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Fried Pies: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

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Fried Pies: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By John L. (Wes) Montgomery / arr. Mike Dana

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-50948

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Description
A medium-up swing played around 140 BPM, the melody is initially stated by saxes with a stop-time feel, building into optional suggested solos for trumpet 2, alto 1, tenor 1, and trombone 1 followed by a great shout chorus. Lead trumpet range to written G on top of the staff and the usual optional parts are included plus vibes. Superb chart! (3:55)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Fried Pies: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Young Jazz Ensemble
Publisher: Alfred Music
ISBN10: 1-4706-6983-8
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-6983-6
UPC: 038081591728
SKU: 00-50948

More about this title

About the Composer: John L. (Wes) Montgomery

Wes Montgomery (1923-1968) was a guitarist and composer whose innovative approach to jazz improvisation made him one of the most influential musicians of his era. Though primarily known for his work as a performer, Montgomery composed several standards that have become central to the jazz repertoire, including pieces that showcase his gift for memorable melody and harmonic sophistication.

Why we love this

Mike Dana's arrangement captures the swinging spirit of a Montgomery composition while keeping the ensemble writing accessible enough for Grade 2.5 players. The stop-time opening grabs attention immediately, and the layered structure (statement, solos, shout chorus) gives your ensemble a genuine performance arc rather than a simple run-through. This is the kind of chart that lets younger players feel like real jazz musicians without overwhelming them technically.

What to expect

Easy-going and infectious, with that classic middle-of-the-road swing groove that sits comfortably at 140 BPM. The melody lands naturally in the saxes, and once the ensemble locks in, there's a satisfying sense of forward motion through to the celebratory shout chorus.

Who it's for

Directors programming a jazz ensemble at the intermediate level who want an authentic, straightforward swing chart that doesn't require virtuosic soloists to succeed. This works equally well for groups new to the repertoire and those looking to build concert programming with genuine jazz standards.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) into a tight swing feel before adding horns; the stop-time melody depends on rhythmic precision from the foundation.
  • Bring out the saxophone section's initial statement with clarity and a slight lean into the offbeats to emphasize the stop-time character.
  • Encourage soloists to listen to each other during their featured moments; even brief solos benefit from trading energy with the rhythm section.
  • Shape the shout chorus dynamically by starting slightly under full volume, allowing room to build through the final section for maximum impact.

How to use it

This sits naturally in a jazz concert as a second or third piece, after an opener with different energy. Its contest appeal and accessible difficulty make it a solid choice for festival play, where clean execution and ensemble blend matter as much as individual heroics.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading stop-time rhythmic figures and responding to ensemble attacks
  • Maintaining swing eighth-note feel at moderate tempo
  • Balancing section work with featured solo moments
  • Interpreting jazz phrasing and articulation in a written score
  • Listening and responding to the rhythm section during ensemble passages

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