| Sombrero SamLEVEL: 1 (Easy)J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2012 |
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.
| Zero GravityLEVEL: 1 (Easy)J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2012 |
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.
| Sing Sing SingLEVEL: 1 (Easy)J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2011 |
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.
| RebootLEVEL: 1 (Easy)J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2011 |
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.
| Mood IndigoLEVEL: 1 (Easy)NEW for 2011 |
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.
| TweetLevel: 1 (Easy)J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2010 |
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!
| Jazzmin TeaEasyRevised for 2010 |
"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.
| Take The "A" TrainLEVEL: 1 (Easy)J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2009 |
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! (3:05)
| Pacific AttitudeLEVEL: 1 (Easy) |
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. (3:22)
| Dante's Hot HouseMedium-Difficult |
“Driving swing, with energy!” describes it exactly. Solos for alto sax, trumpet, and piano combine with solid section and ensemble writing to make this Harknett publication really sizzle.
| For Pete's SakeMedium-Difficult |
Commissioned by the U.W.O. Jazz Ensemble (Bruce Smith, Director) and dedicated to Professor Peter Clements on the occasion of his retirement from the Don Wright Faculty of Music, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada, March 2006. It starts out as a lush ballad featuring a plaintive piano solo and soon changes pace to an up tempo swing feel. The predominant use of polychords gives it a fresh sound. Alto sax and trumpet are featured as soloists in this section followed by a trombone section soli. Switch gears to the Blues and think fast... here comes a two chorus sax soli, piano solo, shout chorus and even an extended drum solo. This chart has something for everyone.
| All For OneGrade 3.5 - 4 |
Alternating back and forth between 3/4 and 4/4 time, this chart swings no matter what time signature you're in. (Also available for brass quintet)
| NiobeEasy |
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!
| Orinoco CocoaEasyJ.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2008 |
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.
| DreamsvilleEasyJ.W. Pepper Editors' Choice 2008 |
“Dreamsville” is an outstanding ballad style arrangement of a beautiful Henry Mancini song. The 1st tenor sax has a few melody phrases and a brief written out solo, and the 1st trumpet range is to written D, fourth line. Nice harmonies throughout, easy rhythm section parts which combine to produce a superb ensemble sound. The chart will sound full with reduced instrumentation and optional parts are included as well.
| One For The MoneyMedium-Difficult |
You'll enjoy playing this interesting tune harmonized in parallel 4ths. This groovin' swing chart puts the pedal to the metal and even includes a contrapuntal ensemble section. (Also available for brass quintet)
Copyright 2007 Vince Gassi