Big Band Standards

Although it was originally intended to be a vehicle for trombonist Al Grey with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Hank Jones composition/Thad Jones arrangement of 'A-That's Freedom' (the "A" is pronounced

A standard that really hits the mark! It begins with a bass solo and a trio of winds takes the head. The lead trumpet range to written B above the staff, and there is solo space for tenor with a sample solo

American Patrol...but everybody's got that in their library. Well, yes and no. There are many bands using the stock dance band arrangement originally written for five saxes and five brass, and

Made famous by The Count Basie Orchestra, here is a great-sounding yet playable version of this standard for developing bands. It includes feature spots for every section and optional written or improvised

As recorded on This Time by Basie!, this arrangement is pure Basie. Opening with a short figure reminiscent of the Count, the band then swings at a bright tempo into a terrific version of this great melody.

This extraordinary original piece was written for the North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band. It is recorded on the CD Lab 2018. There are solos for soprano sax and piano. It is one of the most original,

Here's a great way to introduce the music of Count Basie to your young players. Carefully scored for young groups, this medium swing chart composed by Frank Foster and Count Basie trades the melody between

There is no better style for young players to emulate than that of the Count Basie Orchestra. This famous swing tune is nicely arranged here by Mark Taylor in a very playable version that still sounds

Originally a hit back in 1941 for the Andrews Sisters, this classic has stood the test of time and is hard to beat for its entertainment value. This updated version has all the excitement of the original

This chart is way up on the "fun meter"! Mike's playable arrangement doesn't sacrifice any of that classic swing era sound and style. The trumpet section is the primary featured section; however, the saxes

Recorded on The New Sounds of Maynard Ferguson and his Orchestra in 1963, this is the original version of the chart (instrumentation: four saxophones, four trumpets, two trombones, piano, bass, and drums)

Recorded on The New Sound of Maynard Ferguson and his Orchestra in 1963, this edited version incorporates Maynard's super-high lines into the chart so that there are no superhuman concerns in that respect.

Perhaps the most well known version of this flag-waver was recorded by "The King of Swing," Benny Goodman.  This very easy arrangement from Robert Woods works well at a variety of tempos and makes an