Easy to Love: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Baker's arrangement keeps the melody front and center while building out a full ensemble sound that never feels crowded. The sax section soli give your reeds a genuine feature moment, and the written-out solos for piano and trumpet remove the improvisation barrier that often intimidates younger players, letting them focus on phrasing and swing feel.

Smooth, approachable sophistication. The swing feel sits naturally without demanding advanced rhythmic independence, and the harmonies are warm and familiar enough that musicians can hear themselves contributing to something cohesive. It's the musical equivalent of putting on something that just fits right.

Jazz ensembles at the Grade 2.5 level who are ready to move beyond simple heads and comping into genuine section work and written solo features. Conductors looking for a manageable swing standard that sounds fuller than it is and fits a contest or festival setting.

• Lock the tempo at 154 BPM during rehearsals. This swing rate sits right in the pocket for articulation clarity without rushed attacks from the brass section.
• Balance the ensemble passages by checking that your rhythm section can be heard under the sax soli. The piano or vibes solo needs separation from the horns.
• Shape the written solos with intention. These aren't background figures; give them the same interpretive weight you'd give a full improvisation, paying attention to breath points and harmonic arrivals.
• Have your lead trumpet practice the G on top of the staff in isolation. Accuracy there sets the tone for the whole ensemble's confidence in the high passages.

This works beautifully as a middle-of-the-set number that showcases ensemble maturity without overtaxing your players' concentration. Program it alongside a more uptempo shout tune or a ballad to demonstrate your ensemble's range within the jazz tradition.

• Swing articulation and phrasing at a moderate tempo
• Section blend and balance (especially sax soli writing)
• Reading and performing written solos with jazz interpretation
• Tutti ensemble precision and dynamic control
• Jazz rhythm section comping and support functions