I'll Take Les: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By John Scofield / arr. Mike Kamuf
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0006035
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Description
A straight-eighth groove that's a little funky plus a catchy melody at 130 BPM, and you have a winner. Features written solos for tenor, trumpet 2, or guitar, lead trumpet range to written A, a great bari sax part, and optional parts for Latin percussion and vibes. Excellent writing. (5:15) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
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Additional Details
Series:
Jazz Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
106
SKU:
00-PK-0006035
More about this title
About the Composer: John Scofield
John Scofield is a guitarist and composer whose work spans jazz fusion, funk, and contemporary improvisation. His compositions combine accessible grooves with sophisticated harmonic language, making them valuable resources for ensemble arranging and student performance.
Why we love this
This arrangement hits the sweet spot between fun and musically substantial. The straight-eighth groove and infectious melody make it immediately engaging for students, while the written solos and diverse voicings (including a substantial bari sax part) challenge section leaders and give soloists real material to sink their teeth into.
What to expect
Funky and grounded, with a steady straight-eighth pocket that keeps the ensemble anchored while the melody line sits playfully on top. The groove has enough attitude to engage students, and the written solos invite personal expression within a structured framework.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors working with intermediate to advancing students who want a stylistically authentic funk-fusion piece that's still accessible at Grade 3. Students benefit from playing a contemporary jazz composer's voice while developing individual improvisation and section discipline.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section (bass, drums, vibraphone) into the straight-eighth pocket before layering in horn lines; the groove is the foundation everything else rests on.
- Assign soloists well in advance and schedule sectional rehearsals so trumpet 2, tenor, or guitar player can develop confidence with their featured passage.
- Balance the lead trumpet's written A carefully against the ensemble; this range sits high and can cut through if not monitored dynamically.
- If using Latin percussion and vibes, integrate them gradually during rehearsals so the ensemble learns the arrangement with full instrumentation before adding color.
How to use it
Program this as a concert highlight or festival entry where a contemporary jazz piece will resonate with audiences. At just over five minutes, it pairs well with a mix of standards and original compositions in the same set.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing straight-eighth jazz phrasing
- Maintaining groove and pocket in funk-fusion context
- Interpreting written solo passages with stylistic accuracy
- Balance and blend across diverse jazz ensemble voicings (trumpet, tenor, bari sax, vibes, Latin percussion)
- Responding to drummer's time feel and rhythmic leadership