Stevie Wonder

Jazz Ensemble Library ? Grade 4Due in part to its sophisticated jazz harmonies this Stevie Wonder tune has been a favorite with jazz artists for years. This funky stylized version by Mike Tomaro brings it to theconcert stage with flare and excitement. Tenor and trombone soloists share the spotlight along with an energy-charged rhythm section.

The creative genius of Stevie Wonder never grows old. Here is a hard-hitting medley of hits that opens with the saxes playing lead on Living for the City. Next is You Are the Sunshine of My Life with the trombonesfollowed by trumpets. The entire band gets to wail on Sir Duke while Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours starts with the saxes then ends full out with the entire ensemble.

This Stevie Wonder hit from the 1970s features a distinctive Latin/rock groove along with a memorable theme. Paul Murtha does a great of capturing the flavor of the original in this easy version for younger bands. The tempo is moderate and there is plenty of tutti ensemble playing plus a short solo for trumpet.

In 1977 Stevie Wonder was in his prime and “Sir Duke” was on top of the charts. Michael Mossman takes this familiar hit and adds his own unique touch.The middle section goes into a double time swing and includes a solo for tenor sax a soli for the saxes and also a drum break. All the familiar lines from the original are still there too.

Recorded by Stevie Wonder in 1976 on his acclaimed album Songs in the Key of Life this beautiful song is a good example of combining elements of jazz with pop. Keeping the same easy-flowing shuffle groove of the original Mike Tomaro adapts this very nicely for the contemporary full jazz ensemble.

Of Stevie Wonder's many hits in the early '70s this is one of his most distinctive and tuneful. Written in a light rock style this excellent arrangement features soaring melodies and strong ensemble sections.

Mike Tomaro takes this funk classic by Stevie Wonder through a series of new twists and turns but he is careful to preserve the great groove and signature horns riffs from the original. Featured are solos for alto and trumpet.

Tenor sax feature-This wonderful classic ballad recorded by Stevie Wonder is set here as a feature for tenor sax. Beautifully accompanied by piano only in the beginning a mellow accompaniment follows (with flugels and bones in buckets) as a medium bossa tempo settlesin.

From Stevie Wonder's acclaimed Innervisions album from 1973 this infectious funk tune has been covered by a variety of artists over the years and found its way into several movies. With a distinctive rock shuffle grooveand memorable riffs Mike Tomaro has transformed this into a sizzling version for jazz ensemble.