Living for the City: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Stevie Wonder / Arranged by Rick Stitzel
Grade: 1.5
Item: 35-PK00412244
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Living for the City - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Piano | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Bass | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Drums | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Aux Percussion | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Flute | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Bb Clarinet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Bb Clarinet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| Living for the City - Tuba | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Stevie Wonder's sultry medium rock tune first appeared on his landmark 1973 album "Innervisions". Rick's authentic-sounding version for young players includes all the signature riffs, easy meter changes, and solo spots for alto or tenor sax.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00412244
More about this title
About the Artist: Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder stands as one of the most influential singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists of the past fifty years. Blind since infancy, he mastered keyboards, harmonica, and drums while developing an ear for sophisticated harmony and infectious groove that defined soul and funk music from the 1960s onward.
Wonder's 1973 album "Innervisions" ranks among the greatest R&B records ever made, showcasing his ability to write socially conscious lyrics over meticulously crafted arrangements. His innovations in keyboard technology and production technique shaped how contemporary musicians approach songwriting and sound design.
Why we love this
Rick Stitzel's arrangement captures the essential funk and soul DNA of Wonder's original without overwhelming young players. The inclusion of authentic riffs and strategic solo spots gives your ensemble the satisfaction of sounding like the real thing while the accessible Grade 1.5 level keeps the technical demands reasonable.
What to expect
The groove breathes with the laid-back confidence of mid-seventies soul. Sultry horn lines float over a steady, infectious rhythm while the sax solos invite individual voices to shine within a carefully balanced ensemble sound.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors seeking repertoire that engages young players with contemporary, recognizable material. This works equally well for ensembles looking to build funk and soul vocabulary or for groups wanting a confidence-building showpiece that audiences genuinely connect with.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section into the pocket early in rehearsal. The groove matters more than note-perfect accuracy here; encourage your bass player and drummer to listen to the original recording and feel where the beat sits behind the pulse.
- Shape the alto or tenor sax solo with space and silence. Young soloists often rush; help them understand that laying back slightly and leaving room in the phrases makes the melody sing.
- Balance the ensemble riffs carefully during the verse sections. These signature lines need clarity without drowning out any soloist or singer who may be featured.
- Rehearse the meter changes thoroughly in context, not in isolation. Take them at performance tempo so the transition feels natural rather than jarring.
How to use it
Consider pairing this with other Stevie Wonder material or funk-influenced charts to build a thematic set. It works especially well as an opener or closer because the familiarity immediately draws in your audience while the arrangement shows off what your ensemble can do musically.
Skills your students will build
- Funk and soul articulation and phrasing
- Ensemble balance when playing signature riffs and counterlines
- Meter changes in a musical context
- Solo improvisation and confident lead playing
- Listening to and feeling behind-the-beat groove