Originally recorded in the '70s, Bill Withers' distinctive slow rocker has become a classic. The minor mode adds to the flavor, and Rick's version for young players skillfully passes the melody from section to section. Also included is a solo for tenor sax.
Journey made this a hit in 1980 and the cast of Glee did it again in 2010. This solid arrangement is built on a driving 8th-note pulse and requires no solos. Sure to sound great with limited rehearsal time.
Originally recorded in 1961 by Jorgen Ingmann (but better known for the recording in 1981 by the Sugarhill Gang), this funky hit has remained a favorite. Feature your drummer or an additional percussionist on this solid chart scored for young bands.
Few people remember The Meters and this recording from 1969, however, over the years “Cissy Strut” has become a model of funky drumming and simmering grooves and has been recorded by countless rock and jazz artists. Roger Holmes captures the unique sound of the original and includes a flexible solo section along with hot sounds for the entire band.
Written for Frank Sinatra (and the title track of his 1958 album), this tune epitomizes the cool sounds of the swing era. Here's a smartly scored version for beginning bands, written with modest ranges but still maintaining an authentic style. Included is plenty of tutti ensemble playing plus short solos (or soli) for sax and trumpet. A great way to teach swing.
Let your beginning players really rock out to the sounds of Metallica with this hard-hitting chart for beginning players. The syncopations are handled in a repetitive manner, allowing for easy teaching but still an authentic sound. No solos are required.
From the Broadway musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd, this fabulous standard is popular again with a stunning rendition by Michael Bublé. Capturing the bluesy flavor of this version, here is a vocal solo feature sure to bring down the house. Can also be used as a tenor sax feature.
Recorded by Cee Lo Green but also featured on the TV show Glee (sung by Gwyneth Paltrow), this infectious tune is written in a style reminiscent of '60s Motown. John Berry's arrangement is solidly scored for beginning bands and requires no solos.
The music of the Jackson 5 remains as popular today as ever. Here is one of their biggest hits from the Motown era in a funky arrangement by John Wasson. Skillfully scored for the entire band.
Here is the Ellington swing standard in a tasty setting for young combos. Nice ensemble scoring is contrasted with a flexible solo section, and also included are short written piano fills.
