Best Of My Love (arr. Paul Murtha): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by The Emotions / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK01502997
$50.00
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Description
This pop hit recorded by the Emotions in 1997 has a distinctive Earth, Wind Fire vibe thanks to composers Maurice White and Al McKay. Most recently used as the basis for Paul Russell's "Lil Boo Thang," here is an arrangement for young jazz ensembles that features a funky groove and all the signature horn riffs from the original.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01502997
More about this title
About the Artist: The Emotions
The Emotions emerged from Chicago in the 1970s as one of the defining voices of funk and soul music. The group's tight harmonies and infectious grooves made them essential players in the Earth, Wind & Fire ecosystem, and their collaborations with Maurice White shaped the sound of an era. "Best of My Love" became their signature track, showcasing the kind of polished funk sensibility that influenced generations of musicians across multiple genres.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious pocket of the original without sacrificing playability for young ensembles. The funky horn lines stay true to Earth, Wind & Fire's signature sound while sitting comfortably in the range and reading level of Grade 3 musicians. Programming this gives your group immediate credibility and energy; audiences recognize the groove instantly.
What to expect
Warm, confident, and immediately groovy. The arrangement wraps you in layers of horn color and rhythm that feel effortless on the surface but contain real musicianship underneath. It's the kind of piece that makes students want to come to rehearsal because the music itself is fun to play.
Who it's for
Young jazz ensembles looking for authentic funk repertoire that sits comfortably at Grade 3 but sounds considerably more sophisticated. Directors who want students to experience the sound and feel of Earth, Wind & Fire without requiring advanced reading skills or excessive rehearsal time.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the kick drum and bass line into a tight pocket first. These two voices define the funk, and everything else locks into that foundation.
- Balance the horn section so the lead voice cuts through without the background riffs disappearing. The riffs are what make this arrangement sing.
- Pay attention to the dynamics marked in the original grooves; the swells and pull-backs create the lift that makes funk feel alive rather than mechanical.
- Keep the eighth-note feel relaxed and behind the beat slightly. This gives the arrangement that laid-back vibe that makes it groove.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a spring or end-of-year concert feature, especially paired with other funk or soul repertoire. It also functions as an excellent ensemble builder earlier in the school year, since the groove-based approach is more forgiving of slight timing variations than bebop changes while still teaching real jazz fundamentals.
Skills your students will build
- Understanding groove-based rhythm and pocket playing
- Reading and balancing horn section voicings
- Responding to dynamic swells and rhythmic resets within a steady groove
- Coordinating with a rhythm section while maintaining independence as a section