Jazz Ensemble Jazz Ensemble - Level 1 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.941473

Composed by Zachary B. Poulter. Jazz,Rock. Score and parts. 29 pages. Zachary B. Poulter #5023991. Published by Zachary B. Poulter (A0.941473).

An easy rock tune with serious swagger, Talkin' Smack has a brief solo break for any young musician who wants to step forward and play what's on their mind. A sassy swing section w/ optional plungers forms the bridge of the song, and then its back to rockin. Perfect for new improvisers, introducing the band, or any time you want to let your students strut their stuff. (Full score and parts included. Alternate parts included for flute, clarinet, French horn, and tuba.)

Jazz Ensemble Jazz Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.922585

By James Taylor. By Carole King. Arranged by Johan Verhey. Jazz,Pop,Singer/Songwriter. 72 pages. DaimlerMusic #6529901. Published by DaimlerMusic (A0.922585).

Prepare to be transported to a realm of musical emotion and connection with this stunning big band arrangement of 'You've Got A Friend' by Carole King, carefully crafted by the talented Johan Verhey. This rendition is a masterful testament to the power of music to touch the deepest corners of the heart.

With each note and every instrument, Johan Verhey's arrangement gracefully weaves together the familiar melody and lyrics into a rich tapestry of sound. It brings forth an entirely new dimension of warmth, tenderness, and nostalgia. Whether you're a fan of the original or experiencing this song for the first time, Johan Verhey's big band arrangement will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your soul.

The lush harmonies, the soulful horn section, and the rhythmic drive of the band encapsulate the true essence of friendship and support, making this rendition a heartwarming tribute to the power of camaraderie and solidarity. It's a musical journey that's sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, proving that the message of 'You've Got A Friend' transcends generations.

Johan Verhey's arrangement is a testament to the enduring relevance of Carole King's lyrics and melodies. It's not just music; it's a sentimental voyage that will touch your heart and remind you that, indeed, you've got a friend in this extraordinary piece of art.

Prepare to be moved, uplifted, and reminded of the beauty of true friendship. Your audience will be captivated, and your musicians will relish every moment of performing Johan Verhey's enchanting arrangement. 'You've Got A Friend' will forever hold a special place in your heart, just like the friends who stand by your side. Embrace the magic, and let Johan Verhey's music do the talking.

More music from Johan Verhey, see: www.bestarrangementsforbands.com.

Jazz Ensemble Jazz Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1308790

Composed by Charles Tenet. Arranged by Tobi Crawford. Jazz. Set of parts. 10 pages. Tobi Crawford #898036. Published by Tobi Crawford (A0.1308790).

*THIS ACCOMPANIES THE VOCAL ARRANGEMENT* 

This arrangement came to me over a number of weeks in a very organic way that began with the ostinato piano figure that prevails throughout the piece. I began playing it unattached to any tune and I just liked the way the line descended in the left hand and how I had to find voicings in the right hand that made harmonic sense – like a puzzle. As I was playing around with this puzzle, thoughts of my father were swirling around in my head – I was at the end of a 4 year period of separation from my parents owing to the fact that I’m a Canadian expat living in the US and the borders were closed for a long time because of Covid, and then I had work visa issues and my parents were getting older before my eyes. They were also losing friends to cancer and other ailments and my dad, in particular, had experienced the loss of many close family members and friends during our separation and it was taking a toll.

 

One day I sat down and played the now familiar-to-me ostinato but randomly I started to sing “Beyond the Sea� over it and it fit perfectly. I thought it a happy coincidence. As the days went on I committed to putting my ostinato with Beyond the Sea and the lyrics started to seep into my brain. I have, of course, heard these lyrics many times before, (who hasn’t seen Finding Nemo?) but the lyrics didn’t mean what I thought they meant… They’re NOT about the ocean, they are about my dad!!! Well, kind of… I realized, through careful reflection and by slowing the words down, that the lyrics are talking about a person in heaven who is patiently waiting for their partner to join them.

 

Somewhere beyond the sea

She’s there watching for me

…

It’s far beyond the stars

It’s near beyond the moon

 

And the lyrics end with them meeting, “We’ll meet beyond the shore, we’ll kiss just like before,� and the song ends with: “and never again I’ll go sailing.� It’s like the big bang went off in my head about why all these thoughts of my dad, and his friends, and this arrangement, and what it all meant suddenly just MADE SENSE and I was able to start formulating a plan.

 

Performance Suggestions: 

The improvisation solo in the middle should be free of any traditional “scat syllables� and should be more of a lament. Listen to singers like Aubrey Johnson improvise on ballads for inspiration. An idea for that improv section might be to have a male singer start the improv, then a female singer joins (as if together in heaven) then they sing letter F together (warning: will cause tears…). All solo sections do not have to be sung as written – soloists can take liberties with the melody as the spirit moves.

Jazz Ensemble Jazz Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1004951

Composed by Rob Birdwell. Contemporary. Score and parts. 16 pages. Birdwell Music LLC #4798473. Published by Birdwell Music LLC (A0.1004951).

This tune is an original of mine from the 5th and B catalog, a group with Dave Storrs and more.  I wrote this shortly after a gig at a local place called Squirrel's where a young woman through a pickle from upstairs.  She was aiming for her boyfriend but the rascal managed to avoid her attack, whereby the pickle continued its angry trajectory and hit me rather harmlessly in the shoulder. We were on a band break at the time.  The pickle was a mystery.  Who had thrown it?  Or was it some sort of magical pickle?  The mystery was resolved when the young lady heard the band was talking about the amazing pickle and tracked me down to apologize. No harm!  And I was inspired to write this little ditty! .