Compared to What: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

$9.00 USD

Compared to What: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Name: Compared to What: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49614S
Price: 9.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Words and music by Eugene McDaniels / arr. Mike Kamuf

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-49614S

$9.00

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Compared to What arranged by Mike Kamuf has a straight-eighth groove played around 148 BPM with a distinctive Les McCann flavor. Written solos provided for tenor 1 and trumpet 2, unison sax lead lines, some written drum fills, and a sweet shout chorus together make a fine chart. Optional vibes too! (4:01)

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Series: Young Jazz Ensemble

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 20

ISBN10: 1-4706-5143-2

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5143-5

UPC: 038081572345

SKU: 00-49614S

More about this title

About the Composer: Eugene McDaniels

Eugene McDaniels was a soul and funk vocalist, songwriter, and social commentator whose 1969 hit "Compared to What" became an anthem of the civil rights era. Originally recorded with pianist Les McCann, the song's sharp lyrics and infectious groove made it a staple of 1970s jazz and funk bands. McDaniels' work bridged popular music and serious artistic statement, earning respect from jazz musicians across multiple generations.

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Why we love this

Mike Kamuf's arrangement captures the original's swagger without sacrificing playability for younger ensembles. The written tenor and trumpet solos give your section leaders something substantial to sink their teeth into, while the unison sax lines keep everyone locked together and sounding cohesive. A shout chorus and optional vibes round out an arrangement that sounds mature and polished without requiring advanced reading skills.

What to expect

Relaxed and funky, with just enough attitude to feel cool without becoming cynical. There's a conversational quality to the arrangement that lets the melody breathe, backed by a steady, confident groove that feels alive and contemporary even decades after the original recording.

Who it's for

Jazz ensemble directors working with high school groups or advanced middle school players who can handle straight-eighth funk with confidence. The chart rewards bands that can control a groove and supports soloists ready to carry a moment, making it ideal for students developing stylistic maturity beyond basic swing.

How to get the most out of it

Lock in the straight-eighth feel from the first rehearsal. The groove at 148 BPM lives or dies on rhythmic precision, so isolate the rhythm section early and get them locked before the horns enter.
Let the written solos breathe. These aren't flashy display pieces; they're musical statements. Encourage your tenor and trumpet players to phrase with intention and listen to recordings of the original to absorb the style.
Bring weight to the shout chorus. After the laid-back groove of the head and solos, this section needs energy and commitment from the full ensemble to land properly.
If you use the vibes, balance them so they enhance the harmony without muddying the funk. They're optional, so don't feel obligated if your section isn't ready for the texture.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a concert closer or as part of a jazz standards set that highlights funk and soul influences. Follow it with a slower ballad if you want tonal contrast, or pair it with other groovy charts to build a themed set around 1970s fusion and funk-jazz.