Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Ballad - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Newly Engraved Edition with Full Score!

Bob Florence's mastery of the ballad style shines through on Autumn, an original composition recorded by Florence's big band on their album Westlake. Originally featuring longtime veteran Los Angeles-based tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, this richly orchestrated arrangement provides a musical setting that is both warm and melancholy at the same time.

The tone is set by a semi-rubato trombone chorale before giving way to the solo tenor sax at measure 9. All other horn players should keep their volume level low and their tones rich in order to get the most out of Florence's velvety writing. The classic Woody Herman 'Four Brothers' sound, with tenor sax playing lead atop the rest of the section, is used to great effect for a short period at measure 25.

In order to give things a bit of a kick, the arrangement abandons its hushed atmosphere in favor of a double-time swing that kicks in at measure 52, just in time for the improvised tenor sax solo. This is where the feel remains for most of the rest of the performance, which reaches an early dramatic climax with the brass reaching into their upper registers at measure 65. The bottom drops out for a short break to allow Christlieb to re-establish himself atop the musical pecking order. A cadenza sets up the return of the chorale-like approach from the beginning, with the entire band gradually building up and around the trombones before an intense peak that sees some soaring brass figures, followed by one last cadenza to bring things to a close.

An optional alternate woodwind 5 part is included that has a bass clarinet double in place of the Eb contra bass clarinet. Also, baritone saxophone cue notes are indicated so your woodwind 5 player can avoid the double altogether.

This publication was prepared from the original set of parts used during the recording session.

 

Full Score
Woodwind 1: Alto Saxophone/Soprano Saxophone
Woodwind 2: Alto Saxophone/Flute
Woodwind 3: Tenor Saxophone
Woodwind 4: Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet
Woodwind 5: Baritone Saxophone/Eb Contra Bass Clarinet (optional double)
Woodwind 6: Baritone Saxophone/Bass Clarinet
5 Trumpets (All Double Flugelhorn)
4 Trombones
Guitar (Optional)
Piano
Bass
Drums
Alternate Woodwind 5: Baritone Saxophone/Bass Clarinet (optional double)

Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: C5