Great Big BallĀ hasĀ hints of 80's BrookmeyerĀ in a chart that's approachable by advanced HS bands (and on up).Ā It has a medium feel-good vibe, a memorable melody, and paints with fairly broad brush strokes.
This is a a great vehicle for your bari or alto soloist over an infectious four-chord vamp. Your rhythm section can cut loose right along with the sax soloist.Ā Makes an excellent concert or festival opener.
The audio recording below was from a wonderful band I assembledĀ based in Central PA. I'm playing the alto solo.
āJust about one of the happiest pieces of music youāll ever hear.ā
ā Chris Merz, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Iowa
4-5 mins
Composed by:Ā Rick Hirsch
Arranged by:Ā Rick Hirsch
Ensemble:Ā Jazz Ensemble
Format:Ā Conductor Score & Parts
Parts included:
- Alto Saxes 1 & 2 *
- Tenor Saxes 3 & 4 *
- Baritone Sax *
- 5 Trumpets
- 4 Trombones (incl. Bass Tbn.)Ā
- Guitar
- Piano
- Bass
- Drums
- * Includes extra sax parts, rescored for bari solo (download only).Ā