Jazz Combo - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.970755

Composed by Mike Strand. Concert,Jazz. Score and parts. 3 pages. Michael M. Strand #5739279. Published by Michael M. Strand (A0.970755).

By Mike Strand, ASCAP 

This is a swing tune lead sheet with lyrics, chord symbols and guitar fret boards, for a jazz ensemble with two voices, or for one voice and a singing instrument, or for two singing instruments. It serves as a good foundation for a variety of arrangements, contra facts, and improvisations.

The audio sample is a medium swing accompaniment from iReal Pro, combined with my tunes from Finale PrintMusic. You hear two melodies with the accompaniment -- a treble electric guitar, and a simulated baritone voice (without the words).

A rock version of St. Matthew Blue is also for sale on this web site.

St. Matthew Blue portrays an unhappy person coping with the COVID 19 pandemic, which started early in the year 2020. It’s not a blues tune, however, so the word blue is in the title without the s.

St. Matthew Blue contains unusual harmonies inspired by J. S. Bach’s opening chorus to the St. Matthew Passion. This tune doesn't match the profundity and appeal of Bach's chorus, but the two 16-bar themes of St. Matthew Blue contain some of my favorite harmonic ideas from Bach’s work. This gives a depth to this piece that sets it apart from other swing tunes.

Here are the lyrics to St. Matthew Blue:

An evil little bug has got me down.

I want to drink a mug of beer in town.

But now I get supplies brought to my door

From many tries to find an online store.

 

Self-pity brings to mind St. Matthew’s tale,

How Jesus saved our kind from fiery hell.

That my soul is safe may well be true,

But I still chafe at fighting this damn flu.