recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist

Absolutely Positively by Gregory Yasinitsky, Easy
Try this slow, yet hard-swinging shuffle on your next big band outing. The bluesy sound emphasizes the groove and is accessible for developing groups. Written especially for the Lincoln Middle School Jazz Band in Pullman, Washington, this chart includes a written alto sax solo, though the composer encourages students to improvise over the entire solo section using a five-note cell on which to base their ideas. A guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson is included.

After Dark by Bryce Newton, Grade 1
“After Dark” is an exceptional chart to introduce swing style from the very first rehearsal! This “Jazz Starter” is expertly written well within the easy level, allowing your students to sound good quickly and find success in learning to swing. Lots of great teaching material is packed into this piece. Students will enjoy the mysterious mood of this chart and will be engaged from the very start! A winner!

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
With a nice mix of scoring from full ensemble tutti to short section features, here’s a great sounding chart for younger players on this Motown favorite. No solos are required.

All Will Be Well by Tim Waters, Grade 1.5
This easy bossa nova style ballad makes a perfect change of pace that’s easy to work up for your next concert. There are no solos in this arrangement.

Mr. Walker by Wes Montgomery/arr. Terry White, Grade 2
Featuring a light rock groove that alternates with stop time sections, this tune by jazz master Wes Montgomery works great for young bands. The chart opens with a duet of trumpet and tenor sax, and includes a sax soli built on fragments of Wes’s own original solo. Solos are also included for trumpet and tenor sax.

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About the Author:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.