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134
Ballads | Medium-Easy / Medium
Come Sunday—Duke Ellington/
arr. Rick Hirsch. Oh yeah, a beautiful
straight-eighth Ellington ballad! Come
Sunday is played around 84 bpm with
gorgeous voicings throughout. There are
suggested or improvised solos for tenor
and trombone, very easy brass ranges,
and all the usual optional parts to include
vibes for expanded instrumentations. Very
playable and very satisfying!
10753974 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 48.00
Embraceable You—George Gershwin/arr.
Tim Waters. Laid-back bossa style frames
this arrangement of a Gershwin standard,
opening with an elegant ensemble
statement before placing a strong alto
saxophone player in the spotlight. The solo
rides a light bossa groove that gradually
intensifies, followed by soli passages
from the ensemble and an improvised
solo section. Choose it when you want to
feature a strong alto student and add a
stylish change of pace to your next concert
or festival program.
11686020 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 55.00
Going Home—Antonín Dvořák/arr. David
Samuel. A gorgeous and lush ballad setting
of Dvorak's beloved theme – beautiful
harmony accompanies the lyrical melody
as the texture melts from transparent to full
and lush.
11501831 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 55.00
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You—
George Bassman/arr. Mark Taylor. Long
recognized as the signature song for
the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, here is a
beautifully arranged setting for young jazz
ensembles. In a slow Basie-style swing, this
chart features plenty of full ensemble scoring,
modest brass ranges, a solo for trumpet, and
a brief sax soli in double-time feel.
10960662 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 45.00
If I Could Fly—Mike Smukal. Feature your
tenor sax soloist on this lush ballad that
has a hint of Latin. This chart weaves and
contrasts minor and major harmonies and
is a superb chart for developing players
with the lead trumpet range only to top
line written F. Additionally, it's playable
with optional reduced or expanded
instrumentation. The tenor solo is all written
out and the rhythm section parts are very
clear. An excellent vehicle for your tenor sax
player. Highly recommended!
10028079 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 48.00
In a Sentimental Mood—Duke Ellington/
arr. Mark Taylor. No one handles Ellington
for younger ensembles better than Mark
Taylor, and this well-crafted arrangement
shows why. Although Mark uses a written
trumpet solo on the bridge, the main theme
is handled by the full ensemble playing
primarily tutti rhythms. Included are solos
for trumpet and tenor (written or ad lib.)
then a brief double time swing section
featuring the entire ensemble. We think the
Duke himself would have liked this one.
Highly recommended!
2702198 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 50.00
Li'l Darlin'—Neal Hefti. Composed and
arranged by Neal Hefti, this is the original
chart that says just about everything there
is to say about relaxed, laid-back swing! No
good jazz library is complete without this
incredibly good chart!
279364 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 52.00
Missing You—Mike Tomaro. This straight-
eighth ballad is beautiful and bold. Full of
emotion, this chart is perfect for working on
phrasing and contrast to help bring depth to
the performance.
11403542 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 55.00
Misty—Errol Garner/arr. Mike Lewis.
You'll want to have this timeless standard
in your library! A gentle opening builds to
an unforgettable climax, with your alto
and trumpet soloists getting to share the
solo spotlight. Powerful ensemble scoring
makes the big band sound come alive.
Great for working on phrasing and style.
2442994 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 48.00
My Funny Valentine—Richard Rodgers/
arr. Mike Smukal. Richard Rodgers and
Lorenz Hart gave the jazz world this
beautiful ballad, and arranger Mike Smukal
sets it as a lush trumpet or flugelhorn
solo feature. The entire solo is notated
and can effectively be performed with no
improvisation. It also features a wonderful
double-time section with everything
written out, easy ranges, some nice
substitute chords and lush harmonies. This
arrangement includes optional parts for
flute, horn in F, baritone and tuba. This is
an exceptional chart at an accessible level!
Highly recommended!
10049705 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 48.00
My Funny Valentine—Richard Rodgers/
arr. Sammy Nestico. Feature either trumpet
or flugel on this creative arrangement of a
timeless standard. Written in ballad style,
there's some nice ensemble scoring and
a brief, easy section in 3/4. Definitely a top
choice for younger bands!
2328144 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 50.00
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square—
Manning Sherwin/arr. Roger Holmes.
Composed in 1939, this popular standard
features an amazingly tuneful melody and
lush chords. Perfectly suited to the little big
band format, this ballad is a perfect change
of pace.
11518955 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 50.00
October Rain—Vince Gassi. This beautiful
ballad features the ensemble and is truly a
gem at this level. Lush harmony abounds,
and all the colors of the contemporary
jazz ensemble are utilized. There is a
short written piano solo that leads into the
subtle modulation.
11503708 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 55.00
Prayer Meetin'—Matt Harris. Feature a
young pianist with this gospel-style ballad.
The solo is entirely notated except for a
short section where the pianist needs to
improvise over an easy four-bar sequence.
The slow, infectious groove is perpetuated
by fully notated rhythm section parts,
trumpets with harmon mutes at times, and
full band passages. There's an open solo
section for soloists of choice that is written
or improvised. This chart can be played with
as few as three saxes, two trumpets, one
trombone, piano, bass, and drums but is
scored for full jazz ensemble instrumentation.
10031755 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 50.00
Round Midnight—Monk & Williams/
arr. Mike Smukal. It's always good
programming to include a ballad and here's
a warm and tender ballad feature for your
tenor sax player. This timeless jazz tune,
recorded by countless jazz artists, is scored
for developing groups by arranger Mike
Smukal. He adds the lush harmony you
would expect and then moves into a double
time section, returning to the ballad tempo
for the ending. Everything is notated for the
soloist and rhythm section. An excellent
ballad showcase! Highly recommended!
Optional expanded instrumentation.
10277614 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 48.00
The Shadow of Your Smile—Johnny
Mandel/arr. Roy Phillippe. Every now and
then it comes along, a ballad so hauntingly
beautiful that it may just be the highlight of
your concert! This is one such gem. After
a solo piano introduction, the familiar minor
melody is gently taken up by the band. Alto
sax and trumpet both get solo passages
but, for the most part, it is the ensemble
effort that makes this chart one of the best.
2467744 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 48.00
Someone to Watch over Me—George
Gershwin/arr. Mike Kamuf. A smooth
arrangement of a classic Gershwin ballad
features your lead alto player with a warm,
lyrical character throughout. The mellow
opening gradually builds to an impactful
ensemble moment, with a brief trombone
feature adding a small additional feature
along the way. The fully written solo keeps
the demands moderate, making it an
ideal showcase for a strong soloist while
maintaining a relaxed, expressive tone.
11687295 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 52.00
Spring Is Here—Richard Rogers/arr.
Scott Ragsdale. Sparse, elegant scoring
highlights a solo vocalist in this medium-
easy jazz ballad, ensuring the melodic line
remains clear and expressive throughout.
The ensemble comes forward for an
extended instrumental middle section
before the singer returns for a warm,
satisfying close. A subtle shift into a light
bossa feel adds variety before settling
back into the lyrical ballad style. The result
is a refined and emotionally focused vocal
feature for developing jazz bands.
11687297 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 57.00
Stardust—Hoagy Carmichael/arr. Dave
Mills. This Hoagy Carmichael standard from
has remained a staple for jazz musicians
for almost a century. With its haunting
melody and lush chord progression, this
ballad treatment of the tune features your
tenor sax soloing through the melody,
interspersed with melodic statements
from the rest of the band. The solo section
features an ad-lib tenor sax solo before the
rest of the band returns to close out the
tune. The lead trumpet plays up to an A just
above the staff.
11516034 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 50.00
Through Clear Eyes—Roger Schmidli.
An expressive jazz-rock ballad that blends
lyrical ensemble writing with opportunities
for young soloists to step forward. Built off
of a recurring chorale, a compact six-note
solo idea, and a memorable trumpet theme,
the music weaves these elements together
to create unique contrast and momentum.
Improvised solos for lead trombone and alto
saxophone lead into a focused, energetic
shout section before an uplifting final
statement brings the piece to a confident,
inspiring close.
11686077 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 55.00
Touchstone—Anthony Susi. A compelling,
heartfelt, and even eighth-note ballad that
will show off the soft side of your ensemble.
The chart has some great musical moments
and features well-crafted rhythm section
parts that are fully notated.
11615111 Jazz Ensemble . . .ME 50.00
Ballads
Medium
And Yet So Far—Chris Sharp. Jazz groups
with a strong lead alto sax player will enjoy
this ballad in film noir style. Its smoky
harmonies and wistful melody are broken
up with a double-time swing section before
a powerful reprise at the end. The solo part
is mostly written while chord changes are
provided for the soloist during the swing
section along with an optional suggested
solo. A super solo feature for your alto soloist!
10757177 Jazz Ensemble . . . . M 65.00
Angel Eyes—Matt Dennis/arr. Dave
Wolpe. Here is a natural pairing of ballad
style with an exceptional standard as
a tenor saxophone feature. Beautifully
arranged, this chart features lush
harmonies, a double-time swing section,
and a nice sax section soli with tenor lead.
The tenor solo is completely notated and
does not require improvisation, although it
could be added. The lead trumpet range is
to B above the staff, and optional parts are
included for expanded instrumentations.
Simply gorgeous!
10303786 Jazz Ensemble . . . . M 52.00
Body and Soul—Johnny Green/arr. Dave
Wolpe. There's no better way to feature
your alto soloist than with this arrangement!
It's one of the most important ballads in the
jazz repertoire, and Dave's chart brings
out all of its lush beauty. A big, expansive
double-time section gives your soloist
a chance to improvise before returning
to ballad tempo for the dramatic ending.
Highly recommended!
2472239 Jazz Ensemble . . . . M 60.00
Chelsea Bridge—Billy Strayhorn/arr. Mark
Taylor. One of the masterpieces of jazz, this
beautifully crafted feature for alto sax uses a
variety of styles and settings. Mostly scored
as a ballad, there is a jazz waltz section
in the middle followed by a powerful, slow
swing ensemble shout. The soloist returns
to finish out the chart in the original ballad
style. Recorded by the Taylor/Fidyk Big
Band on A Perfect Match.
11401139 Jazz Ensemble . . . . M 55.00
A Child Is Born—Thad Jones. Composed
and arranged by Thad Jones, this is an
absolutely gorgeous ballad in 3/4 that is a
"must" for any good jazz library! It's one of
the most "tasteful" jazz charts ever written!
543421 Jazz Ensemble . . . . M 50.00
