Jelly Roll: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Charles Mingus / Arranged by Sy Johnson
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00159827
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Jelly Roll - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trumpet 4 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Trombone 4 | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Piano | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Bass | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Drums | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Flute | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - Clarinet | $6.00 | |
| Jelly Roll - F Horn | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
One of the most engaging and lighthearted of all Mingus' compositions, this was originally meant to provide a musical bridge from Jelly Roll Morton to Mingus' own unique compositional voice. Here is a marvelous version for big band that alternates between a medium slow 2-beat feel and straight ahead swing. Includes solos for trombone, alto and trumpet.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00159827
More about this title
About the Composer: Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus (1922-1979) was a bassist, composer, and bandleader who fundamentally reshaped jazz composition and ensemble leadership. His approach to writing for large groups blended blues, bebop, and free jazz elements with sophisticated harmonic language, creating works that demanded both technical precision and emotional depth from his musicians. Mingus's legacy as an educator extends through his compositions, which continue to challenge and develop players across all levels.
Why we love this
Mingus's reference to Jelly Roll Morton signals something rare: a composition that honors jazz history while establishing its own voice. The alternating feels between slow 2-beat and straight swing create natural sectional variety that keeps ensembles engaged, and the strategic solo placements (trombone, alto, trumpet) give different voices room to shine without requiring extended improvisation.
What to expect
Playful and conversational, with a foundation of blues sensibility underneath the more sophisticated harmonic moves. The piece swings with genuine warmth, never losing sight of the joy in its title while maintaining the craftsmanship that defines Mingus's voice.
Who it's for
High school and college jazz ensembles ready to explore Mingus's compositional approach without getting lost in dissonance or free time. The Grade 4 level acknowledges real technical demands while keeping the overall architecture accessible for developing players.
How to get the most out of it
- Listen closely to how the ensemble answers each solo; this piece depends on tight ensemble playing between soloists to maintain its conversational quality.
- Establish the 2-beat feel with a light touch in the section that precedes the swing section. Clarity matters more than weight during that transition.
- Let the soloists breathe within their allotted space. They're not carrying the entire weight of the tune; the ensemble cushions them throughout.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a mid-set piece on a jazz concert, offering contrast to anything more cerebral or abstract. Pair it with other works that honor jazz tradition (Morton, Ellington) to build a cohesive program that traces compositional lineage.
Skills your students will build
- Distinguishing and executing rhythmic feels: medium 2-beat versus straight swing
- Ensemble response and conversation with soloists
- Blues language and phrasing within a structured arrangement
- Balancing precision with the conversational quality that defines small-group jazz