Baby Blues

This swinging chart is a great introduction to the blues, filled with ensemble passages that work beautifully. A fundamental element of this tune is the use of call and response. There are some fabulous sections between the band and piano and later between the brass and saxes that you can use to explain some of the history behind the blues. Straight-ahead, well-conceived rhythm section parts and plenty of tutti rhythms in the winds will help this chart come together with a minimum of rehearsal time.