Ted Heath

Manhattan Spiritual

Manhattan Spiritual is a wonderfully uplifting swing chart, as its name might suggest. Originally scored in the late 50's by Reg Owen for the Ted Heath band, this chart was also a feature for Owen's own outfit, and that of Jack Parnell too. The arrangement starts and ends with a chorale-style fanfare, and swings like crazy in between. Plenty of hand claps from all sections of the band add to the rousing nature. We have scored this chart for a regular Big Band and a Timpanist, though the Timp notes are cued onto the Piano and Drum parts and the chart works equally well without the kettles. The last few bars are a bit of a scream for the Trumpets (with lead up to high F and second to high D) but the section can be taken down the octave if needs be. Both Altos double Clarinets.