Vince Gassi

1-800-Got-Funk

(Grade 3)

A straight ahead, no-nonsense head, coupled with a Funk-a-licious groove will be the “way-coolest” chart your students will want to play again and again. Dig the awesome polychord-rich bridge, solos for alto sax and trombone, plus the hippest ensemble chorus this side of the international date line. So settle in and dial it up! Make 1-800-Got Funk! your next call!

Baby That’s What I need (Walk Tall)

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This tune is better known as “Walk Tall” and originally performed by Cannonball Adderley’s quintet. It has a gospel-flavored R&B groove. Features include lead trumpet range to written F top line, and a written tenor sax solo that trades with the ensemble. Cool chart.

The Big Band Theory

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This hip chart sports a straight ahead swing feel with a twist of cool added for good measure. A catchy (theory) is is postulated and plays out over two alternating chords, F9 and Eb9. Add one modal conceptual framework for the bridge, solos for tenor sax and trombone, a "way cool" ensemble chorus with a just a “smidge" of counterpoint, and the "theory" becomes reality. Trumpet plays to written a E, top space. Dig it!. It's all here! (3:15)

Bob is NOT My Uncle!

(Grade 3) Available from JW Pepper

Click here to purchase

Have you ever heard the phrase "Bob's your uncle" and wondered, Who's Bob? And why is he my uncle? Well, this high-energy funk tune takes that idea and runs with itstraight into a groove so deep, you might never climb out! This "Gut Bucket Funk" chart lays down a greasy, infectious groove from the very first note. The rhythm section sets the foundation with a heavy backbeat, locked-in bass line, and just the right amount of attitude. The piece shifts between bold, brassy statements and nimble, quick-moving lines, capturing the spirit of playful defiance. Solo sections for tenor sax and trumpet give space for players to stretch out and bring their own flavor to the mix, while the entire band gets in on the fun with tight, dynamic hits and unexpected twists. Whether you have an Uncle Bob or not, one thing is certainthis piece is all about fun, attitude, and a refusal to conform! So, hold on tight, lay it down funky, and remember Bob is definitely NOT my uncle!

Breezy Bossa

(Grade 2.5-3)

Feel the spray in your face and the wind in your hair as this breezy Bossa transports your audiences to warmer climes. Let the catchy themes and gentle rhythms wash over you. As an added bonus, it's a great key signature workout with harmonies that are shifting yet smooth.

Contents Under Pressure

(Grade 1)

This chart has a pretty high “hip factor”. Contents include an up-to-the-minute head, “with it” chord changes, and a bridge that is “like now, man”. Check out the ensemble section with tenor sax and piano comments. With so much content, the pressure is really on. (2:59)

Dreamsville

(Grade 1)

Dreamsville is a beautiful ballad composed by Henry Mancini for the TV series Peter Gun which aired from 1958 to 1961. This lush arrangement features tenor sax for most of the chart.

Fiesta

(Grade 4)

Fiesta means a party and that’s what this chart is all about. There are plenty of rhythmic party favours and counter-lines to enjoy including solos for tenor sax and trumpet as well as an ensemble section that will keep the neighbours up. So go ahead, invite everyone over and just partay!! (4:15)

For Pete’s Sake

(Grade 4)

Packed with crisp horn punches, tight ensemble work, and burning solo sections, this piece is designed to push players to their limits while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. From the blues-infused lines to the unexpected twists in harmony and rhythm, this chart delivers an electrifying ride from start to finish. Whether it's a wailing sax soli, a roaring shout chorus, or a hard-grooving rhythm section, this chart is all about passion, power, and pure jazz energy. Buckle up and let it rip!

Game of bones

(Grade 1)

Bones are “bad” and that’s good! Your trombone section will dig this hip chart written just for them. They’ll be stylin’ on a driving head in 3/4, a bridge with a swing feel, an ensemble section, and a trombone section soli. They’ll be lovin’ it so much, they might even let the tenor sax have a solo at measure 57. As always, lead trumpet to top F and lots of fun for everyone.

Hip Fingers

(Grade 3 - Medium)

Available from JW Pepper. Click here to purchase.

This tune oozes cool!! An infectious theme repeats, unravels, and winds its way through the piece, picking up a little counterpoint on the way. Solos for trumpet and alto sax unfold somewhere amidst the hustle and bustle. A quick key change, a sax soli, and presto change-o, we’re back to the original head. All you can say at the end of this one is…Du-u-ude!

Jazzmin Tea is a lilting 3/4 original that will introduce your band to the joy of a jazz waltz. A flowing melody with a bounce, easy brass ranges, written-out solos for alto 2 (cued for 1st) and 1st trumpet, plus the usual optional parts, are a few of the ingredients in your cup of jazz waltz tea.

Mood Indigo

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This medium swing arrangement of the dreamy Ellington tune will cook at just about any tempo but the recommend tempo is 108 BPM. The chart features a written tenor sax solo and a lot of interplay between the brass and saxes. It’s even got a 4-bar stop-time section for a rhythmic contrast. The Duke would be pleased that you’re playing one of his songs on your next concert program.

Niobe is a fun bossa nova-style chart with a straight-eighth note feel for the young player. I've scored Niobe with a catchy yet easy melody with written solos for 1st tenor sax and 1st trombone. 1st trumpet range is to fourth space E (written). A very cool chart!

O Canada

Whoa dude, way cool. O Canada is now available for stage band. And check this out - there are four different arrangements in this one package, each in a different style. Included are a non-swing version, jazz waltz, medium swing, and finally a rock version, which just goes to show that there are many ways to say "we stand on guard for thee".

October Rain

(Grade 3)

This beautiful ballad features the ensemble and is truly a gem at this level. Lush harmony abounds and all the colors of the contemporary jazz ensemble are utilized. There is a short written Piano solo that leads into the subtle modulation.

One for Daddy-O

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. From the library of Nat Adderley comes another winner for first year players. This Vince Gassi arrangement puts it right in the pocket; an easy 12-bar blues with a swingin’ shout section. Written tenor solo included. Trumpet 1 top note is to written F, top line. Three words dude…hip and accessible!

Orinoco Cocoa

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. An easy Latin chart for the young player with a terrific melody that sticks in your head, written out alto sax and trombone solos, 1st trumpet range to written F top line and a fun piano part. This one has a great Latin essence but is accessible. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR BRASS, WOODWIND, and SAX ENSEMBLES)

OUT OF THE BLUES

(Grade 2)

Well here’s a blues that will surprise you at every turn! Vince has taken the traditional 12 bar blues and turned it sideways in this clever composition. Definitely a hip chart to look at if you need something that colors outside the lines!

Pacific Attitude

(Grade 1)

What is a “Pacific Attitude?" It’s cool, it’s refreshing, it’s a fun-to-play rock chart. This one is easy to play, quick to rehearse, and includes a written tenor sax solo, a nice ensemble interlude, a few strategically placed one-measure drum solos and a 1st trumpet range to written E, top space. The band will dig this chart and ask to play this one every rehearsal. A winner, for sure.

Reboot

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Here’s a drivin’ rock chart that’ll grab you with its infectious hook and way cool, blues-centric tune. Written solos are for alto sax and trumpet. Dig the hip bridge. Audiences and band alike will not be able to resist groovin’ to this chart.

Sing, Sing, Sing

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J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. All the key ingredients you would expect on this timeless swing tune and it’s accessible to rehearse and play. Features include the iconic drum pattern as it recurs throughout, easy brass ranges with trumpet 1 to written E top space, no horn solos but there is a written drum solo and a big shout chorus at the modulation brings it all home. Great tune—an essential chart to your jazz ensemble library.

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This catchy samba features a 16-bar written-out tenor sax solo, trumpet 1 range to written F top line, and only two chords for the rhythm section. Easy to play, very effective, and everyone will dig it.

Take the A Train

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This chart swings all the way and is very playable by a young band. Arranger Vince Gassi captures the essence of this well-known Strayhorn composition made famous by Ellington, and scored it exactly right—not too difficult but with fun-to-play parts. It includes brief written solos for 1st alto sax and 1st trumpet and easy ranges with plenty of dynamics to teach. A superb chart you will play for years to come!

Tweet

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This title may earn a smile from the audience and the band. A subtle "tweet" harmony effect is in the chart, but it's not too obvious, so don't think this is a novelty chart. Instead, it's a rock-flavored, upbeat and fun vehicle for the band. A short tenor sax solo and trumpet solo are both written out, the lead trumpet range is to written F on the top line, plus it has optional parts for flute, F horn, baritone horn and tuba. Also playable with optional reduced instrumentation. Your band will enjoy Tweet!

We Three Swing

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. The Christmas classic, We Three Kings, just got "swingified". It starts off in dorian mode and it keeps swingin' throughout. An alto sax solo followed by an ensemble shout section provides contrast to the catchy "Jazz Waltzification" of the head. Trumpet range is to fourth space E. But then again, all instrument ranges keep this cookin' chart easy to execute. Band and audience are sure to dig. (2:19)

Who Wants Gum

(Grade 3) Available from JW Pepper.

Click here to purchase

Here’s a Jazz waltz your ensemble and audiences will really dig! Who Wants Gum? features a lilting melody, cool chord changes, and hip contrapuntal writing that creates a carefree sugarless sound. Alto Sax and Trumpet share the head, setting the stage for the alto player to stretch out a bit later. Throw in some sizzling ensemble moments and you’re all set. Lighthearted and engaging, this piece is sure to leave your audience smiling—no sugar needed!

Zero Gravity

(Grade 1)

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This lyrical melody was scored with an easy rock groove for full ensemble. Features include a stop-time interlude, lead trumpet range to written F top line, clear and accurate rhythm section parts, and quality educational material for all winds throughout.