recommended by Ben H., Jazz Specialist

Over the course of a six-decade career, Japanese-American pianist, bandleader, and composer-arranger Toshiko Akiyoshi has made a unique and vital contribution to the art of big band jazz. Born in Manchuria, she began playing the piano at age six. She has received fourteen Grammy Award nominations and was the first woman to win Best Arranger and Composer awards in Down Beat magazine’s annual Readers’ Poll. In 1984, she was the subject of the documentary “Jazz Is My Native Language.” In 1996, she published her autobiography, “Life with Jazz,” and in 2007 she was named an NEA Jazz Master by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts.

After Mr. Teng by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grade 5.5
As recorded by the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band in 1980 for their “Farewell To Mingus” album, this fast bebop outing for proficient players features a big full-band opening, sax and brass section solis, and solo space for piano, tenor (or alto), and bass. Directors also have the option of repeating one solo chorus to feature trumpet as well.

American Ballad by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grade 5
As recorded by the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band on the album “Kogun,” it features trombone or flugelhorn.

I Ain’t Gonna Ask No More by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grade 6
Exactly as recorded by the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band on their “Tales Of A Courtesan” album, this slow, bluesy swing feature for bass trombone or tuba also boasts sax and brass solis, an ensemble shout, and strong finish.

Long Yellow Road by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grade 5.5
As recorded by the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band on their Grammy-nominated album “Long Yellow Road,” this boppish classic offers solo space for tenor, alto, and trumpet. The even-8ths intro and finale in 5/4 time give this chart distinctive symmetry, and the roaring ensemble shout takes no prisoners!

Notorious Tourist from the East by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grade 6
Recorded by the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band on the album “March Of The Tadpoles,” this uptempo solo feature for tenor sax takes no prisoners! Playing with well-articulated, rhythmic precision in the soli and ensemble sections is essential. The dramatic conducted ending will be especially popular with audiences.

Song for the Harvest by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grade 5.5
Recorded by the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band on their Grammy-nominated album “Farewell To Mingus,” highlights in this medium jazz waltz include solos for bari (or tenor) sax and trombone, brass plungers, and an optional cut for bands who’d rather avoid the woodwind doubles. A short drum solo and a dramatic build from mezzo-piano to fortissimo in the final bars gives it a strong finish.

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About the Author:
Ben Huntoon is the Jazz Education Consultant at Stanton’s Sheet Music. He received bachelors and masters degrees in music from Capital University and The Ohio State University respectively. As a professional trumpeter, Ben is accomplished in a wide variety of genres and has performed throughout the Midwest on many stages over the past 30 years. He also teaches trumpet, coaches brass ensembles and has served on the jazz faculty at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.