AM I BLUE?

Words by Grant Clarke; Music by Harry Akst
Advanced Level

"Am I Blue?" has been arranged in a slow swing style in the key of Db major. The band accompaniment features figures that have a slow, bluesy feel so it is important not to push the tempo too much. The chart requires a solid brass section with some high Eb’s in the lead Trumpet part and a short soli feature for the Trombones in the instrumental section.

This chart makes a nice feature for a female vocalist.

"Brad Esbensen's arrangement of AM I BLUE? was very well received by both Dizzy's and Out for the Count big bands."
- Constance Lansberg, Singer, Melbourne.

BAD BAD LEROY BROWN

Words and Music by Jim Croce
Intermediate Level

This chart, written in a swinging Sinatra style, makes for an energetic feature for a male vocalist. The chart starts in G with a modulation half way through to Ab. This arrangement features punchy band figures that provide plenty of energy behind the vocalist and is sure to get the show firing!

BAD HABITS

Words and Music by Billy Field and Tom Price
Intermediate Level

"Bad Habits" has been arranged in a medium-up tempo swing style. The arrangement starts in the key of Eb major and modulates to F major for an instrumental chorus and the final vocal chorus. The arrangement features a solid, punchy band accompaniment and requires a solid ensemble. The chart builds with an exciting band chorus, featuring some tricky rhythmic figures that will keep the players on their toes!

An excellent feature chart for a male vocalist.

CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS?

Words by Paul James; Music by Kay Swift
Intermediate Level

"Can't We Be Friends?" is arranged with a relaxed swing tempo and, in addition to being a vocal feature, it also has space to feature a trumpet soloist. The vocal part has been written with lyrics to suit a female vocalist but these may be easily adapted for a male vocalist. The chart also contains an exciting ensemble chorus with some solo space for the drummer.

A great feature for ensemble and vocalist alike!

FLY ME TO THE MOON

Words and Music by Bart Howard
Easy-Intermediate Level

This arrangement of "Fly Me To The Moon" is sure to become a favourite for band and singer alike! Based on the arrangement recorded by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, this chart features moderate brass ranges and easy rhythmic figures, making it more accessible to younger groups. Rhythm section parts are fully notated throughout with chord symbols provided for more experienced players.

The ensemble is featured for 16 measures at Letter E, giving the band a chance to stretch out a little. There is some solo space for the piano (written lines are provided) and the 2nd Trumpet takes the lead for some of the ensemble work. Have the band pay close attention to the articulations and dynamics in this chart in order to maintain excitement while supporting the vocalist.

GET HAPPY

Words and Music by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler
Intermediate Level

This arrangement of "Get Happy" makes a great, swing style, vocal feature. The accompaniment features simple, riff-style figures that give the chart a happy feel. The band backing figures build towards the end of the chart with the brass providing more punch to the accompaniment.

There is no solo feature or band chorus in this chart, just three choruses of the melody, with some variations, including a key change, providing the vocalist a great opportunity to stretch out.

THE LADY IS A TRAMP

Words by Lorenz Hart; Music by Richard Rodgers
Intermediate Level

"The Lady Is A Tramp" opens with a swinging brass section, a sure-fire way to grab attention for the start of a show! The chart features two vocal choruses, complete with lyrics a la Frank Sinatra in the second chorus. While there is no feature spot for the band in this chart, all players are kept busy supporting the vocalist, constantly building to a roaring climax to conclude the chart!

I hope you enjoy performing this chart - it is sure to become a great regular feature for the band singer!

MACK THE KNIFE

Original German Words by Bertholt Brecht; English Words by Marc Blitzstein; Music by Kurt Weill
Advanced Level

"Mack The Knife" has been arranged with a Basie style swing feel. The chart starts off with only the rhythm section accompanying the vocalist but builds to an exciting climax with the whole ensemble wailing along behind the vocalist. The chart goes through several key changes, beginning in A major and finishing in D major, to help build tension and excitement. While this may provide challenges for some players, the majority of the backing figures are based on riff type figures so there aren’t too many notes to deal with in each change of key.

An exciting chart to feature a male vocalist.

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN

Words by John Burke Music by Arthur Johnston
Advanced Level

"Pennies From Heaven" begins with a Basie-style piano introduction, setting up a relaxed swing feel for the chart. The chart features three choruses of the tune with the vocalist featuring on the first and third choruses.

The second chorus begins with a 16-measure solo for Tenor Sax 1. This solo is followed by a Basie-style section, providing a chance for the ensemble to wail!

The vocal returns for the final chorus with the ensemble backing becoming busier, helping to build excitement in this final chorus.

THAT'S LIFE

Words and Music by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon
Intermediate Level

This arrangement of "That's Life", based on the version made popular by Frank Sinatra, makes a great feature for a male vocalist. The chart starts in G major and modulates to Ab major for a big ending. The backing figures should be quite easy for younger players to pick up quickly. While the brass parts aren't particularly high for most of the chart, there are a couple of high C's for the lead trumpet. Some of these parts may be played down an octave to suit younger players.

WHAT'S NEW?

Words by Johnny Burke; Music by Bob Haggart
Advanced Level

"What's New?" is a beautiful ballad that makes a great feature for a female vocalist.

There is a feature section for the ensemble, requiring a lead trumpet player with fairly solid chops. Brass players should also have cup and harmon mutes on hand.

WITCHCRAFT

Words by Carolyn Leigh; Music by Cy Coleman
Intermediate Level

This arrangement of "Witchcraft" requires the Alto and Tenor Saxes to double on Flutes and Clarinets respectively. If these doubles are unavailable, optional sax parts have been provided. I would suggest that either the parts with the doubling or the sax parts be used - mixing them will upset the balance of the sax section.

The brass players are required to make use of cup and harmon mutes in this chart so be sure to have all mutes ready where they can be readily accessed and used.

In addition to featuring a vocalist, there is also a short ensemble section to give the band a chance to wail.

YOU TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ME

Words by Lorenz Hart; Music by Richard Rodgers
Advanced Level

"You Took Advantage of Me", arranged in a swing style, makes an ideal feature for a vocalist and the 1st Tenor Sax player.

The shout chorus midway through the chart, gives the ensemble a chance to cut loose and build some excitement. A particularly solid brass section is required to give the chart a kick along at this point.