Charles Mingus

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

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.

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.

Complete – Full Score-Epitaph written for a 31-piece ensemble was the masterwork of composer/bassist Charles Mingus. The extended suite is comprised of multiple movements reflecting a wealth of compositional styles (not just jazz) thatdemonstrate Mingus' invaluable contribution to 20th-century American music. Since its last performance 15 years ago additional movements have been discovered that were originally intended to be a part of the work. This unique500-page score includes these “missing movements” along with historical and program notes. Prepared and edited under the guidance of Gunther Schuller and Sue Mingus it provides a monumental resource for study andanalysis. The first jazz composition of such magnitude ever to be published it is presented in this edition as he left it: a summary work a portrait for all time of his life in music. “I wrote it for my tombstone.”- Charles Mingus

A jazz waltz that swings at 170 BPM. A great hook melody by the great Mingus that grabs you, written solos for alto and trombone 1, and trumpet 1 range is to written G top space. All the ingredients you need for a fine chart. (3:30) / Ensemble De Jazz

A study in contrasts this dynamic chart features a blazingly fast swing tempo that alternates with sections in a very slow ballad style. The flexible solo section allows you customize this chart to fit the needs of your band.

Epitaph written for a 31-piece ensemble was the masterwork of composer/bassist Charles Mingus. The extended suite is comprised of multiple movements reflecting a wealth of compositional styles (not just jazz) thatdemonstrate Mingus' invaluable contribution to 20th-century American music. Since its last performance 15 years ago additional movements have been discovered that were originally intended to be a part of the work. This unique500-page score includes these “missing movements” along with historical and program notes. Prepared and edited under the guidance of Gunther Schuller and Sue Mingus it provides a monumental resource for study andanalysis. The first jazz composition of such magnitude ever to be published it is presented in this edition as he left it: a summary work a portrait for all time of his life in music. “I wrote it for my tombstone.”- Charles Mingus