It's Just a Blues...Isn't It? (Grade 4-4.5) It's Just a Blues…Isn't It? is a medium swing altered 16 bar blues form in "F" The melody first time features a trio (Flute (Alto 1), Tpt. 2, and Bari Sax) then adds more instruments the second time through. Solo changes are written in Tpt. 2, but solo changes are included on all parts for the open solos section. The title is in tribute to a former colleague of mine who (while leading our big band and not remembering what type of chart was coming up in performance) would always say "...It's Just a Blues, Isn't It?"
Instrumentation:
* 5 saxes (A*ATTB) (*Alto 1 doubles Flute for almost entire chart)
* 4 Tpts.
* 4 Tbs. (4th Bass)
* Guitar
* Piano
* Bass
* Drum Set
Range Considerations:
* Flute (on Alto 1) - High "F" above staff
* Tpt. 1 - High "E" above staff (opt. up to High "G" above staff)
* Tb. 1 - High "A" above staff
* Tb. 4 - Low "C" below staff (opt. Low "B's" and Low "Bb's" below staff)
It Is What It Is… (Grade 4-4.5) It is What It Is is a "down & dirty" even eighths funk groove in cut time (heavy backbeat feel.) Solo changes are written in Alto 1, Tpt. 3, and Guitar parts, but solo changes are added at the bottom of all parts to open up solos.
Instrumentation:
*5 Saxes (AATTB)
*4 Tpts.
*4 Tbs. (4th Bass)
*Guitar
*Piano
*Bass
*Drum Set
**(Piano/Guitar combined on one part)
Range Considerations:
*Tpt. 1 - High "E" above staff
*Tpt. 2 - Opt. "E" above staff
*Tb. 1 - High "Ab" above staff
*Tb. 4 - Low "C" below staff; Mostly Low "D's"