Manoir de Mes Reves (Django's Castle)

This beautiful piece by Django Reinhardt and arranged by Bob Brookmeyer appeared on the first "Concert Jazz Band" album with Gerry Mulligan. The original parts had no written out drum part (the part marked "drums" is in effect a copy of another part) and there are no drums on the original recording. An optional drum part has been included with this version. Playing this setting with only the string bass is a wonderful challenge, especially if the instrument has no amplification, something Mulligan disliked anyway. The parts themselves are not technically challenging, so developing ensembles can study and play this. The challenge lies in playing the chart in tune, with everyone listening and thinking as one person. Rehearse this once the players are warmed up, and allow the magic to happen.