Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing Waltz - Advanced

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Recorded by the Buddy Rich Big Band on The Roar of '74, Greg Hopkins' Waltz of the Mushroom Hunters is a kaleidoscopic musical experience that retains its unpredictable excitement from start to finish. Although technically difficult and a serious endurance test for the brass section, it's sure to bring down the house if performed well.

Beginning with an ominous drum roll, the first portion of the chart is a brass chorale that hints at the harmonic progression of the main melody without being an exact replica. It should be played in a quasi-orchestral manner. The brisk waltz tempo that continues for the rest of the performance commences at measure 27, with the horns musically dog-fighting with each other in a wide array of configurations. The melody proper finally begins at measure 71. Its extended form and unpredictable harmonic twists and turns require quite a bit of attention to execute in a seamless fashion.

Measure 139 sees the start of a solo chorus of piano, with some light backgrounds scattered throughout. This is followed up by one of the arrangement's most unique sections - the trumpet section and drums trading fours with each other, with the trumpet figures being quite rhythmically dense and harmonically deep. The ensemble comes together briefly before the key changes at measure 283 for another solo. On the original recording, it's a soprano sax solo, but there are chord changes provided for trombone in the original score as well. The backgrounds here are a little more prominent than before, but still largely gently supportive.

Following the final solo is a return to the original key and an ensemble shout chorus that includes a notable bit of screaming lead trumpet beginning at the pickups to measure 375. As is typical for a Buddy Rich shout chorus, it should be played with reckless abandon and plenty of volume. The chorale-like feel of the introduction returns at measure 411, although the waltz feel is maintained underneath to provide a nice stylistic contrast. One last fanfare leads the arrangement into a surprisingly subdued and warm finale.

The original version of this arrangement was written for only 3 trombone players. For this publication, Greg Hopkins has provided a new 4th trombone part, as well as a re-written 3rd trombone part with new harmonies, to make it playable by a traditional big band instrumentation. This publication was based on the original set of parts used by the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1974 - this is not a transcription.

 

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Sax 1 Doubles Flute)
2 Tenor Saxophones (Tenor Sax 1 Doubles Soprano Sax and Flute)
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: Ab6
Trumpet 2: Eb6
Trombone 1: C5