Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: African - Difficult

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

BACHEQUE [ba-check] Although the closest English translation of this African noun would be "con artist," bacheque has a richer meaning. C.J. Moore describes it like this: This is the man about Kinshasa who will sell you a car (especially when yours has mysteriously disappeared the day before), organize a night out on town for you or a tour of the local sights. Wearing a loud shirt and the best designer watch, bacheque serve a vital brokering purpose when the formal economy has dramatically broken down. They change currency, establish market prices and give the capital its characteristic feel (78-79). Percussion would be welcome in this chart, especially a dumbek and/or tambourine.

Bacheque is inspired by north African and middle eastern jazz musicians like Rabih About-Khalil and Nikolaj Bentzon. After an introductory drum solo, the chart is in two big parts: a 7/4 groove that features alto saxophone and piano solos, then a 4/4 NOLA-meets-Marrakech section featuring baritone saxophone. An excellent programming choice for concert for festival.

Lead trumpet to written E6. No special percussion or other instruments are required beyond normal big band instrumentation.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
5 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums

Trumpet 1: E6