Just the Two of Us (arr. John Wasson): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement captures what made the original essential listening: a melody so singable and groove so easy to feel that every section locks in naturally. John Wasson's orchestration respects the tune's gentleness while giving your ensemble the chance to play something their families will actually recognize and enjoy.

Velvet and cool. The tune settles into its groove like sinking into a comfortable chair, with just enough harmonic sophistication underneath to keep musicians engaged. There's a sophistication to it that never feels cold or distant.

Jazz ensembles looking to program something that audiences connect with immediately, from community college groups to semi-professional bands. It's equally valuable in high school settings where you need repertoire that students recognize and feel motivated to perform well.

• Shape the first chorus with restraint; resist the urge to swing hard or add edge. The beauty lives in the space between the notes.
• Balance the solo section carefully. If you're using a vocalist, the ensemble should sit back and support rather than compete.
• Keep the rhythm section's touch light. A confident but unforced pocket will serve the tune far better than driving it.
• Pay attention to the bridge voicings. That's where Wasson's arranging skill shows itself most; clarity there will lift the whole performance.

Pair this as a lighter moment in a set of original jazz compositions or place it in the second half of a concert where audiences have settled in and crave something familiar and soulful. It also works beautifully as a closer if you want to send people home happy rather than breathless.

• Jazz comping and harmonic movement in seventh chords
• Phrasing with space and economy rather than constant motion
• Balancing ensemble texture around a featured soloist
• Reading and executing smooth jazz articulation and dynamics
• Understanding groove entrainment and pocket playing