Charles Mingus

Recorded by the Mingus Big Band on the CD Que Viva Mingus! this stellar Steve Slagle arrangement takes the band through an extended modal format while always swingin! With a unique blend of group improvisation fullensemble passages andsolo space for trombone tenor sax and trumpet this medium tempo chart is another standout from this iconic contemporary big band.

This classic Mingus composition is meant to be performed with a sense of an 'anger' or sarcasm and definitely projects an edginess. The bari sax and bass bone will have fun with the opening and there is plenty for the rest of the ensemble to get excited about as well in this medium swing romp.

Recorded on the Grammy-nominated CD “I Am Three” by the Mingus Big Band this composition was originally written by Mingus for a 1959 television drama. Arranged here for the Mingus Big Band by the late great JohnStubblefield the chart opens with a bluesy piano introduction followed by an accelerando that kicks into a high-energy shuffle groove. Solos are included for tenor sax trombone trumpet and piano. A sizzling ensemble shout andgroup improvisation bring it all to an exciting finish!

This catchy riff-based tune uses blues changes and you can make it as easy or as difficult as you like depending on the tempo you choose! Solos (or soli) are for sax as well as piano and drums. A wonderful introduction to theexciting music of Charles Mingus skillfully adapted by Andrew Homzy.

Written in a medium-tempo swing style the saxes take the lead in the beginning answered by screaming brass figures. Soprano sax and a solo trombone engage in an ongoing bluesy dialogue interspersed with swingin' passages for theentire band. All masterfully arranged by Sy Johnson.Recorded live by the Mingus Big Band

Here's a playable yet very effective arrangement of this signature Mingus composition. The familiar bari sax riff is handled by three saxes and there is also a substantial soli for the entire sax section.

One of the most engaging and lighthearted of all Mingus' compositions this was originally meant to provide a musical bridge from Jelly Roll Morton to Mingus' own unique compositional voice. Here is a marvelous version for bigband that alternates between a medium slow 2-beat feel and straight ahead swing. Includes solos for trombone alto and trumpet.

The unique genius and originality of Charles Mingus is nowhere more apparent than in this symphonic masterpiece adapted for big band by Sy Johnson. Involving no improvisation but rather a series of through-composed colors andchanging moods the Mingus Big Band has been amazing audiences for years with this impressive concert piece. Stunningly effective and different!

Written in a fast 3/4 this gospel-inspired burner is as fun to play as it is to listen to. There is great interplay between sections of the band as layers of sound move in and out. Also included are hand claps and some“play any note you want” opportunities to really liven things up. The flexible solo section allows you to customize this to fit the strengths of your own band.

Mingus loved the blues and this powerful and highly energized arrangement from the CD Live In Time is a staple in the book of the Mingus Big Band. It features the signature bass line scored for the lower voices and full ensemblelines that really roar. Can be played as fast as you dare!

Featuring a dark intensity and a powerful unison riff figure in minor this medium swing chart is a great showcase for your bass player as well as the trombone section. The harmonic structure is quite simple but the depth of thearrangement comes from the thematic layers that are added throughout. Written solo (or soli) sections are included for the trombones and also trumpets.