Swinging Christmas Songs for Big Band

Here is an easy version of this hot swing classic which was recently recorded by The Brian Setzer Orchestra.

Take this swingin' Ellington favorite and put it in the skilled hands of Michael Sweeney and you have a magnificent teaching and performance piece for beginning jazz groups. The style is authentic eve...

Here's a fun original swing tune with a bit of an edge! Michael Sweeney again shows his understanding of this easy level in this well-written blues that features some minor dissonances for spice and a...

If it says swingin' in the title, you know you have a potential winner. Rick Stitzel doesn't disappoint in this outstanding chart on this familiar blues. It's also a great tune for solos!

This traditional swing tune from the '40s works great in this easy setting for beginning bands. The moderate swing tempo and easy rhythms provide a perfect model for teaching this style to inexperienc...

This is one of the true jazz classics from composer/innovator/performer Miles Davis. Paul Murtha takes the essence of this great tune and makes it playable by beginning groups. The easy chords and mod...

One of the all-time classic charts from the Count Basie Band is this gem penned by longstanding guitarist Freddie Green. Available for the first time in an arrangement for beginning bands, Michael Swe...

Written in a classic Basie style, this medium tempo chart is based around the B-flat blues and features easy-to-learn characteristic swing patterns. A great way to introduce beginning bands to swing s...

Here's an easy version of this big band favorite from the Count Basie Orchestra. Your audience is sure to recognize this one, and it's the perfect way to introduce young players to one of the great ba...

One of the Duke's most loved melodies in an easy setting for vocal soloist. Skillfully handled by Jerry Nowak.

Good medium tempo swing tunes are sometimes hard to find for vocalists. Jerry's well-written arrangement of this great tune is sure to be a hit with all ages. The band gets a chance to open up as well...

Here is the tune that helped propel Frank Sinatra to stardom! Jerry's arrangement is a great fit for vocal soloist with jazz ensemble and features a solo for alto sax and a shout chorus for the full b...

This timeless classic has long been a favorite with jazz singers. Mark's version is in a medium swing style and provides a terrific background for your featured vocalist.

Roger Holmes treats this familiar standard in a light Latin style that works nicely for vocal soloist. This medium tempo chart also features a tenor sax solo and tasty background figures.

Always a favorite with jazz singers, here's a swingin' up-tempo version propelled by solid ensemble backgrounds and a nice swing feel. Also included is a short feature spot for the full band alone as...

Here's Jerome Kern's fabulous standard in a swinging arrangement by Roger Holmes. Feature one of your student vocal soloists and this will be the highlight of your next concert!

Roger's medium swing setting of this Jerome Kern favorite will be a joy to perform. Great ensemble writing and a powerhouse ending help make this one a must.

Grades 3-4. (Nowak) C

This standard from the Big Band Era belongs in every band's library!

The critically acclaimed movie 'Bird' stirred new enthusiasm for jazz master Charlie Parker. Roger's spectacular arrangement of the 'national anthem of bop' is a great show piece for your sax section.

Grade 3-4 (Holmes) F

If you have the horses, let 'em run with this churnin', burnin' swing monster from Maynard's big band album, 'Big Bop Nouveau. ' This chart really burns, but will sound just as hot with the tempo turn...

Paul has taken the famous Les Brown version and adapted it for younger groups. The authentic style of the original is still there in this classy arrangement of a classic from the swing era.