Big Swing Face: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Alan Baylock's harmonic reworking transforms this blues-based chart into something with real contemporary snap. The solo opportunities are distributed generously across the saxophone and brass sections, making sure every strong player gets a moment, and the optional vibe part adds textural depth without complicating the core ensemble sound.

Straight-ahead groove with harmonic sophistication underneath. The flat 5 chords and modern voicings give it a cooler, slightly edgier swing feel than traditional big band writing, while the blues-scale foundation keeps everything grounded and accessible. It swings hard without pretension.

Jazz ensembles at the Grade 3 level that want a contemporary swing chart with genuine solo moments for multiple players. It works equally well for festival contest prep or concert programming, since the 3:32 duration fits cleanly into either context.

• Lock the rhythm section into a tight, relaxed swing pulse from the first rehearsal. The chart sits on the blues scale throughout, so consistency in feel matters more than rushing.
• Encourage soloists to listen to the recorded version before their first time through. The harmonic substitutions are modern enough that knowing Baylock's voicings helps them land their phrasing.
• Balance the lead trumpet's high register lines (B-flat above staff) with ensemble texture rather than volume. These passages should cut through without forcing the section.

Program this as a feature chart for a jazz concert where you want to showcase your section soloists without running long. It also holds up well as a contest selection, since the arrangement is polished and the balance between ensemble playing and solo space appeals to adjudicators.

• Soloing over blues changes with modern harmonic substitutions
• Swing rhythmic figures and phrasing conventions
• Reading and performing contemporary jazz voicings (flat 5 chords)
• Balance and blend in jazz ensemble textures
• High register trumpet playing (B-flat above staff)