Baker's Jazz and More Curveball - Baker - Jazz Ensemble - Gr. 4

Composer: Paul Baker
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Jazz Ensemble
Style: Ballad
Level: 4

This chart was commissioned by the Walt Whitman High School Jazz Ensemble to feature their lead tenor saxophonist. In the style of the Ray Charles big band, this chart opens with huge ensemble brass and bluesy sax lines that switch in and out of a double time swing feel. This movement between ballad, double time feel, and true medium swing helps to define the chart throughout. A soulful melody for the soloist is icing on the cake, along with an improvised solo and cadenzas at the end. This is a real powerhouse chart for the entire band. Trumpet range is to written high D. Trombone range is to G.