ERIC RICHARDS

Theme from BLACK ORPHEUS ("Mañha de Carnivál" / "A Day In The Life Of A Fool" )
Composed by Luís Bonfá     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
A high-energy samba that is the perfect opener or closer for any performance. Commissioned by Gene Aitken and the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Studies Program, this chart has been performed by ensembles such as the Army Jazz Ambassadors and the USAF Airmen of Note at jazz festivals worldwide. Solo opportunity for tenor sax, bari sax, 2nd trombone and drums. 

Bolivia 
Composed by Cedar Walton     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
This is my newest contribution to the Belwin Premiere Jazz series, an arrangement of Cedar Walton's great jazz standard.  BOLIVIA was recorded on the album EASTERN REBELLION in 1975 and has been performed and reinterpreted by many artists over the last three decades. The opening groove is one of the of the “signature” components of the piece (like the opening grooves of A NIGHT IN TUNISIA, KILLER JOE, et al.) This festival-level chart can feature Tenor Saxophone 3, Trumpet 2, Guitar, Piano, and Drums.

Dear Old Nebraska U.
Composed by Harry Pecha     Arranged for big band by Eric Richards
Click here for a FREE DOWNLOAD of the score and parts.
In the Fall of 2008, I was asked by Dr. John Richmond, Director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music to write a swing version of our beloved NU fight song for an important donor event. The UNL Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Paul Haar would be providing the musical entertainment. I told Dr. Richmond, "No Problem". I was absolutely confident I could pull this off...I used to do projects like this all the time while serving as Composer/Arranger with the Army Field Band. Heck...I'm the guy who wrote a military band arrangement of LA MACARENA fercryinoutoud!

So...I thought I would go for a "Doc Severinson and the Tonight Show" vibe with this chart. Here are a couple of videos that will hopefully provide some light on the project. Video #1 is the traditional Cornhusker Marching Band version. Video #2 is  our live UNL Jazz Ensemble II recording. Go Big Red.

Elle's Waltz
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Published by Eric Richards Music Services and UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the Vince Norman-Clyde Connor Big Band 1992 (rough live mix) 
Vince Norman, alto saxophone
I wrote this "floating" jazz waltz for my wife, Lanelle. The chart features alto saxophone and a lush, "orchestral" approach to the ensemble scoring.

Fantasy for Trumpet and Jazz Orchestra
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services
 Recorded by the Rob Parton Big Band 
FANTASY FOR TRUMPET AND JAZZ ORCHESTRA was written for Chicago trumpet virtuoso Rob Parton and was premiered by the Rob Parton Big Band at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on Friday, December 17th, 2010. This three-movement work is approximately 15 minutes in duration. Each movement can be performed independently as well. The intent of the work is to feature the trumpet/flugelhorn soloist in three different contexts that are inspired by three different bell materials used in trumpet construction:
I. GOLD (Trumpet)
This movement is cast in a contemporary straight ahead/funk layered feel. The improvised section can feature other soloists in addition to solo trumpet.
II. COPPER (Flugelhorn)
This introspective ballad in 3 explores interplay between the soloist and the orchestral colours possible in the contemporary jazz orchestra. It also optionally features a vocalist as part of the instrumental textures.
III. SILVER (Trumpet)
The final movement is cast in a modern “2^nd line” (New Orleans march/funk hybrid) funk groove that alternates with straight ahead moments. The movement is minimally structured so that it can contain a very flexible solo section for accommodating additional soloists.

Mojo Blues
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services and UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the Vince Norman-Clyde Connor Big Band 1992 (rough live mix) 
Scott Silbert, baritone saxophone   Tom Williams, trumpet   Jim Roberts, shredding
This chart is a blues, but one firmly rooted in the modern era. The range demands are not too difficult for the brass, but some of the rhythmic figures and the overall concept of the feel make this chart somewhat challenging. The feel should have a hint of half time funk, but the electric bass should be walking in 4 for most of the time. This kind of groove is used quite a bit by the Yellowjackets. The open solo section can feature trumpet, alto, guitar, or keyboard (ideally synthesizer). No doubles (soprano sax lead).

Recorda Me 
Composed by Joe Henderson     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
Latin jazz at it's best with excitement from the first note, sax solis, a melody line by tenor and trumpet, solo space for tenor, trumpet, and trombone, lead trumpet range to written high D, and a few drum solos. Great tune by a tenor sax legend.
"This good arrangement of a Henderson classic has a laid-back Latin feel . . . Great sax lines, loud background punches, and a neat montuno section (fast brash final chorus in Cuban music) create strong intensity."
--The Instrumentalist

Slipstream
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services
 Recorded by the Texas A & M University-Kingsville Jazz Band I (Live @ TMEA 2009)
This “high energy” straight ahead chart was commissioned by the Downbeat award-winning Texas A & M University-Kingsville Jazz Band I, Paul Hageman and James Worth, directors. It was premiered at the Texas Music Educators Convention in February 2009. An advanced-level work, SLIPSTREAM can feature Soprano Saxophone I, Tenor Saxophone III, Trumpet II, Piano, Guitar, or Drums. No woodwind doubles. Trumpet I to written E6.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Composed by Jerome Kern     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the UNC Jazz Lab Band I, Gene Aitken-director
Inspired by Don Sebesky's arrangements of Naima and Cherokee, this arrangement sets a richly harmonized melody over an up-tempo, straight-ahead groove in 6. This chart has been used as a concert opener by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors. There is a flexible jazz solo section which can feature Alto I, Trumpet (Flugelhorn IV), Piano or Guitar. Saxophones double on woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet and Trumpets double on Flugelhorns).

The Southeast Sixstep
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
This creative, challenging and effective original was commissioned by the Lincoln (NE) Southeast High School Jazz Ensemble I, Bob Krueger-director. It’s set in 6/4 time with a straight-eighth groove that moves into a swing feel but still in 6. You'll discover that this chart feels comfortable in 6 with features such as a sax soli, solo space for tenor sax and trumpet 2, lots of ensemble shout chorus, and lead trumpet range to written C above the staff. An excellent festival chart with a hint of Metheny.

You Don't Know What Love Is 
Composed by DePaul & Raye     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the Army Jazz Ambassadors (Live in concert at the 2000 Midwest Clinic)
The traditional “smoky ballad” is redone as an uptempo “burner”. It has proven to be very effective as a concert opener or closer. Optional solos for trumpet and/or alto saxophone. No doubles. 

The Intrepid Fox (excerpt)
Composed by Freddie Hubbard     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
This is a new setting of Freddie Hubbard's great straight ahead tune from his landmark album of 1970, Red Clay. It features Trumpet 2, Drums, and a small horn soli which leads into a powerful shout chorus.

Invitation (excerpt)
Composed by Branislau Kaper     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
This contemporary arrangement of the beautiful standard is set as a samba with a funky groove. A few features include sax solis, powerful ensemble writing, a jazz solo for 2nd trumpet and a lead trumpet range to written D above the staff.

a firm grasp of the obvious (excerpt)     
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services and UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors
Tim Young - piano, Vince Norman - tenor saxophone
This is one of my favorite works for big band!  It was commissioned by the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Studies Program for the 1999 UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival. It is a contemporary concert piece generally built over a "floating" 2 feel. The piece features tenor saxophone, piano and  a cappella (i.e. no rhythm section) solis for all winds and the saxophone sections. Alto Saxophone lead/Alto II (optional Flute) and Bari Saxophone (optional Bass Clarinet). Optional saxophone parts available without doubles.

Hidden Agenda (Music for an imaginary espionage film set in Central or South America...)
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services and UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on PROSPECTS,
Andrew Layton - soprano saxophone
This "world music" piece was inspired by the music of Argentinian tango master Astor Piazzolla. It opens with a rhumba-style synth accordion figure, which layers above a half-time funk groove. The melodic front-line is comprised of soprano saxophone, harmon trumpet, overdrive guitar and optional piccolo (flute). The piccolo/flute double on the Tenor 3 part adds a great deal to the timbre of the front line; however, it is optional. Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors and the University of Nebraska/Lincoln Jazz Ensemble I.

Souvenir
Composed by Benny Carter     Arranged by Eric Richards
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on The Legacy of Benny Carter - Tim Young, piano
Free copy upon request!
This gorgeous ballad by Benny Carter was arranged for a tribute album by the Army’s Jazz Ambassadors: The Legacy of Benny Carter. It requires a mature piano soloist and ensemble to capture the textures and nuances of this arrangement. It can also be performed as an alto saxophone or flügelhorn feature. Through the generosity of Benny’s estate, the chart may be freely distributed in PDF format. Contact me  or The US Army Field Band (http://www.armyfieldband.com) to request a copy.
SOUVENIR Score PDF (click here)

Fuego Azul (excerpt)
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services and UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the UNC Jazz Lab Band I
Commissioned by the UNC Jazz Studies program for several concert appearances in the spring of 1998. It is an exciting minor blues with a bridge. The minor blues is set in a mambo feel (in 3) contrasting with a laid-back samba feel for the bridge. Featured soloists are piano or trumpet 3, tenor saxophone and drums/percussion. Soprano saxophone lead; no woodwind doubles.

The Jitterbug Waltz (excerpt)
Composed by Thomas "Fats" Waller      Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
This contemporary setting of Fats Waller’s’ unique jazz waltz is ideal for concerts and festivals. Jitterbug... features piano and can optionally feature trumpet and/or tenor saxophone. The entire band is featured in an a cappella soli (no rhythm section) that builds into an exciting and swinging shout chorus.

Fantasia on Kang Ding Love Song (excerpt)
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Music Services and UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the UNL Jazz Orchestra (rough live mix) 
Lindsay Bartlett - alto flute, Brandon Holloman - alto saxophone
Written for the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Jazz Orchestra and premiered in concert on October 30, 2008. This new concert work for jazz orchestra is based on the theme of a traditional Chinese folk song. FANTASIA... explores several treatments of the theme, from chamber music to contemporary big band jazz. No woodwind doubles; optional solo alto flute part (cued into Alto Saxophone I). Alto saxophone section lead (no woodwind doubles).
FANTASIA Score PDF (click here)

Synergy
Composed and arranged by Eric Richards
Published by The C.L. Barnhouse Co.
Recorded by the Barnhouse "Studio A" Big Band
A modern straight ahead chart in six for mature bands, Synergy was commissioned for the Pennsylvania IAJE All-State Jazz Ensemble, Jim McFalls conductor. 

Blue In Green
Composed by Miles Davis    Arranged by Eric Richards
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on PROSPECTS
Mike Johnston, flügelhorn and trumpet   Tim Young, piano
I wrote this chart to feature my friend Mike Johnston, jazz trumpet soloist with the Army Jazz Ambassadors. Miles' great tune from Kind of Blue has always appealed to me for several reasons: the unusual ten-measure circular form, the possibility for exploring ways to orchestrate and expand upon the beautiful harmonies, et al. This arrangement also provided the opportunity to pay tribute to Miles' collaborator, the master orchestrator and arranger Gil Evans.  

Hot House (excerpt)
Composed by Tadd Dameron   Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Belwin Jazz Publications (Alfred)
Recorded by the Belwin Jazz Orchestra
This chart is written as a contemporary take on Tadd Dameron's great contrafact on What Is This Thing Called Love. I find myself drawn to certain kinds of grooves again and again...one of these "favourites" of mine is the layered "Swing/Funk" groove done so well by the great Yellowjackets. The lead is played by alto, tenor and trumpet with some great lines. The lead trumpet range is up to written high D (optional F-sharp), there's a soli for the saxes and the lead sax is soprano sax with an optional alto part included.

It's All Right With Me
Composed by Cole Porter    Arranged by Eric Richards
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on In Concert!
Pat Dillon, soprano saxophone     Jim McFalls, trombone
This up-tempo arrangement of the Cole Porter standard was premiered by the US Army's Jazz Ambassadors at the IAJE 1994 Annual Convention in Boston. The open solo section can feature Tenor 1 (opt. Soprano Saxophone or Flute), Trumpet 4, Piano or Guitar. There is a "challenging"  soli section for the saxophones. No doubles. Recorded on the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Lab Band I’s Alive XIV.