Blues and Swing Jazz Ensemble Charts

Big Dipper 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. Big

Along with Big Dipper, Don't Git Sassy is one of the most familiar charts from the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra's repertoire. As recorded on their Live at the Village Vanguard album, this

Playable by most high school big bands, Bop of the World is equally appropriate as an opener, closer, or anything in between. Scored at the medium difficulty level, the chart sounds more

This swing original for beginning groups is based on the chord changes to Autumn Leaves. The brass ranges are very accessible with trumpet up to F5 and D-flat4 for trombone. Rhythm section parts

Teaching opportunities abound in this straight-ahead swing chart for young groups. Solid swing figures, blues-based changes and plenty of full ensemble work all combine to create a chart that everyone can

This burning Mike Tomaro original will make a great program choice for more experienced groups. An abundance of wonderful ensemble writing combines with a strong melodic line to create a solid foundation

Here's an easy-to-play, swing shuffle chart played around 144 bpm, based on a familiar melody scored for young players. The appealing features include accessible ranges, brief written-out solos

The Lunch Bunch  is an ideal swing chart for the young player: the tempo is 120 bpm, it has easy brass ranges, a great shout chorus, a catchy melody, and a written-out trumpet 1 solo.

What's That? is a modern-sounding chart based on the chord changes of Miles Davis' iconic So What. An easy swing tempo around 138 bpm makes this an excellent chart for beginning

Choose the Blues is a medium-tempo 12-bar blues with written solos for all players. The solo backgrounds highlight all sections, plus there's a rewarding shout section that adds an exciting flavor.

Here's a dramatic and modern Thad Jones-style take on an extended blues form making for an exciting chart for everyone! Beginning with an opening glissando and punch, this chart announces itself in

Based on the chord changes to Milt Jackson's jazz standard Bags' Groove, this swinging blues original for beginning groups features fun, infectious rhythmic figures and dynamics which grow from a

This Bricusse and Newley Broadway classic has enjoyed immense popularity since the version recorded by Michael Buble. This chart begins with with an epic and swingin' full-ensemble

This uptempo original swings hard and lays right in the pocket, a tribute to the great Sammy Nestico. There are solo sections for trumpet and tenor along with some very dynamic

With its natural swing and wonderful style, we can't imagine a better song than It Had to Be You for the big-band genre! This chart features a big movie-style opening before moving into

Proficient big bands will love this uptempo minor blues swinger! The melody is featured in an alto/trumpet/optional guitar small-group setting before the rest of the band enters with tasty licks

This immensely popular theme from the past is the ultimate uptempo swinger! Along with the classic melody, you'll find room for soloists to stretch out with improvised or written

This highly effective chart really swings from start to finish, and as the title suggests, is a feature for the entire trumpet section. There are great ensemble passages for the trumpets along with

Oh, jazz standards just don't get any better than Bart Howard's Fly Me to the Moon! This chart pays homage to the great Count Basie band and their iconic version with Frank Sinatra. With a subtle

Paying homage to the most exciting of the big bands, Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, this chart is a fun blues with lots of solo opportunities. There's ample space for soloists to stretch out and enjoy

Rooted in West Coast jazz and Basie-style swing, Walkin' Home (On the West Coast) is a relaxed swinger reminiscent of a carefree stroll back home from a sunny day at the beach.

There's nothing wooden about this thingy! It's a moderate swinger that opens with the rhythm section and the pianist playing a Basie-style introduction. Additionally, it features a lyrical melody,

Dog Walkin' Shuffle is a fun, laid-back shuffle chart for young jazz bands. It's a shout-out to the great shuffle grooves of the big bands such as the Buddy Rich Band and includes a multitude of

Sub Zero is a bright jazz shuffle in the style of New York's legendary Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. The title reflects the composer's memories of his first visit to hear the band at the Village