Jazz Quintet Pieces

Onebaplayer · Post by **Onebaplayer** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 6:01 pm

My brass quintet recently got offered a fair amount of steady work playing for luncheons and other events at San Jose State. They want us to have sets that are completely comprised of a certain style of music. They have themes for their luncheons I guess. For this first one, they are looking for the style of the new orleans bands in disneyland. Basically, Dixieland/Jazz stuff. There is a ton of that out there that I've found but looking at it doesn't say much and we aren't made of money. So my question: What Brass Quintet Jazz or Dixieland pieces would you recommend?

If level of difficulty is an issue, standard rep we've played includes the Malcom Arnold, all of the Ewalds, Suite for the Monteregian Hlls. I believe those give an accurate description of our abilities. Thanks for any help you can offer. All of us are jazz guys as well but haven't included it in our Brass Quintet (yet)

Carroll · Post by **Carroll** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:09 pm

www.jwpepper.com

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The Canadian Brass stuff all works, the Jack Gale stuff is harder... but worth it

and if ragtime is close enough to fool your audience
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Onebaplayer · Post by **Onebaplayer** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:23 pm

Thanks!

We actually have a couple of Jack Gale pieces that I love. His version of Thats A Plenty is a lot of fun. Anyone have anything theyve done that isnt mainstream (i.e. not on JWP) that I should check out? We have to build up a pretty big library. Just trying to get as many sources as possible.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:49 pm

Art Frackenpohl has some interesting jazz charts and check out Zach Smith's arrangements of some of the standards at http://www.trumpettunes.com.

BVD Press · Post by **BVD Press** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:41 pm

Below you will find reviews of 2 charts from the most recent ITG Magazine. It Don't Mean a Thing... and Please Don't About Me When I'm Gone. If I find some time, I will put together a list and post later this week. Attempting to unpack and catchup from Denver is a pretty daunting task!

There is a sound sample (full chart) on my site of the Ellington:

http://www.bvdpress.com/

Here are the reviews:

Clare, Sidney, Sam Stept, and Bee Palmer. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone. Arranged by David Kosmyna. Brass quintet. BVD Press, 2005. $15.00.
David Kosmyna has brilliantly arranged this early-jazz tune from the 1930's musical Lullaby of Broadway for brass quintet. While Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone may not be as famous as many other tunes of the same day, the chart has been recorded by Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and most recently, Harry Connick, Jr. Moreover, this particular arrangement sounds fresh because it is not one of those standards that have been over performed. Additionally, the tuneful melody, a fast energetic tempo, interesting counterpoint and cross rhythms, and the great setting for brass make the arrangement recognizable and an instant hit.
The difficulty level is appropriate for an early university quintet or even advanced high school ensemble. Professionals will likely render an effective presentation in their first reading and may need only one rehearsal to deliver a polished concert performance. Range and endurance demands are modest; there is only one b-flat** for first B-flat trumpet. One passage that goes to d*** may be taken down an octave. The edition is set in a jazz font, and both the articulations and jazz inflections are marked clearly and in an idiomatic style. Probably the most challenging aspect of playing this arrangement is executing cross rhythms and quick exchanges of the melody seamlessly and in perfect time. All of the instruments are featured either by playing melodies, short riffs, or interesting bass lines.
This fine arrangement will be a welcome addition to the library of any working ensemble. In regard to adapting early jazz for a brass quintet, Kosmyna's presentation is top notch. Audiences will surely be engaged and entertained with this fine arrangement. (Luis C. Engelke, Music Reviews Editor)

Ellington, Duke and Irving Mills. It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing. Arranged by David Kosmyna. Brass quintet. BVD Press, 2005. $15.00.
This excellent arrangement begins with a 12-measure introduction with part of the melody set in unison in a medium swing tempo. Kosmyna introduces some original material based on the famous syncopated passages as the introduction builds, resolves, and then segues directly to a tuba bass line in a faster, double-time swing tempo. Gradually every four measures the tuba, trombone, and then horn enter, and finally the trumpets in the 15th and 16th measures of the main section of the tune. Then, the main 32-measure form is rendered, first with the trombone playing the melody. Throughout this and the entire arrangement, Kosmyna's scoring is effective in delivering a full big band sound with only five players.
Probably the most unique aspect of the arrangement is a 10-measure section in 12/8 meter that follows that includes interesting counterpoint and syncopated motives and provides novelty through a completely unexpected change of style. Kosmyna describes this section as deranged and sounding quirky and rude, possibly inspired Looney Tunes composer Carl Stalling. Following, the fast swing tempo returns, and the setting eventually dies down and closes with a couple of fortissimo chords in the end.
Most brass quintets from advanced high school groups or early university quintets to professional ensembles will be interested in this arrangement. First, Kosmyna provided a very idiomatic setting for all parts, and younger groups can manage the modest demands, while professionals can execute it with little or no rehearsal time. The quality writing results in an arrangement that sounds much more difficult than it actually is. Range demands are modest for a big band chart: b-flat** for the first part with an optional d*** if one passage is taken up an octave. Furthermore, only B-flat trumpets are required, and there is plenty of rest. Moreover, the excitement that can be generated from a strong performance of this arrangement makes it an excellent choice as a finale or encore. Audiences will undoubtedly be left wanting more. For a fine arrangement of this big band classic look no further. (Luis C. Engelke, Music Reviews Editor)

Yutakatuba · Post by **Yutakatuba** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:17 pm

You should check out Gary Slechta's website. He's got great arrangements. A few tuba features too.

http://www.selectapress.com/

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:07 am

cktuba wrote:All right, here's a more pointed question. Are there any good jazz arrangements available for download? I'm not necessarily talking free here, but something that I can get my grubby mitts on quickly, without having to pay huge shipping charges.

The trumpettunes site items are download. You pay up and you're emailed a time-limited download link to a PDF. Very slick and Charlie Petersen is very accomodating.