Jeff Jarvis

Bistro Latino

Commissioned by the Missouri Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education for the 2006 Missouri All-State Jazz Ensemble, this authentic Latin original for advancing groups is truly a showstopper in every way! The chart is named after a popular Latin dance club and restaurant in New York City that recently closed. After opening with a dynamic tutti unison statement, this challenging work utilizes two Latin feels, songo and samba. The songo rhythm is most commonly heard in salsa music and employs lots of exciting syncopation supported by a repetitious, but always moving rhythm section background. The samba rhythm is used in the interlude section of the piece, which features very lush, modern voicings. Solo space is offered for soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. A member of the rhythm section could also solo. A guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson is included in each set.