Jazz Lines Publications Complex City - Nelson - Jazz Ensemble - Gr. 5

Recorded by the Jazz Interactions Orchestra

Composer: Oliver Nelson
Editors: Rob DuBoff, Jeffrey Sultanof
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Jazz Ensemble
Style: Contemporary/Swing
Level: 5

This composition by Oliver Nelson was part of the Jazzhattan Suite and was recorded by the Jazz Interactions Orchestra in 1967, an ensemble led by pianist Billy Taylor. This is a brilliant and innovative piece of music. Less of an arrangement and more of a full-length composition, this features reeds on a variety of woodwinds and a percussion section including vibes, xylophone, timpani, and claves. This percussion part is meant to be played by a single person. There are many meter shifts including 3/4, 3/8, 3/16, 6/16, 5/8, 7/8, and 6/4!

Oliver wrote this arrangement without a key signature and we have not included one. The first half of the composition is more classical inspired than jazz. There are Copland and Bartok influences throughout. An 8-bar drum solo leads the group into a bright swing feel for an open solo section. Solos are featured for piano, tenor saxophone, and trumpet.
If your band can pull it off, this would make a fantastic concert or festival piece.

Ranges:

• Trumpet 1: to F6
• Trombone 1: to G#4

Instrumentation:

• Full Score
• Reed 1: Clarinet/Alto Saxophone
• Reed 2: Flute/Alto Saxophone
• Reed 3: Flute/English Horn/Oboe/Tenor Saxophone
• Reed 4: Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone
• Reed 5: Flute/Bass Clarinet/Baritone Saxophone
• 4 Trumpets
• 2 Horns in F
• 4 Trombones
• Tuba
• Piano
• 2 Bassists
• Drums
• Vibraphone
• Xylophone
• Timpani
• Claves