Blues and Swing Jazz Ensemble Charts

Check out this swing chart played at around 160 bpm. The melody is handled initially by alto sax and trumpet 1, the solos for alto sax and trumpet are written, and the trumpet 1 range is to written E-flat

This great Nat Adderley composition is a swingin' chart at around 148 bpm with a sassy melody line, a written tenor sax solo, and easy brass ranges... all good! It sounds mature, yet it's easy to play

You may have heard Basie's band play this great Neal Hefti swinger, but this version is very accessible for younger players at around 166 bpm. The features include a written alto sax solo, a great sax soli,

Here is a modern spin on this timeless tune with written solos for trombone 1 and alto sax 1, and a trumpet 1 range to written E top space. Set in a reggae-swing feel at 110 bpm, it

This chart, originally popularized by Buddy Rich, has been scored at an accessible level while maintaining the essence of the original and more. The tempo is around 154 bpm, there are written

Recorded by Peggy Lee in 1958, this sultry swing tune went on to become her signature song and has remained a popular standard. Paul Murtha's version for young players definitely retains the "cool" factor

The Hip Monk returns to spread the good word about all that conveys the essence of being hip. This time the news is delivered in the form of a catchy rock shuffle that's perfect for young musicians at the

Made famous by Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, here is a fun chart from the early swing era. The saxes do most of the heavy lifting, supported by punches and backgrounds in the brass. Also featured are

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

Here's a great vehicle for teaching your younger jazz ensemble how to swing. Originally a blues tune from 1919, this familiar song has become an often recorded jazz standard. John Berry's updated version

Opening with the trumpets in cup mutes accompanied by the saxes and trombones, this effective swinger evolves with every section of the ensemble getting their chance at the melody. Suggested or improvised

Rebounding in popularity after a recording by Michael Buble, this hit was originally from the Broadway musical "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd." This bluesy arrangement requires no

Much of the great music of the early Count Basie library was built on short musical ideas called riffs. Swing State provides young players with the opportunity to experience this style at the