Ad Lib on Nippon was composed by Ellington and tenor sax/clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton after the band's 1964 visit to Japan. This movement consists of four sections: Fugi; Igoo; Nagoya and

Afro-Bossa is a wonderfully strange and important piece of Ellingtonia because it is a great example of Ellington integrating the blues into his writing, as he did so often. The moods seamlessly

The original big band recording of Duke Pearson's Amanda was significantly trimmed down from the arrangement's actual manuscript, likely for time purposes. The melody is only stated once at the

Duke Ellington arranged this Juan Tizol melody in 1941. This is a great trombone and violin feature. The violin part was originally played by trumpeter Ray Nance; hence, there were only 2 trumpet parts

The Gigi Gryce composition, Basheer's Dream, is from the Kenny Dorham album Afro/Cuban, recorded in 1955. This medium-up Afro/Cuban chart features tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet,

This fiery arrangement of Caribbean Fire Dance maintains a smoldering intensity during even its more subdued moments. There's ample solo space for tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, and drums. The

Duke Pearson's 1968 album "The Right Touch" is rightly considered one of his finest efforts as a leader. Featuring an all-star lineup of horn players, a rock-solid rhythm section, and a brilliant set of

This groundbreaking arrangement was written by George Russell in 1947 for the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. It was first recorded live at Carnegie Hall then recorded at one of the last sessions Dizzy Gillespie

Dindi is just one of hundreds of Latin/jazz standards written by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Extremely prolific, it may never be determined exactly how many recordings Jobim made. This arrangement

Antonio Carlos Jobim made ten solo albums, and also recorded with Frank Sinatra and the equally legendary Elis Regina. This arrangement of the Jobim standard Dreamer was written by Claus Ogerman

This chart has a long-lined melody contrasting with a Latin style accompanying figure and a specific and detailed drum part as created by Art Blakey. Then there is a contrasting second chorus ensemble

Although his accomplishments as a trumpeter are universally acknowledged, in the early days of the bebop movement Dizzy Gillespie crafted a handful of highly creative and unique arrangements that serve as