Blues and Swing Jazz Ensemble Charts

This 5/4 swing chart was created as a nod to the great jazz legends Paul Desmond and Dave Brubeck, who introduced us all to 5/4 decades ago. Set in a tempo around 120 bpm, the features include

This early jazz standard receives a unique treatment with its inclusion of a small Dixieland group within the ensemble: soprano sax or clarinet, trumpet, and trombone along with the rhythm

This moderate swinger set in a minor key opens with trombones and then features a small group of alto, tenor, trumpet and trombone before opening up to the full ensemble. With the tempo set at around

Relaxin' is the perfect title for this slow, laid-back swing chart set at about 88 bpm. There's nice sectional scoring included throughout along with effective full-ensemble passages. Check

Based on the chord changes to Bluesette, this original composition offers an opportunity to feature first and second trombones. There are opportunities for the other sections as well, as they back up the

Part of the Jazz Starter Series, Text Me  is a creative original that provides a great way to teach basic swing style using the call-and-response technique. Young soloists can play the

Check out this very distinctive and playable chart. It opens with a semi-stop-time feel and a bluesy melody in F minor followed by a swing section built on minor blues changes. There's great variety in this

Here's a moderate Miles Davis-style chart played at a 100 bpm groove. A small group of trumpet, alto sax, and tenor sax establishes the melody off the top with written or improvised solo

Trombones come to the fore in this dynamic section feature! The baritone sax part also supports the trombones in their efforts. Taking charge immediately, the trombones lead to an open solo

Game of Bones  is a driving jazz waltz played around 158 bpm with a haunting melody that stays with you. Expressly written for young jazzers, it includes a written tenor sax solo,

What you have here is your basic flag-waving, barn-burning, straight-ahead swing chart for a small group: tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums and auxiliary percussion. Sure, it's a

You may think this very clever chart is all swing, but it begins as Latin then alternates with a swing feel. The tempo is bright at around 190-200 bpm with suggested solos for trumpet and tenor sax, a

Don't miss this jazz standard composed by the legendary Mingus! Swinging at around 144 bpm, this chart delivers with outstanding soli passages as well as superb written or improvised solos

This Phillip Braham jazz standard is scored to swing hard at around 185 bpm! A very clever chart, it delivers from beginning to end with interludes, great development, and a variety of nuances that sustain

Here's a Benny Golson jazz standard played by all the greats. This swing chart is ideal for every young jazz band as played around 132 bpm. All the ingredients are here for young jazz success: easy

Ah, yes, Cole Porter! Paul Baker has created a quality chart on this wonderful jazz standard from the Great American Songbook. It's a crafty swinger at around 168 bpm featuring appealing sections for the

As the title suggests, this is a swinger with hints of classic Gene Krupa drum patterns. The tempo is around 200 bpm, there's lots of action for the trombones, written or ad lib solos for

Ahmad Jamal's jazz standard is played here at around 160 bpm and was originally recorded by Miles Davis. This superb chart is set in a funky/swing style to provide a contemporary

This straight-ahead minor blues chart provides younger players with a multitude of learning opportunities. The lyrical melody features essential rhythmic figures and an abundance of ensemble writing ensures

The Game Is Afoot is a straight-ahead swinger that will provide young jazz musicians with the experience of playing a composition built around modal music. Basic swing figures further enhance the

Little Pixie II was originally commissioned by Count Basie for an entire album of Thad Jones' music; however, Basie never made the record, instead suggesting that Thad start his own band.

Recorded by the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on the album The Jazz Orchestra, This energetic adventure for capable bands is a series of alternating ensemble and solo sections for trumpet and

This tribute to the writing of master composer Oliver Nelson will provide students with a wonderful musical experience. The integrated lines and modal harmonies work together to create plenty of space for

This tribute to the writing of Don Menza is a great opener, closer or anything in between. Once the downbeat hits, the excitement never stops in this straight-ahead minor swing chart. Additionally, the open