Soldiers,” this chart in the classic Latin/swing Green Dolphin St. style. Soloist include trumpet, tenor, piano and drums.

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

Kendor Music no longer owns the rights to this chart but it is now available for purchase here!!

$40

Play Demo out-on-a-limb

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!

Play Demo at-this-point-in-time

Purchase from eJazzLines

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

Link to Publisher »

Play Demo 08-chasing-after-dreams

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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Play Demo traditions

Rick Lawn