14 of the Best New Jazz Ensemble Titles

This blog comes courtesy of Hal Leonard's director of band publications, Michael Sweeney.

As school music programs come back to life and students anticipate renewed performing opportunities with their friends, jazz ensembles sometimes don't receive as much attention as marching or concert bands. Whether these ensembles meet outside of school, or during the day, jazz can offer an exciting outlet for your students while providing opportunities for musical growth and leadership.

As with any musical activity, quality and variety are key aspects when selecting music to be explored and performed. In our own catalog we are excited to offer a wide range of styles and levels; from historically important jazz classics adapted for younger players, to carefully selected music from contemporary composers and artists. In addition to music for the full jazz ensemble, we recognize the importance of smaller ensembles with offerings in our Little Big Band Series (6 horns plus rhythm section) and various jazz combo formats (3 or 4 horns plus rhythm section).

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Tank! (from Cowboy Bebop)

Yoko Kanno (arr. John Wasson)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 5)

Composed by Yoko Kanno for the Japanese anime television series Cowboy Bebop, the tune "Tank!" has taken on a life of its own. John Wasson's driving Latin funk version was written for his Strata Big Band and recorded on the album Chronicles. It features the quirky melody, sizzling brass punches, solo space for alto sax, and shows off every section of the band. A real screamer!

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Chelsea Bridge

Billy Strayhorn (arr. Mark Taylor)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 4)

Composed by the legendary Billy Strayhorn, this is truly one of the masterpieces of jazz. Mark Taylor has beautifully crafted a feature for alto sax using a variety of styles and settings. Basically scored as a ballad, there is a jazz waltz section in the middle. This is followed by a powerful slow swing ensemble shout before returning to the soloist to finish out the chart in the original ballad style. Recorded by The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band on 'A Perfect Match.

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It's a Most Unusual Day

Harold Adamson & Jimmy McHugh (arr. Mark Taylor)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3-4)

Although this tuneful standard has been recorded by a number of jazz artists through the years, Beverly Kenney's version from 1957 caught everyone's attention recently thanks to the television commercial for Lincoln. This chart is perfectly paced with a feature spot for the full ensemble as well as a short solo for tenor sax.

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Tomorrow (from Annie)

Charles Strouse (arr. Mark Talyor)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3-4)

Arranged here in a light rock style, this timeless song from the hit musical Annie is sure to bring a smile. Perfectly scored to sound great, and a natural choice for vocalist.

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Autumn Leaves (Hojas Caídas)

Johnny Mercer (arr. Michele Fernández)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3)

Your students will love this very accessible, yet exciting salsa twist on this timeless jazz standard. The rhythmic horn writing and expertly detailed rhythm section parts will enable your band to sound authentic on this Cuban "Son-Montuno" style version. Playable with 1 or 2 percussionists.

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Freedom

Jon Batiste (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3)

From the acclaimed album We Are by Jon Batiste (Grammy Award for Album of the Year), the New Orleans flavored hit song "Freedom" exudes a sense of joy and optimism. Here is a fun version for jazz ensemble filled with energy and celebration!

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Puttin' on the Ritz

Irving Berlin (arr. Roger Holmes)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3)

Irving Berlin's tuneful standard was put back on the map with the classic scene from Mel Brooks' movie Young Frankenstein. This clever arrangement alternates between a 2-beat feel and straight ahead swing, and features solo space for tenor sax, trumpet, and even a short solo for bass. Fun!

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I'm Still Standing

Elton John (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3)

Elton John's classic hit from 1983, with its upbeat feel and message of perseverance, is as popular today as ever. This swinging version starts with trombones on the lead, followed by a turn for the saxes, and finally the full ensemble. Also included is a solo for alto sax. A well-scored arrangement that will sound great.

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We Don't Talk About Bruno (from Encanto)

Lin-Manuel Miranda (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 3)

Here's the popular hit from Disney's Encanto skillfully adapted for young jazz ensemble. This great-sounding chart features a moderate Latin groove and short solos (written or ad lib.) for tenor sax and trombone.

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Perdido

Duke Ellington (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 2)

This upbeat swing standard remains one of the most popular tunes recorded by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Here is a carefully arranged chart that sounds sophisticated, yet is easily attainable by young ensembles.

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Blinding Lights

The Weeknd (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 2)

Recorded by The Weeknd, this uptempo pop hit features a catchy melody skillfully passed from section to section, along with powerful spots for the full ensemble. A solo for alto sax (as written or ad lib.) is also included.

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Freddie Freeloader

Miles Davis (arr. Rick Stitzel)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 1.5)

Recorded on the landmark album Kind of Blue, this Miles Davis blues standard is a perfect improvising tool for beginning players, and a great introduction to a legendary jazz figure.

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Summertime (from Porgy and Bess)

George Gershwin (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 1.5)

This enduring Gershwin classic has long been a favorite with jazz artists. Paul Murtha's marvelous setting for young players features a sultry Latin rock groove, tasty harmonies, easy rhythms, and no solos are required. Great feature number for the entire ensemble.

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Bye Bye Blackbird

Ray Henderson (arr. Paul Murtha)

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 1.5)

This popular song from the 1920s has been recorded by pop and jazz artists alike. Here's an imaginative swing version scored with easy rhythms and modest ranges. With a familiar melody and great feel, this is sure to be a favorite.

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