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Jazz Ensemble

The following works are for standard instrumentation big band, but are also available to be altered as desired.  Clicking on "More" will take you to score previews, recordings, and information on ordering.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Ace of Hearts

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Commissioned by the Hinsdale Middle School Jazz Ensemble (directed by George Andrikokus) and in memory of Chicago trumpeter Art Hoyle, this chart based on the changes to "Black Orpheus" is a great way to introduce bossa nova style and early improvisation techniques.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

All 'Dem Leaves

Ryan Erik Adamsons

The first of Ryan's charts for Kendor Publishing, this swing original is based on the chord changes to "Autumn Leaves". Written for beginning groups, the solo section is written out with solo sheets provided in all keys along with scales to assist students in improvisation. Featuring Kendor Konvertible scoring for 9-17 players and includes optional parts for flute, clarinet, horn in F, tuba and vibes, along with a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson. The brass ranges are very accessible, with trumpet up to F5 and Db4 for trombone. Rhythm section parts provide the drummer with a great concept of what to play, and notated piano voicings and bass lines are provided. Duration 3:05.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

All New Kicks

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Pulished by Kendor, this cha cha for beginning groups is based on the chord changes to "My Little Suede Shoes" by Charlie Parker and is a great chart to introduce the authentic Latin style! The solo section is written out with solo sheets provided in all keys along with scales to assist students in improvisation. Duration 3:55

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Amazing Grace

John Newton, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged for the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble to feature Ira Sullivan, solo feature for any instrument or voice.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Ant Farm

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Premiered by the University of Akron Jazz Ensemble, an homage to cartoon music featuring several styles and solos for soprano sax and guitar.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Auld Lang Syne

Robert Burns, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged for and recorded virtually by the Bluecoats Alumni Jazz Ensemble, this Basie-style version of the holiday classic features drum set on brushes and solo space for any instrument.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Ballad of Daniella IV

Ryan Erik Adamsons

This heavy funk tune features solos for any instrument and an open solo for drum set.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Charm City Ramble

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Commissioned and premiered by the Roland Park Elementary/Middle School Jazz Ensemble, this chart features variable instrumentation and great opportunities for developing improvisational skills.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Doxy

Sonny Rollins, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Premiered by the Pete Ellman Big Band, this straight ahead chart on the classic standard features solos for trumpet and tenor sax.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Elis

Phil Woods, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged to feature Phil Woods with the DePaul Jazz Orchestra, this great latin tune dedicated to Elis Regine is a feature for flugelhorn and alto with optional woodwind doubles and auxiliary percussion.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Hello, Bluebird

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Published by Kendor and based on the chord changes to Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson, this swinging chart is a workout for the full ensemble. Written for beginning groups, it’s a great chart to introduce swing figures on a jazz standard. Brass ranges are accessible with trumpet up to G5 and D4 for trombone. Rhythm section parts provide the drummer with a solid concept of what to play, and notated piano voicings and bass lines are provided. The solo section is written out with solo sheets provided in all keys along with scales to assist students in improvisation. Duration 3:25.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

In The Bleak Midwinter

Gustav Holst, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged for and recorded virtually by the Bluecoats Alumni Jazz Ensemble, this up tempo version of the holiday classic features a brass chorale introduction and solo space for any instrument.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

It's Too Late

Carole King, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Originally arranged for the debut performance of the Chicago Composers Big Band, this version of the Carole King classic features a flute melody lead and solo space for alto sax.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Jingle Bells

James Pierpont, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged for and recorded virtually by the Bluecoats Alumni Jazz Ensemble, this medium tempo version of the holiday classic features solo space for any instrument.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Lakewood and Wayne

Ryan Erik Adamsons

This original bossa nova exploring modern harmony features an extended solo section and soli feature for low voices.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Lessons Learned

Ryan Erik Adamsons

This contrafact of "Nature Boy" was commissioned as a trombone feature by George Andrikokus and the Hinsdale Middle School Jazz Ensemble, and premiered at the 2019 IMEC Conference. A great up tempo bossa nova with ballad sections to feature a guest artist or advanced student soloist.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

McDukey Blues

Christian McBride, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged to feature Christian McBride with the University of Missouri Concert Jazz Band, this chart provides opportunities for several soloists on any instrument and an optional flute part.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

New N'Awlins

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Original composition using a modern take on traditional New Orleans jazz ideas. This version for big band recorded virtually in 2021 by the Bluecoats Alumni Jazz Ensemble.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Night Music

Ryan Erik Adamsons

This poignant ballad features very modern techniques and an extended solo for tenor along with a notated solo for piano to finish the piece.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Returning

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Originally commissioned as a virtual chart for Niles West and Niles North High Schools in Skokie, IL, this chart was premiered and recorded by the Plano Senior High School Jazz Ensemble. It is a simple but elegant ballad incorporating modern jazz harmony and styles into a chart that is easily accessible for developing ensembles.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Smooth Honey

Ryan Erik Adamsons

Published by Kendor and based on the chord changes to Satin Doll by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, this swing chart is perfect for beginning groups. The solo section is playable by any instrument and solo sheets are provided in all keys. This is a great chart to introduce the ii-V-I progression. Featuring Kendor Konvertible scoring for 9-17 players, each set includes a guitar chord chart by Jim Greeson and optional flute, clarinet, horn in f, tuba and vibes parts. Duration 3:25.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Soul Sauce

Luciano Chano Pozo Gonzales and John Birks Gillespie, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

A great introduction to authentic Latin styles, this cha cha is a versatile arrangement of the well known standard

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

Tango Caliente

Bob Lark, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged for the Bob Lark Alumni Big Band and recorded on their album "Reunion", this high energy latin chart features solos for trumpet and trombone.

Ballad of Daniella IV - Title Page Image

We Three Kings

John Hopkins, arr. Ryan Erik Adamsons

Arranged for and recorded virtually by the Jazz Community Big Band, this jazz waltz version of the holiday classic features solo space for flugelhorn.

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