Hargrove: 1st B-flat Trumpet

Straight-eighths groove with attitude. From the opening funk pocket through the sax soli burn and into the shout chorus, this chart keeps the energy up and the feel grounded. It swings hard without losing that Roy Hargrove-inspired smoothness that keeps it sophisticated rather than overblown.

Jazz ensemble directors running a Grade 4 program with solid musicianship across the section. This works equally well for a high school jazz band with some reading chops or a college ensemble looking for a funky, crowd-pleasing number with real solo space.

• Lock the backbeat with your rhythm section before the first rehearsal; the straight-eighths feel at 100 BPM demands tight pocket playing from drums, bass, and piano.
• Feature your strongest lead trumpet player; the written D above the staff is accessible at Grade 4, but nailing the tone and articulation in that range takes a solid player.
• Use the sax soli section as a chance to rotate soloists if you have multiple tenor or alto players ready for that level of exposure.
• Balance the shout chorus so the optional flute and vibes parts enhance the punch without burying the brass foundation.

Program this as a concert closer or a set opener where you want the audience (and your students) awake and moving. It pairs well alongside other funk-inflected jazz standards or as the energy spike between ballads in a mixed-repertoire concert.

• Straight-eighth articulation and phrasing in funk and jazz idioms
• Ensemble blend and balance in a shout chorus format
• Solo execution over groove changes
• Lead voice playing with secure upper-register intonation (written D above staff)
• Rhythm section time-keeping and pocket playing at medium tempo