TEDDY THE TOAD

Recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra
Arranged by Neal Hefti, Prepared by Rob DuBoff, Dylan Canterbury, and Jeffrey Sultanof
star star star star star Be the first to write a review!
Comments:

Cat #: JLP-7741

$75.00

This item usually ships within 1 business day.

 

Questions?

Please call +1-518-587-1102 or email us.

View Sample Page:

View Sample

Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Swing - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

The trombone section of the Count Basie Orchestra of the 1950s - Henry Coker, Al Grey, and Benny Powell - was one of the most dynamic sections in the history of big band jazz. Although the arrangement doesn’t feature any improvisation, Teddy the Toad served as a wonderful vehicle for the trio's unique musical personality.

The entire arrangement is fit around the framework of a concert Eb blues. Following an uproarious introduction from the whole band, Basie takes a partial chorus piano solo to mellow out the mood before the trombones enter with the somewhat lumbering melody at measure 13. This melody is repeated twice, with a simple cup-muted trumpet counter line coming in on the second time.

A pedal point and descending figure in the trumpets and brass set the stage for an extended trombone soli that begins at measure 30. A few measures later, the second main melody figure enters and is repeated by the trombone trio twice. The main backgrounds during this section come from some sharp plunger-muted trumpets that start off relatively sparse but become more busy and prodding as time goes on. The saxes add in a slightly corkscrewing counter line at measure 51 to add to the developing complexity. The original melody returns at measure 63, with the final few measures being tagged a couple of times before a dragged-out rubato trombone section cadenza wraps things up over a surprisingly minor-key finish.

This publication was based on the original set of parts used during the recording session - this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums
Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: C5