Exciting Sounds of the Big Band Era: E-flat Baritone Saxophone Book

Groovy, infectious, and deeply satisfying. These arrangements pulse with the infectious energy of the swing era while still breathing room for individual expression. The baritone sax voice here is warm, authoritative, and essential to the sound.

Intermediate to advanced baritone saxophonists in school jazz ensembles, community big bands, or serious jazz combos. Players should read standard saxophone clefs comfortably and understand basic jazz articulation and phrasing conventions.

• Listen to the classic big band recordings of these tunes before rehearsal. Hearing how Basie, Goodman, or Ellington voiced the baritone sax section will clarify phrasing and articulation choices the arrangement intends.
• Lock in with the bass and drums early. The baritone sax anchors the bottom of the ensemble sound, so your time feel and rhythmic placement directly affect how tight the whole band feels.
• Shape dynamic scoops and falls deliberately, especially in ballads like 'At Last' and 'Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me.' These expressive details separate polished big band playing from reading straight through.
• Balance tone weight with the section. In packed ensemble moments, resist the urge to dominate; your job is to thicken the foundation, not overshadow the tenor and alto voices above you.

Build a full big band concert by combining this collection with trumpet, trombone, and rhythm section books from the same series. Program two or three contrasting selections (a bluesy number, an up-tempo swinger, and a ballad) to showcase different moods and textures within the era.

• Reading jazz notation and swing feel articulation
• Voicing awareness in ensemble saxophone sections
• Low-register tone control and intonation
• Listening to and interpreting classic big band recordings
• Reading and executing complex rhythmic figures in jazz context