[Saxopophone]

Hi there,

I'm in/coordinate a jazz group (high school age) that performs in a local variety/talent show every year, and we're having some difficulty choosing a song to perform this year. We've been accepted to perform in this particular show for the past three years, I think primarily because we have a lot of energy onstage and we play jazz (which is unique where I live; since it's a variety show, and I believe we're the only jazz combo that even enters, the judges like us), and we always play something upbeat and that people recognize. However, making the final cut for a fourth year in a row is basically unheard of, so I'm looking for a tune that people will enjoy, but also maybe is a different style. In the past, we've played "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Jumpin' at the Woodside," and "When the Saints Go Marching In." I was thinking of maybe playing a Latin or Funk tune to change it up a little... But I'm having some difficulty thinking of anything that would be particularly stellar.... Any suggestions??

Our instrumentation: Alto sax, Tenor sax, two trumpets, two trombones, bass, guitar, piano, drums. Skill level is somewhat varied (we've always ordered/borrowed easy or medium-easy high school level arrangements from the school to use--music must be memorized--and I dunno if this will really matter but comping is new to some rhythm section members, but we are all good readers and can improvise decently.)

Thank you so much!!

 

[saxmusicguy]

Spain by Chick Corea

 

[empressdiver]

Moanin', theme from the movie "The Sting", Pick up the Pieces, Mercy Mercy, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

 

[Dave Dolson]

High school jazz bands sure aren't unique where I live!! My two older grandsons played/play in one and because of that we hear MANY of them because of the competitions they play - and we attend. Also, two our three kids played in a California award-winning high school jazz band (the Wm. S. Hart Chieftans) when they were growing up (now full adults).

If I have to listen to one more "funk" piece, I'm outta there. I don't know what it is with high school band directors these days, but they have the kids playing tunes that are non-musical to my ears (admittedly old tyme here) and obviously designed to test technical skills rather than musicality. I doubt if five people in the audience would go home and hum to themselves anything they heard that night.

I've always thought that a high school band would knock off the audiences' socks with something really musical - something with a distinct melody and wonderful inside-the-box harmonies. What a change THAT would be . . . I'm thinking about that Japanese kids' swing band whose video was making it around the Internet recently (taken from a film, I know, but nevertheless a fun video).

From your post, it is obvious you recognize the swing era's music. There probably is a ton of material from that or earlier era-bands that could be brought out, dusted off, and made entertaining. DAVE

 

[Saxopophone]

Thanks for your suggestions!
And, @ Dave... My dad said basically the same thing, actually--I showed him "Spain," as was suggested above, and he was worried that certain pieces that are more "technical" wouldn't be as appealing to people. He thought I should pick another swing tune or something from a musical, like "Bohemian Rhapsody," but I don't know if we could make that sound good... I am mostly concerned that maybe the judges and audience will be sick of us; it is our fourth year auditioning and it's a "variety" show, after all! But the hunt continues... I'll look more into those, thanks!

Any other ideas out there?

 

[Dave Dolson]

I suspect your players could do justice to a great old big-band tune more easily than some convoluted modern chart written to challenge the players and impress other musicians only. SING SING SING, TAKE THE A TRAIN, SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, HIGH SOCIETY, early Ellington . . . there are too many to list here. Play any of them and the audience will be on their feet. Funk? Not so sure . . . DAVE

 

[soybean]

Watermelon Man, Soul Bossa Nova (from Austin Powers by quincy Jones), Song For my Father.

 

[bandmommy]

Try something along the lines of a ballad this year.
I have a pretty easy arrangement of 'My One True Friend' that might be doable with your limited instrumentation.
It's an alto feature, so your alto player had better be pretty good.
If you want, I can send you copies IF you send them back when you're done with them.
The Community band that I belong to borrows it on occaision and I don't want to have to make more copies.

 

[35TangoTango]

With your instrumentation and wanting high energy for a show, "You and Me" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy would be perfect. You can see that on YouTube, and there is a Big Band arrangement published.

 

[Saxopophone]

We've played those before ("Soul Bossa Nova," "Watermelon Man," "Song for My Father"), either as a group or in other groups, and I'm just not convinced that they sound great. Something about 'em doesn't feel good to me, I guess? But I've considered them, and I do enjoy them, thank you :mrgreen:

We kind of ruled out a ballad already... But, I am the alto player, so of course I'd be interested in looking at it just to look at it. :mrgreen: But I don't think any ballad would ensure us a spot in this show... They've (the people who judge and run it) told us in the past they like us "for our energy," and we always either close or open the show. Thanks for your kind offer, though!

"You and Me" is super cool...!!! I'd consider it, but again, it's a matter of us making it sound good, and if we don't, then it's a matter of whether or not the audience is forgiving or if the judges know it and it appeals to them in that regard... Which I think is a big part of why we've gotten into the show in the past...


We've basically got it somewhat narrowed down to "Spain," "Sing, Sing, Sing," (so far, as a group we're leaning toward this one; pfft, so much for changing styles!), and "Heard it Through the Grapevine"... But if there are still other suggestions... I'd be glad to hear them

 

[saxmusicguy]

How about "Zoot Suit Riot" or "Jump, Jive, and Wail"? Those have energy. I know you ruled out ballads, but here's a nice alto ballad played by Vincent Herring:

 

[The A Train]

You guys would probably have a great time with 'Sweet Georgia Brown' or you can take on a medley like 'Blues Brothers Review' our band did it this year: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5305840/Blues Brothers Review.mp3

 

[swperry1]

Whatever you pick, it always helps if the audience knows the tune...

Given your inexperienced rhythm section, it might be fun (and easily recognizable for the audience) if you arranged something on the radio. Pop tunes usually have easy changes, and nice melody lines. I heard a band do cool instrumental versions of F-You by Cee Lo Green and Firework by Katy Perry not too long ago with a tenor sax playing Cee Lo's vocal line, and trumpet for Katy's. I think they had tenor, trumpet and bone with bass, drums and keys (maybe two trumpets?).

Just don't get too "elevator/ smooth jazz" with it. Even the general listening public seem to cringe at the music in the food court at the mall.