My Little Suede Shoes: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 1.5
Item: 35-PK00312622
$40.00
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Description
Using a moderate tempo and modest brass ranges, here is an easy arrangement of this Charlie Parker classic that alternates in style between Latin and swing. Saxes are featured in the beginning, later joined by the full ensemble with tutti rhythms. Short solo or soli sections are included for the trumpets and saxes.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00312622
More about this title
About the Arranger: Paul Murtha
Paul Murtha has spent decades arranging jazz repertoire for student ensembles, with a particular gift for meeting groups where they are. His arrangements prioritize musical authenticity without sacrificing accessibility, making standards approachable for younger players while maintaining the harmonic and stylistic integrity that keeps experienced musicians engaged.
Why we love this
Murtha captures the rhythmic vitality of Parker's original while keeping the technical demands reasonable for groups still building jazz chops. The style shift between Latin and swing sections gives students a real sense of the genre's textural variety, and the strategic use of featured sections ensures everyone gets a moment to shine rather than sitting through a full ensemble chart.
What to expect
Swaggering and light, with a sly sense of humor that comes through in the rhythmic interplay. The piece moves between intimate, groove-centered sections and moments of collective energy without ever losing its cool.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the foundational level who are ready for standards but still developing solo and ensemble confidence. This works equally well for a community group with developing players or a school ensemble in their first or second year of jazz study.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the Latin section with crisp articulation in the rhythm section; the groove lives in the precision of the comping, not the volume.
- Balance the sax feature at the top so the melody cuts through without the rest of the ensemble sitting silent. Keep some gentle rhythmic support underneath to give soloists a pocket.
- Lock the trumpet and sax solo sections to a consistent groove before adding any expressive liberties. Once the time feels solid, that's when personality can emerge.
- Transition between Latin and swing feels fresher when you mark a clear tempo pocket shift rather than trying to gloss over it. Let the style change breathe.
How to use it
Pair this with other Murtha arrangements to build a cohesive jazz concert, or use it as an opener that establishes a relaxed, swinging mood before moving into more complex repertoire. It's also a strong choice for mid-year programming when students have their fundamentals but haven't yet tackled the faster tempos and denser harmonies of Grade 3 and above.
Skills your students will build
- Switching between Latin and swing feels with appropriate rhythmic subdivision
- Featured section playing and managing solo time with accompaniment support
- Reading common jazz voicings and comping rhythms
- Balancing dynamics across ensemble and solo textures
- Listening for groove and pocket rather than relying solely on written notation