Swinging Christmas Songs for Big Band

From bebop innovator Charlie Parker. Now's the Time is one of his more accessible and popular tunes. With limited ranges and easy rhythms, this enjoyable arrangement allows you to teach a bit of jazz...

From jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, here is this classic swinger skillfully arranged for younger players. The tuneful melody is a great way to introduce the bebop style. Features solos for trumpet and al...

From jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, here is this classic swinger skillfully arranged for younger players. The tuneful melody is a great way to introduce the bebop style. Features solos for trumpet and al...

This clever and catchy jazz standard has been recorded notably by Diana Krall, but also by Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. Arranged in a comfortable swing style this is a terrific feature for vocal...

Mark Taylor uses a mix of small group playing contrasted with full ensemble passages in this early composition from jazz master Wayne Shorter. After a solo section featuring alto sax then trombone, a...

In this setting for 6 horns and rhythm, Michael Mossman uses a moderate swing style to fashion a classy version of this familiar standard. The scoring style is largely tutti, but with a few unique twi...

In this setting for 6 horns and rhythm, Michael Mossman uses a moderate swing style to fashion a classy version of this familiar standard. The scoring style is largely tutti, but with a few unique twi...

Here's a great sounding and very playable chart on this familiar jazz standard that features the drummer on brushes and tasty figures from the full ensemble. Perfect for either festivals or casual occ...

From the film Swing Time and originally performed by Fred Astaire, The Way You Look Tonight won the Academy Award for best original song in 1936. Since then it has remained a popular jazz standard, an...

Originally recorded by Peggy Lee in 1960, this upbeat swinger exudes a great message and positive energy. Perfect for a singer to add their own personality and connect with the audience. John Clayton'...

Composed in 1963 it wasn't until Frank Sinatra released his iconic version in 1966 that this familiar tune solidified its place in pop culture. In this medium slow version for younger players, John Be...

Composed in 1963 it wasn't until Frank Sinatra released his iconic version in 1966 that this familiar tune solidified its place in pop culture. In this medium slow version for younger players, John Be...

Penned by Bobby Timmons and recorded by a number of jazz artists over the years, Dat Dere is a great example of soul jazz of the early 60's. This arrangement for small band features alto sax and trump...

Here's one of the iconic tunes from Duke Ellington in a swingin' chart scored for the little big band format. Mark really gets the most out of just the six horn parts in this great sounding chart! Sol...

Wes Montgomery's jazz standard is arranged here featuring both the straight-ahead swing style of the original as well as an updated samba version inspired by a recording by John Scofield and John Aber...

Wes Montgomery's jazz standard is arranged here featuring both the straight-ahead swing style of the original as well as an updated samba version inspired by a recording by John Scofield and John Aber...

This minor blues was written by Nat Adderley for Chicago jazz DJ, Holmes Daddy-O Daylie, and was first heard onCannonball Adderley's seminal album, Somethin' Else. This well-crafted arrangement swings...

This minor blues was written by Nat Adderley for Chicago jazz DJ, Holmes Daddy-O Daylie, and was first heard onCannonball Adderley's seminal album, Somethin' Else. This well-crafted arrangement swings...

Here is a creative chart in the little big band format on Duke Ellington's classic swing tune. Solos are included for tenor sax and trumpet.

Here is a creative chart in the little big band format on Duke Ellington's classic swing tune. Solos are included for tenor sax and trumpet.

Normally performed in a Latin style, Mark Taylor has created a marvelous setting of this popular standard as a medium swing shuffle! There's nothing laid back about this as the full ensemble opens up...

Normally performed in a Latin style, Mark Taylor has created a marvelous setting of this popular standard as a medium swing shuffle! There's nothing laid back about this as the full ensemble opens up...

Composed in an up-tempo swing style (but with attitude!), here's a tour-de-force for the entire ensemble. Mark beautifully contrasts small ensemble scoring with full band passages, and provides solo o...

Composed in an up-tempo swing style (but with attitude!), here's a tour-de-force for the entire ensemble. Mark beautifully contrasts small ensemble scoring with full band passages, and provides solo o...

This classic minor blues by Dizzy Gillespie is arranged here in a comfortable medium swing style. A small group is featured at the top using the distinctive stylings and articulations of the original...