Boogie On Reggae Woman: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Stevie Wonder / Arranged by Mike Tomaro
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00313790
$50.00
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Description
The heavy influence that Stevie Wonder had on funk and jazz is clearly evident in this hit from 1974. Made even funkier in this version for big band with a tempo slightly slower than the original, the authentic flavor still shines through.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00313790
More about this title
About the Artist: Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder stands as one of the most influential musicians of the late 20th century, a multi-instrumentalist and producer who fundamentally shaped how funk, soul, and jazz intersect in popular music. Blind since infancy, he mastered keyboards, harmonica, and drums while developing an ear for sophisticated harmony and rhythmic innovation that would influence generations of jazz and pop musicians.
Why we love this
Mike Tomaro's arrangement captures the irresistible groove of Wonder's original while giving your ensemble room to breathe in a slightly relaxed tempo. The chart sits perfectly at Grade 4, letting strong high school bands dig into authentic funk and soul phrasing without getting lost in complexity, and it's the kind of tune that reminds students why they joined jazz band in the first place.
What to expect
The moment your band nails the opening groove, you're transported to a 1974 dance floor where sophisticated musicianship and irresistible funk coexist. Stevie Wonder's melodic gift shines through every phrase, wrapped in a rhythm that makes even the rhythm section want to move.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles that want to build credibility playing genuine funk and soul rather than watered-down versions. High school and college big bands will find this accessible without feeling condescending, and it works equally well for students discovering how deeply jazz informs popular music.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the eighth-note pocket early in rehearsals. The infectious funkiness depends entirely on your rhythm section staying locked together, so isolate the bass and drums before bringing in comping instruments.
- Balance the sax section tightly during the unison lines. These voicings sit close together, and clarity comes from matching tone and articulation across the section.
- Lean into the syncopation without rushing it. The slower tempo Tomaro chose gives you space to actually feel the swing and let the syncopated rhythms land cleanly rather than skating over them.
- Keep soloists grounded in the groove rather than floating above it. This isn't a ballad moment; encourage the band to support any soloist by maintaining that locked-in feel throughout.
How to use it
This is your opener or closer for a concert built around soul and funk influences. It pairs beautifully with other authentic funk and R&B arrangements, and it's an excellent piece to program when you want to show your community that jazz ensemble is where contemporary music lives.
Skills your students will build
- Playing syncopated rhythms with precision and feel
- Maintaining a locked eighth-note pocket across sections
- Articulation and phrasing in funk and soul idioms
- Sectional balance in close saxophone voicings
- Supporting soloists while maintaining ensemble groove