Cheep Shot: B-flat Tenor Saxophone

Berg writes charts that sound immediately professional and energetic without sacrificing playability at the medium level. The written solos for trumpet and tenor give students a genuine framework for jazz phrasing while leaving room for personalization, and the rhythm section feels genuinely groovy enough to anchor a strong performance. This is the kind of chart that works equally well in a contest setting or a packed concert hall.

Funky, grounded, and unapologetically swinging. The backbeat has a modern edge while the horn lines and solos sit comfortably in the jazz tradition. Running just under four and a half minutes, the tune moves with momentum and attitude.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level looking for a funk chart with real substance and replay value. The written solos suit musicians developing jazz phrasing skills, while the rhythm section demands solid timekeeping from your drum kit and bass player.

• Lock the hi-hat and kick drum into a tight pocket at 160 BPM; the groove hangs on that relationship, so spend rehearsal time isolating the rhythm section before bringing in the horns.
• Have your lead trumpet mark the optional high C passage and make a deliberate choice about whether to use it. The written B-flat sits solidly, and the C works best when the player commits to it rather than reaching.
• Balance the trumpet and tenor solos equally in the mix. Both parts are written with intention, so neither should disappear into the ensemble.
• Emphasize the bass part's role as a harmonic anchor. A clear, driving bass line lifts the entire chart and gives soloists something solid to push against.

Program this as a closing number or showcase item on a jazz concert where you want to show energy and precision without veering into novelty territory. The contest festival designation means it holds its own in competitive settings, though it's equally at home on a community concert where the audience wants to hear something that grooves.

• Jazz solo phrasing and interpretation from written trumpet and tenor parts
• Funk and shuffle rhythm subdivision at moderate tempo
• Ensemble balance between solo voices and supporting harmony
• Tight rhythm section interlock, particularly between drums and bass
• Lead trumpet range extension and stamina in the upper register