Jazz Ensemble Library Series

With no solos required, only a solid driving rhythmic groove, here is an authentic-sounding version of this Earth, Wind & Fire classic. Trombones are featured on the melody and all the signature horn...

This killer funk chart has everything your advanced jazz ensemble is looking for. Unbelievably hip melodies, an infectiously grooving rhythm section and tight horn licks. A brief 7/8 section is a witt...

From Stevie Wonder's acclaimed Innervisions album from 1973, this infectious funk tune has been covered by a variety of artists over the years and found its way into several movies. With a distinctive...

Scottish funk group, Average White Band, had two major hits that helped solidify the horn-driven funk sound of the '70s. Pick Up the Pieces was released in 1974, and Cut the Cake followed close behind...

In sort of a throwback style of slow funk, here is a skillfully composed vehicle for solo alto sax. Rich harmonies and an infectious groove help set the stage. And with careful pacing and tight ensemb...

Recorded by Tower of Power on their 1974 Urban Renewal album, this driving funk classic epitomizes the lasting appeal of this popular band. Mike Tomaro does a great job of adapting this for jazz ensem...

In 1987 Miles Davis took home the Grammy award for best jazz instrumental soloist for his performance on this composition by Marcus Miller. From the album by the same name, Tutu is creatively arranged...

From the Trombone Shorty CD 'Backatown', this tune features the powerful underlying pulse of a New Orleans second line feel. In this exciting arrangement, the ensemble alternately screams with the ful...

Here is one of the signature hits from the 'Godfather of Soul" James Brown in a funky and well-scored chart. The saxes take the lead while the brass deliver all the tight horn riffs. An optional open...

This classic funk tune from the '70s was written by Stevie Wonder, but became a huge hit for Rufus and Chaka Khan. Featuring a slow and driving pulse with heavily syncopated figures, this chart provid...

Every band needs a good funk chart to add to its festival or concert repertoire and 'Mr. Funkyman!' from Mark Taylor is sure to fit the bill. Using a moderate tempo, the rhythm section churns througho...

Full of colorful and expressive harmonies, your choir will find deep beauty in this setting of a treasured spiritual. This moving testament of hope is supported beautifully by the piano accompaniment,...

From the landmark album Aja recorded by Steely Dan in 1977 here is an outstanding version for big band set in a moderate funk style. The chart opens with a duet for tenor and trombone, followed by the...

Arranged here in a funky New Orleans style, the full ensemble takes the first statement after the piano intro. The spotlight then moves between the saxes amd the brass before a feature solo spot for t...

Here's the classic funk tune from Earth, Wind & Fire in a terrific arrangement for big band by Mark Taylor. This one includes all your favorite signature horn riffs as well as a solo for tenor sax.

Recorded by Grover Washington Jr. with Bill Withers, this tune helped define the smooth jazz sound. Silky smooth and well orchestrated, this is a nice addition to any concert program.

This classic Marvin Gaye hit has always been a favorite with jazzers and has great crossover appeal. From the CD Out of the Woods by the Les Hooper Band, this funky version is infused with a West Coas...

You may not recognize this by the title, but Libertango is one of the most well-known tangos throughout the world. Written with sultry lines for the saxes and rhythmic punctuations in the brass, this...

Dizzy Gillespie was a genius at combining Latin influences with the jazz idiom. This medium tempo arrangement of one of his best-known compositions really sizzles for jazz ensemble.

In a fast samba style reminiscent of Horace Silver's Nutville, this energetic chart features trumpet, tenor and trombone backed by a marvelous display of ensemble sounds weaving in and around the melo...

Here's a fresh sounding new original from Frank Mantooth. Written as a medium tempo Bossa, this inventive piece features a front line of trumpet, tenor, and trombone with solo space for each and well...

The movie Soapdish featured a soundtrack loaded with sultry mambo sounds. This lively tune from the movie is faithfully recreated by Roger Holmes and churns with Latin drive.

Here's a smooth new samba from the pen of John Berry that opens with a trumpet and alto duet. A statement by the entire trumpet section is then followed by the churning full ensemble interspersed with...

Here is one of Tito Puente's best known Latin production numbers and, in the hands of Latin master Michael Philip Mossman, this chart sets up an infectious and authentic groove that just does not let...