Big Band, 1920s Band, Trad Jazz Band, Concert Band Charts, Transcriptions and Arrangements
Big Band Charts
Big Band Charts (arrangements and transcriptions).
Big Band Charts, Big Band Arrangements, Big Band Transcriptions
Big Band Charts $15 per chart (unless otherwise noted)
To clarify, a “chart” is an arrangement (a full orchestration), it includes all of the parts for all of the instruments.
These Big Band Charts are, generally, note-for-note transcriptions of the big band charts that the original band recorded. And, in many cases, even the solos are transcribed. The big band charts here are big band arrangements and big band transcriptions, “charts.” In most cases, the style is big band swing from the 1930s and 1940s. The charts that say “arrangement” are my own arrangements. Be sure to check out the “Orchestra & Strings” link above too. There are some charts with Big Band + Strings (and most of the time the strings are optional) or full orchestra + Big Band.
Instrumentation:
Big Band Charts Note: The instrumentation varies a little from chart to chart (usually from 13-17-pieces). With the 13-piece charts, usually there is no guitar (although the piano part can be used since the chords are always noted). So, the real range is from 14 to 17-piece.
The instrumentation is noted by three numbers (saxes, trumpets, trombones). For example, 532 = 5 saxes, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, 544 = 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, etc. Almost all have 5 saxes, there are usually 3 or 4 trumpets, and 2-4 trombones.
Since it is typical for trombone parts to double trumpet parts (an octave lower), you can add trombone parts, if needed, by dropping the appropriate trumpet part down an octave (and transposed back to concert).
The Rhythm section almost always consists of piano, bass and drums (sometimes with guitar). Some of the Big Band Charts have vocals (usually one chorus) and can be easily replaced by a solo (or solos) if you don’t have a vocalist.
A few charts are basically “all” vocal (i.e., beginning to end). Those are noted as “vocals.” Scores are provided with charts that were written in Finale. The earlier “manuscript” charts do not come with scores.
If a chart is a transcription, it should sound very much like the recording. For many of the arrangements and original compositions of mine, I have mp3 recordings. Please ask me for specific titles and I will send them to you.
I also do custom work (big band transcriptions, big band arrangements, jazz ensemble, film scoring, karaoke tracks, etc.). Please click on ” Custom Work” (above) or mikehenebry.com (where I sell my original compositions).
I will expand or reduce any of the Big Band Charts (transcription or arrangement) here to fit your instrumentation for $30.
THE BIG BAND CHARTS:
Ain’t No Use (’66 Count Basie/ Artur Prysock) (male vocal) 544
Midnight Sun Will Never Set, The (as recorded by Benny Carter, 1961, with Coleman Hawkins, Phil Woods, Jo Jones, et. al.) 504 (no brass on recording or chart)
This is My Life (Shirley Bassey) for brass band (vocal, 4 trumpets, Flugelhorn, Alto Horn, 4 French Horns, 2 Euphoniums, 4 trombones, Eb tuba, rhythm sect.)
Be sure to check out the “Orchestra & Strings” link above. There are some Big Band Sheet Music charts there that are Big Band + strings charts (and most of the time the strings are optional).
