BIG BAND (Vocals)

NEW listings in RED

The Nearness of You
Composed by Hoagy Carmichael     Arranged by Eric Richards
(Written for "Little Big Band": AS, TS, BS; Tpts 1 & 2; Trbs 1 & 2; Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Commissioned by the USAF Noteables Jazz Ensemble, MSgt Cully Joyce-musical director. This reworking of Eric’s feature for trombone and big band is set in a “floating 3” feel and features lush, colourful orchestration. Alto saxophone section lead (no woodwind doubles). Trumpets on flugelhorns.

Swingin' On A Star
Composed by Burke & Van Heusen     Arranged by Eric Richards
(Written for "Little Big Band": AS, TS, BS; Tpts 1 & 2; Trbs 1 & 2; Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
Published by UNC Jazz PressCommissioned by the USAF Noteables Jazz Ensemble, MSgt Cully Joyce-musical director. This chart is set in a swing funk groove and features some “full band” vocals (!) Horn players and comedy...maybe you can make it work. Soprano saxophone section lead (no woodwind doubles). Trumpets on flugelhorns.

Night and Day
Composed by Cole Porter     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble ONE
Bruce Silva-director, Lisa Kelly-Scott-vocal soloist
 
This is a contemporary straight-ahead chart on the Cole Porter standard. This arrangement was conceived as a closer to the vocalist's portion of the program. As such, it includes a short reprise of the chart for bows. It also features a "supersax" style soli for the vocalist, Trumpet 5, and the saxophone section. This is one vocal chart with a lot of material for the band to "sink it's teeth into."

Angel Eyes
Composed by Cole Porter     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on In Concert!
Dana Rogers - vocal soloist, Darryl Brenzel - alto saxophone
This jazz standard has been re-cast as a relaxed modal swing vocal feature. The harmonic language and scoring approach creates a rich orchestral palette for the soloist and rhythm section to "float" on top of. Woodwind doubles (2 flutes, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet)

Blue Moon
Composed by Richard Rodgers     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors on In Concert!
Dana Rogers - vocal soloist, Vince Norman
and Pat Dillon - tenor saxophones
A fresh treatment of the ballad standard, Blue Moon is set in a medium straight ahead groove. It features one chorus of trading tenor saxophones which leads into one chorus of original vocalise. This chart is a great way to end the vocalist's segment of the concert! No doubles.

The Girl (Boy) from Ipanema
Composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble ONE
Bruce Silva-director, Lisa Kelly-Scott-vocal soloist

Contemporary treatment of Tom Jobim's bossa classic. Soprano saxophone lead, no other woodwind doubles.

Lush Life
Composed by Billy Strayhorn     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors (live rough mix)
Dana Rogers - vocal soloist, Vince Norman - tenor saxophone
An orchestral treatment of the quintessential jazz ballad, Lush Life was written for Dana Rogers and features solo vocal and tenor saxophone. After a very free treatment of the verse (primarily voice and solo guitar), the chorus is set in a floating 3 feel. Saxophones double on woodwinds (fl., clar., bs. clar.) and trumpets double on flugelhorns. There is an extended jazz solo in Tenor III.

I Love Bein' Here With You
Composed by Peggy Lee and William Schleuter     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors (live rough mix)
Marva Lewis - vocal soloist, Gene Thorne - baritone saxophone
This hard swingin', Thad Jones-influenced vocal feature is designed to open a vocalist's set. It has been very effective with a wide array of audiences. Open solo section. Soprano saxophone section lead (no woodwind doubles).

Bluesette
Composed by Jean "Toots" Thielemans     Arranged by Eric Richards
Recorded by the USAF Airmen of Note on ¡Tiempo Latino!
Paige Martin - vocal soloist, Andy Axelrad - flute, Tim Leahey - flügelhorn
Bluesette was written for Dana Rogers and the US Army Jazz Ambassadors to perform in a concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Belgian Air Force. Rumour had it that Toots might even show up for this special concert to play with the band on his jazz classic (he did!) The flavour of the chart was inspired by the updated version recorded on Toot's Brazil Project.

I'm Beginning To See The Light
Composed by Duke Ellington   Arranged by Eric Richards
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors
Dolores King Williams - vocal soloist, Jim McFalls - trombone
This chart was originally written in the summer of 1983 on the aft deck of the S.S. Norway! (I was a member of the ship's orchestra.) The intent was to write a chart that would work both in dance and concert contexts. Saxophones double on flutes, clarinets, and bass clarinet. Soprano saxophone lead.

Summertime
Composed by George Gershwin   Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by UNC Jazz Press
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Guardians
This Porgy and Bess classic is set in a modern "Miles"-inspired half-time funk feel. There is a harmon muted jazz solo in trumpet 4. Soprano saxophone lead; no woodwind doubles.

Battle Hymn of the Republic
Composed by Julia Ward Howe     Arranged by Eric Richards
Published by Eric Richards Musical Services
Recorded by the US Army Jazz Ambassadors
Marva Lewis - vocal soloist, Tim Young - piano, Darryl Brenzel - alto saxophone

This powerful concert closer is perfect for a patriotic or inspirational program. Set in a 16
th note based Gospel Funk style, Battle Hymn also features a soulful alto saxophone solo. Recorded by the USAF Airmen of Note and the US Army Jazz Ambassadors, audiences never fail to respond to this uplifting chart!



© Eric Richards 2012     eric@ericrichards.com