From a breathy tenor sax solo to the wailing climax from the whole band tutti before the bass and piano sign off with their own little moment at the end, widely contrasting dynamics and a demand for courageous but precise and articulate playing, this chart…
Style:
Jazz Ensemble
Composer:
Roger Schmidli
Publisher:
Brolga Music
Bluestone Lane features the lead trombonist of the band and evokes the mood of strolling through the back lanes of Carlton North in Melbourne, Australia. The beautiful and sometimes quirky lanes are usually paved with undulating bluestone and always lined…
Style:
Jazz Ensemble
Composer:
Roger Schmidli
Publisher:
Brolga Music
Originally written as a lilting funk chart for five piece band, this conversion to full big band has allowed the tune to develop into a multi layered work that explores connections throughout the band. Recorded by Melbourne’s Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra,…
Style:
Jazz Ensemble
Composer:
Roger Schmidli
Publisher:
Brolga Music
Commissioned by Lisa Rogers at Texas Tech University, Imageries is an effective marriage of jazz and classical styles. It is in three movements: Minister of Grace, The Sunnier Side of Doubt, and A Glorious Secret. Very clear indications of mallet and pedal…
Style:
Solo Works
Composer:
Jon Metzger
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
This contrasting pair of solo jazz vibraphone pieces from the inimitable Jon Metzger cleverly includes a lead sheet before each begins. This will allow the soloist to embellish the tune further as he or she becomes more comfortable. It will also allow the…
Style:
Solo Works
Composer:
Jon Metzger
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
In Moral Compass, Metzger conveys Twain’s time-honored and meaningful text in a new light, blending jazz and classical styles. Throughout every movement of the piece, the saxophone and voice are woven together to create beautiful lyrical lines that soar over…
Style:
Composer:
Jon Metzger
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
A lead-sheet version of Riversong, just like what a jazz musician would use, is first in this piece. In comparing it to the written-out version, you can place yourself in the shoes - and mind’s ear - of an improvising jazz musician and determine what…
Style:
Solo Works
Composer:
Jon Metzger
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
Slammin' Joe's challenges the ensemble to explore a swing shuffle style with a contemporary edge. It provides a great opportunity to engage school guitarists who sometimes feel the big band experience is not as fun as playing in a rock band.
Grade Level: 4…
Style:
Jazz Ensemble
Composer:
Roger Schmidli
Publisher:
Brolga Music
Metzger’s jazz background helps to infuse the improvisatory elements in the piece, while his keen sense of musical form and direction round out the classical side. The moods of the composition range from sweet to playful to angry to serene and back again.…
Style:
Solo Works
Composer:
Jon Metzger
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
Sub Zero is a bright jazz shuffle in the style of New York’s legendary Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. The title reflects the composer’s memories of his first visit to hear the band at the Village Vanguard in New York City during the depths of Winter.
Grade Level: 4…
Style:
Jazz Ensemble
Composer:
Roger Schmidli
Publisher:
Brolga Music