Swinging Christmas Songs for Big Band

No one could pen a melody like Gershwin and this lesser known song is still a gem. The trombones take the lead the first time around followed by the trumpets and later the saxes. This medium swing cha...

Here is one of those standards that continues to sound fresh every time it's played. This nice and easy swing version by Mark Taylor is written in a Basie style and features wonderful ensemble scoring...

This original from Michael Sweeney features a contemporary sounding swing shuffle groove, flowing melodic lines and an interesting harmonic structure. The solos can be played by any combination of alt...

This swingin' Basie-style shuffle starts out with a piano chorus followed by the saxes and finally a roaring brass section. Also featured are solos for tenor and trumpet and a fabulous shout chorus th...

Michael Abene's unique and creative style is in full force with this powerhouse version of Sonny Rollins' great tune. Michael's chart was originally recorded by the GRP All-Star Big Band and he has re...

From the Mingus Big Band CD Gunslinging Birds here is an unpredictable romp for mature bands. Exploring a wide mix of seemingly unrelated sections, the genius and eccentricity of Mingus is apparent as...

With his usual flair, Mike Tomaro has crafted a brilliant up tempo swinger on this Rodgers & Hart favorite. Great writing without being too difficult, this chart swings from beginning to end and inclu...

Arranged here in a Basie-style slow swing setting, this well-crafted chart starts out as a study in ensemble writing with the brass in buckets and the drums on brushes. Later there is a solo for trump...

Arranged here in a Basie-style slow swing setting, this well-crafted chart starts out as a study in ensemble writing with the brass in buckets and the drums on brushes. Later there is a solo for trump...

Here is a marvelous big band setting of this bebop classic from Miles Davis. Arranged in a medium up-tempo swing feel, this chart is loaded with great ensemble writing with the melody being traded amo...

Beginning jazz ensembles will sound great with this solid swing arrangement by Michael Sweeney. Featuring tutti scoring and easy rhythms, this is a perfect chart to teach the basics of style.

Dedicated to Count Basie, this up-tempo swinger opens with a chorus for piano but then quickly launches into a driving swing feel with a sax lead and brass punches. Featured are solos for tenor, tromb...

The landmark album by Miles Davis Birth of the Cool brought us a unique instrumentation (the nonet) along with distinctive jazz sounds. Without straying from the intent of the music and working direct...

The landmark album by Miles Davis Birth of the Cool brought us a unique instrumentation (the nonet) along with distinctive jazz sounds. Without straying from the intent of the music and working direct...

The trombones take the spotlight in this medium blues swing chart from Mark Taylor. There are short written or ad lib solos for each trombone player, and there is a nice ensemble shout chorus for the...

Here is the classic Ellington swinger in a fabulous version for younger players. The drive and excitement of the original is still there as Mark starts out with a small combo of 2 tenors and 2 trombon...

Here is the classic Ellington swinger in a fabulous version for younger players. The drive and excitement of the original is still there as Mark starts out with a small combo of 2 tenors and 2 trombon...

Here's a swingin' chart in a medium fast tempo featuring the entire sax section! Mark very effectively uses the brass to compliment the sax soli sections, and there are also solos for alto and tenor....

There is never a lack of attitude from the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra as evidenced by this bluesy shuffle from their CD Shout Me Out. With the saxes on the head, complemented by screaming ensembl...

Mingus loved the blues, and this powerful and highly energized arrangement from the CD Live In Time is a staple in the book of the Mingus Big Band. It features the signature bass line scored for the l...

Written to feature former Hoosier Jeff Hamilton on drums, this John Clayton arrangement gives this standard tune a few new twists and turns. While serving primarily as an accompaniment for the drummer...

John gives this classic jazz tune by Sonny Stitt the royal treatment with this burning up-tempo swinger. This exciting chart features the entire sax section and builds to a wild shout chorus for the e...

Originally a hit for the Beach Boys, John Berry does it up right for jazz ensemble in this hard-driving shuffle style arrangement. This one goes together easily and will sound great.

One of the classic arrangements from the Count Basie Orchestra is adapted for younger bands in this authentic-sounding version by Mark Taylor. The signature piano intro is scored for trumpets in mutes...

One of the classic arrangements from the Count Basie Orchestra is adapted for younger bands in this authentic-sounding version by Mark Taylor. The signature piano intro is scored for trumpets in mutes...